Start Well Children and Young People’s Officer

We're delighted to welcome Lucy Taylor back as our Start Well Children and Young People's Officer. Lucy tells us more about her role and what she hopes to bring to it. 

Lucy Taylor - PAVO Start Well Children & Young People's Officer

First tell us what brought you to work in the field of Children and Young People?

I trained as a reception class teacher, and later worked in information and engagement. I first started at PAVO as the Children, Young People and Families officer before working as a Community Connector. This role brings me back to the younger world.

What key qualities does a good Start Well Officer need to have?

Humour, patience and the ability to keep quiet and listen, particularly to listen to the children and their views. Then the ability to report accurately, using their words, the children’s views to partner organisations to enable the children to influence the development of services they receive.

Are there particular issues which arise in rural areas like Powys for Children and Young People?

I would say access to services that really listen to them and transport to activities. However, the role will be about listening to children and their parents about what is important to them, I would not like to second guess their answers.

What impact do you think COVID 19 has had on young people’s health and wellbeing?

I think there has been some supposition that as young people are generally more tech savvy that they have fared better during COVID restrictions, but research has proven them to have suffered more. Isolation and being unable to play or meet with friends, worry about school and exams, worry about carrying the disease into their family have all impacted the young people. The lockdown that reduced children’s access to play and playing with friends has been difficult for them. I do not think the media has helped with the focus on the detriment to children and their use of terms like “destroying their future” only adds to the pressure children are feeling. Action for Children are using their Guide Programme in schools to bring the temperature of the words used down, to think of the difference between worry and anxiety and we all need to use our words carefully.

Action for Children protects and supports children and young people

What age range will you be supporting in your role?

Organisations that work with children to engage with the work of the Start Well board and children and young people to voice their views on what is important to them.

In terms of engagement 0 onwards and their parents. Under the UNCRC right 12 is the child’s right to have a voice in things that affect them. As previous engagement work has shown even young children can be helped to tell what is important to them.

Do you work closely with any other organisations or statutory services to provide support ?

I will be working closely with the third sector and our statutory partners both in the council and health.

What is the most challenging / rewarding aspect of the job?

Most challenging will be reaching those families that rarely speak out. Most rewarding will be any change for the good I can help to make for children and families in Powys.

What is the most valuable thing you bring to the role?

Experience and connections throughout Powys and being able to tap into the amazing work of the third sector in all its forms from the small local community groups to large partners like Mind.

If you could change one thing for the better for Children and Young People what would that be?

Give them a voice and have that voice listened to, and have play, especially outdoor play taken more seriously as a right and a need for all.

Do We Know it's Christmas ?

This year has certainly been one to remember. I’m not going to use any of the currently popular catch phrases, we’ve all heard enough of those. Suffice to say that 2020 will go down in history as one to remember.

Christmas could be different for many of us this year but what has been apparent and continues to be, so is the sheer goodwill, support and community spirit in our localities. Now more than ever people need that support and it’s truly heart-warming to see that this Christmas there are events, collections and schemes in place to share peace and goodwill with all.

We’ve been collating information about what support is available across the county this Christmas, please find details of events and collection / donation schemes below.

Christmas Meals

This year it’s not been as easy to organise sit down meals in communities. Some organisations have the space and capacity to do this in person, others are offering a home delivery service.

Brecon

One Brecon are providing a Christmas meal delivery for isolated people in Brecon. 

Knighton

The Knighton and District Community Centre are offering soup lunches, delivered every Thursday and Christmas dinner delivered Christmas day.

Llandrindod

Ashfield Enterprise are offering a sit down, home cooked 3 course Christmas Day Lunch.

Llanfyllin

The Cross Keys Centre are offering an eat in and takeaway option on Christmas Day.There will be Christmas mains and pudding.

Newtown

Hope Church are providing a Christmas meal with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies etc - for the elderly, vulnerable and isolated.

Welshpool 

Welshpool Community Church are holding online Christmas services (via Facebook) Advent services at 10:30am on Sundays during December 

Welshpool Meals on Wheels service are providing Christmas lunch on the 23rd, hot meal on the 24th and can supply something to heat up on the 25th.

Powys Wide

Powys Hub Passport Rotary are supporting elderly or disadvantaged individuals and families by delivering food parcels and other Xmas items from their van. 

Christmas Donations

Several organisations are collecting donations of food and gifts to distribute to local communities.

Ystradgynlais

Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre are are collaborating with 'A December to Remember,’  to help the most vulnerable in our community by providing hampers and toys to those in need this Christmas. They are also collaborating with ‘Community Dreams,’ to help their communities to keep warm and have electricity to cook this winter with the Fuel Poverty Scheme. They are looking for donations of Christmas treats, toys, monetary donations and food donations.

Who to Contact.

Liz Davies & Carol Gordon

01639 845 475

yvcvolunteering@gmail.com

Pay it forward to end Fuel Poverty this Christmas

Community Dreams in Ystradgynlais are supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in their community, both young and elderly. They are looking for donations of money for their money pay it forward schemes, including fuel poverty, local butchers shop, local chip shop and local hairdressers. They are also raising funds for gifts for elderly patients in the local hospital.

Who to contact

Sam Cotterill 

07712276791

Communitydreams@yahoo.com

Llandrindod

Ashfield Community Enterprise are supporting people who are on their own this Christmas. They’re looking for support with their Christmas meals of food or money towards the cost and would welcome helpers to support them.

Who to contact

Derek Gibbons

01597829689

office@ashfieldce.org.uk

Knighton

Knighton and District Community Centre are supporting people who are vulnerable, isolated and financially challenged,individuals and families. They are looking for 

• Money to use for providing Christmas lunch on Christmas day

• Small gifts to hand out with  Soup from the Hub light lunches being delivered on Christmas Eve to up to 45 customers

• Small gifts to hand out to the people receiving a free Christmas lunch on Christmas day

Who to Contact

Annie England

07592 353243

knightonhubcoordinator@gmail.com

‘Not in my Name’ to Violence Against Women.

Our guest blog by Sarah Thomas of the National Federation of Women's Institutes looks at the recent 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence and the involvement of the WI in engaging its members and the wider public in supporting its Not in my Name campaign to end violence against women.

Ending violence against women has been a longstanding commitment for the WI.

Violence against women is a global pandemic affecting 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. It can include domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, FGM, so-called honour based violence, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. 

One woman is killed every 3 days in the UK by a violent partner and last year at least 119 women were killed[1].  During the first lockdown period, there was a rise of 49% in the number of contacts made to the Live Fear Free helpline.[2]

Violence against women is a cause and consequence of gender inequality and we all have a part to play in challenging attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women, be it in the home, community or workplace.

Since 2012, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)-Wales has engaged WI members in the Not in my Name campaign which was established in 2012 with Joyce Watson MS. The campaign takes place annually during the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence which starts on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The Not in my Name campaign involves WI members across Wales recruiting male ambassadors from their communities to speak out against violence towards women, organising their own vigils, and spreading the message of the White Ribbon promise to ‘never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women’. Campaign supporters over the years have included the Welsh Rugby Union, Glamorgan Cricket, Only Men Aloud, Cardiff Blues and the Cardiff Devils.

Our Powys Brecknock, Powys Radnor and Powys Montgomery federations have played an active role in the campaign and secured the support of local groups and businesses. Brecon Ford has supported the campaign over a number of years which has seen staff wearing white ribbons to raise awareness and as a pledge of their support.

Members of Rhayader Male Choir & Builth Wells Male Choir

A number of local male choirs have also pledged their support including Talgarth Male Choir and Aberhonddu & District Male Choir. Last year, Rhayader Male Choir and Builth Wells Male Choir raised awareness of the campaign during a joint performance at a local event. 

Ahead of this year’s 16 Days of Action, NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson MS hosted two virtual events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International White Ribbon Day which both took place on 25 November.

A stakeholder event focusing on violence against women in rural communities discussed some the challenging in delivering services in rural communities as well as the barriers for victims in accessing services. Later that evening, a virtual candlelight vigil took place which brought stakeholders from across Wales together to show solidarity with victims and survivors of violence against women across the world. A minute’s silence was held and participants were invited to light a candle and to share a photo of their candle on social media.

At both events, stark statistics relating to violence against women were shared and all speakers emphasised the need to change attitudes and behaviours in order to end violence against women.

Whilst women are disproportionately the victims of violence, we should not underestimate the role of men in the prevention and elimination of violence against women. We must inspire more men to speak up publicly to challenge the attitudes, behaviours and gender inequalities that contribute to this violation of women’s rights. Men can be agents of change and play a crucial part as positive role models to help us achieve a culture change where violence against women is not tolerated by society.

We all have a part to play in ending VAW. By speaking out against violence against women, challenging the attitudes and behaviour that persist in our society, and campaigning for strong action, we can help achieve a society where women are treated equally to men and consequently a society where women are free from the fear of violence and abuse.

The Live Fear FreeHelpline provides 24 hour free advice and support for those who are experiencing, or know someone experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or violence against women.

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[1] Counting Dead Women, Karen Ingala Smith https://kareningalasmith.com/2019/03/10/2019/

[2] https://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/2020/08/creating-change-that-lasts-responding-to-vawdasv-following-the-covid-19-pandemic-roundtable/

 

Health Screening - Important Updates.

Screening is an important way of checking for early signs of disease or a condition in people that don't know that they have symptoms. Screenings were disrupted earlier this year due to COVID 19 but the good news is that screening appointments are now up and running and are still available during the FireBreak and local lockdowns. There are some important changes and messages that you need to be aware of.

Types of Screening 

There are three main types of screening appointment, Maternal & Child, Cancer and Non Cancer

Cancer Screening

Cervical: Women aged 25 -64. Every three years for women aged 25-49 and every five years for women aged 50-64. Tested via cervical smear.

Breast: Women aged 50-70. Every three years, tested via breast x-ray.

Bowel:  Men and women aged 60-74. Tested every two years via poo sample kit, completed at home and returned by post

Non Cancer Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Men aged 65, a one off test with an ultrasound scan.

Diabetic Eye Screening: Everyone aged 12 and over with diabetes. Tested every year with photographs of the eye.

Maternal & Child

Ante-natal Screening

New-born Bloodspot

New-born Hearing

Key Messages 

 Taking part in screening is something you can do to look after your health.

•    Even if you live in an area that is in a local lockdown, PHW are still encouraging people to attend their screening appointments.

•  All of the programmes in Wales are now inviting people for screening. If you have missed your appointment, are due for screening or your screening invitation has been delayed, be assured PHW are working very hard to catch up

• It is really important that you let PHW know if you will not be attending your appointment, for whatever reason. They might be able to offer your appointment to someone else

COVID Secure Measures

PHW have introduced measures to keep you and their staff safe when you attend for your screening appointment. These measures may include:

•   Waiting outside until called
•   Staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as they will need to be near you (within 2 metres)
•   Being asked to wear a face covering when attending
•   Having fewer people in healthcare buildings – you will probably only see the person taking your test
• Deep cleaning of equipment and waiting areas
•  Having hand sanitiser available
•  To stop the spread of coronavirus do not attend for screening if you have symptoms of coronavirus, have tested positive, or have been advised to quarantine or self-isolate.

Remain Vigilant

PHW are working hard to catch up with appointments delayed due to COVID 19. Appointments are being prioritised according to those who had their appointments cancelled and those who have been waiting the longest. Screenings are taking longer to work through due to extra cleaning measures and restrictions in the number of people able to attend a clinic. In the meantime it's important to monitor your health and wellbeing. If you are worried about any changes in your health please do not wait to be invited for screening. It is very important you speak to someone at your GP surgery even if you have had a previous normal screening test. 

Welsh Gender Identity Service

Powys Sexual Health Network met recently, marking its second birthday as a network, updating members on the Test and Post STI testing, pregnancy terminations and update about the Welsh Gender Identity Service. John Morgan, Transformation Manager for the PTHB told us more about the Welsh Gender Identity Service and how it works.

Welsh Gender Identity Service

Background

Previous to the establishment of the service in Wales adults aged 17.5 and over who presented as gender dysphoric were referred to their local Mental Health services via their GP, where they were then diagnosed and referred to a specialist clinic in London. This led to long waiting times for patients from Wales, as they were included in the English waiting lists. This idea for a Welsh Gender Identity service was proposed by Vaughan Gething in 2017 and became established in February 2019. Adults who now present as gender dysphoric can be referred by their GPs directly to the Welsh service, based in Cardiff. 

Current Service.

The service is commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services (WHSSC) on an all Wales basis. Patients who are non complex are assessed by the Welsh service and if appropriate, are endorsed for hormone replacement therapy, they then are discharged back to the local gender teams. If the patient as part of the pathway requires surgery to change some of the physical attributes in relation to their gender, then they are referred through to the specialist clinic in London, where the surgery takes place. 

Umbrella Cymru.

The Welsh service is based in Cardiff at St David’s hospital, with a core team of nine staff. The first patients were seen in September 2019. The Welsh service is slightly different to some of the other gender identity services in England, as peer support is embedded into the service. People accessing the service are supported by a third sector provider Umbrella Cymru. Umbrella Cymru offers a range of support, from the first point of contact with the service, to when the transformation has been completed. There have been 42 referrals from Powys in the last year, which is close to what was predicted and in line with the population of Powys, representing approximately 4% of the total Welsh referrals. 

Third Sector support for the service. 

Changes. 

There have been some changes to staffing in Wales with Dr Sophie Quinney, one of the leading gender specialists for Wales joining the service this year. The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has lead to the service  embracing new technology, with digital access and attend anywhere software. This allows virtual consultations to take place with the continuation of service provision. A new website with a new website platform is currently being adopted. The new website will include information about what an appointment with the service looks like, as well as general information about making a transition and what hormone surgery entails. There is quite a long waiting list for the service, due to the fact that WHSSC anticipated 365 referrals per year, but in the first year 400 people were transferred back to Wales from London, when the Welsh service was established. The service is currently in the process of developing a business case to seek funding from WHSSC in the hope that this will help to enhance the service and reduce the waiting time. 

Powys

The service in Powys is a virtual one. GP Jonathon Shaw is the clinical lead, based in Machynlleth, with support from the PTHB Sexual Health team and Speech and Language services. There has been some confusion and lack of clarity about the service in Powys, with primary care services and GPs unsure of how to refer to the service. The Sexual Health team as a result aim to send info to all the GP clusters in Powys with details about the Welsh Gender Identity service and how to refer to it.  This confusion is echoed with third sector organisations and whilst a lot of work was done last year to raise awareness of the service it’s clear that this needs to be reiterated and a continual promotion of the service to remind people of what is available. The Powys service will virtually link in to the All Wales service on a fortnightly basis to keep up to date with developments and help people link to the service, accessing the support they require. 

Digital Companions - A Powys Perspective

The power of technology to connect us and help to combat the detrimental effects of social isolation, became increasingly apparent during lockdown this year. For those without the skills or technology, it was one more barrier to social inclusion. We met recently with Ian Smith from Digital Communities Wales  to find out more about their Digital Companions scheme. Find out more about the scheme and the support, training and equipment that can support our communities in becoming more digitally active in supporting their health and wellbeing.  

Support 

What is your support  coverage / offer in Powys?

Digital Communities Wales covers the whole of Powys. Ian Smith was appointed to his post as Digital Inclusion Adviser for Digital Communities Wales 12 months ago and is currently building his patch and role. Digital Communities Wales are able to offer support and training to organisations to in turn support volunteers to become Digital Companions. The service is able to provide training and has a limited amount of equipment available for loan. There’s a focus on digital skills to improve health and wellbeing as the project is partly funded by the Welsh Government Department of Health. 

How can people access this support? What’s the application process? 

Organisations can request support by contacting Ian and the Digital Communities Wales team. A session can be booked through Ian that can be attended  via a link and booking form. If there is a large enough group with specific requirements and a date in mind, this can be forwarded to Ian who then look at arranging this with his trainers. Bespoke training can be arranged, or a mix and match combination of existing training modules.

Do you have some examples of how you  have worked with people? 

Mary's Story - Digital Volunteer with Newcis

Peter's Story - Digital Volunteer West Wales

Are you still operating as normal during lockdown?

Services are still available but have had to be adapted and changed to comply with COVID 19 restrictions. Face to face training has not resumed yet, though some 1 to 1 work is now possible outside whilst observing social distancing if deemed necessary. All training is completed digitally online via Zoom. Training can also be given on how to use Zoom. 

Are there DBS check references and training for participants?

Digital Communities Wales do not provide or source volunteers although a volunteer coordinator was appointed during lockdown to look at developing the role of volunteers. Digital Communities Wales do not have a pool of volunteers or a network of Digital Companions. Volunteers to be Digital Companions would be sourced by the organisations providing the service.  Responsibilities for safeguarding and DBS checks are the responsibility of the organisation providing or co-ordinating the volunteers.

Equipment 

Is there access to borrow equipment to test it out, see what suits an individual. (phone/tablet/ipad) Could this idea be developed?

At present there is a limited amount of equipment that can be loaned. Welsh Government provided 1100 tablets for distribution in Wales to care homes during the pandemic. 19 care homes in Powys benefitted from receiving one of these. Digital Communities Wales have a limited amount of tablets, smart speakers, virtual reality headsets available for loan. These are loaned on agreement to organisations, who can lend them to volunteers / service users. Digital Communities Wales can then  help with the developing a  loan process and have model loan forms. Equipment can be loaned for a set period of time to try it out and see if it’s beneficial and useful. If organisations are then interested in buying their own equipment then support can be provided to apply for funding. Equipment is available at present and can be accessed by all geographical areas in Powys. There are discussions at the moment on improving and adding to the amount of equipment available. 

 

How would the Virtual Headsets be used?

Virtual headsets have been used by organisations with a focus on reminiscing with memory films such as Welsh Shops. There are also films with an outdoor focus such as beaches or countryside for people who are unable to go out, bringing the beaches and countryside to them. These headsets can be tailored to meet individual needs. Ian gave the example of an unresponsive older man who had been a Liverpool football fan. A film of a match was provided with the man responding and singing to “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” DMIP currently have 5 of these headsets and are trialling their benefits. Another virtual initiative currently in development at the moment is a bicycle with handlebars, pedals and hand crank linked to a laptop and street view, allowing people to ‘cycle,’ and ‘see,’ places of their choosing. The added advantage is that people get some exercise whilst accessing street view. 

How do you monitor the security of equipment on loan?

All equipment is linked to a mobile device management system. The advantages are that apps can be added remotely, the location of equipment can be monitored and located if necessary.  It’s also possible to monitor whether equipment is being used and to follow up to check if there are any problems if equipment isn’t being used.

Training

Are you aware of the Game Change project and do you have any plans to set up something like this? 

Digital Companions currently support the Game Change Project. Sian from the project has two tablets from Digital Communities Wales and DCW have provided the training for Game Change. It is not a project they would set up and run themselves but they would be able to support similar projects. 

Is there a local capacity for training volunteers to support elderly / isolated people to use IT? (COVID 19 support groups)

Digital Companions offer training for frontline staff and volunteers. Most training is online now. There are a range of programmes to support volunteers to support other people, including practical information like online safety, how do you differentiate between good and bad information, equipment but also soft skills around communication skills.  They offer practical sessions on how to use tablets and also smart speakers such as Alexa and Echo Dot.

Is there access to peer teaching to get people going  with their new tech tools? Either over the phone or otherwise? 

Digital Companions offer several training courses and modules. They have a 6 week Digital Skills course composed of 6 x 1 hour modules made up of: 

Basic Digital Skills 

Introduction to Comms - Social Media & Online Videos

Handling Information and Content - How do you find what you’re looking for online? How do you know if it’s any good? How do you store it?

Transacting - How to buy things online, how to register, how you can take money online.

Problem Solving - Finding solutions to problems and answers to questions.

Safe and Legal  -  Keeping safe and legal online.

Do you offer training to help people stay safe online?

Most training packages include safety modules such as how to tell if an email is genuine, spotting fake information and internet scams. 

Can you help people who have no skills whatsoever to get started online?

It’s not easy showing someone remotely how to begin to access digital services. This is where the role of the Digital Companions has its benefits. A Digital Companion is often somebody known to the person being trained which helps to build the relationship and trust. Materials are available on Digitally Unite  to help people show others to become digitally competent. 

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We would like to upskill our volunteers so they can support clients to access online social groups and will be looking for training courses.  Do you offer courses?

Yes Digital Communities Wales offer a range of courses and training to enhance people’s digital skills and knowledge. This can be organised as a group session.