💧 When the Water Rises: Standing with Families Affected by the Carmarthenshire Floods

💬 A Week That Turned Lives Upside Down

This week, communities across Carmarthenshire and Llanelli have faced severe flooding after days of relentless rain.
Homes, schools, and roads have been damaged and some families have been evacuated with little warning.
For families already caring for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), this crisis has added even more uncertainty and stress.

Flooding affects more than property. It disrupts routines, therapy, education, and health care.
Some families have lost essential equipment or adaptations. Others have no safe route to school or clinic appointments.

If this is you, please know — you are not alone.

📍 Affected Areas (as of 6 November 2025)

According to Natural Resources Wales and Carmarthenshire County Council, the following areas remain affected or on alert:

Carmarthen Quay and Old Llangunnor Road – River Towy flooding.
Ferryside and Kidwelly – Evacuations and animal rescue operations.
Whitland and St Clears – Major incident declared; floodwater entering homes.
Pendine to Hendy (east of Llanelli) – Coastal and tidal flooding.
Pembrey, Llanstephan, Laugharne, Bynea (Llanelli) – Ongoing flood alerts and road closures.
Kidwelly to Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park – Coastal properties and campsites affected.

Localised flooding has also been reported in Pontyates, Cynwyl Elfed, and Cross Hands.
Residents are urged to check live updates at flood-warning.naturalresources.wales.

🆘 Emergency Support Centres and Services

🏛️ Carmarthen Leisure Centre – Open as a rest and evacuation centre for anyone needing shelter, warmth, or information.
☎️ Carmarthenshire County Council Emergency Line: 0330 33 2222 (24 hours).
Flood hardship payments of £500 per affected household are available for those with internal flooding.
Apply via the Council’s flooding page.
🚒 Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service – Ongoing rescue operations. For emergencies, always dial 999.
🏥 Hywel Dda University Health Board (NHS) – Some clinics and outpatient services have been disrupted.
Families can call 0300 303 9642 to check if their child’s appointment is still going ahead.
If your child has ALN or medical equipment needs, explain your situation clearly when you call so staff can prioritise safely.
🚗 Travel disruption: Train services between Carmarthen and Fishguard Harbour remain suspended; many roads around Whitland, St Clears, and Llanelli are closed.

🍎 Foodbanks and Local Help

If your family has had to leave home suddenly, the following local organisations are providing food and emergency aid:

Organisation	Help Available	Contact
Carmarthen Foodbank	Emergency food parcels, toiletries, baby essentials	01267 225 995 carmarthen.foodbank.org.uk
Llanelli Foodbank	Support for families affected by flooding	01554 752 845 llanelli.foodbank.org.uk
Carmarthen Leisure Centre (Rest Centre)	Shelter, refreshments, social services contact point	01267 224 700
The Wallich – West Wales Outreach	Emergency housing and advice for families and individuals displaced by floods	08000 495 495
Citizens Advice Carmarthenshire	Help with emergency payments, benefits, and housing rights	01267 234 988 citizensadvice.org.uk/wales

👨‍👩‍👧 Support for ALN and Disabled Families

Families of children with ALN can contact these local and national services for targeted advice or advocacy:

Service	Support	Contact
Carmarthenshire ALN Parent Partnership	Guidance for parents about IDPs, education disruption, and accessing help	01267 246466 ALNQueries@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Team Around the Family (TAF)	Early help for families facing multiple challenges (housing, health, ALN)	01554 742 277 TAF@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
SNAP Cymru	National SEND/ALN advice, legal information, and appeals support	01554 777 566 / 0845 120 3730 carm@snapcymru.org
Family Information Service (FIS)	Directory of childcare, ALN, and disability support	01267 246 555 childreninfo@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

💬 Learn Without Limits — Helping Families Stay Connected

When physical roads are closed, digital connection becomes a lifeline.
Our Learn Without Limits App offers parents and carers:

Free printable forms for recording lost equipment or cancelled services
Guidance on education and health rights under the ALN Act
A calm space to reflect and plan next steps once the immediate crisis has passed

Families can also connect through our Facebook community,
Learn Without Limits CIC (Wales),
to share updates, local contacts, and peer support.
If you know of other shelters or food collections, please post them there so we can share across our network.

“When everything feels uncertain, connection is the first step toward recovery.”

🌟 How You Can Help

Share this post so that it reaches families who might not yet know where to turn.
If you are safe and able, check on any carers or families nearby who may have children with additional needs.
Volunteer information to us through our Facebook group if you hear of new centres or services opening — we’ll keep our list updated for as long as needed.

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