Latest news with #JackSargeantMS
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Event Aims to Explore Challenges of Retrofitting Homes for Net Zero
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership is set to hold an event looking at the challenges of retrofitting. The event – to be held on the May 22 2025 in Parc y Scarlets Llanelli – will focus on the journey towards Net Zero and the challenges and opportunities of bringing existing homes up to new standards and building the new high-quality homes of the future. Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills, and Social Partnership, will deliver the keynote address. Industry representatives will hear from key stakeholders, experts, and government representatives on how they can be involved in shaping the strategies on the future of sustainable development in South West Wales. Jonathan Morris, Chair of the RLSP Construction Group, will address the Challenging World of Retrofit. This presentation will set the stage for understanding the goals and the complexities involved in achieving them. Welsh Government representatives will take the stage to highlight the opportunities available through the Optimised Retrofit Programme. There will also be an opportunity to hear about upcoming contracts and opportunities in the next 12 months. There will be a breakout session that will focus on the challenges faced in relation to retrofit, actions government should undertake, recommendations for clients, and barriers in tendering for public sector work. Discussions will delve into training and skills issues, identifying gaps, and available funding. The discussion will explore strategies for building long-term relationships to improve workplace skills to meet Net Zero requirements and address barriers to upskilling the workforce.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ceredigion County Council new Chair elected for 2025-26
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh football clubs to receive mental health awareness training
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
Leader Live
12-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Buckley: Cash kiosk launched in bid to ease banking woes
Jack Sargent MS officially opened the Principality Building Society's cash kiosk in Buckley Library last week. Its aim is to bring a much-needed boost to cash services in the town. The Principality presence, in partnership with shared banking and digital inclusion innovator OneBanx, gives residents and businesses convenient access to cash services and is facilitated by Principality Building Society colleagues. While officially opening the new branch, Mr Sargent talked about his work to bring services back to Buckley following the closure of the town's last high street bank. In 2019, local councillor Carolyn Preece, started a petition which gathered over 100,000 signatures and garnered national interest around access to cash in communities. OneBanx enables individuals and business customers of most major UK banks and building societies to deposit and withdraw cash from current accounts without needing to use a card. The service incurs no charge, and funds are available immediately and it is also available in the Welsh language. Jack Sargeant MS said: 'I am delighted to be able to formally open the Hub and am really grateful to Flintshire Council, Principality and OneBanx for their hard work. "I worked to bring these services back to Buckley because residents and businesses told me they needed them back - I would urge everyone to pop along and find out more.' Mark Tami MP added: "I'm delighted for the people of Buckley that they now have a town centre banking service. It's an important community service and I would like to congratulate my colleague Jack Sargeant MS on his immensely hard work in order to make this happen." The first of its kind in north Wales, the Buckley presence follows two installations in Principality's Cowbridge and Caerphilly branches. OneBanx has also established similar facilities in regions such as Scotland, the North East of England, and the East Midlands. TOP STORIES Kelly Young, Head of Customer Service Savings at Principality Building Society, said: 'It's a real pleasure to officially open Principality's new branch presence in Buckley library, a service designed to improve access to cash and make lives easier for local people. It forms part of our recently announced long-term commitment to the high street and community until at least 2030. 'Members have told us that access to cash plays a vital role in their lives. Retaining critical banking and financial services on the high street instils confidence in our customers and the communities we proudly serve. 'In regions affected by recent bank closures, like Buckley, we understand that the OneBanx service, along with our branch presence, empowers local residents and businesses to manage their finances effectively and in an accessible way, contributing to communities and local economic growth.'
