Friday 26 September 2014

Housing Questionnaire for completion by Monday 29 Sep

Please could you complete and pass the below questionnaire onto colleagues who may be able to assist with gathering information and return the form back to Caron.jones@powys.gov.uk by Monday 29 September 2014.
http://www.pavo.org.uk/uploads/media/Questionnaire__-_template__1_.pdf

The project is principally to improve older persons social accommodation and to promote and maximise independent living opportunities for older persons. It is imperative that we spend our funding allocation before March 2015 – so they must gather information as quickly as possible !

Some Stand Space still available at PAVO Annual Conference & AGM - 10 November 2014

There are still some spaces available to show and advertise your work at the PAVO Annual Conference and AGM on 10 November 2014 - 9.30-2.30pm. 
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity then please click here to use the online form, to book your space, telephone: 01597 822191 or e-mail: ruth.middleton@pavo.org.uk

If you have not yet booked to attend the event click here to use the online form

Please view the programme attached or click here.

Reminder of HSCN Event - 7 October 2014

Just a reminder that it is not too late to book on this important annual Health & Social Care Network event at Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground on 7 October 2014. A link to the Agenda is below. There will be an update on strategic plans for Health and Adult Social Care & Wellbeing in the context of One Powys and what's new in Third Sector HSC&W. 

Unfortunately we do not have room for any for stands but please come along and join us.
Book online here Booking Form or Contact ruth.middleton@pavo.org.uk
Draft Agenda               Booking Form

Brecon & District Mind Coffee Morning

Friday 10th October  -  Brecon Guildhall 10am - 2pm
Coffee Morning and Info to mark World Mental Health Day.
All welcome  - If people wish to have a stand, please contact info@breconmind.org.uk
Donations would be welcome.

Message from Cllr Darren Mayor, Cabinet member for Adult Services

As we approach Autumn, our vision for integrated health and social care in Powys is being delivered by a series of programmes and projects to support our citizens.

In December 2013, the 'Health and Social Care Integrated Leadership Board' was formed between Powys County Council, Powys teaching Health Board and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations to have strategic oversight collectively in order to deliver seamless health and adult social care that centres around people as it improves care and quality of life for citizens within our communities.

It is important for us to keep you informed of current and future projects, and to share the success and benefits these projects will bring to citizens across Powys.

Please click here for an update of developments from our programme for Older People, and as we head through Autumn and into Winter, we will update you on developments from the Carers, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities/Disabilities programmes.

Older People's Question Time Invitation

Age Cymru would like to invite you to take part in an Older People’s Question Time with prominent Welsh politicians in Wales on Friday 3rd October 2014.

This event is part of Age Positive Week, which is being run by Age Cymru to celebrate International Day of Older Persons. The aim is to celebrate ageing and the many contributions that older people make to Welsh society.

The Question Time will be held in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, from 10:00am – 12:00pm of 3rd October.

The panel will include four high profile Welsh MPs who will discuss their party’s priorities in the build up to the 2015 UK General Election. This event will provide older people a platform to discuss key public policies with the major political parties in Wales.

We hope that you will be interested in participating in this event to support Age Positive Week.

Please RSVP to kathy.lye@agecymru.org.uk or by contacting Kathy Lye on 029 2043 1555.

If you would like to ask a question to the Welsh MPs, please submit your questions to kathy.lye@agecymru.org.uk.

Monday 22 September 2014

Illegal Tobacco in Wales - The Problem

Today ASH Wales has launched Wales' first ever survey into the scale and extent of the illegal tobacco market.
 http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dc40c73deed6b814c75c7f4ea&id=56353d7b41&e=9644b93e15

Public Events to Look at Protecting Services in Powys

As reported in this Month's PAVO E-Briefing, Powys County Council (PCC) has to find savings to the tune of £70m by the end of this decade. Powys teaching Health Board (PtHB) is similarly considering how to make savings to their budget.

Both organisations will be sharing their current thinking at a series of workshops to allow Powys people to understand more fully what’s happening to the public purse and have their say on draft budget proposals.

· Wednesday 24 September - Y Plas, Machynlleth
· Friday 26 September - The Flash, Welshpool
· Monday 29 September - The Monty Club, Newtown
· Wednesday 1 October - Miners’ Welfare Hall, Ystradgynlais
· Friday 3 October - Knighton Community Centre
· Monday 6 October - The Pavillion, Llandrindod Wells
· Wednesday 8 October - Elim Church, Brecon
· Monday 13 October - Llanidloes Community Centre

There will be two workshops sessions per day at each venue and a more informal drop-in session in the evening. The morning session begins at 10.00am and runs until 1.00pm. The afternoon session begins at 2.00pm and runs until 5.00pm. Tea and coffee will be provided.

A presentation will be given by each organisation to set the scene. Attendees will then be invited to select two out of a possible four workshop topics and join a roundtable discussion to contribute their views.

· PCC budget proposals 2015/16 and beyond.
· PtHB budget proposals 2015/16
· Challenges facing adult social care.
· Community delivery – what appetite is there for communities to deliver some services? (This session will be facilitated by PAVO)

If you wish to book a place please contact Mel Hardwick at Powys County Council on 01597 826160 or consultation@powys.gov.uk stating which workshop event and session you want to attend and if you have any special requirements.

All venues are accessible and have disabled toilet facilities. If you are not able to attend the workshop the ‘drop in’ sessions run from 6.00pm until 8.00pm.

Friday 12 September 2014

Smoking in Cars Carrying Children Consultation released - ASH Wales News Release

As you may be aware the Welsh Government has today launched its consultation on the proposal to ban smoking in cars carrying children. ASH Wales has issued the following news release, and will distribute a template consultation response in due course.

If you have any questions about the release, please contact Jamie Matthews, Head of Communications and Public Affairs: jamie.matthews@ashwales.org.uk or 029 2049 0621.
http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dc40c73deed6b814c75c7f4ea&id=bef7b86f0f&e=9644b93e15

Andrew Davies – Stoptober Local Hero

Andrew Davies from PAVO will be taking part in this year’s stoptober as one of the Powys Local Hero’s

Andrew has been smoking for 14 years and has tried many times to kick the habit; he has tried a range of different methods including hypnoses, patches, sprays and tablets but all to non-avail. However he says that “I have always tried giving up to please other people in the past but this time I’m doing it for me and my little girl”

Andrew has a 13 month little girl and he says he wants to be around to see her grow up and be able to do all the things that other dads can do without struggling and getting out of breath

Andrew will be taking up the smoking support sessions at Newtown GP practice but sessions will be available all over Powys, he will then be quitting smoking for 28 days over October

If anyone would like to join Andrew in this year’s stoptober please visit www.stopsmokingwales.com and sign up for your free stop smoking pack

National Eye Health Week 22-28 September

To mark National Eye Health Week, RNIB Cymru’s Alexandra McMillan offers some advice on eye health:

Sight is the sense people fear losing most, yet many of us don’t know the best way to look after our eyes. Over half of all sight loss is avoidable, which is why regular sight tests are so important. A sight test is not just about whether you need glasses or contact lenses; it is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions, some of which may not show symptoms.

You should have a sight test at least once every two years, even if you think your vision is fine. Sight tests are free for many people, including children, older people and those on income-related benefits.

During National Eye Health Week, ask yourself these simple questions:

1. Have I been for a sight test in the last two years?
2. Have my children/ partner/ parents/ other family members?
3. Do the people I work with know about the importance of regular sight tests? Is there anything I or my organisation could be doing to support people to go for regular sight tests?

For more information about National Eye Health Week, please visit: http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/

Monday 8 September 2014

Mental Health/Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DOLs)

PAVO and Montgomeryshire Community Health Council Invites you to a briefing/learning session on  Mental Health/Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DOLs)

Discover the differences between Mental Health and Capacity Acts, Advocacy and how they are used
· Learn about different “Sections” of the Acts,
· when they are applied and the timeframes/guidance
· Know more about the “new” Deprivation of Liberty
· Safeguarding updates (2014) and impact on services, e.g.,
- Best Interest Assessors, Relevant Person’s Representative
· Recognise when to involve advocates and referral process
· Candid Question and Answer Session

Monday, 22nd September, 2014 2:00—4:30 p.m. at Elephant and Castle, St Mary's room, Newtown SY16 2BQ

Who for: Individuals in contact with Mental Health Services, Voluntary Sector Organisations/Statutory Services Staff

Refreshments available, expenses for individuals attending possible.

DIARY MARKER: Brecon session, Monday 29th September, venue TBC

Ring/email Freda Lacey on 01597 822191 (Freda.Lacey@pavo.org.uk) for information. Please reserve your place due to limited space.

Bowel Screening Wales new booklets to Support Carers

Bowel Screening Wales has launched two new booklets to support carers and care agency staff in helping someone to complete a bowel screening kit. The booklets are available to download in English and Welsh from the Bowel Screening Wales website.
 http://www.bowelscreening.wales.nhs.uk/information-for-carers

CPD Creating Ageing - working with Older Clients

The proportion of people over 85 will double in the next 20 years. This CPD will equip counsellors to feel more confident in working with older clients. It will also be helpful to the older counsellor who may be considering the transition from counselling into retirement. The CPD is for trainee and experienced counsellors, and for those working with singles, couples and families. It is suitable at all counsellors, whether working for Relate or not. Relate Cymru are running this CPD on Saturday 11th October 9.30am - 4pm in Corris. There is a cost of £75 to attend.

If you would like to attend this CPD then please contact Laura Frayne on 01792 454414 or administratorsouthwales@relatecymru.org.uk

Friday 5 September 2014

Children Who Grow Up In Cold Homes

The below ‘growing up cold’ video highlighting the plight of children who grow up in cold homes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGyjmRC-4Eg

Nest accepts child tax credit and working tax credit with an income threshold of £16,010. So if there are any families really struggling in Powys, its probably worth signposting to Nest.
Nest can also provide front line staff briefings to any organisation who work with vulnerable families or children.      http://www.nestwales.org.uk/

FUTURE FIT - Have your say on the future of healthcare services

People in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid-Wales have an opportunity to influence the way healthcare is delivered for the next 20 years.
Make sure your voice is heard by attending an NHS Future Fit interactive workshop in September, where you can share your views and tell them where you think healthcare services should be located.
Local people can make their voice heard during eight workshops at a range of locations and times throughout August and September.

The September workshops are:
Thursday 18 September, 5pm-9pm – Oswestry Cricket Club, Oswestry, SY11 2AY. (Google Map link to venue) Click here to book a place.
Friday 19 September, 1pm-5pm – Cosy Hall, Newport, TF10 7LD. (Google Map link to venue) Click here to book a place.
Monday 22 September, 5pm-9pm – The Monty Club, Newtown, SY16 2LU. (Google Map link to venue)  Click here to book a place.
Tuesday 23 September, 10am-2pm – Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, SY8 1AZ. (Google Map link to venue)  Click here to book a place.

Unable to attend? Be part of the conversation  - Those unable to attend can still be at the event ‘virtually’, making their voice heard by taking part in the conversation on Twitter – joining in from wherever they are. Follow @NHSFutureFit and use the hashtag #myfuturefit to stay in touch. Using it, they can listen, add comments and ask questions to be involved in the workshops.

No changes can be made without the voices of local people – your input is vital. If you would like your group or organisation to hear more about NHS Future Fit, they can visit you.

To find out more about attending a workshop, call 0121 612 2805 or visit http://www.nhsfuturefit.co.uk/news/29-join-our-workshops-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-healthcare-services

Tuesday 2 September 2014

ASH Wales Conference

ASH Wales is looking forward to its sixth international conference Tipping the Balance: Tackling Health Inequalities for Tobacco Control on the 18th and 19th September at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. They are welcoming international speakers such as Luk Joosens from the Belgian Foundation against Cancer, and an International Expert on Illegal Tobacco Trade, and Melodie Tilson, Director of Policy, Non-Smokers' Rights Association, Canada who will speak about electronic cigarettes. They are also covering issues such as working with young people and smoking and mental health. Delegate places are still available so click here to register now.
View ASH Wales Newsletter here

Invitation to PAVO Conference & AGM - Monday 10th November 2014

"A Third Sector Scheme for Powys" at Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground LD2 3SY  9.30am-2.30pm
We are pleased to invite you to PAVO's Annual Conference and General Meeting, which will be held this year on Monday 10th November 2014. Please find the programme attached or click here.

The focus of the conference is the development of a Third Sector Scheme for Powys. Such a scheme will be an agreement between the Council, Health Board and Third Sector relating to how the sector is funded and how statutory agencies engage with the sector. It will also address issues such as commissioning and the role of volunteering.
 
We are fortunate to have a keynote contribution from Jeff Cuthbert AM, Welsh Government Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty. Mr Cuthbert holds the third sector portfolio for Welsh Government and recently introduced a new Third Sector Scheme for Wales. 

There will be an opportunity to participate in one of the themed workshops taking place at 11.50am that will give you the opportunity to consider the potential content of a third sector scheme in Powys.
I very much hope you can join us for the event. Coffee will be available from 9.30am before the commencement of our AGM at 10.00am. A light lunch will be available at 1.30pm to enable networking and talking with stall holders before your departure. 

PAVO's AGM and Annual Conference provides a great opportunity to meet other colleagues in the sector, as well as partners in other sectors to share information and good practice.
To let us know if you are able to attend please  click here to use the online form, telephone: 01597 822191 or e-mail: ruth.middleton@pavo.org.uk