PTLCC and £250 Prize Draw

Powys Transition and Low Carbon Community network (PTLCC) www.powystransition.org.uk which is part of the One Powys Connecting Voices portfolio invites all current residents in Powys to take part in their survey which is a chance to  tell them about the issues you think are important and what you would like us and the Local Service Board to be doing to make your community a better place.

Everyone over 18 and living in Powys who completes the survey can enter the free £250 Prize Draw. Closing date 31st May

http://www.tinyurl.com/ptlccsurvey2015

Care and Repair in Powys wins a National Heat Hero Award

Care and Repair in Powys are delighted to announce that their stalwart caseworker Gaynor Astley has won a national Heat Hero Award from NEA and ScottishPower for her work with Care and Repair in Powys in alleviating fuel poverty for older people in Powys! Out of the eleven winners announced, Gaynor is the only Hero from Wales (see http://www.nea.org.uk/campaigns-events/heat-heroes)

If you would like further information sshiels@crpowys.co.uk

There will be further releases after the awards ceremony in Westminster at the end of June.

The Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative Board

The first meeting of the Mid Wales Health Care Collaborative Board will take place on
Tuesday 5th May 2015 at Y Plas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER
Members of the public are welcome to attend to observe the meeting.

The independent co chairs of the collaborative will be available both before and after the meeting to discuss any issues that members of the public would like to raise.

Correspondence and queries are welcome in Welsh and English.  The agenda and supporting papers can be made available in a different format if required by contacting Nia Williams, Executive Project Manger at nia.williams17@wales.nhs.uk.

Helping the Transition Process for Children with Life Limiting Conditions

Hope House Children's Hospices are holding a One Day Conference for anyone working in Education, Social, Health and Voluntary Care.

'Transition There and Back Again'

13 May 2015  at Hope House Sunstone Centre
20 May 2015 - Coleg llandrillo, Madog Room

To include - Experiences of the multi-disciplinary care teams and those of young people and their families/carers.  £20 per delegate to include lunch and refreshments.
For more information and to book a provisional pleace contact  Conference@hopehouse.org.uk

Small Grant Scheme 2015-16

Powys Environmental Partnership Small Grant Scheme aims to help communities enhance their environment or surroundings.

Community groups are invited to apply for up to £750 to deliver their project.

• All funds must be match funded pound for pound by the group
• Funded projects must be completed by 31st March 2016
• Projects must be within Powys

Application windows 2015:
Spring – closing date 12th June 2015      Late summer – closing date 11th September 2015

For further information, including an application form and full terms and conditions email pep@powys.gov.uk

Powys Environmental Partnership Small Grant Scheme is supported by Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government

Citizen Directed Co-operatives Cymru Project Events

Citizen Directed Co-operatives Cymru Project has a series of events taking place in June for citizens to start identifying emerging co-operative ideas and members, as well as raising the profile of direct payments amongst those eligible to receive them.

The events are an opportunity for disabled people to:

· Find out more about direct payments and how they can be used,
· To find out more about co-operative approaches to managing direct payments,
· To explore the different ways to get involved in the CDCC project

Spaces at these events are limited and filling up fast. They ask anyone interested in attending to reserve their place asap. These free events are from 10am – 3.30pm and include lunch. They are also able to support with travel costs (please get in touch if travel appears to be an issue).

North Wales: 3rd June 2015 Conwy Business Park, Llandudno Junction
West Wales: 10th June 2015 Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli
South East Wales: 16th June 2015 Future Inns, Cardiff
Mid Wales: 23rd June 2015 Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells

More information contact   Rebecca.newsome@disabilitywales.org 02920 887325
To book a place contact Kelly Stuart:  Kelly.stuart@disabilitywales.org 02920 887325

DUST (Drug Use Screening Tool) and NPS (New Psychoactive Substances) - Free training offered

There are  places available on the DUST & NPS Training as follows: 

Drug Use Screening Tool (DUST)
An Assessment tool to assist those working with young people to distinguish between use and misuse; and accurately assess the risk factors.

‘Legal Highs’ or New Psychoactive Substance (NPS)
To understand what a “Legal High” or New Psychoactive substance is.   To identify where NPS come from.  To understand where people buy NPS.  To recognise some of the effects of NPS.  To be aware of treatment and harm reduction advice.  

DUST (Morning) 15th May 2015, NPTC Coleg Powys Newtown 9.30am – 12.30pm
NPS (Afternoon) 15th May 2015, NPTC Coleg Powys Newtown 1.30pm – 4.30pm

DUST (Morning) 23rd October 2015, The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells, 9.30am – 12.30pm
NPS (Afternoon) 23rd October 2015, The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

DUST (Morning) 4th March 2016, Neuadd Brycheiniog Brecon, 9.30am – 12.30pm
NPS (Afternoon) 4th March 2016, Neuadd Brycheiniog Brecon 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Please book your places via Trent Self Service or email pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827507

The HayDay Cafe

The place for people with a dementia and those who look after them.

Following a “memory day” organised by Hay on Wye U3A, Haygarth surgery provided information that approx 40 people in and around the Hay area have some form of dementia (April 2013). A group of people thought that more support should be available in their community, especially as there are no day centre facilities or other social groups focused on people with a dementia in their locality.

HayDay provides a place which:
· Centres activities on the person with a dementia to improve their wellbeing
· Uses volunteers to provide one-to-one friendship support & activities
· Enables carers to take part in activities and informal networking with other carers

They meet on the first Monday of the month from 2.30 – 4pm at Cusop Village Hall, Hay on Wye.

For more information, please contact Trish Richardson 01497 821381

Add to Your Life’ Release Two goes live

Release 2 of the ‘Add to Your Life’ over 50s health and wellbeing self-assessment is now available at addtoyourlife.co.uk

The changes to the free NHS Wales self-assessment are in response to user and specialist feedback about the content and layout.  Margie Fielden, Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted that Release 2 has gone live to coincide with the first anniversary of ‘Add to Your Life’ on 28 April.”

The online tool has been developed by Public Health Wales to encourage people aged 50 or over in Wales to stop and think about their health and wellbeing and the steps they could take to help improve it.  Changes made to the health and wellbeing self-assessment were informed by a formative evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government, which included the results of a user survey and views of community partners.

The ‘Add to Your Life’ Content Assurance Group, made up of expert stakeholders, health topic leads and third sector representatives, also provided best practice and specialist content to create a more tailored service.  Margie continues: “The ‘Add to Your Life’ tool has been developed further to make sure it meets the needs of our partners, the users find it even more helpful and the advice is as up to date and relevant as possible.”  Any feedback on the second release of ‘Add to Your Life’ can be sent to Margie Fielden at margie.fielden@nhs.wales.uk.

Have Your Say - Regulation & Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Bill

The National Assembly for Wales’ Health and Social Care Committee is currently scrutinising the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Bill.

As part of its consideration of the Bill, the Committee would like to hear from service users. The session will take place in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 13 May 2015 (exact time to be confirmed).

The Committee is able to accommodate up to 4 individuals and would welcome expressions of interest from individual service users who may wish to participate. Committee staff will be in touch in due course to confirm the names of those selected to contribute to the Committee’s work.

The Committee’s public consultation on the Bill is underway. Should you wish to share your views in advance of the session these would be gratefully received no later than 28 April 2015. An outline of the questions the Committee is considering is available on the relevant consultation page.

If any organisation or service user would like to attend contact booking line on tel: 0300 200 6565
email: contact@assembly.wales

Nest Partnership Survey

The Welsh Government's Nest scheme is continually looking to develop how they work with partner organisations to ensure they maximise the opportunities to reach and support householders across Wales.

They would be grateful if you could spare five minutes to complete this survey

Your feedback will help develop the scheme over the coming months.
http://dmtrk.com/2PYW-968-E8D3EH129/cr.aspx

Parkinson's Awareness Week - 20-26 April 2015

Montgomeryshire Branch are holding a Coffee Morning "Strictly Parkinsons" 11am Dance on Friday 24 April at The Town Hall in Welshpool

Women and multiple disadvantage in Wales

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NCN3Q85

The purpose of this survey is to help WEN Wales map the extent to which women in Wales experience multiple disadvantage. WEN would be very grateful if you could take some time to answer the questions about your organisation, the work you do with women in Wales and the kinds of multiple disadvantage that are experienced by your members or service users.

Examples of multiple disadvantage could include:   Low income    Unemployment

Discrimination on the basis of identity
Lack of educational qualifications
Homelessness or vulnerable housing
Ill health
Disability
Mental health problems

There are 14 questions in all and we estimate that the survey should take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.   The information will be used to support our policy and influencing work on behalf of the women of Wales.

Help the Nation Celebrate It's Liberties with a Libertea

LiberTeas is a unique opportunity for the nation to celebrate the freedoms and rights that are close to their heart, and actively mark the rights that have made a difference to them over the years. Is there a liberty, right or representation you are passionate about?

For more information: www.liberteas.co.uk.

Job Vacancy - Support Services Coordinator - Terrence Higgins Trust

28 hours per week      Ref: 591
Salary: £18,460 per annum (23,076 pro rata)
Location: Home based to work across Mid Wales
Fixed term until 31st December 2016
The closing date is 20 April 2015

Further information on link below:
https://thtjobs.org.uk/wd/plsql/wd_portal.show_job?p_web_site_id=3547&p_web_page_id=214854

High Sheriff of Powys keen to support and promote third sector groups and organisations

The High Sheriff of Powys, Mike Lewis, is keen to use his year of office to support and promote third sector groups and organisations. He would be happy to be involved in award ceremonies and other events that raise the profile of charities, community groups and voluntary agencies. Please contact him at mlewis2@toucansurf.com

Accredited Public Engagement Training - Free Places for Local Authorities, Health Boards & Third Sector Health & Social Care Organisations

Please see below 2 accredited courses that WCVA are running soon that has LIMITED places on it that are being funded by Public Health Wales for any one working within the health and social care sector (whether public or third sector). Apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Public engagement: theory and practice
22 - 23 April and 3 June 2015 - Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells
Accredited by Agored Cymru - Cost WCVA Member: £375 Voluntary / community organisation: £435 Public / private / other: £495

Shared Power in Public Services
19 - 20 May and 24 June 2015 Winding House, Caerphilly
Accredited by Agored Cymru - Cost WCVA Member: £375 Voluntary / community organisation: £435     Public / private / other: £495
Funded places are available on this course for those working in the health and social care sector (Health boards, Social Services and other local authority departments and third sector organisations).

Esmee Fairbarn launches new grantmaking strategy

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has launched a new funding strategy which will include a focus on giving unrestricted grants and offering long-term funding.

Click here for more information -
http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/news-and-learning/news-and-events/launching-our-five-year-funding-strategy
The charity, which has an endowment of around £900m, said its strategy will also provide much more definition about what the foundation will fund, in an effort to reduce the number of unsuccessful applications, and will offer long-term funding to ensure charities can carry out projects to completion.

Carer’s Engagement Forum

Carers Engagement Forum receives reports from a range of agencies and reports to the Carer’s Thematic Board

PAVO attends representing the 3rd sector, raising issues on their behalf and providing feedback via this HSCN blog

Summary of points discussed at the meeting held on 26.3.15 can be read here

The forum is open to carer members to attend- If you are a carer and would be interested in attending or have issues that you would like the forum to raise please contact Hannah Isaacson Health and Social Care Facilitator for PAVO hannah.isaacson@pavo.org.uk

Best wishes to Trish

Many of you will know our Health & Social Care Facilitator Trish Buchan who is moving on after 12 busy and fruitful years at PAVO to concentrate on her work with the Health Board. Although she has moved on she will still be taking an active interest in PAVO's Health and Social Care work.

Trish's contributions over her time at PAVO have been too numerous to list and the HSCN team, PAVO and many others will miss her greatly and wish her all the best in her new role.

ASH Wales - Plain packaging success

To view their latest newsletter follow the below link:

http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dc40c73deed6b814c75c7f4ea&id=ddda6a38a4&e=9644b93e15

Dementia Awareness Week is 17th – 23rd May

Within Brecon, throughout this week, there will be events and activities to raise awareness, encourage engagement and promote the work currently taking place under the banner of Brecon Dementia Friendly Community These are currently in the planning stage, and once finalised a programme of work will be produced and distributed throughout the Brecon area.

The week will culminate in a Celebratory Concert held in collaboration with the Town Council at Brecon Guildhall on Saturday, 23rd May to mark Brecon becoming the first community in Wales to be officially recognised as working to become Dementia Friendly.

This event will feature Cor Meibion Aberhonddu, Llanfaes CP School children’s choir as well as others linked to the Dementia Friendly Community initiative. They hope to celebrate, fundraise, and provide an evening’s entertainment and engagement with those living with dementia.

Funds raised will go towards developing a community-based music and singing project, Singing for Life.

THIRD SECTOR SUPPORT – MID & WEST WALES

Delivering local support for Voluntary Action and Social Enterprise across the region

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THE THIRD SECTOR

An opportunity to discuss how best to support and enable the involvement of third sector organisations in regional activity across Mid and West Wales

Thursday 21st May 2015 10.00am – 1.00pm at Llandybie Memorial Hall, Carmarthenshire

You are invited to join a round table discussion to consider the best way to represent third sector organisations on regional partnerships across a wide range of policy areas including health, social care & well-being; learning & skills; community safety; and children & families.

The meeting is being organised by the County Voluntary Councils in Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire working collaboratively as ‘Third Sector Support – Mid & West Wales’

Please confirm your attendance with Annie Watkins annie.watkins@pavo.org.uk 01597 822191

Integrated Training Brochure 2015-2016

The new Integrated Training Brochure in Welsh and English which will run from 1st April 2015 to the 31st March 2016 now available on line and the hard copy brochure available shortly.

Webpage English:  http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/training-and-dbs/training-for-childcare-providers-foster-carers-and-social-care-work/

Training for Childcare Providers, Foster Carers and Social Care work

English brochure: http://pstatic.powys.gov.uk/fileadmin/Docs/Training___DBS/Integrated_Training_Brochure__2015-2016_en_v1.pdf

Webpage Welsh:  http://www.powys.gov.uk/cy/hyfforddiant-ar-gwasanaeth-datgelu-a-gwahardd/dod-o-hyd-i-hyfforddiant-i-ddarparwyr-gofal-plant-gofalwyr-maeth-a-gweithwyr-gofal-cymdeithasol/

Dod o hyd i hyfforddiant i Ddarparwyr Gofal Plant, Gofalwyr Maeth a Gweithwyr Gofal Cymdeithasol

Welsh brochure: http://pstatic.powys.gov.uk/fileadmin/TranslatedDocs/Training___DBS/Integrated_Training_Brochure__2015-2016_cy_v1.pdf

http://www.powys.gov.uk/cy/hyfforddiant-ar-gwasanaeth-datgelu-a-gwahardd/dod-o-hyd-i-hyfforddiant-i-ddarparwyr-gofal-plant-gofalwyr-maeth-a-gweithwyr-gofal-cymdeithasol/

Please book your places either via the web booking form, email to pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827330 / 01597 827507

Co-operative Approach to Direct Payments Events

The Citizen Directed Co-operatives Cymru project is starting its roadshows for the project in April. These events will provide organisations and citizens with an opportunity to find out more about a co-operative approach to direct payments, the aims of the project and support available, and how individuals can get involved.

The events in Mid Wales are as follows:

April 20th 2015: Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells
This event is aimed at organisations who are interested in learning more about a citizen directed co-operative approach to managing Direct Payments and how they can support the development of such co-operatives in their area, and be given the knowledge to share this information with service users in their area.

June 23rd 2015: Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells
This event is aimed at individuals and groups of service users and citizens who are interested in learning more about Direct Payments and different ways that these payments can be managed. (E.g. Citizens who receive Direct Payments or Community Care Packages). Travel reimbursement is available for attendees.

All booking by the 6 April 2015 to: kelly.stuart@disabilitywales.org

Power to Local People in practice - 17 June 2015, Llandrindod Wells

In January 2015 the Minister for Local Government published a consultation on a White Paper: Reforming Local Government- Power to Local People. The paper highlights the need for greater collaboration between public service providers, individuals and communities with more power to local people. This chimes with the forward movement in Wales around co-production and alternative forms of service delivery. This network event aims to look at the practical implications of this from the perspective of those with a responsibility for service delivery.

Target audience: Engagement practitioners across the public and third sectors

Aim: To increase the skills of those who work with individuals and communities in sharing the responsibility, power and resources for public services.

By the end of the day participants will have learnt more about the concept of sharing power with local people, gained practical skills in enabling the sharing of power to happen, heard about current practice through case studies

Cost: FREE to attend! Funded by Public Health Wales

How might the proposed Future Fit options affect Powys people with protected characteristics

‘Future Fit have been in discussion with NHS staff and local Shropshire and Powys people to develop a range of possible options for the configuration of healthcare services in Shropshire Telford and Wrekin. The options will also have implications for Powys service users.

Future Fit are now seeking views of the public in Powys to understand how the changes are likely to impact upon people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include Age, Race, Ethnicity, Disability, Gender and Sexual Orientation.

To help NHS Future Fit to develop their understanding, they are providing links to a survey and also offering materials for focus groups and workshops. If you have a group who would be interested in responding, please contact the NHS Future Fit team at nhsfuturefit@nhs.net a link to the online survey will be published as soon as possible.

Regional leadership and the third sector in Wales

WCVA has asked the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care at the University of South Wales to undertake a research study into improving regional leadership and the links between local and national third sector organisations. This is all set in the context of the role of the third sector which is at the heart of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act.

A questionnaire has been designed to explore the functions that the third sector needs in order to deal with the challenge of the Act. They are seeking to capture the views of different stakeholders on this and it will provide crucial intelligence for our sector.

The survey can be found here: https://usw.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/thirdsector for completion by
Friday 10 April. 

New CEO of Powys teach Health Board

Carol Shillabeer has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for Powys teaching Health Board.

Carol has been a key member of the Executive Team since 2009 in the role of Director of Nursing, and was also appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Executive in 2014. Carol's appointment is great news for the Health Board as it means that she can continue building on the work she has already started after becoming Interim Chief Executive last December.

Viv Harpwood, Chair of Powys teaching Health Board said "I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Carol on her appointment and I look forward to continuing to work with her to develop the organisation for the future."

Alzheimer’s Society Tea, Chat and Activities in Brecon

For people who live with Dementia, are friends or have a relative affected by Dementia.

·         Meet other people in a similar position, have a chat and try out some activities designed especially for people with dementia and their carers.  Get access to useful information about dementia and dementia services in the area.

The Group runs every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12 noon:

Ty Croeso, St David’s House, 48 Free Street, Brecon LD3 7BP

For more information please contact Jean Nowell on 01874 712083