Commissioner for Older People in Wales

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 October 2017

Our website can be viewed here: www.wales.gov.uk/publicappointments

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 October 2017

Our website can be viewed here: www.wales.gov.uk/publicappointments

Dementia Friendly Communities in North and Mid Powys

Are you interested in Dementia Friendly Communities in North and Mid Powys? 

Ageing Well in Wales and Alzheimer’s Society will host an event to promote networking among Dementia Friendly Communities from all over North and Mid Powys. 

A variety of speakers from across the area will talk about projects they are working on to help inspire each other to think of new ways in which they can work towards becoming dementia friendly. You will also hear from Jo Lane, Dementia Friendly Communities coordinator for North Wales, who will talk about innovative projects taking place all over North Wales.

The event is free and includes lunch and refreshment throughout the day. The event will take place in Welshpool Town Hall on 18 October from 10-4. Places can be reserved on the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-together-to-make-your-community-dementia-friendly-tickets-36922764984

Dementia Friends Champions Induction - Welshpool

The last few places remain on a Dementia Friends Champions Induction to be held in Welshpool on 12 October. Follow the links below to secure your place:

The induction can be booked here. Please note that anyone who wishes to book the induction needs to have a Champions account on their website (you can register here)

Bringing together all ages to shape the future of Big Pit

Unearthing and Understanding 

Bringing together all ages to shape the future of Big Pit ·

Are you interested in helping to shape the future of Big Pit? 

· Would you like to get involved with exhibitions, events or other areas of work at the museum? 

· Could you give up a few hours each month to join a group of people of all ages to help us improve the museum? 

If so, come along to our intergenerational open day at Big Pit to find out more.

Big Pit National Coal Museum on Monday 2nd October at 1pm.

02920 573650 or email: bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk Big Pit National Coal Museum 

Improving Access for All – Call for Volunteers for Access Groups in Powys

Disability Powys aims to support and extend the role of Access Groups in the county, to better reflect their communities’ needs.

Access Groups aim to promote access to the built environment, to services and facilities, and to information for all.

They are run by volunteers with experience of physical disabilities and sensory impairments, and an interest in improving access to public buildings, health services, community facilities, streets, places of entertainment and cafes.

They have an interest in addressing and advising on ways of improving accessibility for all, by providing advice and information, consulting with authorities, and commenting on access issues.

They examine planning applications and undertake access surveys. They meet monthly to discuss local access issues.

Brecknock Access Group is an independent charity with over 25 years experience, with sub committees meeting monthly in Brecon,Ystradgynlais and Builth Wells, addressing local access issues.

Montgomeryshire Access Group has a group which meet monthly in Newtown, supported by Disability Powys Access & Outreach Worker Hayley Beavan.

Hayley said ‘Disability Powys wishes to provide further support and broaden the number of access groups across the county, to better reflect their communities needs’.

‘We are calling for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments to use their lived experiences of disabilities and sensory impairments, to help improve accessibility for all, through assisting their local Access Group’.

Contact Hayley on 07495257102 or hbeavan@disabilitypowys.org.uk to discuss further.

Adult Protection Preventing Abuse & Neglect in Care Settings

There are places available on the Adult Protection Preventing Abuse & Neglect in Care Settings provided by Bond Solon as follows:-

Please book your places via Trent Self Service or email pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827333

31st October 2017 - Com Room A, The Gwalia Llandrindod Wells   9.30am - 4.30pm

Aim:
Care settings include: Care homes, hospital wards, day services, domiciliary care, housing support, personal assistance and health care.

Participants will use case studies and their own experience to consider their role as managers and senior workers within health and social care services to promote factors that prevent abuse within care settings and to be able to recognise when those are not present.

The course will cover the importance of person centred care, dignity and respect in the prevention of abuse. Participants will explore their own role in creating and maintaining cultures where abuse and neglect are prevented and people have choice and control in in how their health and social care support is delivered.

Key Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course participants will have:
· An understanding of factors that prevent abuse and neglect within services and how these can be developed
· An understanding of how person centred care contributes to safeguarding
· An understanding of how to promote an open and creative work place
· Develop a personal action plan to promote change in their work place

The course will provide information about risk and protective factors within care settings and give information about tools and sources of support that can help assess and develop organisational cultures.

Welshpool & District Visual Loss Club

Do you have problem with your sight/hearing or know someone who does?

Come to Welshpool & district visual loss club Coffee morning & sensory loss exhibition.

Friday 6th October at the Corn exchange/ town hall building, Broad street Welshpool SY21 7RR from 9.30 am -12.30 pm

for more details contact Pat on 07484 870516

Free to attend &refreshments available for a small charge.

Exhibitors:
Optelec electronic magnifiers
New ‘Orcam’ scanner glasses
Wales council for Deaf People & Action on Hearing loss
RNIB technology advisor
Powys sight & hearing loss team

Mid Powys Glaucoma Group - Howey

Go along and join them

Venue: Howey Village Hall, Howey, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5PT

Date: Monday 6th November 2017

Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Programme:

1. ‘Glaucoma’ Mr Ben While - Consultant Ophthalmologist

1. ‘Introducing the International Glaucoma Association’ Eryl Williams IGA Regional Development Manager

Tea & coffee provided

For further information or to confirm your attendance please contact Eye Care Liaison Officer Keira Brooks on 07701 295138.

Sightline 01233 64 81 70      www.glaucoma-association.com

DIARY MARKER - PAVO AGM & Annual Conference - 29 November 2017

29 November 10am - 3.30pm

Cefn Lea Conference Centre, Newtown SY16 4AJ

We trust you will be able to be with us for our Annual Conference and General Meeting and that you will cascade this information through your organisation and via your networks.

The theme of the conference is

The Future of Volunteering in Powys

The day will comprise briefings, discussions and learning opportunities about many different aspects of volunteering. It will be an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and reflect on the crucial importance of volunteers to the Third Sector and our communities.

There will also be a Third Sector 'market place' giving you opportunity to promote your organisation and to network with others

Invitations will follow in due course.

Nodyn dyddiadur

Cynhadledd a ChCB PAVO 2017

29 Tachwedd, 10.00am - 3.30pm

Canolfan Gynhadledd Cefn Lea, Y Drenewydd SY16 4AJ

Hyderwn y medrwch bod gyda ni ar gyfer ein Cynhadledd a Chyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol ac y byddwch yn dosbarthu'r wybodaeth hon drwy eich sefydliad a thrwy eich rhwydweithiau.

Thema'r gynhadledd yw

Dyfodol gwirfoddoli ym Mhowys

Bydd y diwrnod yn cynnwys briffiau, trafodaethau a chyfleoedd dysgu am lawer o agweddau gwahanol ar wirfoddoli. Bydd yn gyfle i ddysgu, rhannu profiadau, a myfyrio ar bwysigrwydd hanfodol gwirfoddolwyr i'r Trydydd Sector a'n cymunedau.

Hefyd bydd 'marchnad' y Trydydd Sector yn rhoi cyfle ichi hyrwyddo'ch sefydliad a rhwydweithio ag eraill.

Bydd gwahoddiadau dilyn maes o law.

Powys Wellbeing Plan

Powys Wellbeing Plan - http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/community-development/sustainability-and-the-council/powys-well-being-plan/

Wales Residents Benefiting from Welsh Government’s Nest Scheme

http://dmtrk.net/2PYW-JSRX-E8D3EH129/cr.aspx

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Did You Know Survey

Did you know that as a Service they have already saved £9 million - ​nearly 20% of our budget since 2006?

They have achieved this by changing the way some of your stations are crewed and by refining some of their business processes. To date they have been able to make savings without negatively impacting on the services they deliver.

Even though they have already achieved this, there is no avoiding the fact that they are entering an even more challenging financial future. They know that as a public sector organisation we they mean making some difficult decisions.

They want to know whether you think your Fire and Rescue Service provides good value for money. Your feedback will help us shape their future of the services they provide. They would like to invite you to get involved in the debate and share your opinions on the value you place on their services and what we should do to protect them.

To find out more and take part in our online survey​ please visit our website http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk

https://businesswales.gov.wales/constructionfutureswales/news/mid-and-west-wales-fire-and-rescue-public-consultation

Connected Generation Vacancies

credu.cymru/connected-generation-vacancies

Diabetes UK Speaker Scheme

Jon Mackeen is a Speaker Scheme Volunteers for Diabetes UK. 

Jon is part of a network of speakers trained and supported by Diabetes UK to deliver talks and presentations and is keen to attend a meeting of your group to talk to your members about diabetes and the work of Diabetes UK.

3.2 million people have diabetes in the UK and more than half a million people don't know they have Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing us today; it puts people at greater risk of heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. It is important that we raise awareness of the seriousness of the condition so that people know the symptoms of diabetes and to help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

As part of Diabetes UK's drive to raise awareness of diabetes Jon is happy to provide this service free of charge and asks that your group considers supporting Diabetes UK by making a donation or organising a fundraising activity, however there is no obligation on you to do this.

Also you may pass on this information. Please note Jon is not medically trained and cannot give medical advice.

01686 420280   jon.mackeen@live.co.uk

Powys Personal Assistant Newletter

PeoplePlus

What are Personal Assistants? - A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone employed to provide support with daily living tasks for an individual assessed as needing assistance by social services. This is made possible by the individual in need receiving local council payments known as direct payments to employ their own support staff. 

Personal Assistants duties can vary depending on the support needs of the individual including any of the following: 

 Personal care 

 Engaging in social activities 

 Domestic assistance 

 Accompanying to appointments

http://www.pavo.org.uk/fileadmin/Docs/Ginvolved/HSC-Hub/Blog_attachments/Powys_PA_Newsletter_2.pdf

Parliamentary Review into Health and Social Care

You may be aware of the Review, that was commissioned by the Welsh Government, to look into the challenges facing health and care services in Wales . The review published its interim report last month (see link - https://beta.gov.wales/review-health-social-care).

The Review is keen to engage specifically with older people – much of what is contained within the interim report, and the work towards the final report (which is due in December 2017) is focused on developing and implementing care models that meet the needs of older people. They want to make sure that older people are aware that the Review is taking place, hear their views and experiences of the current system, and give the opportunity to respond to the interim report’s findings. They would also like to hear from them what a ‘good’ health and care service might look like, that will feed into the ongoing work of the Review.

Powys County Council Strategic Commissioning Manager - Older People
Tel:/Ffon: 01597 826801      Email: jacqueline.jones@powys.gov.uk

Update from Powys Advocacy Network

The Powys Advocacy Network held a full day workshop recently on 7 September 2017 to work co-productively on discussing the strategy and next steps for commissioning Independent Advocacy as per the Social Services and Well-being (2016) Act. We looked at a cross cutting advocacy strategy to meet Part 10 of the Act. However, we also committed to exploring the needs around self-advocacy, informal, collective, peer, individual, independent volunteer, formal and independent advocacy needs for the people of Powys. There was a genuine willingness and offer to work collaboratively with statutory colleagues in the development of Advocacy related commissioning.

A paper has been produced for the Regional Partnership Board (next Board meeting on 3rd October) as a result of our recent network meeting, and asks for "Approval" to proceed with a co-produced Powys Advocacy Strategy which supports a whole system approach to the provision of advocacy in Powys.

This paper (and direction), once approved by the Board, will be widely circulated. The content very much reflects what was agreed in next steps from the Powys Advocacy Network workshop. During this session, we looked at timescales and we are asking for approval of this timetable from the Regional Partnership Board which will allow us greater time and flexibility in working jointly on the strategy and commissioning process.

The Regulation and Inspection of Social Services (RISCA) has mandated that Independent Advocacy services will become a regulated service. It is envisaged that the regulations will be implemented from April 2019 following which any Professional Advocacy services delivering functions under the Act will need to be regulated. It is proposed that the strategy and commissioning process will align with the RISCA timescales.

Please contact us on 01597 822191 or email Freda.Lacey@pavo.org.uk if you have any questions in relation to the Powys Advocacy Network, the process and/or wish to be involved.

Demystifying Commissioning - 23 October 2017

Re-commissioning in both Powys Advocacy and Befriending is due to happen in the near future and colleagues would benefit  in attending this comprehensive course in understanding commissioning and the Powys commissioning process.

Spaces are limited please book as soon as possible (full day)

Cost: £20 (PAVO members), £40 (Non PAVO members/Third Sector), £60 (All other/individuals)

· Understand the commissioning process for social care services

· Assess the areas where third sector providers can be involved

· Understand tendering, and how it fits within the commissioning cycle

To book click here.

Note-taking at participative events

http://mailchi.mp/wcva/note-taking-training-2017?e=1926e35f2d

Mindfulness Meditation - Crossgates

Would you like to try some mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness is proven to help with stress, anxiety and depression and can have a positive effect on physical health.

It's simple, you can practise it anywhere - and the results can be life-changing.

Mid Powys Mind is running a mindfulness course, starting on:

Mondays from 2 Oct to 4 December 10.30am-1.00pm

All sessions at Crossgates Community Centre. There will be one week break and one Saturday (25/11). Cost per session: £3 Mid Powys Mind Members; £5 non-members or £23 for all sessions if paid in advance

For more infomration or to register for the course contact Mid Powys Mind on 01597 824411 or admin@midpowysmind.org.uk

Working in Partnership to Tackle Alcohol Dependency and Abuse: Harm Prevention, Treatment and Recovery

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Wednesday 22nd November 2017

Event Details  Website  Register to Attend

Tenders invited - Day Time Activities/Care for Older People including those with dementia & neurological condition

Published by: Powys County Council Reference No: SEP214299

Publication Date: 11/09/2017 Deadline Date: 06/10/2017 Deadline Time: 12:00

Notice Type: Contract Notice Has Documents: No

Abstract: Powys County Council (“the Council”), invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced providers to be awarded a Contract for the Provision of Day Time Activities / Care for Older People including those with dementia and neurological conditions.
The duration of the Contract will be for 3 years with an option to extend for up to a further 1 year plus 1 year at the Council’s discretion.
The purpose of this tender exercise is to put in place a Contract with a sole provider for the Provision of Day Time Activities / Care for Older People including those with dementia and neurological conditions as described in the Service Specification.
The Service Provider, (or sub-contractor engaged by the Service Provider) to provide personal care must be registered for the delivery of Domiciliary Care with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, (CSSIW).
Please note this procurement is being conducted under the Light Touch regime under schedule 3 of the public contracts regulations 2015.

Day Time Activities / Care for Older People including those with dementia and neurological condition

Guto Carrod at Business Wales who can support organisations with the process.

His number is 01267 233749 Guto.Carrod@businesswales.org.uk

Welsh Government white paper consultation events in Powys

Consulting on proposals to:

• strengthen leadership in NHS organisations
• introduce new duties of quality and openness 
• strengthen the voice of citizens in the way health and social care is planned and provided
• design a clearer process for service change plans
• improve the legal framework for the inspection and regulation of health services 
• establish a new independent body for patient voice and regulation and inspection.

Informal focus group events to get the opinions of service users are being set up as shown below:

They will be suitable for ages 14+ and last 3 hours.

If you are interested in attending, please email: hello@noreenblanluet.co.uk
Tuesday 19th September (2pm-5pm)
Caia Park Partnership, CAIA Park Centre, Prince Charles Road, Wrexham, LL13 8TH

Friday 22nd September (9am-12 noon)
Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon LD3 7EW

Thursday 28th September (1.30-4.30)
COWSHACC (1st Clive's Own Welshpool Scout Headquarters & Community Centre), Oldford Lane, Welshpool SY21 7TE

For more information contact  Bethan on 07787 111 791 or bethan@tideconsultancy.co.uk

https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/services-fit-future

Comments can also be emailed directly to HQDMailbox@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Powys Regional Partnership Board Governance Structure

26Partnership Group	Chair/Co Chair	Lead Officer
Children’s Partnership Group (Start Well)	Director of Nursing (Rhiannon Jones) Director of Education (Ian Budd)	Senior Partnership Manager - CYPP (Shelley Davies)
Mental Health Partnership (Live Well)	Director of Primary and Community Care (Alan Lawrie) Head of Adult Social Care (Louise Barry)	Mental Health Partnership Manager (Louisa Kerr)
Disability Partnership Group (Live Well)	Head of Adult Social Care (Louise Barry) Director of Therapies (David Murphy)	Strategic Commissioning Manager (Live Well) (TBC)
Older Peoples Partnership Group (Age Well)	Head of Transformation – Adult Services (Dylan Owen) Deputy Director of Primary, Community and Mental Health Services (Andrew Evans)	Strategic Commissioning Manager ( Age Well) (Lee Anderson)