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More young people in Wales, particularly girls, are being invited to take part in a new series of free, online cyber security courses this summer, giving them the opportunity to develop valuable digital skills and enrich their problem-solving abilities. The free CyberFirst courses, created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in partnership with skills provider QA and children’s education charity The Smallpeice Trust, will offer students aged 14-17 a dynamic introduction to the cyber security landscape. To meet the…

The Welsh Government is following updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and recommending people in Wales wear three-layer face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible. The evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre distance and good hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting coronavirus, but the updated guidance from the WHO says three layer face coverings could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances. This…

A US charity fundraising platform championed by Hollywood stars including Daniel Craig, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jennifer Lawrence is launching its first UK based campaign – offering the chance to win a £1,000,000 house to raise essential funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. Omaze is teaming up with Teenage Cancer Trust to help them continue supporting young people with cancer during the coronavirus crisis and beyond. This includes raising crucial funds to ensure the charity’s frontline specialist nurses and youth support teams can…

NHS Charities Together is set to benefit from a charming new video and print book that reinforces to children the importance of taking time to rest – and keeping their promises. Written and illustrated by mother of two, Barbara Panetta from Richmond, Surrey, Chloe’s Promise is free to download, but aims to raise valuable funds from voluntary donations.       Ben Shephard, presenter of ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Tipping Point, proudly agreed to narrate the story, which uses an…

  A water Refill Station has been installed at Barry Hospital for patients, visitors, staff and the local community to fill up their reusable water bottles for free!   The Refill Scheme encourages participating outlets to sign up to the free Refill app and put a sticker in their window alerting people to the fact they’re welcome to fill up their bottle for free.   The average adult buys more than three plastic water bottles every week – a startling…

In July [20th] 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, poet Robert Graves was struck by a shell and was so badly wounded that the next day he was reported to have died. He did in fact survive and went on to write about the traumatic experience of war in his autobiography Goodbye to All That. While his physical injuries healed, the psychological impact lingered. He recounted returning to England and trembling at strong smells, akin to gas, and loud…

As the nation continues to adjust to a slower pace of life it seems that us Brits are taking the time to appreciate the simple things, as the study, commissioned by Barefoot Wine, confirms that over half the nation (54%) have found more joy in everyday ‘little wins’ during recent months than ever before. Barefoot Wine “Top 50” list of ‘Little Wins’: Finding money in an old coat pocket (48%) Waking up to sunshine (43%) Receiving an unexpected gift in the post (40%)…

With the UK in lockdown, staying healthy has become imperative, and one way to get essential vitamins whilst remaining indoors is by eating five a day. Knowing what is in season and choosing locally sourced produce also means shoppers can be sure to pack in the most nutrients, as those which have travelled fewer miles will be fresher and of higher quality. However, research by The Mushroom Bureau, a partnership between local farmers, sellers and growers, has revealed that many…

Cardiff based International Mountain Leader Alan Ward is in lockdown in Cardiff whilst he should be providing mountain training in the Brecon Beacons National Park and have summitted the highest mountain on the Indonesian island of Sumatra in May. We asked him how he was occupying himself during these challenging times.   I returned home from Indonesia in February just as the Covid-19 pandemic was starting to change the world. People in airports were continuing to go about their normal…

Launched the first week the UK officially went into lockdown, eleven weeks and 44 ‘at home’ rehearsal sessions later, choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone announces the release of a totally unique EP, bringing together the voices of 11,000 participants of his Great British Home Chorus project from around the world. All profits from the release will be donated to NHS Charities Together. The EP, co-produced by Gareth and Grammy-winning producer Steve Lipson, includes ‘You Are My Sunshine’ – introduced in…