Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The Public Health Team of Hywel Dda Health Board has launched an innovative set of materials to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol misuse. The toolkit, which is suitable for use with any community group or workplace, contains information, quizzes and other exercises, and was launched as part of the multi-agency Think Safe Drink Safe campaign. Pembrokeshire college students were amongst the first to test out the toolkit and were able to learn about some of the risks and harms from too much alcohol consumption. Rhys Sinnett, from the local public health team said: ‘The information available in this pack offers a ton of useful tips and facts to help people think about their alcohol use. It’s designed to stimulate conversations in the home, the workplace or the community with the aim of keeping people as clued up as possible about a substance that 85% of us use on a regular basis.’ Maxine Thomas, Head of Safeguarding and Learner Services at Pembrokeshire College said, ‘We are always...

Further consultation is underway on a proposal which would help to stop alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in an area of Llanelli. The Community Safety Partnership, with the support of the police, is looking at introducing the county’s first Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) in Carmarthenshire. It follows a request from the Glanymor and Tyisha Safer Communities Action Group who are concerned about anti-social behaviour incidents when those responsible are, or have been, drinking alcohol. Public consultation was initially carried out in November last year and all those that responded supported the proposal. The town council and licence holders within the proposed area were also asked for their views. The partnership is now consulting with the public again as part of the legislative process. Responses received previously have asked for the proposed area – which included the length of Station Road and the surrounding area as well as People’s Park - to be extended to some other recre...

‘Prom Night’ Policing yields results | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys As part of its commitment to public safety Dyfed-Powys Police conducted high-visibility patrols during High School Prom events across Pembrokeshire. Friday 11 May saw Prom Nights for Schools in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke – and this resulted in a large number of young people attending after-parties at clubs Reload and Minnie’s.

Direction to Leave! | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violent behaviour with the innovative Section 27 Direction to Leave Powers. The Violent Crime Reduction Act law enables Police Officers to issue a direction to an individual – aged 16 or over – to leave a public place for 48 hours if the Officer believes the likelihood of a crime or alcohol-related disturbance will take place. If the offender refuses to leave, or breaches the order and returns to the area within the specified time, is guilty of an offence and could be liable for an arrest and possible conviction, to a fine of up to £2,500.

Carmarthenshire is hosting a multi-agency conference to highlight the impact felt by children and young people with an alcoholic or drug-dependant parent. The third annual Hidden Harm conference is being hosted by Carmarthenshire County Council and Barnardo’s. Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler will speak at the event, which is being held at Ammanford Miner’s Theatre on Monday, March 12. The event will also showcase a thought-provoking, play developed between Mess up the Mess Theatre Company and Barnardo’s Cymru. `Hidden’ is based on the real life experiences of local young people and explores the damage caused to families because of substance misuse. Delegates will have the opportunity to talk to the playwright, cast members and other professionals involved as part of the day. Kelvin Barlow, Manager of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Substance Misuse Services, said: “This will be our third local conference and will be beneficial for any professionals who work with c...

Young people from Felinfoel and Llwynhendy have been learning about why it’s not a good idea to ‘get hammered’. They attended an Alcohol Awareness Training event in Calsonic Social Club. The training, funded by the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership, was organised jointly through Felinfoel Communities First and Llwynhendy Communities First. Felinfoel Communities First community development officer Gaynor Price said: “The training was identified by the local Neighbourhood Police who thought it would be of benefit to the youth of both areas. The training titled ‘getting hammered’ focused on alcohol awareness for the young people, including the effects of combining alcohol and drugs. “Pupils from Bryngwyn School, youth and residents of both areas were invited to join the training that discussed and demonstrated through DVDs the harmful effect of alcohol. All that attended enjoyed the course and were shocked by some of the stories that were shown.” Community safety manager Kate T...