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Wales Online
a day ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. (Image: John Miller/National Trust) Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. (Image: Paul Harris Photography/National Trust) The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.'
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Wales to be a Marmot Nation to tackle health inequalities
The announcement was made by the Welsh Government as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling health inequalities. The move follows the earlier adoption of the Marmot principles in Torfaen, which became a Marmot region when the wider Gwent area took up the approach. Sarah Murphy, the minister for mental health and wellbeing, said: "Becoming a Marmot Nation is about acknowledging that health inequalities are mostly shaped by the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. "In Torfaen, we can see positive change at community level due to organisations working together innovatively. "By adopting these eight Marmot principles nationally, we will be taking action across government to support better health and wellbeing for all." The Welsh Government will now work with the Institute of Health Equity, led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, to embed health equity into all areas of policy and decision-making. Sir Michael's eight Marmot principles address the root causes of health inequalities by focusing on factors such as education, employment, living standards and community wellbeing. The decision builds on Wales' Well-being of Future Generations Act, which places a legal duty on public bodies to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing. Sir Michael Marmot said: "A society that meets the needs of its members will have good health and relatively small inequalities in health. "Healthcare is, of course, important for health. "More important are social circumstances, as summarised in the eight Marmot Principles. "The policy implications are clear. "Health policy is for the whole of government, not just for the health department or the NHS." The Canada-UK Council's UK co-chair, Professor Nicolas Maclean, also welcomed the announcement. Professor Maclean said: "The Canada-UK Council warmly welcomes this important new initiative by the Welsh Government, which follows our annual colloquium hosted last December in Cardiff by leaders such as Jeremy Miles and Mark Drakeford. "The theme of our colloquium, chaired by Sir Michael Marmot, was 'overcoming unequal health outcomes in the UK and Canada.' "Today's announcement will set an example around the world."
Pembrokeshire Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
GPs across Wales trained to spot endometriosis earlier
GPs across Wales are being trained to better recognise the symptoms of endometriosis as part of a national initiative to improve women's health and reduce diagnostic delays. Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in Wales and is a key priority in the Welsh Government's Women's Health Plan, launched six months ago. The condition—often painful and difficult to diagnose—can significantly impact women's daily lives, careers, and relationships. The new expert-led training programme, delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has already led to a 43% increase in participating GPs' knowledge of endometriosis. It has also improved their confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with patients. Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: 'Women have told us they feel unheard and their symptoms dismissed. This training helps ensure women's voices are at the heart of their healthcare, empowering GPs to provide better, more responsive care. Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women's lives. Through our Women's Health Plan, we are committed to delivering real improvements and tackling inequality.' Dr Mirka Slavska, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who led the training, said: 'We were pleased to deliver training that covered differential diagnosis, referral pathways, and the latest diagnostic and treatment options. We also introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. The positive feedback we received underlines the importance of practical, up-to-date training for frontline healthcare professionals.' Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas identified in the Women's Health Plan, which aims to improve care and support for women and girls across Wales. Since the plan's launch in December 2024, key milestones include: Early-stage work to develop a women's health hub in every health board area by March 2026 Establishment of Wales' first Women's Health Research Centre, funded by Health and Care Research Wales A dedicated research call focused on communication in women's healthcare At the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff today (Saturday, 7 June), Dr Helen Munro, Clinical Lead for Women's Health in Wales, provided an update on the development of the new health hubs: 'Meeting women's needs throughout their lives will be at the core of our new women's health hubs. These hubs will bring together professionals and services in community settings, with local population needs and existing infrastructure shaping their design and delivery.'
Business Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Post
Business Post launches the 2025 Leadership Awards
The Business Post has officially launched its second Leadership Awards, in association with Grant Thornton. Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, this year will again honour visionary executives, rising leaders, and changemakers who demonstrate innovation, integrity and influence in their fields. The awards will feature categories spanning corporate leadership, social impact, diversity and inclusion, and digital transformation. The awards ceremony, which will be held on November 6 at The Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin, is expected to draw top executives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders from across the country. 'Our Leadership Awards seek to recognise those leaders whose achievements have resonated with their staff, customers, clients and communities,' said Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post. 'They acknowledge the impact that effective leadership can have in terms of innovation, impact and growth.' 'This event is not just a recognition of individual success, but a testament to the power of effective leadership in driving innovation, fostering growth and creating lasting impact,' said Business Post chief executive Sarah Murphy. The launch comes at a time when leadership is being tested more than ever. From navigating post-pandemic shifts to championing sustainability and equity, today's leaders face challenges that require not just business acumen but empathy and adaptability. At last year's awards, a total of 14 awards were presented across a range of categories including CEO of the year (large business), CEO of the year (small to medium business), chief marketing officer of the year, ESG leader of the year, and chief financial officer of the year. Anne O'Leary, head of Meta Ireland, received the special achievement award for her outstanding contribution to business with more than 25 years of senior leadership roles in the IT sector. The judges noted that Anne has led with an attitude that has proven inspirational far beyond the organisations she has worked within.
