Spanning over several days Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’, is among the most celebrated dates In the Hindu calendar. But, like many other religious events, the Hindu festival has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, our lockdown saviour the live-stream is here to help once more. From a Bollywood dance workshop and deep yoga to a virtual firework display, Uswitch has rounded up the best virtual Diwali events and activities you can stream from the comfort and safety of your own home. Leicester…

The British Red Cross is urging the Welsh Government to come up with a plan to tackle loneliness this winter, as a new report shows that many people aren’t coping. In new polling, over a third of people (37%) in Wales said loneliness was having a negative impact on their mental health. With most of the country now back under tighter restrictions, the British Red Cross is calling on everyone – governments, charities, communities and individuals – to come together…

In the midst of a pandemic, there has never been a greater need to protect communities and our National Health Service from harm.  The charity Crimestoppers has today launched a new campaign with a stark warning that silence won’t stop violence, urging people to speak up anonymously to help save lives. Crimestoppers highlights a 93% rise in UK hospital admissions for knife attacks on under-16s since 2012.* Furthermore, violent injury costs the Wales NHS an estimated £13.9 million annually including…

As we reach the end of the firebreak lockdown, thousands of businesses that have been required to close for the last 17 days are now reopening. The firebreak rules have been replaced by a new national set of restrictions that apply equally across Wales. FSB Wales is today urging all people to think about how they can support Wales’ smaller businesses as they reopen today. Two thirds of local jobs are supported by SMEs in Wales, and there has never…

With many organised events cancelled, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are preparing for a busier night than usual as people plan to celebrate in their own gardens. We are currently amidst a global pandemic and we are asking people not to take risks, putting additional pressures on our emergency services.  We are asking everyone to show RESPECT this Fireworks Night and please stay home and stay safe. Last year, between 23th October and 6th November, South Wales Fire and…

Guy Fawkes Night will be different this year, but it can still be fun. And what better opportunity to teach your children about the origins of the celebration? Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts Plan Bee tells you how… With bonfire night events not going ahead and added restrictions in place, make your evening a family-only event that’s low key.  If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space you can still have a great evening….

Congratulations have poured in from celebrities including Catherine Zeta Jones and Luke Evans, as well as from many businesses, for the winners of the Child of Wales Awards 2020. There are twelve categories of awards which recognise inspiring young people and organisations whom have demonstrated remarkable courage and achievements. The Child of Wales winners would normally be unveiled at a star-studded awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor. The event, originally scheduled for April, has twice been postponed due to COVID-19. The…

The RSPCA’s Bryn-y-Maen Branch is inviting pet-owners to get involved with a Home Pet Show this Howl-o-ween to raise money for animals in need. Families and their pets are being encouraged to take part to make up for the absence of Trick or Treating this year. All animals are welcome in the five online classes, including Wise Wizards, Pumpkin-Spiced Baby, Tricks and Treats and Howloween Pets. There is also an art class for budding photographers, crafters and artists. People can…

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is appealing to the people in Wales to donate their quality preloved items using its freepost donation service, to support the charity’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis.  In June, the BHF launched a new post to donate service, making it even easier for the public to give their decluttered items to charity. This was part of new measures the BHF introduced to help keep shop staff, volunteers and customers safe.  The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on the BHF’s income, leading to a potential £50 million cut in research funding…

People told to self-isolate for up to 14 days will be eligible for financial support from the Welsh Government as two new schemes are unveiled today. People on low incomes can apply to receive a £500 payment if they have tested positive for coronavirus or they are asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service because they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. And a new top-up payment is being…