Supporting Pembrokeshire communities to strengthen resilience

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Team met with members of Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council to deliver a briefing.

The session covered national and regional risks, alongside an overview of the Civil Contingencies Act, before discussing a locally owned Community Emergency Plan.

This approach aims to help communities prepare for a wide range of potential incidents, protect vulnerable residents and foster stronger community spirit.

The Emergency Planning officers emphasised that planning did not mean an emergency was expected but rather that organisations recognise the risk and plan to reduce impact.

Attendees also heard about the Wales Resilience Framework and its approach to emergency preparedness.

The framework emphasises collaboration between government, public and voluntary sectors, businesses and communities to reduce risks and improve resilience.

The team highlighted the Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum (LRF) Community Risk Register, which is currently being updated, and invited feedback on how it can be improved and used as a trusted source of information.

The register is designed to:

• inform communities about the most significant risks in the region and their potential impacts;
• provide links to partner organisations and further information;
• encourage practical steps to increase preparedness in homes, businesses and communities.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Preparing for emergencies is about protecting our communities and ensuring local people have the information and support they need when it matters most.

“Community-led resilience planning strengthens neighbourhoods, supports vulnerable residents and helps communities work together during challenging situations.

“I would encourage other community councils to engage with the Emergency Planning Team and explore how they can develop their own plans.”