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Girls in STEM Scholarship.
For girls who demonstrate a passion for STEM and advancing in this important field.
Young Innovator Scholarship.
For students who demonstrate innovation in their GCSE studies or personal achievements.
Mathematics Scholarship.
For students who excel in maths.
Engineers of the Future Scholarship.
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Future Medics & Scientists Scholarship.
For students with a passion for exploring Medicine or Science pathways in school, university or beyond.
By way of catch up.
The trampoline league season started this weekend, at the NIAC in Cyncoed. I have to say how admirable the young people who bounced and bounded were. Not only did they demonstrate real expertise and skill, staying safe whilst many feet up in the air; but also they were up against fellow competitors all keen to achieve personal bests and take home the medals. I always have my heart in my mouth when I watch The Girl practising and competing. Happily, serious accidents are few and far between. It is to the credit of the young people and the quality of their coaching that they are so well grounded in health and safety. The Girl was in a class of ten and won the silver medal. She was particularly pleased because she had invited her aunt, my sister, Min, to join us at the NIAC for her first-ever trampolining competition. Suitably inspired, she won the silver medal, from nine other competitors, using her 2-somersault routine. She’s also got 3 and 4 somersault routines which she is looking forward to unveiling at the bigger, regional, events later in the autumn.
by Wyn Evans
When we got home, The Girl whisked her aunt upstairs to show her the complete medal set she’s won over the years; scores of the buggers! She’s started calling Min ‘aunty’ – not ‘Aunty Min’ just ‘Aunty’, which takes me back to my childhood. ‘Aunty’ used to be my Nanna’s sister who lived with Nanna and my grand-dad. Aunty always had chocolates to share with her nieces and nephews. This must have cost her financially because there were quite a few of us. To celebrate the Girl’s medal, Aunty treated us to our first ever Subway rolls, which was a pleasant lunchtime treat. As a shop I think I prefer Greggs but would definitely return to Subway, especially if Aunty is paying again.
Right then! It’s time to give you some updates. In no particular order: The Girl achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. The attached pictures show her holding the certificate, the little badge, and the letter from the Duke of Edinburgh. We are so proud of our daughter. She always gives her all and shows determination and stickability. In a way, however, I feel sorry for her that she’s achieved the award during the
era of Prince Edward; surely things would have been a whole lot more thrilling had Phil the Greek still been alive.
We’ve just waved-off The Girl. Her friend’s mum is driving them up to Culvington Manor in Shropshire for a week of sports and outward-bound-style activities. She’s been attending this on an annual basis for some ten years. It is run by a Down Syndrome charity, 21 Plus, and offers a wonderful forum for 15-20 kids to receive what typically developing kids may take for granted. As well as the sports, the young people are given assessments in speech and language therapy. It is a very astute conjunction; readers will no doubt be aware that kids with Down Syndrome can struggle to be understood. So, aligning sports and speech therapy works well in practice.
The Girl has passed her first year at Cardiff and Vale College and has been invited back for her second year this autumn. It’s a challenging time to be going through College and University. Moreso than at other times I mean. I say this because of the impact of Artificial General Intelligence on the sorts of jobs that have traditionally been entrance-level posts. We’ll return to these issues in a future column.
Oh, and we have booked our first family fjord holiday for later this summer. I hope it’s all it’s cracked up to be. Till next time, au revoir!
‘And Another Thing...’ Like is a Dirty Four Letter Word Like
As a man of a certain vintage I freely admit that I am not up to speed with the latest tech or the now “popular” mutilation of the English language. I am unclear whether this originates from text slang or street jive or perhaps TV culture generally but it is not popular in our house or amongst our chums. More worryingly, people do not seem to be aware that they are talking complete spherical objects. I particularly mean around the over use and indeed misuse and abuse of the word “like.” You know, like or as –similar to. Telegrams used to be charged per word used hence: “On fire, help.” Circa 5 shillings (old money) It would now be: “I was like, I wonder what that hot stuff is like and then like I thought that like it might be like a fire, like.” £10. Brevity is economical as well. What would Shakespeare have made of all this. Picture the scene, As You Like It, Act 2, Scene Seven:
“All the world’s like a stage like and all the men and women are merely like players. Like they have their entrances and their exits like and like each one in turn like plays many parts like.” The complete works of Shakespeare would stretch all around the block (like).
Meanwhile out at our local hostelry, The
by Vince Nolan
Elephant in the Room, with the Current Mrs Nolan, we again encountered Mrs Malaprop and this is how it went, like: Me – “He’s a complete cycle-path.” She: “Its psychopath.” Me: “Is it?” Me: “He looks a bit like Mostyn Towers.” She: “Its Austin Powers.” Me: “Is it?”
The West has taken a firm stance against Russia and its invasion of Ukraine and quite right too like. However, I read the other day that since the commencement of hostilities, countries other than USA and UK have bought £740bn worth of oil and gas from Russia which is considerably more money than anyone has given to Ukraine. Don’t Mess with the West like.
I have to own up to a massive fashion faux pas recently, (French for faux pas), when I changed my shoes from blue to brown like but did not like change my belt to match like. The paparazzi had a field day and She like Who Must Be Obeyed like, has disowned me, so every cloud………. All of which reminded me that I previously tried to make a fashion statement with a belt made of watches. It turned out to be just a waist of time. Some examples of other fashion gaffes and none of them me.
What’s the difference between a buffalo this is related, well, apart from me and my
dispatched the Sainted Mother-in-Law to Devon to party-on like. Funnily enough my overhead compartments or occupy the aisle
Great news! However, 33.4 million bags were
with hiding from lions or soldiers but a 2nd
chance of being reunited with your luggage at some point, that’s if you’re not arrested
amgueddfa.cymru
Amgueddfa Lleng Rufeinig Cymru National Roman Legion Museum
Helpwch ni i ddathlu fel Rhufeiniaid go iawn gyda Llengfilwyr, Gladiatoriaid, coginio a danteithion Rhufeinig, crefftau, gemau, teithiau, sgyrsiau a mwy.
Dathlu Fel Rhufeiniwr: Ymunwch â ni i ddathlu ein pen-blwydd yn 175! Party Like a Roman: Join the 175th Celebrations! Amgueddfa Lleng Rufeinig Cymru, NP18 1AE National Roman Legion Museum, NP18 1AE Awst 2 August 10am-5pm
Help us get the party started Roman style with Soldiers, Gladiators, cookery demonstrations, tasty Roman treats, crafts, games, tours, talks and more.
National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, NP18 1AE
We’re celebrating our 175th Anniversary at the National Roman Legion Museum with a summer packed full of activities for the whole family.
Join us for a party like no other on 2 August with a day full of Roman celebration and feasting. Meet some Roman Soldiers, train with Gladiators and enjoy cookery demonstrations and tasty Roman treats. We’ll also have crafts, games, a dig pit, tours, talks and much more, so come along and help us get the party startedRoman style!
Entry is FREE, but please book your tickets in advance to have a chance to win a Roman goodie bag.
And the fun doesn’t stop there!
Throughout the summer holidays come along and find out more about the life of a Roman Soldier in Isca or pop into our ludus, a gladiator training school, to learn all about these impressive warriors. Sign up your little soldier to our Roman Bootcamp, try on Roman armour, learn to march with a Centurion using Latin commands and handle some real Roman objects.
Small charge and booking necessary for some of our summer activities.
For more information and to book your FREE tickets to our Roman party and a chance to win a Roman goodie bag visit: www.museum.wales/roman
In The Words Of by Carl
Marsh
July 2025
The school break is approaching soon, and parents will be busy juggling schedules to keep the kids entertained. Hopefully, it will bring some lovely weather. We can all but hope.
Interviews: Tony Burke & Craig RussellMonaco’s David Potts
I had a blast chatting with ‘Protein’ director Tony Burke and brilliant producer/lead actor Craig Russell about their electrifying Welsh film, shot across Llanelli and Swansea. This dark, dazzling gem showcases Welsh talent—think Kezia Burrows and Steven Meo stealing scenes! Packed with gritty crime, wickedly sharp humour, and a moody edge, it echoes Shane Meadows’ ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’. Made on a tight budget, this FrightFest 2024 standout is now streaming on digital platforms.
Recently, I had the absolute joy of chatting with David Potts of Monaco, the ‘90s band born from New Order’s Peter Hook and his talented mate, Pottsy. Having interviewed Hooky before, snagging a chat with Pottsy was a dream! Monaco’s iconic sound—think pulsing bass and lush pop—shines in their newly re-released albums, ‘Music For Pleasure’ (2024, with bonus tracks!) and the self-titled ‘Monaco’ (2025). Both are out now on vibrant vinyl via Music On Vinyl. Pure nostalgic bliss—don’t miss them!
Live Music Review: Andrew Cushin – Exchange, Bristol, May 31st 2025
Andrew Cushin delivered an electrifying performance that left the crowd joyfully buzzing. The Newcastleborn singer-songwriter, backed by his tight-knit band, turned the intimate venue into a haven of raw emotion and anthemic energy. From the opening chords of “Love Is for Everyone,” the title track of his latest album, Cushin’s commanding presence and soulful voice gripped the room, blending heartfelt lyrics with a timeless folk-rock edge.
The setlist leaned heavily on his new material, a bold move that paid off spectacularly. Still, some
fan favourites resonated deeply, their introspective storytelling sparking sing-alongs from fans who connected with his honest reflections on life. Cushin’s ability to balance vulnerability with soaring, stadiumready melodies—reminiscent of a young Paul Weller— made every moment feel personal yet universal. His acoustic interludes were a highlight, showcasing his raw talent and charisma, while the full-band energy on songs like “Where’s My Family Gone” had the crowd in the palms of his hands.
The Exchange’s cosy vibe amplified the gig’s magic, with Cushin’s warm banter and gratitude creating a genuine bond with the audience. Cushin can steal the show in any venue, proving why icons like Noel Gallagher champion him. This was a night of pure musical joy—uplifting, authentic, and unforgettable.
(for a rising star who’s destined for greatness!)
Food Review: Honest Burgers, Cardiff
Honest Burgers on Church Street, Cardiff, is a vibe! This spot serves up epic British beef burgers, crafted fresh in their butchery, paired with those legendary rosemary-salted chips—crisp, fragrant, and addictive. I went for the Cardiff special, a juicy patty with Tiny Rebel Cwtch-braised leeks and candied bacon, and it was a flavour explosion! The staff, especially our server, were all smiles and super helpful, making the laid-back, hip atmosphere even better. With outdoor seating and dog-friendly charm, it’s perfect for a casual lunch or pre-rugby bite. Gluten-free options galore, too!
Honest Burgers is a Cardiff must-visit—pure burger bliss!
Food Review: Las Iguanas, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
What a fab Friday night I had at Las Iguanas in Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay! This Latin American spot by the bay is a riot of colour and flavour. The chicken fajitas were sizzling and tasty, and the 2-for-1 cocktails (all day!), like margaritas, hit the spot. Our server was super friendly, adding to the lively, welcoming vibe. With cool decor and great views, it’s perfect for friends or family, plus tons of veggie options. A fun, feel-good spot for a tasty escape—pop in!
Thanks so much for reading, everyone!
See you next month!
Carl Marsh
Twitter @InTheWordsOf_CM
YouTube InTheWordsOf
Interview with David Potts [Monaco]
When asked about my top 1990s tracks, Monaco’s “What Do You Want From Me” invariably claims a prime spot. This electrifying alt-pop gem, often mistaken for a New Order hit with Bernard Sumner’s vocals due to Peter Hook’s distinctive bass, captivates with its timeless energy. I couldn’t help but bring this up in our discussion!
Carl Marsh
I’ve been a fan of Monaco since I first came across your track ‘What Do You Want From Me’, and still to this day, it’s one of my favourite songs from any era… was that one of the first songs you’d written together? As a side note, I always recall having a heated debate with my friend at the time, thinking it was Barney from New Order singing it with Peter Hook!
David Potts [Monaco]
No, not at all. It was probably about three-quarters of the way through the album that one, because we had a song, we had ‘Junk’, and that was the long, long dance track. I wrote the chorus for that, lifted it off it, and put it on ‘What Do You Want From Me’. And there was this… when we did it, I sang it into it, and there was a slight tug on the tape because we used tape and computer, so they’d synced up together back in those days, and there was a slight lag, and it pushed it backwards. And we thought, “Oh, that sounds better. It was on the beat and pulled it forward, but yeah, that chorus was originally from’ Junk’ and then shifted over to that. I think I’d just heard… Oh, what’s it? Ah! The Tony Christie song, ‘Amarillo’. And it had that, “Tra la la la…” And I thought nobody puts any “Tra la la las in any songs anymore. So I stuck them in. And when you hear it live, you don’t have to learn the lyrics, do you? So, that came from that. I think even Bernard said it was
Words by Carl Marsh
the best New Order song New Order hadn’t written.
Carl Marsh
That’s interesting.
David Potts [Monaco]
Yeah, it’s like a backhanded compliment. I mean, because you can’t get away from the fact that it sounds very New Order. You know, I think with Revenge [Peter Hook’s other band], he tried to get away from that. And I don’t think it was using his strength. So I was just like, well, let’s, let’s go back to basics and play kind of brotherhood style, you know, where it’s just guitars and, you know, guitars and vocals and go back… and that’s probably why… but I’ve got, the same register as Barney, so if I sing, its the same voice register.
If anyone came along and sang on top of a track with such a distinctive bass, people would say it sounds like New Order, anyway, if you’ve got that distinct baseline going on. I knew it was going to get those comparisons, but it didn’t bother me.
Carl Marsh
So, it didn’t annoy you at all at that time?
David Potts [Monaco]
The weird thing is, I write in Monaco, and I write my solo stuff… and the solo stuff doesn’t have Hooky’s base on it. So, people don’t say that, so there’s the proof, you know, people don’t say, “Oh, it sounds like New Order”. It’s the same writer, yeah. Do you know what I mean? It just does not have Hooky’s bass, my solo stuff.
Initially released in 1997, Music For Pleasure was reissued on 20 June in an expanded edition on vinyl with six bonus tracks. The second album, Monaco, will also be reissued on the same vinyl format in July.
Interview with Tony Burke & Craig Russell [Protein]
Words by Carl Marsh
Streaming digitally from the 14th July, *Protein* is a gripping Welsh thriller that captivates until the final frame. Despite COVID-related budget constraints, director Tony Burke and star/ producer Craig Russell deliver a standout debut. This dark, witty tale of a PTSD-afflicted ex-soldier turned cannibal, played by Russell, blends gritty crime with sharp humour. In my interview, Burke and Russell discussed crafting the near-silent protagonist, Sion, and their extensive PTSD research, including consultations with veterans and psychiatrists.
Carl Marsh
Craig’s character, Sion, is very much of the silent variety and, as we find out, suffers from PTSD. Was it always your intention when writing the screenplay for him to be someone who didn’t stand out, a less-is-more type?
Tony Burke
He’s living in the modern world, living in society. He’s going about his business. If you know, if you, if you wander around with blood around your mouth looking like you want to kill everybody, then I think you probably get picked up pretty quickly. [Laughter]. But, yeah, I guess less was very much more with that character. Craig and I are really great mates, and we’ve worked together a lot, and when we were developing this character, and certainly when we were on set doing this, my go-to was always, “Just break it down a bit, just do less”. And what he does incredibly skillfully is act with his face. It’s little micro expressions, nuanced gestures, mannerisms, and stuff like that. And some of the stuff when he’s talking to Katrina [Kezia Burrows] outside the gym on their fag breaks and stuff like that, when he goes around
her house for dinner, when she’s talking about the war and stuff like that, there’s just a tiny flicker in his face, and it’s almost like the pains all there. He doesn’t have to burst into tears or do anything. And that’s what I loved about that character. And to the uninitiated, you might look at that and go, “Right. He didn’t have much to do”, but b****y hell, he had a lot to do.
Carl Marsh
I’m ex-military, so I can fully understand what you mean and what you got across via that character. What sort of research went into developing the person that is ‘Sion’?
Craig Russell
I think the work was done before we started filming. I spoke with ex-military personnel who suffer from PTSD. I did all the research. I watched loads of stuff about serial killers. I watched loads of things about the soldiers with PTSD. I watched loads of documentaries about war zones… stuff about cannibalism. I read everything I could. And with most of these people, you don’t know. But the beauty of the film is that the audience knows. When the audience knows, I don’t have to do anything else, because Tony’s laid it all out for them. If I sit there, I could sit there. If I just sat there smiling, I would look like, as in, being polite. I look like a psycho. If I sat there with this angry look, I’d be overacting. So if I think about it, the audience can think what they want, and it works. But if Tony hadn’t set it up that way… plus all the other actors around me, they’re all so brilliant, that it all came together.
Protein will be released on digital platforms from 14th July.
Live Music Review: The Script, Cardiff Castle, June 26th, 2025.
Words
by
Carl Marsh
The Script set Cardiff Castle ablaze with a jubilant pop-rock explosion, headlining the TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live series in a rain-soaked spectacle of pure bliss. The ancient fortress pulsed as Danny O’Donoghue’s soulful voice and boundless energy electrified thousands. Launching with ‘Superheroes’, the band unleashed a sonic torrent, each chord crashing against the castle’s storied stones. ‘Breakeven’ sparked a thunderous sing-along, voices soaring in harmony, while ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ turned the drenched crowd into a swaying sea, their phone lights twinkling like stars. The drizzle only fueled the fire—’Hall of Fame’ erupted into a fist-pumping anthem, O’Donoghue’s contagious grin igniting the night. In a heart-racing moment, he dove into the crowd for ‘Nothing’, striding through a parted tide of fans, his voice raw and magnetic as security scrambled behind. His banter was pure magic—teasing Cardiff’s “epic” rain, he tossed quips that had the soggy throng roaring with laughter. A soulful ‘For the First Time’ hit deep, its raw emotion wrapping the crowd in warmth. Support act The Lottery Winners set the stage ablaze with their fizzy indie-pop anthems, priming the early crowd for the night’s euphoria. The Script’s alchemy, weaving fresh ‘Satellites’ tracks with timeless bangers, casts an unbreakable spell, with O’Donoghue’s charisma—part poet, part prankster—making every fan feel like the star of the show. Cardiff Castle’s ancient walls vibrated with the night’s spirit, a radiant fusion of sound and soul that transformed a rainy evening into a blazing, unforgettable memory. Rain or shine, the crowd danced, sang, and roared under the starlit sky, forever bound by a concert that turned the fortress into a cathedral of heart-soaring celebration.
Live Music Review: Snow Patrol, Cardiff Castle, June 12th, 2025.
On June 12, 2025, Snow Patrol ignited Cardiff Castle with a heart-stirring indie-rock odyssey, kicking off the TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live series in a blaze of sonic glory. Beneath a molten sunset, the castle’s ancient turrets stood sentinel as thousands swayed, their voices a tidal wave during ‘Take Back the City’. Gary Lightbody’s raw and radiant voice wove through ‘Chocolate’ with a nostalgic pulse and ‘Runs’ soaring crescendo, despite his cheeky fumble of the intro that had the crowd chuckling. New cuts from ‘The Forest Is the Path’ shimmered with fresh urgency, but ‘Chasing Cars’ was the night’s soul—its tender lyrics turning the castle grounds into a cathedral of shared longing. ‘Just Say Yes’ exploded in a euphoric finale, bodies bouncing under starlit skies. Lightbody’s banter, including a laugh-out-loud mix-up of Cardiff for Hull, warmed the audience. The Florentinas’ fizzy indie-pop and Freya Ridings’ ethereal ‘Lost Without You’ electrified the opening, setting a vibrant stage.
DEPOT Live’s orchestration was pure wizardry, transforming the historic fortress into a seamless music haven. From 5 PM, rain-soaked cobblestones were no match for the staff’s infectious energy—swift security checks, vibrant signage, and genuine grins made entry a breeze. Food stalls sizzled with variety, and drinks flowed smoothly (I just wished they were not so expensive), amplifying the festival vibe. DEPOT’s genius for merging iconic venues with flawless logistics shone brightly, with every detail meticulously crafted. The staff’s dedication was the unsung hero, ensuring the night ran like a dream. Snow Patrol’s transcendent performance, fused with DEPOT’s dazzling organisation and the crew’s impeccable hustle, painted Cardiff Castle in vivid hues of melody and memory, crafting an unforgettable chapter in the city’s musical saga.
Image courtesy of Jordan Rossi
MORE WAYS TO PLAY IN CARDIFF
Whether it’s with friends or with family, discover a world of fun for all ages this school holiday.
Book holiday activities at better.org.uk/cardiff
CARDIFF CASTLE 2025
WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST
THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST
SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST
Wales’s Strongest Man Returns –
A Titan-Sized Showdown Set to Shake Wales!
The Top 8 Strongest Men line up in Wales announced
Introducing our top 8 Wales’s Strongest Man finalists 2025, and what a stacked line up to start off our mighty Welsh 16-man line up!
Who will join the top 8 finalists? The Welsh qualifiers are getting closer, and we are excited to see who comes through to join these Welsh warriors!
We are also hugely proud to announce Reflex Nutrition as our headline sponsor, tried and tested by the Strongest men!
The line up include:
Jacob Brooke
Matt Dimond
Mark Jeanes
Jamie Nelson
Llyr Hughes
William Jones
Luke Speroutti
David Ramplee
Stones of Strength
It’s not strongman without the Stones of Strength! Our notorious stones of strength are back and will feature across the LIVE Wales’s Strongest Man competition.
Who will lift the gigantic 175kg stone? It’s a big ask of any athlete at the end of an already heavy stone run.
The huge stone measuring a whopping 23 inches across, is the biggest diameter stone to be lifted on the planet!
We’ve got a jam-packed LIVE contest in store, be sure not to miss out and get those tickets booked!
Event Highlights
Wales’s top strength athletes going head-to-head.
Iconic events and epic pyrotechincs.
Live entertainment, family friendly activities and food vendors.
Who will be crowned Wales’s Strongest Man 2025?
Ultimate Strongman spokesperson said:
“Wales has produced some of the world’s most legendary strongmen, and this event is a celebration of that incredible legacy. Expect passion, pride, and phenomenal feats of strength.”
24th August 2025
Cardiff International Stadium
Tickets available now at
GEORGE FOREMAN by Ralph Oates Part two
After the defeat to Muhammad Ali, George Foreman had to get back to his winning ways. In 1975 Foreman took part in an exhibition called Foreman v Five. The former world champion took on five different opponents in separate bouts. The exhibition proved very little and was poorly received by the public. Foreman resumed competitive action on January 24, 1976, facing Ron Lyle, who had participated in 35 bouts with a record of 31 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. The pair met at Caesars palace, Sports Pavilion, Las Vegas for the vacant North American Boxing Federation heavyweight crown. A win here for Foreman would see him take a step towards a world title challenge. Lyle was one tough fighter who would not submit easily. After losing to Muhammad Ali, Foreman was no longer seen as unbeatable. The contest was torrid, both men took a trip to the canvas, with hard punches landed by both fighters. It was a punishing encounter. Round 5 of the 12-round bout saw the fight come to a dramatic end when Foreman knocked out Lyle. Although it was challenging, the former world heavyweight champion returned to winning. Foreman had taken the initial step towards recovery. Next up was a return bout with Joe Frazier, a man who he had taken the world heavyweight crown from on the 22 January 1973. Since his defeat to Foreman, Frazier had fought 5 times, winning 3, and losing 2. This update brought his record to a total of 35 bouts, comprising 32 victories and 3 defeats. Frazier was out for revenge and felt that this time he would beat Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale in New York. On this occasion Foreman was defending his North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title.
Frazier gave it his best, but Foreman had too much fire power and stopped him in round 5, of a scheduled 12. All was now looking good for Foreman who had now put two solid wins together. After the Frazier win Foreman scored three more victories. Then on the 17 March 1977, he suffered an unexpected set back. Foreman entered the ring at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to face Jimmy Young, who had a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws from 27 bouts. Foreman it was felt would emerge from the encounter with another win under his belt. However, Young was a very tricky ring man and surprised pundits when he outpointed the former world heavyweight title holder over 12-rounds. This was a disaster for Foreman who seemed to be rebuilding his career. He left the ring after the decision was announced, an exhausted man.
After this bout Foreman slipped away from boxing and eventually became an ordained Minister who devoted his life to both his family and congregation. Later Foreman opened a youth centre. It seemed the sport had seen the last of Foreman. However, after an absence of 9 years, 11 months, and 20 days, he returned to the ring on March 9, 1987, at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. The man coming out of the opposite corner was Steve Zouski, a decent enough fighter who had a slate of 36 bouts: Winning 25, and losing 11.
It was viewed that this opponent was not likely to trouble Foreman too much, if at all. The former world heavyweight king stopped Zouski in round 4 of 10. At the age of 38 years, 1 month, and 27 days it wasn’t
Photograph courtesy of Les Clark
George Foreman waving to his fans
thought likely that Foreman would find the glory of the past. Boxing is a young man’s sport and when Foreman would eventually be matched at a higher level, it was felt he would be painfully reminded that his time in boxing was over. In the months which rolled by he fought on 23 occasions, securing a victory in each outing. And while his opposition was not exactly world class, he was impressive. On the 19 April 1991, he was given a shot at the WBA, WBC and IBF world heavyweight titles held by Evander Holyfield, who was undefeated in 25 bouts. The contest took place at The Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Holyfield was the hot favourite to retain the titles. Following twelve rounds of boxing, Holyfield was officially declared the winner and retained his championship title. Foreman had failed but he gave a good account of himself during the bout. It wouldn’t have been too surprising had Foreman retired from the sport after his loss to Holyfield, but no…he boxed on. In his fourth match following the loss to Holyfield, he competed for the vacant WBO world heavyweight title against Tommy Morrison on June 7, 1993. The two fighters were to clash at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Morrison had a good resume of 37 bouts, winning 36, and losing 1. He was a strong competitor for Foreman, but the former world champion approached the match with confidence, despite predictions favouring Morrison to win the title. The contest proved to be an exciting encounter, both fighters landed heavy punches up to the final bell. The 12-round points decision went to Morrison who was now the WBO world heavyweight king. At that time, it appeared to be all over for Foreman who looked set to hang up his gloves for good. Yet once again he was given another tilt at a world title, this time he would go in with Michael Moorer who held the WBA and IBF versions of the championship. Moorer was a talented southpaw who had an undefeated record of 35 bouts. Moorer had won the titles from Evander Holyfield on the 22 April 1994, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas in Nevada. Moorer was keen to make a good impression in his first title defence. Foreman stepped into the ring at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, in his challenge for the titles on the 5 November 1994. It looked as if Foreman was heading for another defeat, one which would surely see him say goodbye to boxing. In the early rounds Moorer was outboxing Foreman and looked set for a comfortable victory. Then in round 10 of the scheduled 12-round contest, Foreman struck and connected with a powerful punch which knocked out the champion. This was a sensational win for Foreman who became at the age of 45 years, 9 months and 26 days, the oldest man to win the world heavyweight championship. He holds the record for the longest time between losing and regaining the title: 20 years and 6 days. Soon after Foreman was ordered by the WBA to
defend the crown against their number one contender Tony Tucker. The champion declined the request and was subsequently stripped of the title by the organisation, resulting in Foreman holding the IBF version of the title. On the 22 April 1995, Foreman put that championship on the line against German challenger Axel Schulz who had a record of 23 bouts, comprising of 21 wins, one defeat, and 1 draw. The vacant WBO title was also at stake. The two boxers went head-to-head at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Schulz gave Foreman a very hard fight, far harder than anyone expected. At the end of 12 rounds the champion was given the decision on points. The fight was close, and a number of spectators were of the opinion that Schulz had done enough to win the title. The IBF duly ordered a rematch, but Foreman declined and was stripped of the title. On the 3 November 1966, Foreman stepped into the ring to face fellow countryman Crawford Grimsley who came with an undefeated slate of 20 contests. The fight took place in Japan at the Tokyo Bay, NK Hall, Chiba. The WBU and vacant IBA titles were at stake. Foreman boxed his way to a 12-round points decision. Next up was Lou Savarese of the USA, who came with an undefeated record of 36 bouts. The meeting took place on the 26 April 1997, at the Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Foreman retained the WBU crown by way of a points decision over 12-rounds.
Former WBO world heavyweight king Shannon
Briggs was the next to cross gloves with Foreman on the 22 November 1997. The venue for the bout was the Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Briggs carried a record of 30 bouts, winning 29, with 1 defeat. Briggs improved his record when he outpointed Foreman over 12-rounds. This was the end of the line for Foreman. After this contest he finally quit the sport. George Foreman is a name which is rightly added to the greats of heavyweight boxing. Throughout his career, Foreman competed in 81 matches, securing 76 victories and experiencing 5 losses. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. A fine honour which he duly deserved when considering his many accomplishments in the sport.
Photograph courtesy of Les Clark
CARDIFF CASTLE 2025
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The Cardiff Times Guide to Clinical & Complementary Mental Health Support
There is no one cap fits all in mental health and nor should there be.
Cardiff is home to a diverse and evolving landscape of mental health therapies, from traditional psychotherapy and counselling to complementary practices like yoga and art therapy.
Cardiff offers a range of highly-effective clinical approaches such as SFBT, CBT, hypnotherapy, psychodynamic and humanistic counselling and each serve different needs, offering tailored support.
Complementary therapies like mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, massage and reiki reconnect individuals with the body and nervous system, offering non-verbal paths to healing and all are flourishing in Cardiff.
Cardiff’s mental health care provision is generally flexible, inclusive and varied, recognising the unique context of each person’s distress and potential.
Gareth Strangemore-Jones MHFA DCST PDPCP HPD DSFH DMH AHD MNCPS (Reg) MNCH (Reg) MCNHC (Reg) AfSFH (Reg) NCTJ MSC-CPA PGCE (FE) I & II Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Medical Hypnotherapist, Teacher & Mindfulness Coach Author, Journalist & Broadcaster
Mental Health is Mental Wealth
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mind. There never was. Yet for decades, the approach to mental health in Britain has been as narrow as it has been necessary: chemical imbalance, wait your turn, take your pills, talk if you’re lucky, cope if you can. But as the strain on public services grows and the demand for deeper, more nuanced support intensifies, a quiet revolution has been blooming in Cardiff. One built not on pathologising distress, but on understanding it. One that does not simply manage symptoms, but explores meaning, context, and connection.
This guide is not just a directory. It is a reckoning with what mental health support could look like if we stopped treating minds like faulty machines and started seeing people as layered, relational, and capable of profound change. Here are just some forms of therapy for mental health issues and lifes challenges.
Clinical Psychotherapy
At the heart of this evolution is clinical psychotherapy. It is a rigorous and deeply structured therapeutic approach typically delivered by highly trained professionals.
The work can be challenging, and always rooted in the therapeutic relationship. It is not about a quick fix, but about long-term change.
For people navigating trauma, personality disorders or chronic depression, it remains one of the most trusted forms of psychological care, found in both NHS and private settings.
Pluralistic Counselling
The pluralistic model of counselling takes a different stance, one of collaboration and flexibility. It invites the client to co-design their therapeutic experience.
One week it may draw on CBT to manage anxious spirals, the next it may use a psychodynamic lens to explore the imprint of childhood. This is therapy in partnership. It is not about imposing a model, but about tailoring support to the individual.
It is particularly effective for those dealing with grief, identity shifts, or low self-worth.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
If pluralism is the tailoring, then Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is usually in the toolkit. It is focused, short-term and action-oriented. CBT does not dwell in the past. It looks at the here and now. How do you think? How do you behave? What habits of thought are feeding the cycle of distress?
For those experiencing anxiety, OCD, phobias or PTSD, CBT is often life-changing. It offers techniques you can use on the bus, in the boardroom, or when the 3am thoughts come knocking.
SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy is the laser beam of the therapeutic world. It avoids the well-trodden path of diagnosis and dysfunction, and instead asks one powerful question: what would better look like?
Clients are invited to imagine their preferred future, then identify their own hidden strengths, successes and steps that will take them there.
This is therapy with its sleeves rolled up. It is particularly popular in education, addiction recovery and performance coaching.
Psychodynamic Counselling
Where SFBT looks ahead, psychodynamic counselling looks within. It is rooted in the idea that much of our emotional landscape is shaped by early experiences, unconscious processes, and the stories we carry that we do not even know we’re telling. It takes its time. It does not rush to goals. But it does change lives.
For those wrestling with chronic relationship patterns, unresolved grief, or the ache of meaninglessness, psychodynamic therapy helps uncover the roots beneath the symptoms.
Humanistic Counselling
If psychodynamic work seeks to understand the shadow, humanistic counselling invites the client into the light. It is grounded in trust, empathy and the belief that people have an innate capacity to grow. There is no diagnosis, no treatment plan, no analysis. There is presence, listening and deep respect.
This approach is especially powerful for those questioning identity, autonomy or existential purpose.
It says: you are not broken. You are becoming.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy brings the body into the room. It is less about analysing events and more about experiencing emotions as they arise. Clients may be asked to dialogue with a feeling, a memory, or a part of themselves they’ve long disowned.
Gestalt is about integration. It invites us to notice what we habitually avoid, and to bring it into awareness. In a culture that splits mind from body, thought from feeling, Gestalt calls us back into wholeness.
Advanced Medical Hypnotherapy
Advanced Medical Hypnotherapy takes a different route altogether, deep into the subconscious. This is not stage show gimmickry. It is the clinical application of trance and suggestion, fused with neuroscience and psychotherapeutic insight. Clients enter a relaxed state where the noise of the conscious mind is quietened, allowing deeper beliefs and fears to emerge and be reframed.
It is used effectively for trauma, confidence, phobias and emotional reprogramming.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness, once dismissed as soft, has now earned its place in mainstream care with good reason – it is now fully research-based and clinically proven. By anchoring attention in the present moment, and observing thought and feeling without judgement, mindfulness helps to regulate the nervous system and prevent emotional hijacking. It is not about calm for calm’s sake.
It is about conscious choice in the midst of chaos. Whether taught online, in groups, or one-to-one, mindfulness offers a powerful antidote to the digitalised, distracted world we live in.
Psychosynthesis
Psychosynthesis, though less well known, is one of the most profound and spiritually integrated approaches available. It brings the concepts of Self and Soul into a clinical setting. Psychosynthesis holds the view that suffering is not just pathology. It may be the soul’s way of calling us toward wholeness.
Using guided imagery, visualisation, and exploration of archetypes and higher purpose, psychosynthesis supports people in transition.
Those grieving, awakening, searching or breaking down to break through may find in it a mirror for their innermost truths.
NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)
Neuro Linguistic Programming, sometimes dismissed by the academic establishment, remains a popular and practical tool for many. NLP examines how language shapes experience, and how internal ‘programmes’ can be rewritten through rehearsal, anchoring and visualisation. It has long been used in sport, performance, and business coaching. Its strength lies in its immediacy.
For those wanting to shift habits, build confidence or change direction fast, it offers a psychological accelerator.
Forensic Mental Health Support
Far less visible, but no less vital, is forensic mental health support. This work exists at the interface of psychology and the criminal justice system. It is not just about managing risk. It is about supporting rehabilitation, understanding complex trauma, and building hope in places where hope is scarce.
It is work that requires rigour, compassion and a commitment to systemic change. In secure units, probation pathways and community services, forensic therapists are helping people change the trajectory of their lives.
Sport & Performance
Then there is therapy for performance not because someone
is broken, but because they are ready to break through. In the world of sport and stage, performance therapy helps individuals manage nerves, pressure and the search for flow. It draws from sports psychology, mindfulness, breathwork and identity work.
Whether you are stepping onto a pitch or into a spotlight, this therapy helps you show up as your full self, on demand.
Psychotherapeutic Life Coaching
Finally, psychotherapeutic life coaching is where therapy meets movement. It combines emotional depth with structured action.
It is not for those in immediate crisis, but for those navigating major change. Maybe they seek a career shift, a reinvention, a letting go. Clients are supported to align with values, clarify vision, and move forward with both heart and strategy. It is therapy for the builders, the rebuilders, the ones asking ‘what next?’
And if all of this seems like a lot – it is.
Because mental health is not a single path. It is a landscape.
In Cardiff, that landscape is rich, varied and evolving. Some will find healing in words. Others in stillness. Some in science. Others in soil, scent or sound.
Acupuncture, yoga, reiki, sound therapy, aromatherapy, art therapy, massage therapy, community gardening – these are not fringe offerings.
They are practices that recognise the body as part of the psyche, the nervous system as part of the story, and the social context as part of the wound.
Acupuncture
For those who believe that the body stores trauma like rings in a tree, acupuncture provides one of the most quietly transformative experiences available.
With nothing more than hair-thin needles and a skilled pair of hands, this ancient practice taps into something primal. People report a stillness they forgot they were capable of. This is not placebo dressed in Eastern robes. It is nervous system modulation, rebalancing the tides of cortisol and adrenaline that surge through a society addicted to stress.
In Cardiff, more and more people are choosing this pinprick path not as an exotic novelty, but as a regular appointment with release.
Yoga
Let’s be clear: yoga was never meant to be commodified in Lycra or captured in a coastal Instagram post. Yoga means “Union” and that is union with yourself, with nature and with the cosmos and any spiritual beliefs you have.
Its roots are spiritual, political, embodied. When reclaimed as a therapeutic tool, yoga becomes a profound practice for
mental clarity and emotional resilience. In trauma-informed sessions across Cardiff, breath becomes anchor, movement becomes meditation, and stillness becomes a form of resistance against burnout.
People are no longer turning to yoga to perfect their posture, but to preserve their sanity. This is not exercise. This is exorcism.
Reiki
Sceptics may roll their eyes, but reiki continues to thrive for one simple reason: it works, for many, where words do not.
In a world obsessed with productivity, reiki asks you to simply lie down and receive. To feel the hum of energy move through palms, through breath, through whatever unseen forces science has yet to name. Call it placebo, call it presence, but countless people in Cardiff have emerged from reiki sessions not just relaxed, but rearranged. Less clenched. More open.
It is subtle work. But so is healing.
Sound Therapy
We forget that before we were thinkers, we were listeners. That long before the first textbook was written, drums and chants were medicine.
Sound therapy doesn’t explain. It reverberates. Through bowls, gongs, frequencies or even silence, it tunes the body like an instrument until the dissonance eases and the system can rest. In Cardiff, sound baths are no longer fringe curiosities. They are sanctuaries.
For the insomniac, the traumatised, the overloaded, sound is not just heard. It is felt. It bypasses cognition and lands straight in the gut.
Aromatherapy
The nose is wired directly to the brain’s emotional core. One whiff of lavender or frankincense and you are no longer in the waiting room. You are seven years old, in the garden, safe.
Aromatherapy exploits this primal pathway with elegance. Blending science with sensuality, it uses essential oils to shift state: from panic to calm, fog to focus, disconnection to comfort.
In hospitals, hospices and homes across Cardiff, it is being quietly reintroduced not as a luxury, but as a language the body remembers. A breath that bypasses the analytical mind.
Art Therapy
When words fail, hands speak.
In a therapy room strewn with paper, paint, and clay, silence becomes its own kind of eloquence. Art therapy does not ask for explanations. It invites expression. For survivors of trauma, neurodivergent thinkers, grieving families, or teenagers with no words for the storm they’re in, it opens a
portal. The page holds what the mouth cannot. In community centres, schools and clinics in Cardiff, this therapy is transforming the way we understand mental health. Not as a pathology, but as a process. Raw, creative, and very much alive.
Massage Therapy
Touch is the first language we learn, and perhaps the one we most urgently need to relearn.
In a society shaped by speed and suspicion, massage therapy offers something almost revolutionary: safe, intentional, non-sexual human contact. It is not just about muscles. It is about memory, nervous system regulation, and the unspoken stories our bodies carry.
For people with anxiety, trauma histories or simply too much cortisol in their blood, massage can be a full stop in a run-on sentence. In Cardiff, it is being reclaimed not as a spa indulgence, but as mental health care in its purest, most tactile form.
Community Gardening
There is something deeply subversive about planting a seed in a world that feels like it is falling apart. Community gardening isn’t just about vegetables. It’s about connection. To the soil, to each other, to a slower rhythm. People arrive for the compost, stay for the companionship, and leave with their hands dirty and their hearts unexpectedly lighter.
In Cardiff, gardens have become gathering points for those who don’t fit neat diagnostic boxes but know they need to belong somewhere. Growth here is literal, emotional, political. It is green therapy, and it is growing.
Conclusion
There is no neat ending here.
No triumphant claim that all is well if we just breathe better or think more positively.
Mental health is complicated. It is shaped by trauma, inequality, neurodiversity, systemic oppression, and deep personal struggle.
But what this guide (above) and directory (below) show, and what Cardiff itself is beginning to prove, is that we have options. Real, meaningful, human options.
Gareth Strangemore-Jones Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Medical Hypnotherapist, Teacher & Mindfulness Coach www.alchemylifetherapy.com
The Cardiff Times Directory of Mental Health Support Services
Cardiff Mind
Description: Offers counselling, guided self-help, community and domiciliary support, housing aid, training and group activities. Support Offered: 1-to-1 counselling, six-week guided programmes, peer/social groups, training and tenancy support. To Whom: Cardiff residents aged 18+ with mental-health concerns. Delivery Mode: In person (main centre & community); some phone/Zoom support. Address: Newport Road, Cardiff. Website: Cardiff Mind Telephone: 02920 402040 Opening Times: 9 am–5 pm, Mon–Fri; counselling may extend evenings and weekends. Fees: Fee-paying counselling costs £40 per session. Guided self-help and group activities largely free. Eligibility: Adult Cardiff residents experiencing mental-health issues. Accessibility: Full wheelchair access, ramped entrance, accessible toilets. User Feedback: The free counselling used to have waiting lists but not currently funded. Paid-for counselling generally well regarded. Groups and courses praised, especially for anxiety, depression, self-esteem. Other Considerations: Offers MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) & ASIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Cardiff & Vale Recovery & Wellbeing College
Description: NHS Recovery College delivering free peer-informed educational courses. Support Offered: Courses on mental well-being, peer mentoring, physical health, coping skills. To Whom: Those with lived experience of mental and physical health challenges; carers; NHS/ charity staff. Delivery Mode: In person (Park Road + various venues) & online via Zoom. Address: Park Lodge, Park Road, Cardiff CF14 7XB. Telephone: 029 2183 2619 Email: Cardiffandvale.Recoverycollege@wales.nhs.uk Opening Times: Term-based courses; Spring & Summer terms (e.g. 5 May–8 Aug 2025). Fees: Free to all eligible students. Eligibility: Open to people in or out of NHS services, carers, staff. Accessibility: Reasonable adjustments, digital peer support available; supportive enrolment. User Feedback: “Highly recommend” by Reddit users. Other Considerations: Student charter ensures professional, safe learning; drop-in sessions and wardbased courses available.
Samaritans – Cardiff & District
Description: 24/7 emotional and crisis support via phone, email, face-to-face; mental- health and suicide prevention. Support Offered: Listening and befriending, outreach to schools/prisons. To Whom: Anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Delivery Mode: Phone (116 123 free), email, local branch visits. Address: Ground Floor, 62 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff CF5 5BS. Website: www.samaritans. org/cardiff Telephone: 116 123 (free) or 0330 094 5717 (local rate); Welsh line 0808 164 0123 evenings. Opening Times: Helpline 24/7; branch visits Mon Noon–8 pm, Tue Noon–8 pm, Wed–Fri 9 am–8 pm, Sun 9 am–8 pm. Fees: Free. Eligibility: Universal. Accessibility: Wheelchair access; accessible toilets at branch. User Feedback: Highly valued; NHS staff have dedicated lines. Other Considerations: Offers non-judgemental emotional support, 24/7. No referral needed. Helpful for people in
acute emotional distress. Branch also conducts outreach.
Single Parents Wellbeing CIC
Description: Peer-led workshops and community support for single parents. Support Offered: Self-care, peer support, financial skills, advocacy. To Whom: Single parents in Cardiff & Wales. Delivery Mode: In person and online. Address: Cardiff-based (specified online). Website: singleparentswellbeing.com Telephone: Listed online. Opening Times: Scheduled workshops; contact for details. Fees: Most services free or low-cost. Eligibility: Single-parent status required. Accessibility: Likely - confirm with venue. User Feedback: Independent reviews show reduced loneliness and improved wellbeing. Other Considerations: Peer-led by those with lived experience. Workshops often scheduled around school hours. Builds confidence, resilience and connection.
4Winds – Mental Health Resources for Cardiff & Vale
Description: Independent, user-led mental-health charity focused on wellbeing and recovery through peer, community, and creative support. Support Offered: Drop-in resource centre. Online and face-to-face peer support groups. Information, signposting, and social prescribing. Creative workshops (‘Creative Corner’) Service-user training. Welfare rights and foodbank voucher project. Outreach and training sessions.To Whom: Anyone in Cardiff and Vale affected by mental-health challenges (open to all adults).
Delivery Mode: In person at the centre, online (groups, courses), and outreach. Address: 65 Clare Rd, Cardiff CF11 6QP and at community venues in Cardiff Website: 4winds. org.uk Telephone: 02920 388144 Opening Times: Usually weekdays, specific times vary so check website or contact direct for current schedule. Fees: Free services.
Eligibility: No referral required; open access service. Accessibility: Community-focused; likely wheelchair accessible but confirm via centre.
User Feedback:
“4Winds has helped me build enough confidence to take control of my life and look forward to the future”
“An excellent service where everyone is treated with respect”. Other Considerations: Offers both practical advice (welfare rights) and creative, social connection Encourages serviceuser leadership and participation via training projects Rooted in lived experience and peer support, with strong community ethos.
Innovate Trust
Description: Supported living and social inclusion for adults with mental-health and additional needs. Support Offered: Housing, domiciliary care, training, community engagement. To Whom: Adults with learning disabilities, mental-health issues, physical impairments. Delivery Mode: In-home, community. Address: 433 Cowbridge Road East, CF5 1JH. Website: innovate-trust.org.uk Telephone: 02920 382151
Opening Times: Mon–Fri standard office hours. Fees: Vary depending on care package/funding. Eligibility: Assessed via social care/NHS referral. Accessibility: Personalised accommodations. User Feedback: Award-winning, praised for inclusive tech and tailored support. Other Considerations: Uses inclusive technology. Support is tailored and co-created
with users. Promotes independent living and wellbeing through everyday engagement.
CAVAMH – Cardiff & Vale Action for
Mental Health
Description: A local mental health development charity supporting voluntary and third sector groups and individuals across Cardiff & the Vale. It advises on service improvement, hosts forums, and maintains comprehensive directories. Support Offered: Practical guidance for community mental health groups Helps with funding, governance, planning, IT, and training. Publishes and maintains directories of local mental health services, including crisis and day services. Hosts forums and consultations to influence service design and delivery. To Whom: Voluntary sector organisations, grass-roots groups, service users and carers, CAVAMH members and, essentially, anyone involved in local mental health services. Delivery Mode: In-person advice and drop-in (primarily at their Splott centre), remote support via phone/ email, online forums and shared training. Address: 69b Splott Road, Splott, Cardiff CF24 2BW. Website: cavamh.org.uk
Telephone: 02920 222000. Opening Times: Office hours Mon–Fri, typically 9am–5pm; forums, training and directories available online 24/7. Fees: Membership is free; advisory services included. Some training or partnership work may include fees or project costs. Eligibility: Open to all mental health organisations, service users, carers, and community groups in Cardiff and Vale. Accessibility: Ground-floor office with accessible entry; remote/online options reduce travel barriers. User Feedback: While direct public reviews are limited, the organisation is frequently cited as a go-to hub for third-sector groups advising more than 100 local services. Other Considerations: Offers detailed, up-to-date directories for crisis lines, day services, counselling, CAMHS, welfare rights, BAME support, older people’s services, self-help and more. Acts as a bridge connecting the voluntary sector with NHS, local authority, and government for policy/information sharing and service development. Also collaborates to shape crisis care pathways and community resilience projects (e.g. dementia awareness, youth focus).
React Support Services
Description: A Cardiff-based specialist provider delivering residential and outreach support to vulnerable adults living with mental-health challenges, learning disabilities, or acquired brain injury. Services are person-centred and aim to promote autonomy and recovery using a structured care model. Support Offered: 24-hour supported living in residential homes and supported apartments. Community-based support services, including domiciliary care and therapeutic activities (e.g. walking groups). 4-stage rehabilitation and recovery framework tailored to individual needs Care planning, life skills development, emotional and behavioural support. To Whom: Aged 17 to 70 with complex mental-health needs, learning disabilities, or acquired brain injuries. Delivery Mode: In person, with services delivered within residential homes, supported apartments, and community settings. Address: Insole House, Glamorgan Street, Cardiff CF5 1QW Website: www.reactsupportservices.co.uk
Telephone: 02920 758109 Opening Times: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Support services: Available 24/7 depending on individual care plans. Fees: Typically funded via local authority social care budgets or NHS continuing care. Private/ self-funding arrangements possible; rates provided upon
enquiry. Eligibility: Mental health diagnosis and/or learning disability or ABI. Must be referred by a healthcare professional, social worker, or commissioning body. Accessibility: Properties adapted for accessibility depending on need; accessible support plans, with culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care approaches. User Feedback: CIW inspection (April 2025) rated React “Excellent” for wellbeing, staffing, and leadership. Other Considerations: Committed to continuous improvement and community engagement.
St John Ambulance Cymru Mental Health First Aid Training
Description: Accredited training to equip individuals in MHFA. Support Offered: MHFA, workplace mental-health training. To Whom: Employers, community groups, public. Delivery Mode: In person at regional venues; possible online modules. Address: Priory House, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, CF24 5PB. Website: sja.org.uk/cymru Opening Times: Course schedules vary. Fees: Paid training; costs vary by course/ group size. Eligibility: Open to anyone wishing to be certified MHFA. Accessibility: Typically wheelchair accessible. User Feedback: Rated highly for professionalism and practicality. Other Considerations: Trained facilitators deliver courses at workplaces and community venues. Certificates issued. Not therapy, but can support better response to mental health crises.
Primary Mental Health Support Service (PMHSS)
Description: NHS service offering brief assessments and interventions via GP surgeries. Support Offered: CBT-informed advice, brief interventions, well-being planning. To Whom: Adults (18+) with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression. Delivery Mode: In person at GP clinics, with possible remote consultations. Website: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ our-services/mental-health/ Telephone: GP referral or NHS Wales info lines. Eligibility: Referral from GP; self-referral occasionally available. Other Considerations: Often a first step in NHS care. Focus is on early intervention and preventing escalation. Sessions time-limited but helpful for coping strategies.
Presenting Mindfulness
Description: Presenting Mindfulness is a new, innovative access hub of free and paid-for information about mindfulness, including articles, books, courses and classes. Support Offered: Alongside the free information, you can book 1:1 online mindfulness coaching, which can be general or themed around a mental health issue or life challenge. You can also book into online classes again either general or themed. To Whom: Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Older Adults (60+) Delivery Mode: Online personalised using secure, stable video call links. Address: Cardiff & Global Website: presentingmindfulness.com Telephone: 07419 195673 Opening Times: 9am – 5pm online by appointment Fees: 1:1 Online Course £95 / 50 minutes x 6 sessions. Group Classes £12 / 50 minutes pp x 6 sessions. Eligibility: Online courses or classes open to anyone seeking to find out more about mindfulness and how it can help them in general or with any mental health issue or life challenge. Accessibility: You will need a PC, laptop, tablet with a camera and microphone. Other Considerations: No clinical diagnosis required. Sessions can be tailored around stress, anxiety or focus. Emphasis is on practical benefit.
Alchemy Life Therapy
Description: Multiple award-winning support for people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues and life challenges. Neurodiversity Aware. Support Offered: A Person-centred approach that cocreates a bespoke package according to your needs and wishes drawing from Clinical Psychotherapy, Pluralistic Counselling, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy), Psychodynamic Counselling, Humanistic Counselling, Gestalt Therapy, Advanced Medical Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, Psychosynthesis, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Forensic Mental Health Support, Sport & Stage Performance, Psychotherapeutic Life Coaching & Mentoring, and the latest research-based and clinically-proven neuroscience. To Whom: Children (5-12), Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Older Adults (60+) Delivery Mode: Online personalised using secure, stable video call links. Also available via WhatsApp, Facetime and telephone. Address: Online for Cardiff & Global Website: www.alchemylifetherapy.com Telephone: 02921 409218 Opening Times: 9am – 5pm online by appointment Fees: £95 / 50 minutes. Blue Light, Defence Services & Carers Card discounts available. Eligibility: Online or telephone clinic open to anyone presenting with a mental health issue or life challenge, and also to others seeking to become the best version of themselves, including athletes, performers, creatives, teachers, scientists, researchers and busy business executives. Accessibility: Online clients need a PC, laptop, tablet with a camera and microphone plus a stable internet connection or telephone clients need a phone with credit. User Feedback: Alchemy Life Therapy has a 4.9* Rating from more than 5,000 online sessions. Testimonials are very favourable with all recommending their services. Other Considerations: Bespoke sessions designed collaboratively. Full spectrum service covering all mental health issues. Specialists in stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, confidence and performance. Discounts available. Popular with general public, business executives, neurodivergent clients and carers.
Platfform – Seibiant Sanctuary
Description: A community-based, trauma-informed alternative to A&E for those experiencing mental-health crisis in Cardiff & the Vale. Support Offered: Immediate telephone and in-person support, emotional stabilisation, signposting, housing and financial advice, essential supplies (food, toiletries, clothing). To Whom: Anyone in crisis, referred via NHS 111 (press option 2). Delivery Mode: Telephone support and face-to-face appointments on the same evening. Address: Confidential Cardiff location; referral via NHS 111. Website: platfform.org/projects/crisis-prevention-and-home/ cardiff-vale-sanctuary/ Opening Times: Daily 5pm–1am, 365 days a year. Fees: Free, Eligibility: Anyone in mental-health crisis within Cardiff & The Vale. Accessibility: Traumainformed, non-clinical space; telephone and in-person support. User Feedback: “I wouldn’t be here without them” (Facebook review). “Everyone has been extremely compassionate…made me feel less alone” (website review). Other Considerations: Receive many referrals a week.
Cardiff & Vale Health Charity
Description: The official NHS charity supporting staff, patients, and mental-health projects in Cardiff & Vale. Support Offered: Funds mental-health initiatives, staff wellbeing projects, equipment, and research. To Whom:
NHS staff, patients, service users across the Health Board Website: healthcharity.wales Telephone: 02921 836042. Eligibility: NHS-related causes; project grant applications open to staff and partners. Accessibility: Office and events accessible; contact via website. Other Considerations: Promoting mental-health services aligns with donor and community outreach goals.
YMCA Cardiff
Description: Provides supported accommodation, youth services, training, and wellbeing support to young and vulnerable individuals in Cardiff. Support Offered: Housing support, life-skills training, counselling, youth engagement programmes. To Whom: Young people, vulnerable adults, families. Delivery Mode: In person across accommodation blocks, youth venues, training centres. Address: Various venues – central Cardiff. Website: ymcacardiff.wales Fees: Some free services; accommodation/training may incur cost or funding eligibility. Eligibility: Young people at risk or in need; contact advises on suitability. Accessibility: Accessible buildings, youth-centre focused. Other Considerations: Raises awareness and supports recruitment/fundraising for charity.
Grow Cardiff – Grow Well
Description: Community garden and social-prescribing initiative enhancing wellbeing through green space across SW Cardiff. Support Offered: Horticulture therapy, volunteering, community crafts, mental-health peer connection. To Whom: Adults seeking community-based mental wellbeing support. Delivery Mode: In person at community garden locations. Address: Check website (various garden sites across Cardiff). Website: growcardiff.org/health-wellbeing/ Telephone: Contact via website. Opening Times: Garden sessions weekdays and weekends withavailability listed online. Fees: Free or donation-based. Eligibility: Open to all Cardiff residents. Accessibility: Outdoor community spaces; facilities may vary. Other Considerations: Promotes public engagement and supports green mental-health messaging.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Wales Show
Description: Annual Cardiff-based exhibition and conference showcasing mental-health wellbeing initiatives across Wales. Support Offered: Exhibition booths, seminar slots, networking opportunities, access to employers and professionals. To Whom: Mental-health services, charities, workplace wellbeing providers. Delivery Mode: In person at Cardiff City Stadium; online content. Address: Cardiff City Stadium. Website: mhwshow.co.uk Telephone: 02920 576883. Opening Times: Next event 15th May, 2026. Eligibility: Organisational exhibitor or sponsor; booking via website. Other Considerations: Provides profile, leads, and branding in the mental-health sector.
National Neurodivergence Team
Description: Government-funded team offering advice and support for neurodivergent individuals across Wales through the Welsh Local Government Association and Public Health Wales. Support Offered: Policy guidance, training, awareness campaigns, resources. To Whom: Neurodivergent individuals, professionals, educators across Wales. Delivery Mode: Online resources, workshops, exhibitions. Address: Coordinated centrally via WLGA/PHW. Website: www. neurodivergencewales.org Telephone: 07469 485643 Opening Times: Weekdays. Fees: Free public-sector resource. Other Considerations: Promotes government messaging, reaches Cardiff neurodivergent populations.
ALCHEMY LIFE THERAPY
Clinical Psychotherapy & Counselling for Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Fear, Frustration, Anger
Grief & Bereavement
Insomnia & Sleep Issues
Smoking & Vape Cessation
Confidence & Self Esteem
Panic Attacks & Nerves
Motivation & Inspiration
Phobias & Blockages
Busy Business Executives
Sport & Stage Performance
Child & Teenager Issues
Academic Studies & Exam Stress
ADHD Teens & ADHD Adults
Neurodiversity MH Support
Post Traumatic Stress
OCD & Compulsions
Carer Support & More
WALLACE
& GROMIT AR TRAIL EXPERIENCE COMES TO TECHNIQUEST THIS SUMMER
For the first time in South Wales, Techniquest will be hosting the cracking Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail as part of their Summer of Invention programme of events from 19 July – 31 August 2025. The interactive trail will take visitors on a unique journey around the science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay this summer, alongside over 100 hands-on exhibits, live science shows, creative workshops, planetarium tours and more.
This summer, Techniquest visitors can bring Wallace and Gromit to life in 3D by downloading the free Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail app (available on iOS and Android) and then following the markers on the trail around Cardiff’s science discovery centre. Each marker unlocks a different, interactive augmented reality scene, challenging you to complete various tasks – including trying on Wallace’s Techno Trousers and taking a selfie as Feathers McGraw!
Families can also add on extra activities for their visit including a Gromit clay model-making workshop, a live science show inspired by the inventing antics of Wallace & Gromit,
plus intergalactic 360° films and star tours in Techniquest’s planetarium.
And it’s not all about the kids. Adults can release their inner child at a special summer Adult Lates event on Thursday 28 August from 7pm, including all the usual activities plus food, drink and a chance to meet real-life inventors Tim Brennan of Vivobarefoot and Nick Arnold of Ergochair Ltd.
Wallace & Gromit and Aardman super-fans are advised to book for the opening weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July when the characters will be making special meet and greet appearances, and the Gromit clay model workshops will be led by an expert model maker who has worked on some of Aardman’s best-loved productions!
The Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail is at Techniquest Saturday 19 July – Sunday 31 August 2025 as part of their Summer of Invention and is included with the admission price. Add-on activities incur a small extra charge. Book in advance at techniquest.org
I was made to feel really welcome and I’m delighted with the hearing aids I purchased.
Trust Viney Hearing Care to help you hear clearly again!
Don’t miss out because of hearing loss. You can be part of the conversation again and enjoy all those important sounds of life with Viney Hearing Care.
We’re an independent family business with over 40 years of hearing care experience so you know you can trust us to look after your hearing with a comprehensive range of healthcare services.
Our fully qualified specialists provide professional help and advice, and if hearing aids will help then we’ll find your perfect fit from a wide range of discreet systems featuring the latest tech like AI, Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability.
So for hearing help and to book a hearing test or microsuction appointment, pop in and see us or call us on 02920 250121.
I was a bit anxious having new hearing aids and Vineys was recommended by a friend. Janine was so patient and put me at ease. I would highly recommend. Ms L, Cardiff 66 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DJ
National Simplicity Day
“Laughter, happiness, and joy. These might sound like simple things, but don’t underestimate their power to bring life and light to all around you.” Bear Grylls
Throughout life there are countless reminders and prompts to enjoy the little moments, not take anything for granted and acknowledge that the simple pleasures in life are to be enjoyed, treasured and explored. But how often do we act upon this knowledge in a world which pushes us to strive for perfection, be on the go, reach the next target or ‘keep up with the jones’s’?
National Simplicity Day is marked on July 12th, 2025, and, as it suggests, is all about unpicking what matters to you and embracing it at every chance. Social media and living in a competitive world contribute to clouding our judgment sometimes of what’s truly important and what brings the most meaning to our lives.
When you look at what brings you joy, gives you a buzz, or makes you feel like you’re living your best life, you may be able to reflect that it really is the simple things that matter most.
For some people it may be seeing the sun come out, time with a loved one, finding a bargain online or a good cup of coffee in the morning – for others it may be taking your shoes off at the end of the day, seeing a loved one smile or having 5 minutes peace in a hectic reality. Whatever your moments are, these are the moments that matter, and these are what this day celebrates.
So, what’s yours?
This day is marked on the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, an author, poet and transcendentalist who famously stated, “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” In other words, don’t over complicate things or take life for granted!
Thoreau famously published the book ‘Walden’ based on his own experience of living in an isolated cottage for 2 years and found great pleasure and depth in meeting the necessities of life without the complexities it so often entails. This is in keeping with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs which is a
by Natalie McCulloch
conceptualisation of the needs that motivate human behaviours beginning with meeting the very basic needs for entities such as food, shelter and air.
Thoreau theorised that, most of the luxuries and many of the “so-called” comforts of life “are not only not indispensable but positive hindrance to the elevation of mankind” and thus remembering to focus on the simple things can help mankind lead a healthier happier existence. Sound good?
Modern day living has many similar ideas with the likes of mindfulness, meditation, minimalism and daily gratitude diaries. Even if these lifestyle decisions aren’t for everyone, perhaps we could all take a little something from the art of simplicity?
On a personal note, as anyone who follows me on social media will know, I live a simple life but find great joy in photos, pretty views and flowers, energy booting gym sessions and time with my loved ones. Working in the NHS I see daily how fragile life can be and I’m ashamed to say even I need a reality check sometimes to just STOP and SMELL THE ROSES and enjoy the simple things that so often I take for granted. I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
So next time you find yourself getting overwhelmed by life, or even envisioning potential problems ahead of time, maybe stop and think about what really matters and channel your energy into bringing those simple pleasures into your daily life. I leave you with a simple quote from Einstein…
“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
Whatever you do today, or tomorrow –simply enjoy it!
REFLEKT are proving that British manufacturing can thrive again with the right commitment and community support.
Have you ever wondered what the process is to manufacture quality made clothing in the UK? Here at Cardiff Times, we caught up with Managing Director and Founder of REFLEKT.
Garment production in Britain often requires working with multiple specialist factories, each handling a different stage of the process - from fabric milling to stitching and finishing. This adds complexity but also ensures a level of craftsmanship that is rarely found in mass-produced clothing. REFLEKT, actively collaborate with skilled artisans across the UK to ensure every piece maintains the highest standards of quality. British-made clothing is more than just a label - it’s a commitment to quality, heritage, and ethical production.
Daniel explains to Cardiff Times the process of working with multiple specialist factories.
“Each garment passes through the hands of multiple, highly specialised partners: Fabric is sourced exclusively from British mills that still run traditional looms, helping preserve an industry many have written off. With our cotton being spun right here in the UK, and wool coming directly from Welsh and Scottish sheep - also spun locally into yarnwe’re able to maintain a genuinely British supply chain that’s both transparent and traceable.
We work with pattern cutters and machinists across the UK, responsible not only for garment planning but also the actual manufacture and sewing together of each piece. Each factory is chosen not just for its technical capability, but for the story behind it and a shared commitment to excellence. For example, we’re looking to work with Treorchy Sewing Enterprise in South Wales on our next collection - a team of experienced ex-Burberry and Polikoff machinists reviving production within their original factory space. Their dedication to high-quality garment making, mentoring new talent, and bringing manufacturing back to the Valleys makes them a natural fit for our next collection.
Finishing touches include - labelling, pressing and quality control. These are handled by a family-run operation local to us here in Leicester, ensuring every garment that bears our name has passed through genuinely caring hands. We also work with several trusted partners across the UK for specialised embellishments, depending on the design - whether it’s print application, embroidery, or more bespoke finishes like embossing, debossing, flocking, or rhinestone detailing. The mission goes beyond creating clothing; it’s about rebuilding an industry, supporting British craftsmanship, ensuring fair wages, ethical production, and sustainability remaining at the heart of British fashion.
Every garment produced carries a narrative, whether it’s the revival of traditional British textile methods or the careful selection of materials designed for longevity. People don’t just wear clothes, they wear the history, craftsmanship, and values embedded within them. REFLEKT is shaping a new era for British menswear, ensuring that every purchase directly supports domestic production and skilled workers.”
Despite Britain’s deep-rooted heritage in textile production, domestic manufacturing has faced steep decline over the decades. Many skilled workers and specialist factories have either been forced to close or operate at limited capacity due to the overwhelming presence of imported fast fashion. However, the demand for quality made garments is growing, and REFLEKT aims to be at the forefront of that revival. British-made matters In a world dominated by mass production and fast fashion REFLEKT are proving that British manufacturing can thrive again with the right commitment and community support. Their journey is one of optimism, showing how skilled workers and local businesses can come together to create something lasting.
CT back the movement to restore British manufacturing to once again stimulate local economies, create skilled jobs, and reduce the carbon footprint of clothing made overseas. Visit: https://reflektclothing.co.uk/pages/brand
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