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South Wales Argus
13 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
New mental health café opens in Sebastopol, Pontypool
'Grounded Coffee & Wellness' created by mental health charity Tidy Butt is Sebastopol's newest mental health space. Last Sunday on June 15 the team welcomed the community inside with a wellness themed launch party. At the party visitors enjoyed locally made coffee, sampled baked goods and enjoyed ice baths and a woodfire sauna experience. The café's brand-new therapy rooms were also on show. Matthew Creel of Tidy Butt wellness café (Image: NQ) 42-year-old Matthew Creel is the brain behind Tidy Butt. Speaking of Sunday's launch he said: 'Seeing people turn up today and the amount of people that have come in support of us is absolutely incredible. 'People of all ages coming in and enjoying the space and that was our decision from the beginning really. 'It's been a labour of love because we've all been working full time, and we've got families but to see the growth of what we've actually achieved with everybody's support within the community has been absolutely incredible It's mind blowing.' Matthew explained how Tidy Butt was created. The inside of Tidy Butt wellness café (Image: NQ) 'I kind of lost out on a promising rugby carer to a heart condition. I never really dealt with the loss of kind of losing my career as such. 'As a result of that at pre lock down I was kind of at my lowest point but with my wife's support I plucked up the courage I went to the doctor. 'I started looking in my local area mental health wise to see if there was anything I could get involved with. I didn't feel like anything fitted for me at that time, so I thought you know what I'm going to start my own.' Matthew had the following advice to anyone struggling: 'If somebody is struggling, they can come in and have a coffee, they can come to have a chat. 'They can access support upstairs via the counselling, and I just think it's another avenue for people to come down.' Matthew Creel with UFC fighter Mason Jones outside the café (Image: NQ) 30-year-old Mason Jones from Blaenavon is a professional UFC fighter and ambassador for the charity. Despite a thriving UFC career, he's also struggled with his mental health. Mason said: 'I went from fighting in front of 18,000 people to having to deal with a lot of problems with my family and injuries it was a lot in one time. 'I've worked with sports therapists before but actually working with someone about my own mental health was massively important.' He added: 'Reaching out to someone who is actually a professional is a big thing.' Emma Robinson outside the Little Lee Therapy rooms (Image: NQ) Also invited to the launch event was 33-year-old Emma Robinson. Back in 2023, Emma's brother Lee Robinson took his own life just aged 42. The family, alongside Pontypool United, held 'Little Lee Fest', a festival in Lee's memory, with all proceeds going to Tidy Butt and managed to raise over £7000. Lee's memory was honoured at the event with the naming of the 'Little Lee' therapy rooms. Speaking of this Emma said: 'We are thankful that they've still got Lee in mind. 'It's a bad day not a bad life help is out there even though you're struggling and when you're in that dark place there is support out there and you can get out of it.' Community reaction to the event was also positive. Helen King and Reg King in the ice baths (Image: NQ) 52-year-old Helen King and 53-year-old Reg King enjoyed the ice bath and sauna sessions. Helen said: 'It is amazing, I think for women of a certain age going through things like menopause, suffer quite a lot with anxiety so it's really helped and having this resource locally is brilliant.' Reg added: 'It looks good I'm glad there's something here for peoples mental support.' For more information click here.
The National
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Protesters take to Holyrood amid 'deadlocked' Ardrossan Harbour deal
There have been no ferries from Ardrossan to Arran – a route which has existed for nearly 200 years – since January because the newest CalMac ferry is too big to berth at the harbour and the MV Caledonian Isles, which does fit, has been out of action for 18 months. Instead, the Glen Sannox has had to travel to Brodick from Troon, which takes longer and is widely viewed as much less convenient for the people of Arran who need to get to medical appointments at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock – for which there is a direct bus route from Ardrossan. Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop announced back in February that money had been set aside to take Ardrossan Harbour into public ownership, but campaigners have become frustrated with a lack of movement since then. This has only been compounded by the fact the Scottish Government pledged back in 2018 to ensure Ardrossan remained the gateway to Arran. The project to upgrade the harbour was then paused in 2023 amid concern over rising costs and disagreements over how the bill should be split between the three partners: harbour owners Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government. READ MORE: Scottish Government accused of 'sidelining' climate action Campaigners from both sides of the Firth of Clyde – who were supported by cross-party politicians - turned up in their dozens to Holyrood to say 'enough is enough', as they called for Hyslop and the Scottish Government to get directly involved in securing a deal. 'It's been going on for far too long. We've been neglected to the extreme. Businesses are closing in both areas and local communities are disgusted with what's going on,' said Margaret Roberts, from the Arran for Ardrossan Harbour campaign. 'The most important thing is hospital appointments are having to be cancelled, important medication and appointments are being missed. 'It's not fair on the local people. North Ayrshire needs this service to be resolved now.' (Image: NQ) Chants of 'Fiona Hyslop, more hands on' and 'Ardrossan's the crossing' could be heard outside Holyrood as MSPs from Labour, the Conservatives and Greens spoke in solidarity with protesters. Wyllie Hume, chair of the Arran for Ardrossan Harbour campaign, previously told The National a meeting with Peel Ports, CMAL and Transport Scotland had left him 'flabbergasted', as campaigners were left feeling as if the deal 'could fail'. The Ardrossan Harbour issue was raised during FMQs by Labour MSP Katy Clark and SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson. Gibson put to the First Minister that talks appear 'deadlocked', stressing if the situation is not resolved, Arran 'will not have the lifeline service it deserves' and Ardrossan 'will struggle'. He asked if the Scottish Government would 'inject urgency' into the process. (Image: NQ) Swinney said negotiations have the 'attention and focus' of ministers and CMAL and the Government is 'focused on a long-term solution for Ardrossan Harbour'. He added it remained the 'key port' for Arran. Clark asked the FM if he agreed a process of compulsory purchase needed to start if there was no progress by summer recess – the end of next week. John Swinney said he would explore compulsory purchase but it had been indicated to him the Scottish Government 'does not have the basis to do so'. 'The Government is actively engaged in the dialogue to acquire Ardrossan Harbour to enable the long-term commitment that Katy Clark seeks.' READ MORE: 300 jobs at risk as firm moves Scottish Power contract to South Africa Save Ardrossan Harbour committee member Donna Cullinane said she wants to see ministers get directly involved to speed up negotiations, with shops in Ardrossan losing business. She told The National: 'We want the deal done. We want the ministers involved, not CMAL. 'We want the harbour fixed. Why build two ferries that don't fit?' Asked about whether she was concerned for the Ardrossan economy, she added: 'I'm very worried. You can tell even now there's a lack of vehicles coming through, lack of economy, because people are not stopping at the shops. 'A lot of the shops are losing revenue. 'It needs to be done for the sake of people on Arran who are coming for medical appointments. There's a bus route from Ardrossan to Kilmarnock every 20 minutes. 'If people from Arran are coming over for an appointment, they've got to really plan it [from Troon], and it can be an overnight stay for them.' Transport Scotland has previously said to The National it is 'wholly appropriate' for CMAL to lead on negotiations on behalf of ministers. Peel Ports has said, meanwhile, there has not been enough 'pace and energy' from CMAL and Transport Scotland, while CMAL has said it has to 'deliver the best value for the public purse'.
The Herald Scotland
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Emirates airline holds open day to recruit Scottish cabin crew staff
The airline employs 24,000 people across the globe, with 1,200 based in the UK. Successful candidates would join their crews flying to airports across the world, working across a network of over 140 destinations on six continents. The Cabin Crew Recruitment Open Day will take place at 9am sharp on 21st June at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre. The airline said it is welcoming applications from fresh graduates with internships or part-time job experience, candidates with at least one year of hospitality or customer service experience, and individuals 'passionate about travel and delivering world-class service.' Emirates fly to destinations across the world (Image: NQ) Applicants keen to launch their careers with Emirates can simply walk in with an updated CV in English and a recent photograph. Pre-registration is recommended for a smoother experience, though walk-in applicants are also welcome on the day. In a statement, the airline said: 'Emirates offers exceptional career opportunities with outstanding training facilities and a broad range of professional development programs. 'The airline's cabin crew enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle in vibrant Dubai, a city home to over 200 nationalities and renowned for its world-class hospitality, leisure, and safety.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
Caledonian Isles return delayed as specialist flies in from Norway
The vessel was supposed to make its long-awaited return on Friday 13th June, but this was postponed after the gearbox glitch was uncovered. CalMac has now said that further work will be required before the ship can enter service – with a specialist having to travel from Norway to assist with the investigation into the fault. The vessel is now set to resume service between Ardrossan and Brodick on Wednesday 25 June. Until then, all customer demand will continue to be met with a two-vessel service out of Troon with MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred. Problems have dogged the MV Caledonian Isles for more than a year (Image: NQ) Efforts to resolve the gearbox issue are ongoing, with several potential root causes having been eliminated over the past few days. The vessel will undertook further trials on Tuesday 17 June to gather data. Kongsberg, the manufacturer of the gearbox, is sending a technical specialist to the vessel who will arrive on Thursday. Months of major repair work took place in dry dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Merseyside, requiring removal of the ship's engines. The ferry, which serves the main Arran route and is one of the largest ships in the company's fleet, was originally supposed to have returned to the water following repairs last November. But this was set back by the discovery of 'steel deformation' and the need to replace both stern tube bearings. The MV Caledonian Isles, docked at Broddick (Image: NQ) The company said 'extensive' repairs to the steel had to be completed, but the shafts required further 'machining' in Denmark before sailings could resume. A CalMac spokeswoman said: 'Whilst we recognise a further delay is disappointing, we have taken the decision to extend the return date into next week to provide customers and the community with certainty ahead of the weekend. 'Continuing to have MV Alfred as part of the fleet means that we can honour all customer bookings, so visitors can still travel to and from Arran as planned.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Queen's Road fire in Chepstow showed best and worst of people
The fire broke out on Friday evening and spread quickly to neighbouring houses, causing roofs to be destroyed and extensive water and smoke damage to neighbouring properties. The affected houses were in a block of four and all properties had to be evacuated, following fire spreading through the attic spaces, witnesses said. The claims are backed up by pictures showing significant fire damage to the roofs of adjacent houses. Shirley Young, of Queen's Road, said: 'All the residents came together and helped each other. It was a real community effort and showed our good side. However, there were some who just came along and watched it as a show.' The fire at Queen's Road, Chepstow, on Friday (Image: NQ) A neighbour who wished to remain anonymous added: 'People came along with their cameras and sat in their camper chairs watching it as a show. They must have thought they were on Eastenders or something. Sitting in chairs and gawping at misery was what they were doing.' Seven-bedroom country residence with panoramic views on market for £1.5m Emergency services close road in Chepstow due to fire Pearl Barton, an elderly next-door neighbour to the gutted house is now staying with relatives and recovering from shock at the damage to her house, which includes fire damage to the roof and extensive water and smoke damage in the house. According to witnesses, the roofs of all four connected houses were dampened by water spay, presumably to cool them and help prevent fire spreading. Damage to the roof after the blaze (Image: NQ) Pearl's son, Maurice Barton said: 'We would like to thank the firemen and all emergency services. It was all a great service they provided and they acted so quickly to control things and save us from worse. 'Everyone here has mucked in together to help and offer sympathy. We are so grateful to all who helped.' Gwent Police said they had received reports of a fire on Queen's Road, Chepstow at about 4.30pm on Friday 13 June, with officers assisting colleagues from South Wales Fire and Rescue and Rescue. They confirmed that several properties were evacuated, with all residents accounted for.
