ON October 29, Haverfordwest Town Council’s Connecting the Community initiative welcomed residents for an afternoon of food, friendship, support and community spirit at HaverHub.

On the day, 147 people were helped and received the resources and support they needed.

The alpacas from Sweet Home Alpaca brought something extra special to the event, making people smile as they interacted with the animals, enjoying a different experience completely free of charge.

Sweet Home Alpaca’s presence at Haverfordwest Town Council’s Connecting the Community initiative at Haverhub on Thursday brought a smile to people’s faces as they interacted with the animals.
Sweet Home Alpaca’s presence at Haverfordwest Town Council’s Connecting the Community initiative at Haverhub on Thursday brought a smile to people’s faces as they interacted with the animals. (Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner)

Lyn Cadwallader, Chief Executive of One Voice Wales joined them to present an award recognising the work of the council, together with local organisations, business and volunteers in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, with their initiative achieving first place in Wales.

Haverfordwest’s Connecting the Community was judged Best Initiative Addressing the Cost of Living Crisis by One Voice Wales.
Haverfordwest’s Connecting the Community was judged Best Initiative Addressing the Cost of Living Crisis by One Voice Wales. (Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner)

Haverfordwest Mayor Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner said: “This is what Connecting the Community is all about: tackling the cost-of-living crisis, reducing isolation and bringing people together.

“A massive thank you to Lyn and One Voice Wales for recognising the hard work, dedication and community spirit behind this initiative.

“This recognition shows what can happen when a town council, local organisations, businesses and volunteers work together with one common purpose: supporting our residents when they need it most.

“But the real achievement isn't just an award — it’s the people we reach, the families we support and the connections we build every time we open our doors.”

Welshcakes from VC Gallery volunteers Haverhub Connecting the Community event
Welshcakes from VC Gallery volunteers (Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner)

Thanks go to PACTO and Bloomfield House Community Centre NDCSA Transport for helping residents get to and from the event, and to the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who were on hand to offer valuable advice, answering questions and helping residents access support.

Communities for Work + stand at the Connecting the Community event, Haverhub
Communities for Work + stand at the Connecting the Community event (Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner)

Chair of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Delme Harries, took time out of his busy schedule to go and see this initiative first hand.

Thanks also go to the following, for their support: Specsavers Haverfordwest; The VC Gallery; 1st Haverfordwest Scout Group; Rhyme Watch UK; Pure West Radio and Lee Hind’s Community Hour; Block & Barrel; Stix Noodle Bar; HaverShed; Pembrokeshire Community Hub; Snap Specialist Play; Tabernacle Congregational Church; K1 Barbers; and Dyfed-Powys Police recruitment team.

Prostate Cymru at the Haverhub event
Prostate Cymru at the Haverhub event (Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner)

“All our community partners, local supporters and volunteers who help make these events happen,” added the mayor. “Every contribution matters. Whether it is providing food, offering activities, helping with transport, donating resources or simply giving someone a warm welcome, you are helping make Haverfordwest a more connected and supportive place to live.”