Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship

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Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH) is a charity in Pembrokeshire, founded on June 3, 2008 by Tracy Olin. It began in Milford Haven and now has bases in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and Haverfordwest. PATCH aims to provide short-term relief to people in financial crisis, and access is by referral only to ensure those in genuine need can use its services.

The charity started as a basics bank offering non-perishable food, clothing, a baby bank and household items. Vouchers from outside agencies let people obtain items from PATCH’s basics banks. There are basics banks in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest, and food parcels are also distributed from churches and other locations to help those who cannot easily travel.

Since 2010 PATCH runs an annual toy appeal, giving toys and other gifts to children referred through external agencies. In 2013, more than 500 children in over 180 families received 4–5 good quality gifts each.

PATCH receives support from local businesses such as Valero, Lidl and Tesco in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, as well as from local media. In 2014 the charity was named Milford Haven Port Authority/Port of Milford Haven charity of the year and received help from the port authority.

PATCH has gained national media attention, including the BBC documentary The Mount: A Welsh Estate, and appearances on Channel 5 News in 2011 and a Christmas edition of Songs of Praise in 2012. Local MPs and AMs have visited, including Owen Smith in January 2014 to see poverty in Wales and Jeff Cuthbert to learn about the impact of the Welsh Government’s Communities 2.0 programme. In March 2018, Labour MP Emily Thornberry visited the charity.