Query to return a row for each separated value in column

I have some SQL log data like this:

I want a query that splits the actions into separate returned rows, eg actions for user dave in January

There can be a one or many actions in the source column, like 10 or more. The actual data is a bit more complex; I've simplified to key elements. Typical queries I need would be changes for a particular user or a particular fruit in a time period.

I haven't found anything quite like this problem.

As HABO said in comment, string_split() on ; then split on : using charindex(), left() & right().

You can filter for the required in where clause

select t.[date], t.[user], a.[action], a.[item]
from   yourtable t
       cross apply string_split(actions, ';') s
       cross apply
       (
           select [action] = left(s.value, charindex(':', s.value) - 1),
                  [item]   = right(s.value, len(s.value) - charindex(':', s.value))
       ) a
where  t.[user]       = 'dave'
and    trim(s.value) <> 'changed'