Latest news with #NSPCCCymru
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
NSPCC Cymru Childline highlights night shift volunteers
In these quiet, dark hours, support is available thanks to the dedication of Childline volunteers like Naomi Lea and Isha Daboh, who give their time to help children and teenagers in need of someone to talk to. Childline, a free and confidential service for young people up to the age of 19, is staffed around the clock by trained counsellors, including volunteers who work through the night. Naomi Lea, who has volunteered at Childline since 2018, said: "Being able to be there for children and young people that need Childline at any time of day always feels like an immense privilege. "But it feels even more important at night, knowing this is when young people are feeling completely alone with nobody else to turn to or that this may be the first opportunity they have to reach out without anybody else knowing." Ms Lea has volunteered at the Cardiff and Prestatyn Childline bases and is part of the 'Twilight shift,' which runs from 11pm to 2.30am following a team briefing at 10.45pm. Isha Daboh, another Cardiff-based volunteer, said: "Since starting the Twilight shifts, it has been such a different yet rewarding experience of Childline. "I've had a lot more flexibility shift-wise given the late time, meaning it doesn't particularly interfere with my normal day and it continues to open up more time for me to dedicate to volunteering." Joanne Shipp, a Twilight Childline practitioner for NSPCC Cymru, said: "Twilight shifts can be varied with a lot of contacts, yet it is a rewarding time of day to support young people late at night when they need us the most and this is when we also need volunteers the most as well. "Our thanks go to Isha and Naomi for being champions and joining us on Twilight shifts, as well as all our volunteers who give up their time to help us to support children when they may have nowhere else to turn." NSPCC Cymru is currently recruiting Childline volunteers in Cardiff, Prestatyn, and across Wales through Childline's virtual base. To find out more about volunteering, visit the NSPCC website.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
IoD Wales Celebrates Exceptional Leadership at 2025 Director of the Year Awards
The Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales hosted its Director of the Year Awards 2025 at ICC Wales, celebrating the vision, dedication and impact of leaders from across Wales' public, private and third sectors. More than 300 directors, CEOs and business leaders came together to recognise outstanding individuals who are shaping the future of the Welsh economy and society. Carole Green of ITV Cymru returned as host for the lunchtime ceremony, held in partnership with Cardiff Business School. Awards were presented across ten categories, with winners selected by a judging panel chaired by Gareth Jarman, who said: 'It was an incredibly competitive field this year, and every finalist demonstrated exceptional merit. Our winners stood out for their ability to lead with vision, integrity, and impact – qualities that define modern leadership in a rapidly evolving world.' Guests also heard from Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, who praised the resilience and innovation of the Welsh business community. In her keynote address, she said: 'We continue to face global and economic uncertainty which requires us to constantly adapt, evolve, and work together to create and grasp opportunities.' Guests also heard from Jon Geldart, Director General at the Institute of Directors, who spoke passionately about the IoD's continued work to support directors across the UK. He reminded attendees that the Institute is itself an SME, working alongside its members to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Jon also took a moment to acknowledge the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marked just a day before the ceremony, reflecting on the importance of strong, principled leadership both in history and today. The awards also highlighted a commitment to social impact. NSPCC Cymru was the chosen charity partner for the event, and attendees were moved by a powerful speech from Jess Finnegan, Head of Fundraising at NSPCC Cymru, who bravely shared her own personal story and spoke about the vital work the charity does to support vulnerable children and families across Wales. 2025 Director of the Year Award Winners 1. Skills Development – Sponsored by Portal Training Winner: Craig Weeks, JCB Highly Commended: Sameer Rahman, Datamonet Ltd 2. Innovation – Sponsored by Pro Steel Engineering Winner: Dr David Banner MBE, Wales Interactive Highly Commended: Daniel Edmunds, Espanaro Ltd 3. Public & Third Sector – Sponsored by Buffoon Media Winner: Rhian Mannings, 2wish Cymru and 2wish 4. Start-Up – Sponsored by Space2B at The Maltings Winner: Owain James, Darogan Ltd 5. Small Business (under 50 employees) – Sponsored by Development Bank of Wales Winner: Daniel Edmunds, Espanaro Ltd Highly Commended: Gareth I Jones, Town Square Spaces Ltd Highly Commended: Robert Lewis, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd 6. Non-Executive – Sponsored by PDS Winner: Sarah Williams-Gardener, Fintech Wales Highly Commended: Karl Gilmore, DEEP 7. Medium–Large Business (over 50 employees) – Sponsored by Genero Group Winner: Bernard Ward, Acorn by Synergie 8. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Sponsored by Ministry of Defence – Defence Relationship Management Winner: Lesley Williams, Welsh ICE Highly Commended: Ruth Partington, Empower Translate (Global) Ltd. Highly Commended: Sadique Maskeen, Umbrella Faith 9. International – Sponsored by GE Aerospace Winner: Steven Pearce, Mine Environment Management Highly Commended: Joanna Morgan, Radnor Preserves 10. Sustainability – Sponsored by Welsh Government Winner: Robert Lewis, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd Highly Commended: Jarrad Morris, FleetEV Chair's Award for Excellence – Jane Tranter The Chair's Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice was presented to Jane Tranter, television executive and co-founder of Bad Wolf, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, creative innovation, and commitment to developing talent in Wales' booming screen sector. Chair's Award for Excellence – Jane Tranter Richard Selby MBE, National Chair of IoD Wales, said: 'Jane Tranter is not just a creative visionary – she is a catalyst for transformation. Through her work at Bad Wolf and Screen Alliance Wales, she has created opportunity, built communities, and helped make Wales a global centre for world-class television.' Her passionate and moving acceptance speech captivated the room, said the IoD. Drawing on decades of leadership, Jane encouraged fellow directors to lead with humility, to accept responsibility over recognition, to nurture their teams as family, and to lead inclusively and transparently. She urged leaders to remain open-minded, resilient, and focused on service not ego. Professor Tim Edwards, representing headline sponsor Cardiff Business School, reflected on the event's broader significance, saying: 'We are proud to support this celebration of excellence in Welsh leadership. The achievements recognised today reflect the deep commitment of business leaders across Wales to innovation, equity and sustainability.' Jo Price, Nations Manager at IoD Wales, added: 'The atmosphere in the room was one of pride and ambition. This year's winners represent the best of Wales—leaders who are not only succeeding in business but also strengthening our communities, supporting talent, and inspiring change.' The Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales supports and connects business leaders across the nation through professional development, events, and policy engagement. Its mission is to champion leadership excellence and promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
