Life Seeker Newspaper – Issue 11

welcome

a note from the editor

More smiles and charisma once I’ve got the hang of this!

virtual events + support

positive lifestyle activities from home

Psst! Visit the Youth matters section to find inspiration for kids.

NOTE: Event details are correct at the time of publishing. Please ensure you check activity status with event hosts prior to purchasing tickets or making booking arrangements.

Community bunting challenge

Transition Bro Gwaun's waste busting activity coordinator Becky Lloyd has opened her bunting making project up to local groups in West Wales to connect people and ease isolation whilst at home. Visit the Facebook Group to get involved.
[Image: Irene Hartup]

MAKE BUNTING

Lockdown Surf X film festival

Lockdown Surf X Film Festival is keeping 'creativity, community and the stoke flowing through free online celebration of surf culture, bringing together a line up of awesome films with talks from filmmakers, a gallery show, a short film contest plus a series of sessions with favourite surfers and creatives'. Each film goes live on Friday at 7pm and is available for 24hrs [Image credit: Lockdown Surf X Film Festival]

WATCH SURF X

Pop Up virtual leatherwork circle

GDH Leather Courses, Pembrokeshire’s original leatherwork course provider is offering a fantastic opportunity to join their Pop Up Virtual Leatherwork Circle for just £10. From 1st May, members receive one new leatherwork project per month to keep them busy over the next four months.

The downloadable projects are designed to be interesting and rewarding to make and will include pattern dimensions and a full colour step-by-step making guide. All hobbyist leatherworkers are welcome. There'll be an introductory zoom call too!

JOIN THE CIRCLE

Virtual Exercise Challenge for Paul Sartori

Paul Sartori have come up with an incentive to keep you fit, active and occupied at home as well as supporting Pembrokeshire's only hospice at home service. To get involved, you'll be asked to pledge to run, walk or cycle 5k, 10k, 20k, 50k, 100k, 150k or 200k by the end of Ma (within 10 mile vicinity of your home) during your daily exercise.

All you have to do is choose a distance and complete the virtual challenge within the given time-frame and send proof of your achievement.

GET FIT FOR SARTORI

Sitting in Nature/Walk in the Park guided meditations

Taking time out to be kind to yourself is an essential part of self-care and you'll be surprised what impact just ten minutes away from your 'normal world' can have. Philippa from Equis Coaching is offering these guided meditations free of charge to help you practice relaxation and breathing techniques at home. Proactively add some 'you time' to your day. Find a quiet space where you're unlikely be disturbed and press play...

MEDITATE IN NATURE

Cirque Du Soleil 60-minute specials

World renowned contemporary circus/theatre company Cirque Du Soleil are doing their part to spread a little joy by screening free 60-minute specials of their awe-inspiring shows through the CirqueConnect content hub. In addition, you can enjoy virtual reality experiences, CirqueFit workouts, behind the scenes insights and films for kids, including 'how to face paint' and 'how to juggle'

JOIN CIRCQUECONNECT

Break Free From Binge Eating
online workshop

Eat Happy coach Rebecca Storch helps you manage your binge eating and get a happy balance with food. "Bingeing, overeating, compulsive eating and emotional eating are all totally normal. You're not alone! But they don't feel good and can leave you feeling confused and worried about your health and weight, plus eating this way can really hurt your self-esteem.

The aim of this workshop is to teach you some new skills in handling binge eating so that you'll be able to eat in a happy and balanced way long term, as well as being able to cope better with bouts of bingeing if they happen."

BOOK THIS WORKSHOP

30 Apr

Write Yourself Calm sessions

Writer and pyschologist Philippa Davies has combined two of her favourite subjects to produce a series of 'Write Yourself Calm'videos to help you feel more in control and build a sense of perspective. Sessions to date include Creative Lists, Big Picture Thinking and The Change Curve.

WRITE YOURSELF CALM

Stained glass colouring in/craft patterns

Whilst Chris and Justine from Cariad Glass in Llandysul are adapting to working from a studio in their back garden, they thought they'd give something back by creating a series of FREE stained glass colouring in patterns which can also be used as patterns/ideas for mosaic, needlecraft or even a cake icing decoration! Commissions, restorations and design work are all still possible for the stained glass artists, and they’ve used their time to create some ‘How To’ videos, showing the creation of one of their current pieces, which you can find on their YouTube Channel.

Sadly all current tuition courses are on hold, but Chris and Justine plan to hold lots of extra dates as soon as they can.

GET CREATIVE

48 Hour musicals from 'The Shows Must Go On'

Universal have taken Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals from stage to screen for those at home to enjoy as part of The Shows Must Go On. The YouTube channel is screening one per week for 48 hours only and encouraging donations to arts charities in the UK, US and Australia as a thank you.

WATCH MUSICALS

'Work That Reconnects' sessions

Weekly online sessions offer nourishing, strengthening practices that support you in being able to face, cope with and find your best responses to the extraordinary times we're living in. The sessions follow a spiral of four stages in which you'll be guided to listen to one another sharing gratitude and grief for the world. You'll then be invited to explore new perspectives that open up a sense of what's possible, and help us access our own hidden resources.

RECONNECT

Honey Fungus Shutdown Sessions

Angharad and Jon from the much loved Pembrokeshire band Honey Fungus have been entertaining their fans weekly through the Shutdown Sessions from their garden shed. Using professional kit from their gigs, ambient lighting and a DIY broadband connection to stream live via YouTube, the couple are continuing to bring harmonious sounds and much joy into people's homes during lockdown.

Online gigs have been streaming every Saturday, yet check their Facebook for the latest updates. In addition, due to the popularity of their gigs and to support their loss of work for the forseeable future, good friend Kala Maccreadie has set up a 'Let's show our love for Honey Fungus Fundraiser' which has received over £2,400 appreciative donations to date.

WATCH HONEY FUNGUS

Virtual Pub Quiz to support NHS Charities Together

The Virtual Pub Quiz was born when a guy called Jay thought he'd host his usual pub quiz online for the players at his local. The first event from his bedroom went viral welcoming 300k players over Facebook and YouTube and since then, Jay has set up a Just Giving Page for the NHS raising just under £130,000 to date, plus NHS and TV celebrities are now asking the questions. Weekly quizzes include topics from general knowledge through to specialist subjects and kids rounds.

PLAY THE QUIZ

Happiness community quilt

Stiwdio3 in Cardigan have come up with the lovely idea to keep friends, family and colleagues connected whilst in isolation. They're making a happiness community quilt which will be made up of an array of unique hexagon shapes from a template that can be printed at home. There are no rules (except to work within the shape and to leave a seam allowance).

Participants are encouraged to get involved using any colour, design or stitching method. And when the 'lockdown' is over, you'll be invited to assemble and exhibit the project as a group at Stiwdio3.

MAKE A QUILT

Yoga & Pilates classes at home

Kat from Arnava Yoga Studio who usually runs classes in Fishguard at Wintern House Health & Wellness Centre is providing regular yoga and pilates sessions (plus a kids yoga session on Fridays) for you to do at home via Facebook. Classes are run for a suggested donation of £5 (or £8 for multiple) for adult classes yet they are also open to those with limited budget who can donate whatever they feel they can. The overall aim is to keep people moving!

JOIN KAT

National Theatre free live shows

Torch Theatre signposted this fabulous opportunity to watch National Theatre shows live from your sofa, for FREE! Every Thursday at 7pm UK time, a much-loved National Theatre Live play will be made freely available to watch via the National Theatre’s YouTube channel, and then available to watch on-demand for seven days. Shows to date have included: One Man, Two Guvnors, Jane Eyre and Treasure Island.

WATCH NATIONAL THEATRE

Weekday group meditation sessions

Christine Smith from Guided Pilgrimage is providing an online space to join her free weekday meditation sessions to help people manage their emotions and to find inner wisdom. Join her every weekday from 08:30 – 09:00am. There is a dedicated healing meditation on Fridays.

MEDITATE WITH CHRISTINE

Drawn Together invites you to make your mark

Drawn Together, the community arts projects who invited the whole of Wales to draw what they saw for an exhibition at Cardiff's Senedd are encouraging people to capture their view from home. You don't need to be an artist to join in...simply draw what you see and benefit from relaxing the mind whilst doing.

DRAW TOGETHER

Russell Howard's 'Home Time'

Join Russell Howard as he chats to some famous faces and interesting people in lockdown, all from his former childhood bedroom. Expect some stories that have made Russell laugh, upbeat conversations, intimate live performances and heart-warming updates from the heroes helping the country on the frontline during these unprecedented times.

The show is airing every Tuesday at 10pm and Thursday at 10.30pm on Sky One and NOW TV yet will also be available worldwide at midday following broadcaston Russell Howard’s YouTube Channel. Nice to hear that Russell will be donating his fee for the series to NHS Charities Together and The Trussell Trust.

LISTEN TO RUSSELL

Singalong sessions with Torch Theatre

Angharad Saunders, Musical Director for Torch Theatre's Choir and other inspiring community projects is hosting live Singalong Sessions every Thursday at 5pm from the Torch Theatre Facebook page which is bringing joy and bit of sparkle into people's homes. Angharad welcomes requests from listeners to be played during the sessions...join her for the next session!

JOIN THE SINGALONG

weekly

Magic for Happiness show

Tom Luddington, a member of the prestigious Magic Circle performs the finest close up magic with wonderful stories that astonish, amaze and amuse. To entertain people at home, he is broadcasting magic shows live from his home on a sailing boat in Pembrokeshire, Wales (he also welcome donations via paypal.me/tomluddington).

In his Magic for Happiness show, Tom shares the top 5 things he thinks we should do regulary to stay happy including; 1. Plan to be happy, 2. Exercise, 3 Conversation, 4. Notice the magic that's around us, 5 Make progress toward our aspirations and dreams. All this, accompanied by some top quality illusions. Enjoy.

WATCH THE MAGIC

Women In History chats with Sandy Toksvig

Whilst comedienne and asthma sufferer Sandy Toksvig, is self isolating at home, she has started her own YouTube channel (Vox Tox), which she sees as an extended invitation to the private coffee dates she was already having with friends. Vox Tox is a series of intimate ten-minute chats about women in history, delivered from Sandy's study.

Each day, he is giving some historical perspective using The Book of Days from 1878 as inspiration. Chats to date include; Who invented chicken soup? The Angel of Siberia, How to play golf in WWII and Trailblazing Female Writers.

JOIN SANDY

good work

celebrating social impact in our community

Online time bank enables West Wales community to swap acts of kindness

In May 2019, we told you about the Pembrokeshire bank that accepts time as currency. By this, we were referring to Pembrokeshire Time Bank Network, which has been working to create a safe support structure for carrying out neighbourly activity.

Since then, the project has evolved into an online time bank via a new digital platform, where small acts of kindness between people in Pembrokeshire can be usefully exchanged (the platforms and the digital time banks are also available in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion).

Members of the community can now ‘OFFER’ an individual skill (gardening, IT, DIY) to earn Time Credits (1 hour = 1 Time Credit) and when required, they can ‘REQUEST’ someone else’s skills for something specific they need solved (by spending their earned time credits). This is a revelation for the West Wales community and an essential framework which will enable acts of kindness to sustain our wellbeing.

Whilst the platforms are in their test phase (the system has been launched early to help manage the impact of COVID-19), you are invited to join by creating an account and adding the skills you can offer to your profile. New profiles are policed by phone reference and communication between people offering and requesting skills is made via a private messaging system. Click on the ‘GET STARTED’ button of the time bank website for a step by step guide.

The new inventions inspired by a pandemic

From BBC News:

A new ventilator, a virus-killing snood and a hands-free door pull are just some of the innovations coming out of Wales to tackle coronavirus.

Since the outbreak, doctors, scientists and designers have been working on ideas to stop the virus spreading.

The ventilator has already successfully treated a Covid-19 patient and has been backed by the Welsh Government.

“Mass production of the snood-type mask is under way while a 3D design of the handle has been widely circulated.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price, who was part of the impetus to get the ventilator into mass production, said the innovations put Wales “on the front foot” in the battle against the pandemic.

“It shows that Wales, as a small nation, can get things done quickly as we face the biggest challenge of our generation,” he said.”

Rainbow Fairy paints signs of hope around Narberth

Local artist and teacher at Redhill School, Diana Brook has been sharing a symbol of hope, happiness and solidarity with health workers on the windows of Narberth residents during her exercise time from near her home.

The colourful craze started when Diana painted a simple rainbow with acrylic pens on her own studio during the 8pm clapping for NHS workers, which was quickly followed by friends and neighbours asking her to paint their window too.

Since then, the Rainbow Fairy’s magic has gone countywide due to her car window rainbows for key workers travelling to and from work.

Diana’s activities and photos from happy families receiving the rainbows are being recorded on the Rainbow Fairy Facebook page. Check it out – it’s guaranteed to make you smile.

Free Cwtch Boxes delivered to Solva residents in need

Bay View Stores in Solva and I Love Solva have joined forces to create the Cwtch Box for people who may be struggling financially, tired as key workers or just need a little ‘pick me up’. And as Gwyn, Manager of Bay View Stores stated in a Facebook post,

“Sometimes you don’t need an excuse to give a “Cwtch”, someone just needs one.”

This lovely little initiative (using a simple system of nominations for those who would benefit from £10 worth of goodies) grew wings fast and before they knew it, members of the community were supporting the project by donating items of shopping or cash, offering to deliver the boxes and spreading the word on social media. Yr Hen Gof Forge , Whitesands Beach House, Pembrokeshire College Salon and Sky also contributed time and products to the cause.

Having delivered 100 Cwtch Boxes in the space of just two weeks, the team have currently paused nominations to enable them to keep up with demand. This act of kindness is in addition to the fantastic service of food and drink provisions (plus stationery, outdoor plants and post office services) Bay View Stores has been highly commended for running at this unusual time.

Cantible Singers of Pembrokeshire raise funds for Children's Cancer Charity

A group of ladies who sing for pleasure and enjoy fundraising for charity raised £260 for Morrison’s charity of choice, Clic Sargent – a children’s cancer charity.

The Cantible Singers of Pembrokeshire spent two days entertaining shoppers with Christmas carols at Morrisons, Haverfordwest in December led by their pianist/choir director Sam Howley, a well known composer, artist, teacher and pianist who previously studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

The group meet at the Albany Hall in Haverfordwest every Wednesday, except when in concert at St Bride’s Castle, from which proceeds go to St Bride’s charity of choice.

To attend a concert in this prestigious location (when back up and running), you can contact Secretary, Rosalind Palk, on 01437 621277. If you’d like to join the singers, call into Albany Hall, 22A Hill St, Haverfordwest, SA61 1QE.

99 year old war veteran raises over £13 million for NHS

Many stories of courage, dedication and kindness have emerged from this recent period, but the news of 99 year old Captain Tom Moore completing the 100th lap of his garden to raise over £13 million for NHS Charities Together will stick with us forever.

Tom decided to set a personal challenge as his contribution to the fantastic service he has received from the NHS and to support their ongoing work during the coronavirus pandemic. His initial dream of raising ‘a few quid’ here and there snowballed when donations from 650,000 people surpassed his £1,000 target near the start.

The BBC filmed Tom’s final lap on 16th April in the presence of soldiers from Yorkshire’s British Army Regiment.

Belle's Story gifts £10,000 to Ty Hafan Children's Hospice

Belle’s Story charity continue to honour the lasting legacy of Belle Curran and her wish to raise awareness of organ donation whilst supporting children with life limiting conditions.

Following a hugely successful fundraiser totalling just under £9000 through completing Cardiff Half Marathon in 2019 (£5,450 for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice) and the balance to Cardiff Rotary, Team Belle runners and trustees set their sights higher for Ty Hafan and put in the extra work fundraising to round the final donation up to £10,000.

In addition, Team Belle have been working hard to organise Belle’s Ball which (has been postponed from it’s original date of March) and are well on their way to raising more funds through the raffle of a hot pink ‘Belle’s Story Fiat 500’. Visit the website to hear when the new date is announced.

Torch Theatre team produce face shields and host Singalong Sessions to support Pembrokeshire community

Whilst unable to continue sharing world class film and theatre performances and to Pembrokeshire locals, Torch Theatre’s technical team are volunteering their own time to produce face shields to support the invaluable work of local nurses, carers and nursing assistants.

Hundreds of face sheilds have been donated so far and due to the increase in demand, the team have set up a GoFundMe Page to help cover the cost of producing the shields. If you can help support the funding to allow them to make more face shields, please consider a donation, however big or small by clicking on the link below.

In addition, Angharad Saunders, Musical Director for Torch Theatre’s Choir is hosting live Singalong Sessions every Thursday at 5pm from the charity’s Facebook page which is bringing joy and bit of sparkle into people’s homes. Angharad welcomes requests from listeners to be played during the sessions…join her for the next session.

Hundreds helped by Pembrokeshire Community Hub team

From Pembrokeshire Council newsroom:

A team set up to help Pembrokeshire residents during the coronavirus pandemic handled more than 900 calls and assisted hundreds of people in just two weeks following the announcement of the UK ‘lockdown’.

The Community Coordination Hub, run by Pembrokeshire County Council, PAVS and Delta Wellbeing staff, acts as a central point to access support, information and practical help.

The majority of calls received have been questions from residents concerned with accessing food while under lockdown restrictions.

The Hub team can signpost callers who have no other support available to them to local community groups or provide help to find shops or services with home delivery options.

Calls are triaged with staff – including Council employees who have been redeployed from other services – providing assistance over the phone if possible.

The help can also include determining whether the person phoning, who may by elderly or vulnerable, may need further emotional support.

Karen Penny returns to South Wales after raising £61,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK

We’ve been following Karen Penny’s 4 year, 20,000 mile walk for Alzheimer’s Research UK since 2018 and we we’re pleased to hear she’s back in a safe place until the pandemic ends.

RAISED AT 17/12/19

£ 0

“With a very heavy heart and on a cold and blustery day here in Shetland, I have had to make the very difficult decision to break off from my walk and return home to South Wales. It would have taken me another 2 years to conclude my walk and I would have been the first woman to walk around Britain and Ireland continuously, but I cannot ignore the profound impact that the Coronovirus is having, not only here in Shetland but around Britain, Ireland and the rest of the world.

This walk has demonstrated how kind people are and how close communities can be.

I arrived in Shetland on the 1st March having spent the last 13 months walking the whole Coast of Ireland, Wales, the North West of England, the mainland Coast of Scotland from Gretna Green to Aberdeen and 30 Islands including the Outer Hebrides and Orkney. In total I have walked 6405 miles and to date have raised nearly £59,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

I have had the absolute privilege of being asked by Alzheimer’s Research UK to become one of their Champions and I hope I have fulfilled that role by doing my very best to raise as much awareness and funding as I can at this time for this wonderful charity so very close to my heart.

Please stay with me until I restart this walk, your support has meant everything to me”.

access for all

inclusive people, projects and places

Local artist calls for businesses to consider disabilities when planning access routes

West Wales based artist Kevin Chunisingh shared his story with Disability Wales as part of a series of short films portraying the lives, challenges and success of disabled people.

Kevin was paralysed from the waist down following a kite surfing accident and since then, with the help of his wife Becky he has carved the way to independent living, practising positive ways to nurture his wellbeing, which we covered in The Smile Files here.

Since working out how to strap a paintbrush to his wrist, Kevin has used his adventures on the Welsh coast to inspire him to produce some powerful paintings, which received a fantastic response and led to his work being featured on BBC’s Coast and Country.

An important point Kevin makes in this film is that he’d like to be able to visit many of the places everyone else does, yet he often notices opportunities for disabled access that local businesses haven’t made the effort to address. With a little extra thought and care during the planning process, it’s possible for more businesses and attractions to welcome people like him in.

Life Seeker & West Wales 'dream team' produce film to promote the Learning Disability Charter

Members from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion ‘People First’ charities (also known as the Dream Team) joined forces with Sally from Life Seeker CIC last month to produce a short film to promote the West Wales Learning Disability Charter.

This follows the hugely successful launch of the LD Charter itself in 2019, after which over 100 organisations signed it within 6 months and the team won the Award For Empowerment at the NHS Wales Awards.

The short film provides an important overview about what the Charter is, why it exists and how individuals and organisations in West Wales (and beyond) can commit to the demands people with learning disabilities ask for, in order to live an independent life.

Dream Team Chairman James Dash narrates alongside other team members who comprised a hard working and highly talented cast & crew.

If you’re new to the LD Charter, please take time to watch and understand the importance of giving people with learning disabilities the respect they deserve…and of course, sign it by contacting the Dream Team directly.

Torch Theatre hosts 'My Moves and My Voice' online

The Torch Theatre offers weekly dance and choir workshops in association with Arts Care Gofal Celf and Pembrokeshire People First.

During this period, both the My Voice choir and My Moves Dance classes are being held online. There is a small cost to these of £3 a week or £12 for a 5 week block, this includes both the choir session and the dance session. This price is also the price per household.

My Voice choir – Thursday’s at 1.30pm

My Moves Dance – Friday’s at 11am

There is a private Facebook LIVE group for anyone who wants to join. This group will have weekly Zoom and Facebook live sessions from our 4 dance and singing artists who will take it in turns leading. There will also be lots of fun extras.

To join and for help with accessing the sessions, contact:

Ashley Newsham by email ashley@acgc.co.uk or call 07815766892

Action packed virtual timetable for people with learning disabilities

Pembrokeshire People First (PPF) is an independent charity, run by and for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

They provide essentials services including drop-in sessions, ‘moving on at home’ skills and encourage members to host various societies such as Gaming Club and Film Club.

Due to social distancing, it was crucial for PPF to continue the support for their members and the result is an action packed virtual itinerary of activities to keep people connected, learn new things and have fun.

The activity timetable includes informal chats, living skills, relaxation, art, exercise and stories. Scheduled sessions happen Monday to Friday and all take place online, either via Facebook or Zoom. Check out these useful links to get involved:

PPF Virtual Timetable – Introduction
PPF Virtual Timetable – Itinerary
How to use Zoom

Pembrokeshire People First produce video to introduce UK’s first ‘easier to read’ bus timetable

Life Seeker CIC and Pembrokeshire People First have produced an explanatory video to support the launch of the UK’s first ‘easier to read’ bus timetables, created by Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The new timetables use images to highlight key information, making the travelling experience easier and more enjoyable for all, including people with limited vision and with learning disabilities and/or autism. A 12 hour clock face replaces 24 hour clock times, a simple icon shows when no bus is available and photos of the bus stops in context, sit next to the bus stop names.

The new timetables were created in response to the Council’s community public transport review in 2016, identifying the need for them to be visually clearer and understandable.

Members of Pembrokeshire People First were consulted during the timetable re-design process for feedback on specifics to ensure everyone’s needs were met. Also as part of their Living Skills programme, they worked in collaboration with Life Seeker CIC to perfect a script and storyboard before producing the explanatory video as a team.

Actress, stand-up comic and philanthropist advocates disability through hilarious Ted Talk

Arab-American Maysoon Zayid shared her story with the world in 2013 through a hilarious and thought provoking Ted Talk about her journey through life with cerebral palsy.

Her introduction, “I have cerebral palsy. I shake all the time, I’m like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali.” sets the scene for how she’ll continue to both make fun of her disability plus be an advocate for people with disabilities worldwide.

Her audience remains fixated in between belly laughing for the full 14 minutes, in awe of how Maysoon perceives life and fits into the ‘normality’ around her.

“My parents reinforced this notion that I could do anything, that no dream was impossible” states Maysoon, which leads her to expand on her journey into acting and comedy.

She reminisces about learning to walk as a child and later shares, “One miracle cure we did find was yoga. Before I did yoga, I was a stand-up comedian who couldn’t stand up”.

Listen to the full talk to be enlightened by this talented lady.

live well

positive sustainable living in west wales

Natural ways to help your immune system

Your immune system protects you against disease & infection, and helps you recover after an injury. It’s possible to nurture your immune system naturally through the intake of vitamins, natural foods and living a healthy lifestyle.

Lise Matthews from The Ark in Haverfordwest has put together a useful article highlighting how you can build resilience through supplements, anti-inflammatory diet and further preventative advice.

The Ark healthy food shop also remains open (plus they’re offering contactless delivery) during the pandemic, providing essential provisions for health conscious customers in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire Kona-Qualifier launches women's triathlete coaching network

Traithlon and nutrition coach Celia Boothman of LTR (Love The Rain) Coaching has launched an online network for busy female triathletes balancing doing what they love, with the regular commitments of family and work life.

As an endurance athlete and previous Kona-qualifier, Celia understands and lives the additional challenges women face through all stages of life during the triathlon journey.

Celia shares,

“Recently I completed the inaugural ‘women are not small men’ course, run by Dr Stacy Sims, and have a passion for women getting the best from themselves, through supporting each other, and sharing good information.

I aim to make this a safe space where you can connect, share your training, and questions about training. We can celebrate our success, share our failures, and support each other to be the best that we can be.”

To join this FREE network which is hosted by an App, downloadable for iOS and Android, click on the link.

Celia is also hosting live strength and conditioning sessions via her YouTube channel and a 4 week ‘Group Coaching Rescue Package’.

Live tours at the Perennial Gardens

Whilst Gill and Pippa from the Perennial Gardens in St Davids are unable to welcome customers to share the joys of their blossoming garden in person, they’ve chosen to bring some colour and green fingered inspiration to people at home via Facebook.

Gill Lewis, co-owner of the gardens, farm shop and cafe is taking their Facebook followers on short walks through the grounds, whilst celebrating the rewards of their hard work and nurturing from seasons prior.

The Perennial Gardens are still available to offer advice and sell plants and compost, which can be ordered by phone (07398 804148) or email (perennialgardensandcafe@gmail.com) and delivery/collection arranged.

Roving Retirees: Lockdown Adventures

We continue to follow the journey of Karen and Jeanette, two adventure-loving ladies enjoying their freedom as Pembrokeshire retirees.

It’s usual to see them travelling throughout the county and beyond. Of course, they’re limited geographically right now, yet their lust for life and creativity remains the same.

Check out some of the activities Karen and Jeanette have been up to from home to keep themselves (and Charlie the dog) entertained.

Digital Communities Wales creates online signpost platform to support the health of Wales

Digital technology will be crucial in the coming months to help people stay connected, find reliable information, shop for necessities and stay healthy.

Wales Co-operative Centre, a not-for-profit co-operative organisation helping people to gain fundamental digital skills so that they can access information, services and jobs has created an online hub through Digital Communities Wales including useful information on; Keeping in Touch, Supporting your Mental Health, People at Risk of Isolation and Education & Resources.

Scroll down to the ‘DCW Padlets’ section on the link below to find out more.

Narberth counsellor offers free counselling slot to support a low income or key worker

Nikki Catto has supported numerous individuals and organisations during her time as a counsellor including work for Mind, Local Senior Schools, Greenlinks Charity, Light Spirit UK, Women’s Aid, Pembrokeshire Counselling Services, Pembrokeshire County Council and MAMs (a Charity specialising in trauma work).

In response to how the events of the pandemic will impact our lives, especially those working on the front line, Nikki would like to offer a free counselling slot to someone with low income or a key worker.

The counselling service will give this individual the opportunity to talk through their personal experiences and concerns with in a safe space over and six week period and receive the support they need to plan for positive action in the future.

If you are interested in benefiting from this offer or know someone who could, contact Nikki directly via her website.

food for thought

thought provoking reads

'Eat Happy' blogs confront diet culture to support guilt-free eating

West Wales based coach Rebecca Storch and self confessed binge-eater and over-eater in a past life has successfully used mindfulness and self-compassion alongside her ‘Eat Happy Method’ to heal her food relationship so that she can feel at peace with eating and live a more confident life.

Rebecca knows staying at home for long periods can add pressure to the way that we eat and in support of this, she has written a series of articles (plus a Break Free from Binge Eating workshop this week!) on how to approach eating with a healthy and ‘guilt-free free mindset:

15 TRIGGERS FOR BINGE EATING
WHY CONTROLLING YOUR BINGES DOESN’T WORK
DEALING WITH WEIGHT GAIN WORRIES
HOW TO EAT WHILST WORKING AT HOME
HOW TO COPE WITH EMOTIONAL EATING DURING SOCIAL ISOLATION
3 WAYS TO HANDLE OVEREATING DURING LOCKDOWN

Rebecca shares,

“I know what it’s like to feel frustrated with your eating. I’ve battled body image issues and compulsive eating. I have studied and researched eating habits and behaviour change for years, and I can get you feeling more confident, more in control, and with more understanding of your own eating habits so that you can live a life where your eating doesn’t hold you back.

If you’ve come to the point where you can’t face another diet, or you don’t feel at ease with food, then I can help you figure out what you need to finally eat in a way that feels good”

Recovery in Schizophrenia: The Value if Lived Experience

Andrew Dugmoore is a professional educator and accredited professional guide. He is a National trainer for Mental Health First Aid in Wales, trainer for new professional guides and nature connection leaders. He has been a pioneer in the successful work of therapeutic nature connection and peer mentor support, founding Pembrokeshire based social enterprise Reconnect in Nature and creating the innovative ‘nature connections and well being’ intervention and the accredited training of ‘nature connection leaders’.

In this powerful and moving talk for TEDx Bridgend, Andrew offers ‘an insight into a deeply misunderstood area of mental health, schizophrenia. He offers a story of hope and recovery, with a message for everyone in society’.

Andrew also shares updates about his work at Mental Health Ways.

One Year Sober: Life in technicolour

You may have noticed that the number of light-hearted jokes about our rising alcohol consumption during this period has increased somewhat.

Reaching for our favourite tipple is a way of life for many and this is often triggered by our needs and wants to unwind from daily life or to socialise with friends whilst enjoying delicious food and drink. Some of us just love the taste,

‘Drinking’ is part of a global culture and based on the annual global average alcohol consumption in 2016 being 6.4 liters per person (equivalent to 53 bottles of wine), it remains a popular habit.

Yet what if you’re that person who simply doesn’t enjoy this culture? And what happens if you decide to stop drinking and you ask for a cordial when you turn up at a party?

Lisa Smith from St Davids Yoga and owner of St Davids Wellbeing turns some of our beliefs upside down and combats the stigma by sharing her personal experience of being one year sober.

COVID Poetics from lockdown and beyond

Writer and pyschotherapist Steve Thorp has produced a series of short poems on the theme of ‘COVID poetics’ – small reflections from lockdown and beyond,

“We will not return to normal. Or we may come to redefine it…”

The 1-2 minute reads include titles such as; Quiet, A Pause, In These Days, and The Crow, providing food for thought and escapism into the world we’re living now.

youth matters

discussions, resources and support for the younger generation

Neyland Community School teachers create 'Miss You' film for pupils

Clare Hewitt, Headteacher at Neyland Community School asked teachers isolating at home to take a selfie of them holding a ‘miss you/stay safe’ message to share as part of a short film for their pupils during the Easter holiday.

Staff went to town creating personal crafted messages, many decorated with coloured pens and rainbows with one lady going to the trouble of contributing some beach art.

The result was a beautiful example of community in action and it was received with great emotion by parents, pupils and teachers who shared their gratitude via Facebook.

Headteacher Clare said,

“I made the film because I think connection is so important for everyone at all times. Never underestimate the power of human connection and developing relationships, especially when we’re all feeling so isolated at this time”.

FREE illustrated book to explain coronavirus to children

From nosycrow.com:

“Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. Published by Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.

The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds:

• What is the coronavirus?
• How do you catch the coronavirus?
• What happens if you catch the coronavirus?
• Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
• Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
• Why are some places we normally go to closed?
• What can I do to help?
• What’s going to happen next?

We want to make sure that this book is accessible to every child and family and so the book is offered totally free of charge to anyone who wants to read it. However, we have suggested, at the back of the book, that families might make a donation to help our health service if they find the book useful: https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk”

1001 natural and virtual ways to entertain & educate your kids

The unplanned ‘homeschooling’ revolution has been a shock to the system nationwide and whilst we’re sure you’ve been inundated with activities and resources to entertain and educate your kids both on and offline, some very kind parents have helped pull together some of the best ideas and wondrous resources for you to browse in ONE PLACE.

From den making and family drawing initiatives through to interactive science discovery sessions, CBeebies Radio and virtual National Park tours, there really is something for everyone.

Pavement sensory chalk walk

smile

things we like we thought you might too

Love knows no borders for elderly couple

Isolation triggers 'Dressing Up for Bin Night'

Camrose school girl sells home grown plants for Withybush COVID-19 appeal

Nation recreates artworks with items from home

Genius creations for children's lockdown party

Pembrokeshire's Bethany Freeman makes Strictly's final cut

Spot Bethany in the gold glittery top and striped leg warmers!

play smart. live well.

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