Latest news with #Dunbobbin
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
PCC Andy Dunbobbin visits Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC
PCC Andy Dunbobbin spent time at Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, at the Beacon Climbing Centre, on Sunday, May 18, to witness how the centre is using funding from the 'Your Community, Your Choice' initiative to support people recovering from substance addiction. Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, in partnership with North Wales Recovery Communities, is using the funding to run a climbing programme for individuals who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Many participants also face mental health challenges and have previous involvement in the criminal justice system. The climbing sessions take place at the Beacon Climbing Centre and outdoors in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, and see participants learn climbing techniques, practice teamwork through belaying and group problem-solving, and build confidence by confronting physical and mental challenges. During his visit, PCC Dunbobbin toured the facilities, spoke with programme leaders, and observed a demonstration session. He said: "It was inspiring to visit Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC and see firsthand how they're using this funding to support individuals on their recovery journey. "This initiative aligns with my Police and Crime Plan's focus on crime prevention and building resilient communities." Rachael Hobbs, adventure co-ordinator at Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, added: "This funding is transformative for our climbing programme. "We ran a successful pilot last year that showed benefits for participants. "The support from 'Your Community, Your Choice' means we can make this programme accessible to more people in recovery and create sustainable positive change in their lives. "By scheduling these sessions on Monday evenings, we're not only teaching valuable skills but providing a healthy start to the week that helps their recovery journey." Ashley Rogers, chairman of the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), said: "Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC's climbing programme represents exactly what 'Your Community, Your Choice' is about – using funds seized from criminal activity to create positive opportunities that prevent future crime. "We're proud to support such an innovative project." Over the past 12 years, the 'Your Community, Your Choice' scheme has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 initiatives working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods and support the priorities in the PCC's Police and Crime Plan. READ MORE: Ceremony marks the start of work on 54 new homes in Anglesey Funding comes partly from money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest contributed by the PCC. For more details on Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, visit To learn more about PACT, visit and to learn more about the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, visit
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales campaign to help people send money abroad
Get Safe Online, in collaboration with North Wales Police and the office of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aims to ensure that money sent by residents to their families or friends back home reaches the intended recipients and not fraudsters. The campaign is targeted at people from abroad who live and work in North Wales and regularly send money to their home countries. The initiative is based on the understanding that the money sent is often hard-earned and crucial for the recipients. Get Safe Online, a service commissioned by the Office of the PCC and the local police force, is providing expert advice to help residents make informed choices when sending money abroad. The advice includes always using an authorised or registered remittance provider. All Welsh-based companies dealing with international money transfers need to be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing safeguards for the senders. People are also advised to use electronic payment service providers such as PayPal, ensuring the website or app used is genuine. The campaign warns against entrusting cash to unknown individuals, groups, or couriers who offer to take it back to family or friends in the sender's country. Instead, it suggests using someone familiar and completely trustworthy. The importance of protecting remittance services with a unique password and not providing more personal information than necessary is also highlighted. The campaign also advises against remitting money on behalf of a stranger, as this could inadvertently involve the sender in money laundering, which carries a heavy penalty. Mr Dunbobbin, PCC for North Wales, said: "Financial crime is a growing issue, and residents of North Wales who might be sending money overseas need to be aware of the dangers and to stick to using reputable agencies and channels. "This sort of crime is one that can affect many members of the diverse communities we have in North Wales and as PCC for the region, I want to see all residents' hard-earned money protected. "Given this, I would urge those at risk to follow the helpful tips from Get Safe Online." DC Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer at North Wales Police, added: "When sending money abroad, choosing a licensed and regulated remittance provider is essential. "It ensures your funds are protected, your transfer is traceable, and you are not exposing yourself to fraud or hidden fees." The campaign encourages residents to always check that their remittance has been received by contacting their family or friend directly, as well as checking confirmation notifications from the service. For more information on sending remittances safely, residents are encouraged to visit the Get Safe Online website.
Leader Live
08-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales campaign to help people send money abroad
Get Safe Online, in collaboration with North Wales Police and the office of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aims to ensure that money sent by residents to their families or friends back home reaches the intended recipients and not fraudsters. The campaign is targeted at people from abroad who live and work in North Wales and regularly send money to their home countries. The initiative is based on the understanding that the money sent is often hard-earned and crucial for the recipients. Get Safe Online, a service commissioned by the Office of the PCC and the local police force, is providing expert advice to help residents make informed choices when sending money abroad. The advice includes always using an authorised or registered remittance provider. All Welsh-based companies dealing with international money transfers need to be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing safeguards for the senders. People are also advised to use electronic payment service providers such as PayPal, ensuring the website or app used is genuine. The campaign warns against entrusting cash to unknown individuals, groups, or couriers who offer to take it back to family or friends in the sender's country. Instead, it suggests using someone familiar and completely trustworthy. The importance of protecting remittance services with a unique password and not providing more personal information than necessary is also highlighted. The campaign also advises against remitting money on behalf of a stranger, as this could inadvertently involve the sender in money laundering, which carries a heavy penalty. Mr Dunbobbin, PCC for North Wales, said: "Financial crime is a growing issue, and residents of North Wales who might be sending money overseas need to be aware of the dangers and to stick to using reputable agencies and channels. "This sort of crime is one that can affect many members of the diverse communities we have in North Wales and as PCC for the region, I want to see all residents' hard-earned money protected. "Given this, I would urge those at risk to follow the helpful tips from Get Safe Online." DC Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer at North Wales Police, added: "When sending money abroad, choosing a licensed and regulated remittance provider is essential. "It ensures your funds are protected, your transfer is traceable, and you are not exposing yourself to fraud or hidden fees." The campaign encourages residents to always check that their remittance has been received by contacting their family or friend directly, as well as checking confirmation notifications from the service. For more information on sending remittances safely, residents are encouraged to visit the Get Safe Online website.
Rhyl Journal
02-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Seized crime money supports Abergele ‘Safe Sleep' project
The Hummingbird Project, a not-for-profit organisation, was visited by Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on April 24. On his visit, Mr Dunbobbin saw how money recovered from criminals was being used to support vulnerable people in north Wales through the Your Community, Your Choice fund. Your Community, Your Choice is decided through a public vote and backed by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). Mr Dunbobbin saw how money recovered from criminals was being used to fund beds and bedding for families in need (Image: Supplied) The funding comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Hummingbird Project, a not-for-profit organisation which supports people of North Wales, was set up by Pam Lake and Lizzy Day with the aim of helping the community. Ms Lake started the project from her own home and they have now managed to grow the project to include their own premises. They provide household goods, including bedding and beds, for families and individuals who are in need. They source items from the community and pass them on free of charge. Their biggest ask is for beds and, since they began, they have given over 350 beds to children and adults who were without somewhere to sleep. An issue for them is the difficulty in responding quickly to emergency requests and to organise donation and delivery, as they are reliant on the community to donate beds. To combat this, The Hummingbird Project came up with the new project which Your Community, Your Choice funding is supporting. The 'Safe Sleep Project' will allow The Hummingbird Project to provide beds quickly to those most vulnerable who are often victims of violence or crime, and who have had to move on from refuges or other services and don't have the means to purchase beds for themselves. READ MORE: Rhyl veterinary clinic makes 'final plea' for support as site faces closure Ms Lake said: "We are delighted that the public supported this project and are grateful to the Commissioner, PACT and North Wales Police for their interest in what we are doing. "The 'Sleep Safe Project' funding will make a massive difference to the speed we will be able to get beds to those in most need. "Working with a local bed company, Perfect Dreams, we have already delivered a brand-new bed which was very gratefully received." Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, said: "It was inspiring to visit Pam and the team at The Hummingbird Project and to learn more about their dedication to helping people in need in the local community." To learn more about PACT, visit
