— PRESS RELEASE — Carer Support Pembrokeshire

Carers Trust Crossroads Wes

t Wales is delighted to be working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board to support unpaid carers living in Pembrokeshire. The Carers Support Pembrokeshire service will offer adult carers information and support on a range of issues including access to short breaks, financial support, carer wellbeing and a range of other topics.

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is a proud Network Partner of Carers Trust, the largest UK wide network of carers organisations and play a significant role in influencing policy to improve the recognition and support for unpaid carers across the UK. As a regional charity, our mission is to ensure that unpaid carers in West Wales are heard, valued, and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live fulfilling lives.

Alison Harries, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales said:
“we have been delivering support services for carers in Carmarthenshire for over 40 years and more recently secured funding to provide financial information and support to carers in Pembrokeshire through the Welsh Government funded Carers Support Fund.

We are delighted to be working with Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board to support carers across the county. Carers are at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to working in partnership with colleagues to make sure that carers receive the vital support they deserve.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion Cllr Mike James said:
“It’s great to see this collaborative effort continue, especially as it supports people in our communities who need it most. This is an excellent example of effective partnership working, for the carers in our county.”

Young Adult Carers Visit to the Royal Welsh Show: A Day of Discovery and Fun

On July 24th, seven Young Adult Carers (YACs) aged 16-22 had the opportunity to visit the Royal Welsh Show Ground in Builth Wells. This event, known for its grand displays of agriculture, livestock, and rural life, offered our young carers a much-needed break from their demanding responsibilities. Accompanied by three staff members, the YACs embarked on what turned out to be a memorable and enriching experience.

The day began early, with the first pick-up at 7:25 a.m., requiring our staff to leave home even earlier. For some, this early start was challenging, but the anticipation of the day ahead kept spirits high. The journey was long, and the last of the group didn’t return home until after 7 p.m., making it a full day out for everyone involved.

Despite the early start and long day, the weather was kind to us. The day was mostly dry and warm, creating the perfect conditions to explore the vast array of outdoor attractions at the show. Upon arrival, the sheer scale of the event left many of the YACs in awe. The Royal Welsh Show is renowned for its expansive grounds filled with activities and exhibits, and it didn’t disappoint.

Throughout the day, the YACs experienced a variety of displays, including tractor shows, dog obedience demonstrations, and an array of livestock exhibitions. They marveled at the sight of cows with their calves, sheep with their lambs, and the impressive prize bulls. The show ponies and horses also captivated the group, as did the abundance of other rural attractions that highlighted the rich agricultural heritage of Wales.

A professional cameraman accompanied our group to capture these moments, helping us document the experiences of young carers. This footage will be valuable in raising awareness about the challenges these young people face and the importance of providing them with opportunities to enjoy life beyond their caring roles.

After overcoming the initial overwhelm of the event’s scale, the YACs quickly relaxed and made the most of their day. The event provided not just entertainment but also a sense of escape and enjoyment, which is so vital for young carers who often carry heavy responsibilities at home.

In all, the trip to the Royal Welsh Show was a resounding success. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and relaxation—a perfect reminder of the joy that can be found in taking a break and experiencing something new.

A huge thank you to the Royal Welsh for the generosity in providing the tickets.