Universal Credit in Powys

Powys' Money Advice and Support Team produced an information pack which aims to address key questions regarding the phased rollout of Universal Credit in Powys for single new Job Seeker Allowance customers (e.g. who will be affected, what support is available and how to answer enquiries). Also included is a Universal Credit Enquiries flowchart which summarises the process for managing customer enquiries, the Universal Credit Claimant Journey produced by the DWP which shows the Universal Credit steps and contact details.

If you aware of any claimants on Universal Credit who require any form of free money advice, please contact Dave Preece david.preece@powys.gov.uk in the Money Advice and Support Team. As part of Powys’s agreement with the DWP, they are required to record all money advice enquiries and are happy to work together with stakeholders in supporting Universal Credit claimants within Powys.

If any Universal Credit claimants require assistance with digital support, please contact;

Dave Preece david.preece@powys.gov.uk,
Mindy Jerman mindy.jerman@powys.gov.uk
Claire Davies claire.davies@powys.gov.uk
David Morris david.john.morris@powys.gov.uk

Please note that Universal Credit claimants are eligible to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP), free school meals and the council tax reduction scheme and the management of these schemes remains unchanged i.e. these are still being administered by Powys County Council and relevant application forms can be downloaded or completed online on the Powys website;

http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/benefits/apply-for-benefits/

If you require any further information regarding Welfare Reform/Universal Credit, please contact;

Claire Davies (Senior Projects & Transformation Officer)  Telephone: 01597 827686 

Email: claire.davies@powys.gov.uk

David Morris (Professional Lead Income & Awards)    Telephone: 01597 826127
Email: david.john.morris@powys.gov.uk

LandAid funding - closing date 16th November

LandAid has launched an empty properties funding programme to bring empty properties into use for young people in housing need. LandAid will fund work across the UK which turns empty properties into supported accommodation for young people who are either homeless, or at severe risk of becoming homeless. LandAid welcomes applications from organisations with experience in renovating empty properties. The government’s Empty Homes Community Grants Programme ended in mid-2015 after bringing almost 2,000 properties back into use. There is much more still to do - there are around 200,000 empty homes in England alone. The £1 million funding programme is now open to applications and will close at 10.00am on Monday 16 November 2015. Specifics of this funding round Who can apply? UK organisations with charitable objectives, including: 

 UK registered charities 

 UK registered societies, community benefit societies, ‘pre-commencement societies’, industrial and provident societies

LandAid do NOT fund statutory organisations, churches or individuals. If you have previously applied to LandAid, whether you were successful or not, you are welcome to apply to this round.

http://pavofundingnews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/landaid-funding-closing-date-16th.html

Powys Befrienders Quality Mark

Powys Befrienders, which is a lottery funded project with PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary organisations) has worked hard over the past nine months and recently been awarded the Qib in recognition of their safe and competent service which is run across Powys.

Launched by Befriending Network Scotland in 2010, Quality in Befriending [QiB] is a quality award specifically for befriending projects. The standards outlined in QiB link closely to the Befriending Code of Practice and the credit-rated Vital Skills in Befriending training course. Befriending Networks is a member of the Accreditation Providers Forum [APF] and QiB is listed in the APF’s Quality in the Voluntary Sector Guide.

QiB was developed by BNS with input from:

· Charities Evaluation Services (originators of PQASSO)
· the Accreditation Providers Forum
· a reference group of quality award providers and assessors
· a pilot group of 13 diverse befriending projects

QiB assesses the core work of befriending projects and does not aim to assess the wider organisation. The nine Practice Areas covered by QiB are:
client referrals, assessments and waiting lists
volunteer recruitment, assessment and selection
volunteer training
matching
reviews and ongoing support for clients and befrienders
endings
risk management and safety
project resources
monitoring & evaluation, and implementing change

The service has helped and supported many clients to improve their quality of life and has had measurable benefits on their independence and confidence.

1-1 IT training sessions with PAVO

PAVO now offers 1-1 sessions for the following IT courses:
Introduction to Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10
Introduction to Android tablets
Microsoft Word (versions 03 – 13)
Microsoft Excel (version 03 – 13) - Beginner
Microsoft Excel (version 03 – 13) - Intermediate
Microsoft PowerPoint (version 03 – 13)
Saving and editing digital images
The Internet and all that stuff
Joomla: Web Site Content Management System - Administration
Joomla: Web site Content Management System – Editing
Skype

Cost: £35 per hour (PAVO members)  £40 per hour (Non PAVO members)
To arrange a session call: 01597 822191 or email: training@pavo.org.uk

Vacancy - County Development Officer

County Development Officer
Salary £815.73 per month (£24,472 fte pro rata). 2 days per week
Initial Contract to 31st March 2016

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations wishes to appoint a part-time Development Officer to be based in Newtown.

In order to deliver this exciting and challenging post the successful candidate will ideally have experience of community development, providing a service that covers all aspects of supporting groups and communities in Powys

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 4th November.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11th November 2015
Application packs are available from Lisa Banfield at PAVO
Tel: 01597 822191 or E-mail: lisa.banfield@pavo.org.uk

Speak Out as Part of Calan DVS' NO-vember campaign

"NO vember" element of the White Ribbon Campaign encourages everyone to take part in saying NO to domestic abuse.

1. You can either use Calan DVS’ readymade speech and thought bubbles or you can create your own! 

2. Speak out by writing what you think about domestic abuse on your speech bubble! 

3. Take a selfie or have a friend take your photo of you holding up your speech bubble. 

4. Upload your picture onto Calan DVS’ Facebook page or twitter account and don’t forget to use the hashtag #speak out. 

Or email your picture to kfox@calandvs.org.uk who will upload your photo onto our social media pages for you!

Green Paper: Our Health, Our Health Service

Seeking your views on how to improve quality and governance in the NHS.

http://gov.wales/consultations/healthsocialcare/service/?lang=en

In Search of the Perfect Health System by Mark Britnell

http://www.midaspr.co.uk/news-stories/out-today-in-search-of-the-perfect-health-system-by-mark-britnell/

To request a copy of the book or discuss interviews, articles, features and reviews, please contact:

sarah.heinz@midaspr.co.uk or daniel.freeman@midaspr.co.uk  0207 361 7868  or  020 7361 7866

South Locality Annual Report 14-15

This year, the Locality has continued to plan and develop services to allow the local population to access care closer to home. They have looked at how they can reduce pressures on  local District General Hospitals by developing new roles for staff to enable them to work in new ways. They have continued to forge strong working relationships with  General Practice colleagues as well as other service providers and the Third Sector. This report provides an overview of  2014/2015. 

http://www.pavo.org.uk/uploads/media/South_Locality_Annual_Report_14-15_-_final.pdf

Shared vision of health and adult social care services at public event in Ystradgynlais

Residents in Ystradgynlais and the surrounding area are being invited to learn about plans for future health and adult social care at an event next month (November), which has a particular focus upon older people.
http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/communications/view-council-news/news-article/article/3323-shared-vision-of-health-and-adult-social-care-services-at-public-event-in-ystradgynlais/

Choose Well Week, 26-30 Oct

The Welsh Government launched a ‘Your NHS Wales - Choose Well’ campaign today (News article here). They are calling on the public to think carefully about how they use the NHS and find the right health services for their needs.

The campaign highlights the importance of self care in dealing with many minor illnesses, which can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and advice. It also highlights the various free services available, from NHS Direct, GPs, pharmacies, opticians and minor injury units, ready and able to treat a range of health conditions.

It asks people to only call 999 or go to their local Accident & Emergency unit if they have a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention, such as severe chest pain, choking, blacking out, major blood loss or a suspected stroke.

Not sure what NHS service to use? Download the app: http://www.choosewellwales.org.uk/

The Welsh Ambulance are running a social media campaign throughout this week, and they would be grateful if you would share this information with your colleagues and networks. Tell them how you have chosen well by tweeting pictures and comments to @WelshAmbPIH with #YourNHSWales.

Mid Wales Matters - The Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative

Mid Wales Matters The official newsletter of The Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative Issue 2 Autumn 2015 is now available

http://www.midwalescollaborative.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/1158/Mid%20Wales%20Matters%20Newsletter%20Eng%20doc.pdf

What's going on at KINDA

Knighton Initiative for Dementia Action

Flicks in the Sticks at Knighton Com are showing It's a Wonderful Life on Sunday 22nd November. Whitton WI have kindly sponsored this for them.

They plan to do several events that week as it is Carers' Rights Day on the 20th. They have booked JD's Cafe for a Glad Chatters' Tea Party in the afternoon of Wednesday, 18th. Age Cymru is joining them and are hoping to give the mental health perspective too. A Dementia Friends Awareness session will be run on the following Tuesday.

A small group of Knightonians were taken to visit their friends who are now living at Crosfield House in Rhayader and received a very warm welcome.

Joy Alderson is the new Regional Volunteering Support Officer for Dementia Friends. She is based in North Wales and covers Radnorshire so can help with any champions' queries. Her email address is joy.alderson@alzheimers.org.uk and there is champions' training in Brecon on Saturday, 14th November.

Please have a look at http://www.kindadementia.org/our-stories/ - they have added a new section called 'Our Stories' and if any one would like to contribute, either named or anonymously, they would love to hear from you.

Dementia Research

Swansea University are looking for participants for research involving informal carers of people with young onset dementia to take part in a study that focuses on their day to day experiences of caring.  Participation would involve completion of a postal questionnaire.  they are also looking for people who would agree to be interviewed.

all information gained and your involvement in the study is strictly confidential.

You will be asked to describe how the onset of dementia in the person you provide care to has affected your day-to-day life, how the services and support you receive assist with your caring role, and the impact it has had on relationships within your family and friends.

For more information about this study or to volunteer to participate in the study please contact Gordon Jones, Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University.  Tel 07976 624757  Email: 263556@swansea.ac.uk

PURSH - Dr Steve Hugh Award for Quality in Primary Care

Shropdoc annually presents the 'Dr Steve Hugh Award for quality in Primary Care' to recognise individuals or teams, within the Shropshire and Powys areas, who have significantly contributed to the care which patients received.  sometimes the recipient has introduced an innovation to care, supported a particular area such as Palliative Care or provided core services but to an exemplary degree.

PURSH - Powys Urgent Response Service in Homes  are winners of the Award for 2015 recognising that they provide a responsive service, providing quick, support for elderly frail people in their own homes throughout Powys over the last 5 years where, without it, they would have been admitted to either an acute or community hospital inappropriately.

Experiencing Dementia & Compassionate Communication - Free places offered

There are a few places left on Experiencing Dementia and Compassionate Communication Dementia training which Re-Live are delivering for Powys County Council as follows : Further details of course below. You can book just the one day or the two days.

10th December – Experiencing Dementia – PAVO Training Room, Unit 30 Ddole Road, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6DF.

11th December – Compassionate Communication – PAVO Training Room, Unit 30 Ddole Road, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6DF

Telephone if you would like to book any places 01597 827507

Experiencing Dementia - 1 day course 9.30am - 4.30pm Max trainees – 20

This dynamic and practical course explores the emotional and psychological impact of living with dementia.

This training will:
• invite trainees to engage with the emotional and psychological experience of dementia, exploring the questions "What if it was me living with dementia?
How would I feel? What would I need?"
• encourage trainees to develop compassionate perspectives on dementia, building greater understanding between staff, people living with dementia and family members
• explore practical ways of transforming existing services, moving towards a compassion-focused service for people living with dementia and those who care for them

Compassionate Communication - 1 day course 9.30am - 4.30pm Max trainees – 20

Compassionate care and communication are at the heart of excellent dementia care. Drawing on Re-Live’s work in the UK and Japan, this course is aimed at professionals caring for people with dementia in their own home, a shared home or hospital setting.

The training will:
• explore the positive impact that compassionate communication can have for a person living with dementia
• support trainees to become aware of their own communication style
• develop trainees' confidence in connecting with a person with dementia, including the use of non-verbal communication
• encourage trainees to reflect on the situations they find challenging and explore how compassionate care and communication can help

Powys Broker Service & infoengine Project update - Sep 2015

http://www.pavo.org.uk/fileadmin/Docs/Ginvolved/Comms_Hub_3rd_Sect_Broker/PROJECT_UPDATE_-_Sept_2015_Broker_and_infoengine__1_.pdf

Skype and Windows 10 training with PAVO

An Introduction to Windows 10

Monday 9th November 2015 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Cost:      £25 - Non PAVO members / individuals    £20 - PAVO members

Aims:  To give a better understanding of the Microsoft Windows operating system, including settings.

Content:  This is an introduction to the Microsoft Windows system, and the changes that can be made to personalise your computer.

Learning Outcomes
An understand how Windows works
How to change background pictures (desktop)
Adding shortcuts
Effective file management (organising files and images)
Get to grips with Windows 10

Who is this course for:  This course is designed for people with little or no computer skills or people that are upgrading to Windows 10.

To book: Click here

Skype (Home & Business use)
Wednesday 11th November 2015 (10am - 12:30pm)
Cost:  £40 - Non PAVO members / individuals    £35 - PAVO members

Aim:   To give a better understanding of Skype and its' uses.

Learning outcomes:

Learn how to make the most of Skype in both a home and business setting
Get to grips with icons and tools
Learn about group chat
Group for conference calls and share your screen

To book: click here

Health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act, NPC conference hears

Public sector health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act when they commission services that charities could deliver, an audience of charity delegates heard last week.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/20581/health_bodies_routinely_ignore_the_social_value_act_npc_conference_hears?utm_source=19+October+2015+Governance&utm_campaign=19+October+2015%3A+Governance&utm_medium=email

Life After Stroke grants

Thanks to the Stroke Association partnership with the Royal Mail, the Stroke Association can provide one-off ‘Life After Stroke’ grants of up to £300 to support stroke survivors with their recovery.

Examples of items provided by recovery grants include:
· a specialised respite/family holiday inside the UK
· white goods such as washing machines, tumble dryers, or fridges
· beds and bedding
· riser-recliner chairs
· medical equipment/disability aids not available from NHS
· travel costs for compassionate reasons, for example hospital visiting, or travel to visit family.

If you are working with stroke survivors who you think could benefit from a Life after Stroke grant, please email grantsexternal@stroke.org.uk or call 0303 30 33 100 for more information on the application process.

Please note that a doctor’s certificate confirming diagnosis of stroke will be needed, and that the grants are means-tested to ensure that they are targeted at those in most need.

Research Intern - Powys Carers Service

Research Intern Jan – Dec 2016         Deadline for application: Oct 30th
Powys Carers Service and WCD Young Carers    -    Powys, Mid Wales

Powys Carers Service is looking for a graduate research intern to provide base line data and ongoing qualitative and quantitative social research support for an exciting project focused on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. They need someone who is passionate about social change and has well developed research skills with a capacity to relate to a wide range of people but who is also able to reflect on the possible meaning of the statistics and stories being gathered. The successful candidate will have a high level of written English, be good at time management and be able to organise their own work independently.

They believe that Young Carers should not be disadvantaged for a lifetime as a result of caring for a loved one; they should instead be recognized, valued and able to enjoy the same life chances as other children.

They are undertaking participatory action research with Young Carers, their families, their schools and communities to understand what it takes to create the conditions whereby Young Carers are supported to succeed. This internship will support this project.

This post will be paid at the Living Wage and is for one year from January 2016, subject to funds being released by a UK Trust. After the first interview the candidate that PCS selects will be invited to the second stage which involves meeting the Trust as part of the application process for funds.

Skills:  Must have graduated at honours degree level - preferably with 2:2 or above and be considering research degree. High standard of spoken and written English essential. Spoken Welsh desirable. Good communication and people skills. Must be able to work as part of a diverse team of outreach workers and office based staff. Basic IT skills essential (as use of word processing and database software essential).    Must possess an understanding and appreciation of issues faced by Young Carers / Young Adult Carers.

How to apply:  Please contact Marie Davies via email with your CV and a covering letter to ask for more details and saying why you would like to undertake this internship:-
marie@powyscarers.org.uk

For more information about Powys Carers Service, please go to website:- www.powyscarers.org.uk

Interviewing candidates for the first stage of the process on 5th November 2015.
The second stage of the process involves an interview with the Trust that is funding the internship.

Promoting independence, Mr Evan's story

Promoting Independence:  The aim of the project is to promote and maximise independent living opportunities for older people by future proofing their accommodation to suit their needs. Residents are able to stay in their homes for longer, remain in their community of choice with greater independence.
Read on ......http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/adult-social-care/integrating-health-and-social-care/promoting-independence-fit-for-purpose/

Dementia Friends Champion Training day - Brecon

Dementia Friends Champion are trained volunteers who encourage their family, friends and local community to learn a little bit about dementia, and inspire them to help people with dementia to live well.

Be part of the social change to help to create dementia friendly communities

The next Dementia Friends Champion Training day will take place on Saturday, 14th November, 10 – 4pm at the Clive Richards Room, Christ College, Brecon. Booking is essential.

To book a place www.dementiafriends.org.uk

Further information is available on the Brecon website http://www.dementiafriendlybrecon.org.uk/what_s_on?page=2

Possible Spending Cuts to Youth Services

PCC spending cuts are possible for youth services in the coming financial year.  This could mean risks and opportunities for the voluntary youth sector.  Take part in the survey to help shape services at (English) http://bit.ly/PVYSE or (Welsh) http://bit.ly/PVYSC

PAVO Trustee Nominations

PAVO is inviting nominations from individuals who wish to stand for election to their Board of Trustees at the AGM on Thursday 12th November 2015. The relevant documentation is available on our website http://www.pavo.org.uk/about-pavo/pavo-agm-2015/trustee-nominations.html or if you require copies to be posted to you please contact us.

Please note that the closing date for nominations is 20th October at 12 noon.

Please pass this information on to anyone that you know who may be interested in standing. We are looking for nominees with skills, knowledge or expertise that will further enhance the governance of the organisation.

Nominations must be endorsed by a PAVO member organisation, but nominees do not need to be a member of that organisation.

Trustees are not remunerated but all related expenses are reimbursed.

For more information about this opportunity please see the PAVO website www.pavo.org.uk/about-pavo or contact: Angela Owen, Plas Dolerw, Newtown, SY16 2EH 01686 626220 angela.owen@pavo.org.uk.

Thank you to those that have already booked to attend the event. If you have not yet booked your place please book online now by clicking here           Click here to view the Agenda for the day.

Powys Budget Challenge – Public Consultation

As you may be aware from items in the local press and in this month’s PAVO E-Briefing, Powys County Council (PCC) is currently running an on-line public consultation exercise regarding the choices it faces in making £27m worth of savings over the next three years. The consultation runs until 30 November 2015

The exercise is being conducted using an on-line budget ‘simulator’ which allows respondents to set spending levels in key areas of the Council’s services and also see explanations of the practical impacts this will have upon those services.

The budget areas under consideration are:
Highways Transport and Recycling;
Adult Social Care and Housing;
Children’s Services; Schools; Culture and Recreation;
Central Support Services;
and Regeneration and Property.

A more detailed list of proposals for the services affected can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/nb5h8nz)

This consultation exercise is important for a range of reasons, including:
Many of the services being considered are important to the members and service users of a wide range of community and voluntary organisations.
Changes to PCC’s services will potentially have significant ‘knock on’ consequences upon the demand for services provided by community and voluntary organisations.
There is a strong emphasis upon PCC’s need to work more closely with others (particularly voluntary organisations and volunteers) in the future to meet current service needs or deliver them in new and different ways. However, there is no indication within the budget simulator of the Authority maintaining or increasing the funding and support necessary to make this practical.
The budget option for the Regeneration and Property budget includes the reduction of grant funding for voluntary groups

The consultation is targeted at Powys Residents, rather than organisations, so for this reason it is the number of responses (rather than who makes them) which is most likely to have an impact. For this reason you may wish to encourage the individual members of your community group or organisation to respond.

You can make your response at: https://powyscc.budgetsimulator.com/, it will take about 10 minutes to complete.

If you don’t want to do the simulator or have other ideas and comments to submit to PCC you can send them toconsultation@powys.gov.uk


Your organisation and members may also have other wish views and comments upon the budget options and proposals wishyou wish to share directly to your local county councillor and/or the Portfolio Holder responsible for the budget areas you may have a concern about. Their contact details are available at:http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/elections/find-out-who-my-councillor-is/

Hafan Cymru vacancy

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Support Worker
Powys/Ceredigion
14.8 hours per week
Starting salary £18,971 pro rata per annum
REF: 41SWPN
Welsh essential: No

Swyddfa/Office: Y Dre Newydd/Newtown/Brecon
Dyddiad cau/Closing date: Canol dydd/12:00 noon 23.10.15
Cyfweliadau/Interviews: 3.11.15

www.hafancymru.co.uk
Email:  Sara.Humphreys@hafancymru.co.uk Tel:  01686 629835

Healthy Friendships and New Age Sports

Healthy Friendships is setting up local groups for people over 50 to take part in ‘New Age Sports’.

The aim is to hold seated exercise sessions within your local area, which are relaxed and informal, with the key focus on having lots of fun! Boccia (similar to bowls) and New Age Kurling are great ways to try something new, make new friends, whilst being able to socialise in a supportive environment with others who share similar experiences.

The benefits to participants include:

· Improved physical fitness
· Improved mental wellbeing
· A chance to meet others and form new friendships
· Feel more supported in your local community
· Plenty of laughter and fun!

Sessions will be held weekly at:

The Hub (Old TIC) Builth Wells, Mondays 11am – 1pm
Llanwrtyd Community Transport (Old Station Buildings) Llanwrtyd Wells, Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm
Llyswen and Boughrood Community Hall, Llyswen, Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm

Would you be interested in further information?
Do you know someone who could benefit from attending their sessions?

If so, you can find more info at http://www.radnorshirehealthyfriendships.org or contact Helen on 07583 711299 or helen@healthyfriendships.org.uk. Alternatively, you can call the Healthy Friendships office on 01938 552104 for a chat and further details.

PAVO Stakeholder Survey

Please take the time to complete our survey. We really value your feedback.

Statutory and Public Funders and Partners

English
https://docs.google.com/a/pavo.org.uk/forms/d/1p1zy3PYlKvCb3wLF91QUnTMrTZ6wCpHCuNbYoMNEl4/viewform

Welsh
https://docs.google.com/a/pavo.org.uk/forms/d/1mGb3X4sbESuqwlsB9Vs1AGZm7JtyV80jqzfyOiS4qks/viewform


Third Sector Organisations

English
https://docs.google.com/a/pavo.org.uk/forms/d/1w3SoXwKTGQ4PwtrIqeoIjj5K1IXPQZ6rpelNP17nI/viewform

Welsh
https://docs.google.com/a/pavo.org.uk/forms/d/1hvzeLMHKrv03OeM4ixw7GPWbRA1uMd62KXxlZ40q7MY/viewform

Big Lottery Fund - Rural Programme Development

Your opportunity to have your say on the Big Lottery Fund's new rural programmehttp://www.pavo.org.uk/funding/funding-news/funding-news-article/article/your-opportunity-to-have-your-say-on-the-big-lottery-funds-new-rural-programme.html

PAVO: Job Vacancy

Receptionist/Admin Assistant

http://www.pavo.org.uk/home/current-vacancies/details/article/pavo-vacancy-6.html

Powys Mental Health Team Information Bulletin - Oct 2015

Meet Powys Mental Health's Team new Participation Officer + other mental health news.

http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=335616070debf6b60a1997493&id=7d667642c9&e=c3ea0b1db8

SOC Local Partnerships Bulletin - 1st Edition

Working together to tackle serious and organised crime. Developed to share good practice from across law enforcement and the public, private and voluntary sectors to work together to tackle serious and organised crime.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465508/SOC_Local_Partnerships_Bulletin_Sept_2015.pdf

Compass Disability Services - New Vacancies

Independent Living Advisor – Powys – 2 posts available

Job Ref: ILAP1015

30 - 37 hours per week

£18971 PA Pro rata

Closing date: 29th October 2015

Interview date: 5th November 2015

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - The post holder will be engaged in activity that will make them subject to an Adult Workforce Enhanced Disclosure. Associated costs will be met by Compass Disability Services

A detailed job description, guidelines for applicants and an application form can be found on our website at http://www.compassdisability.org.uk/index.php?page=job-opportunities

Flu vaccination campaign

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Flu This Winter

St David Awards 2016 – 3 Weeks to Nominate!

Bravery | Citizenship | Culture | Enterprise | Innovation & Technology | International | Sport | Young Person | First Minister’s Special 

http://pavochildrenfamiliesnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/st-david-awards-2016-3-weeks-to-nominate.html

British Liver Trust

Non Richards is the new Community Champion for the British Liver Trust in Wales. The post is funded until 31st of August 2017 currently.

The Community Champion role is primarily to raise awareness about Liver Health amongst patients, carers, their friends and families, community groups and the general public throughout Wales and the post comes into force at a time when the NHS in Wales will implement the Delivery Plan for Liver Disease.

Non is hoping to map out what happens in your area as far as Liver Health promotion goes, and to find out about local health teams and voluntary groups that support people with Healthy Lifestyles, Alcohol and Drug Support and prevention; Blood Bourne Virus support groups and health professionals that you may be in contact with, such as hepatology nurses, doctors and specialist nurses, doctors and consultants in gastroenterology in your geographical areas.

Non's long term ambition is to develop Liver Health Support Groups, that will be able to sustain themselves beyond two years as well as exploring opportunities to host Love Your Liver Events in your area.

To find out more about the British Liver Trust, visit their website. www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Contact Non.Richards@britishlivertrust.org.uk

Red Cross - Changes to Provision

From 5 October changes, requested by service commissioners to enable the service to move to a model where it is able to provide more acute support over a shorter period of time for individuals aged 50+ who require post discharge support.  The key changes to the service will be as follows:

• The service will only be able to provide up to a maximum of 4 days support for individuals who require post discharge support (under exceptional circumstances this can be extended to 10 days).
• The operating hours of the service will change from 9am to 5pm to 9am to 7pm Mon-Fri.
• The service will not be able to accept referrals for individuals who have already received a post discharge package of support from the Reablement Service.  However, the servcie will still be able to provide complimentary support alongside th Reablement Service.
• Under the new model the Red Cross Support at Home service will be able to provide the following support to service users:
• Preparing the service user's home prior to their discharge
• Supporting service user with use of any Telecare equipment
• Practical support including collecting prescriptions & shopping
• emotional support and confidence building
• signposting/referral on to other support agencies
• The provision of transport to enable attendance at local appoitment.s
• The 4 current schemes will continue to operate and referrals to those schemes can be made via telephone/email/in person (contac tel nos & office addresses unchanged).  Under the new service model the Team Leaders of the 4 schemes wil also be attending all neighboring Diestrict General Hopsitals on a weekly basis to receive referrals for Powys based patients but will no longer attend MDT meetings at Community Hospitals.
• the 3 schemes covering the Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire & Brecon areas will have additional Support worker provision to ensure staff cover across the week.

For further information on ther service changes please contact Glyn Evans, Powys Service Manager on 01874 611984 or via email on GEvans@redcross.org.uk

One Powys - Connecting Voices Newsletter

http://www.pavo.org.uk/fileadmin/Docs/Help_for_Organisations/Connecting_Voices_Sept_newsletter_2015_English.pdf

ASH WAles Cymru Newsletter

Smoking in cars ban // Erasmus+ comes to Wales // Stoptober

http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dc40c73deed6b814c75c7f4ea&id=f6f5e94a1e&e=9644b93e15

Powys County Council Budget Consultation

Powys County Council (PCC) is currently running an on-line public consultation exercise regarding the choices it faces inn making £27m worth of savings over the next three years. The consultation runs until 30 November 2015

The exercise is being conducted using an on-line budget ‘simulator’ which allows respondents to set spending levels in key areas of the Council’s services and also see explanations of the practical impacts this will have upon those services. The budget areas under consideration are: Highways Transport and Recycling; Adult Social Care and Housing; Children’s Services; Schools; Culture and Recreation; Central Support Services; and Regeneration and Property. (A more detailed list of

proposals for the services affected can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/nb5h8nz)

Why is This Important?

· These are services areas which are important to the members and service users of a wide range of community and voluntary organisations.

· Changes to PCC’s services will potentially have significant ‘knock on’ consequences upon the demand for services provided by community and voluntary organisations.

· There is a strong emphasis upon PCC’s need to work more closely with others (particularly voluntary organisations and volunteers) in the future to meet current service needs or deliver them in new and different ways. However, there is no indication within the budget simulator of the Authority maintaining or increasing the funding and support necessary to make this practical.

· The budget option for the Regeneration and Property budget includes reducing grant funding for voluntary groups

How to Respond

· The consultation is targeted at Powys Residents, rather than organisations, so for this reason it is the number of responses (rather than who makes them) which will have an impact. For this reason you may wish to encourage the individual members of your community group or organisation to respond.

· You can make your response at: https://powyscc.budgetsimulator.com/, it will take about 10 minutes to complete.

· If you don’t want to do the simulator or have other ideas and comments to submit to PCC you can send them to consultation@powys.gov.uk

· Your organisation and members may wish to send your views and comments upon the budget options and proposals directly to your local county councillor and/or the Portfolio Holder responsible for the budget areas you may have a concern about. Their contact details are available at: http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/elections/find-out-who-my-councillor-is/

Benefits Claim Online Launch

On Monday 5th October Powys County Council are officially launching the fact that customers can now claim online for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Free School Meals.

The claim form can be found on the Powys website: http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/benefits/apply-for-benefits/

News from The Samaritans

The Samaritans have launched a new free-to-caller number – 116 123 – as their main number.. This number is free to call from landlines, mobiles and payphones.

More info:

With the launch of 116 123, more people will be able to access Samaritans' service even if they are unable to afford the cost of a phone call or have run out of minutes or credit on their mobile phone. The 116 123 number does not show up on phone bills, which means our callers will no longer have to worry that other members of their household might notice the number on the bill.

Providing a free to call service has been one of Samaritans' key ambitions for many years. The free-to-caller number, 116 123, is a pan-European number reserved for helplines offering emotional support. It is operated by Samaritans in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The number was successfully launched in the Republic of Ireland early last year and resulted in a large increase in calls, which shows that cost is a barrier to many people.

Thanks to support from the Big Lottery Fund and with help from Vodafone, other telecommunications companies, Ofcom and the Department of Health, the Samaritans are now able to extend this free service to the UK. It is a fantastic example of what we can achieve when we work together with our partners to improve the service we offer.

Latest Developments for Youth Groups/Services

Please view the PAVO Children & Families Blog for some important developments organisations working with young people need to know about:

Help Us Help You - Survey Coming Soon

Extended Age Range for Registering of Childcare Provision

Please keep in touch and following the Children & Families Network Blog for updates.

Powys County Council Budget Simulator

Powys County Council's budget simulator has gone live and will be open for 6 weeks. It invites people to engage with Powys County Council's processes for deciding how to prioritise its spending decisions:

http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/corporate/find-out-about-consultations-in-powys/powys-budget-challenge/

Have your say!

Ystradgynlais Carers Group - Workshop for all local organisations and groups

Carers of family and friends in Ystradgynlais invite local groups and organisations to share your expertise on local sources of help and support on 18th November 2015 at 1.15 in Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall (light lunch provided).

Collectively you and others (Carers, Service Providers and other important stakeholders such as our Assembly Member) made the last workshop highly productive.  They are hoping that the accumulated effect of our collective actions will lead to significant improvements.

You can confirm your attendance and dietary requirements with an e-mail to sharon@powyscarers.org.ukor phone the office on 01597 823800

Because your time is so precious they aim to make the workshop highly productive and useful for every participant. The spirit of the last event was very inspiring and they are sure that by working together they will make significant progress.

Substance Misuse - meet the buyer event

Powys County Council (‘The Council’) on behalf of Powys Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse (‘The APB’) will commence the procurement of Tier 2 and Tier 3 substance misuse services for the county of Powys in October 2015. The Council is issuing this PIN to provide a brief summary of its intentions to prospective tenderers.

The APB has published a draft Commissioning Strategy for public consultation and wishes to commission reconfigured services with a focus on early intervention and prevention, as well as recovery, with clear outcomes for service users.

The Council wishes to procure tier 2 and 3 services for young people and for adults, including those known to the criminal justice system, ready for these services to begin delivery from 1 April 2016 for at least 3 years. The successful tenderer(s) will be required to work in close partnership with the clinical service provider.

The estimated budget available for all procured services will be approximately £1,000,000 per annum excluding VAT. Services will be lotted and the Council welcomes collaborative / consortium tenders for individual or multiple lots.

The anticipated timeline for the procurement process is:

Milestone	Date
Place OJEU Tender Advert	9 October 2015
Supplier Awareness / Meet the buyer event	15 October 2015
Tender Documentation Issued	9 November 2015
Deadline for Tenders to be returned by	9 December 2015
Contract Award Notice & Contract Mobilisation	1 February 2016
Contract Commencement Date	1 April 2016

The dates and budget figure provided are indicative and may be subject to alteration by the Council.

The Supplier Awareness / Meet the buyer event will take place from 9.30am onwards on 15 October 2015at Antur Gwy, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3BA - to find out more about the tendering process, please confirm your attendance by contacting Rachel Thomas on 01597 826058 or email rachel.thomas@powys.gov.uk.

Volunteers for meet and greet sessions

Brecon Foodbank are planning two meet and greet sessions for all  referral agencies at the new centre in November and  will need a few volunteers to help out with it.  They will also invite potential agencies and hope to keep everyone up to date and get more on board if they can.

It's very important for them to keep up a good relationship with the agencies and keep them up to date with what they're up to, so the sessions are quite important.  If you can help please let them know.

The dates are Tuesday 3rd November 2.30 to 3.30 and Friday 13th November 1 -2 and will follow on from the normal session, so people can either go specially for the meet and greet, or just continue the session.

info@brecon.foodbank.org.uk

Are you up to date on the new homelessness legislation?

If not, how can you provide the best services to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions in Wales?

Below is the Shelter Cymru Autumn 2015 training programme with new dates added for January 2016.

Browse courses for full descriptions.

Stroke Training courses - October 2015

The Stroke Training department deliver training to external organisations in order to drive up stroke care standards.

Please see below a list of Commissioned and Individual Access stroke training courses for October 2015

Powys County Council

8th October 2015 - Brecon - Stroke Prevention and Holistic Management
21st October 2015 – Newtown - Stroke Fundamentals and Recovery

Individual access courses are open to anyone who wants to learn more about stroke. Individual learners may book places by visiting their website or by calling 01527 903911. If you would like to book your place, please email stroketraining@stroke.org.uk.

Now offering distance learning qualifications for individual learners who would like to gain a qualification in stroke. This course is distance learning mixing individual working time with support and guidance from one their stroke trainers. For more information on this course please click here.

Mid Wales Health Collaborative

The official newsletter of The Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative (MWHC)

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/opendoc/271241

Job Vacancy - Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator (Newtown Powys)

‘If you're ready for a fresh challenge, more responsibility and a vibrant working environment, join the Alzheimer's Society now!

They are currently looking for someone who will be responsible for supporting the development of Dementia Friendly Communities across Powys.

The Dementia Friendly Communities programme focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life for people living with dementia. In these communities: people will be aware of and understand more about dementia; people with dementia and their carers will be encouraged to seek help and support; and people with dementia will feel included in their community, be more independent and have more choice and control over their lives.

Your main focus will be to identify and engage with businesses, communities and services to develop relationships and encourage them to work towards becoming Dementia Friendly. You will encourage communities and individual organisations to produce an action plan and sign up to the Society's recognition process and to facilitate the creation of Dementia Friendly Communities.

You will need to be an enthusiastic, self-motivated person who has excellent interpersonal skills and experience of influencing others from a cross section of the community. Add to that your first-class communication skills and your willingness to travel independently to promote our work and you will quickly establish yourself as a valued member of our team. The ability to speak to Welsh would be an advantage.’

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/recruit_details.php?id=10232

Shared Purpose: Shared Future - draft statutory guidance for the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

Plans of the Welsh Ministers to consult on draft statutory guidance for the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The Act provides a legally binding common purpose and way of working to drive forward the activities of public bodies across and will shape their future planning and corporate arrangements. It also aims to ensure public bodies recognise the multiple benefits they make to all the well-being goals as well as how they work collectively with each other. Our intention is that the draft guidance provides public bodies with the tools to meet the ambitions of the Act.

Earlier this year the Welsh Government ran an engagement exercise, based on a discussion document, for the statutory guidance with interested stakeholders. The feedback received provided valuable evidence to inform the current draft and we are looking for further contributions against these document.

The consultation runs between 7 September and 16 November 2015. Four consultation events will be run during October, details of which are on the website below. I encourage you or a representative from your organisation to attend these events. Materials will also be made available during the consultation to help you have the conversations in your organisation on how public bodies can get the best out of the new legislation, in advance of the duty coming into force in April 2016.

Consultation on the draft statutory guidance to public bodies on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
http://gov.wales/consultations/people-and-communities/shared-future-shared-purpose/?status=open&lang=en

Nest Partner Bulletin - September 2015

Please follow link for the latest news from Nest
http://dmtrk.com/2PYW-2AZO-E8D3EH129/cr.aspx

Making Every Contact Count - MECC

SWALEC Stadium CARDIFF Wednesday 25th November 2015

A one day conference for health, social care and the third sector to help reshape relationships with clients, patients and communities, aimed at: 

• Front line staff from health, social care and the third sector 
• Service managers who want to develop a healthy workforce 
• Strategic leaders who recognise that people in communities must be equal partners in improving their health and wellbeing 

For more information and to book a place, follow the link and click on ‘register’ www.eventsforce.net/MECC

Powys Public Health team are in the process of rolling out structured training across the county, so do get in touch if you would like to arrange some staff training Sophia.Bird@wales.nhs.uk

Action for Children - Job Vacancy - Ystradgynlais

Action for children has a vacancy for a support worker based in Ystradgynlais. For details go tohttps://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/ and follow the links Careers – Search for Vacancies – Wales.

Closing date is 7th October 2015