Listening to and suppor ng the development of people and communi es
Annual Impact Report 2018 - 2019
Welcome / page 2
Vision, Values And Principles
The Way Forward
Vision
The Interlink 2017-2020 strategy helps describe what Interlink does and who it works with using an approach that brings individuals, communi es and organisa ons together.
Volunteering, community involvement and ac on lead to connected and resilient communi es, where people are treated fairly, have good health and have the resources they need.
Values And Principles
• To work sustainably, taking into account the environmental, economic and social needs of local people and communi es • To support all members with special considera on for the needs of smaller groups • To promote equal opportuni es and social jus ce, aiming to reach those individuals and groups most in need • To support voluntary ac on, aiming to promote and facilitate the involvement of service users, carers and ci zens • To be flexible and responsive to the changing needs members • To support and develop partnership working at all levels to iden fy, address and deliver ac ons that meet the needs of local communi es • To work with others using asset based community development and coproduc ve approaches • To enhance and not compete with the work of member organisa ons.
The meaningful involvement of individuals, communi es and organisa ons working together, using the exis ng economic, social, environmental and cultural assets available in all communi es is the only long-term solu on to reducing inequality, addressing poverty and improving wellbeing. (Interlink Strategy 2017-2020). Interlink carried out a review of its role with the help of People and Work (more informa on on the review is included later in this report). Interlink gets involved with a wide range of ac vi es that can make it difficult to fully understand its core purpose. The review recommended that: ‘Interlink should clearly state its core role as a CVC as being to support a thriving and sustainable third sector in RCT. Its core strategic outcome should be a strong and healthy third sector that benefits communi es in RCT.’ The Review recommended that promo ng volunteering and community engagement should be core strategic objec ves across Interlink’s work, focusing on suppor ng people in the third and public sectors to support and develop volunteering.
Our Vision, Values and Principles / page 3
The Review recommended developing a statement to underpin strategic outcomes in: • collabora ve work • community asset based approaches and • the difference made to communi es
Interlink is part of Third Sector Support Wales, working with our fellow County Voluntary Councils and WCVA to provide a Wales wide service under our 4 pillars of Volunteering, Good Governance, Thriving and Sustainable Third Sector and Influencing and Strategic Engagement.
We have made good progress with some of the recommenda ons, par cularly around asset based approaches with limited progress in other areas such as, volunteering and an evalua on framework. These will be key elements for our work during 2019/2020 and beyond.
We also see benefits in working regionally with Voluntary Ac on Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend Associa on of Voluntary Organisa ons, par cularly in the area of health and wellbeing and linking with the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Social Services and Wellbeing Partnership Board.
Interlink trustees made the strategic decision to further invest in place based working, for example, looking to support community hubs and to develop area based teams suppor ng local networks. This includes moving to a smaller office in Pontypridd with staff increasingly working from community venues. We hope to see the posi ve impact of this investment in the year ahead.
We would like to thank the high level of commitment demonstrated by all of our incredible staff, and the strategic direc on and support provided by our trustees. Most of all we would like to thank our members for the excep onal work they do to reduce inequality, alleviate poverty and support improved wellbeing that helps transform people’s lives within our communi es every day throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf.
We will con nue to use the 5 ways of working; thinking long-term and on early interven on and preven on, suppor ng integra on, collabora on with a strong focus on involving people and communi es as our framework for our work and working with others. One of the ways we achieve this is through our asset and place based approach to working alongside community and voluntary organisa ons to help them make a difference.
Our Objec ves for 2019-20 are: • Voice - people, communi es and the third sector have power and influence • Collabora on - effec ve public service collabora on has a posi ve impact on people and communi es • Communica on and Promo on - there is effec ve communica on and promo on of the third sector • Advice and Support - the third sector has the advice and support to be effec ve, well led and sustainable.
Pauline Richards Chair, Interlink
Simon James Chief Execu ve Officer
Key Achievements / page 4
Key Achievements
Key Achievements / page 5
Key Achievements
27
training courses
299
learners
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing / page 6
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing
Supporting people and working together on early intervention and prevention to improve health, social care and wellbeing.
Cwm Taf Crystal Trophy Awards
Community Groups Praised at the Cwm Taf Crystal Trophy Awards! Community groups promo ng healthy lifestyles and preven ng ill-health in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil have been celebrated and rewarded at this year’s Crystal Trophy Awards. The awards recognise the achievements of local groups and organisa ons throughout Cwm Taf who are working to improve health and wellbeing. Impressive applica ons were received this year from a diverse range of groups and organisa ons. Rhondda Housing Associa on scooped second prize of £750 for their project; Hapus Pawb? a six week health and wellbeing course which supports them to be er manage and improve their mental and physical health. Professor Marcus Longley, Chair at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, who presented the awards, said: ‘These awards help to showcase the great work that’s happening in our communi es to improve health and wellbeing. Today has been an opportunity to see some of the many examples and demonstrates that we can all make a real difference.’
Integrated Au sm Service - Community Capacity Grant Scheme The following projects have received grant funding through the Community Capacity Grant Scheme and have a specific focus around au sm. Arts Factory - Health and Wellbeing Club ASD Rainbows - Support Service Au sm Life Centre - Outside Ac vi es CBS Group (Challenging Behaviour Support) - The Parent Support Programme Elite Supported Employment Agency - Elite Paper Solu ons Na onal Au s c Society RCT - The Branching Out project
‘I think I have found my voice, I like telling what I like ea ng and that I like dancing to music.’
‘When I started a ending the Au sm group at the Arts Factory in Ferndale, I was shy and did not get involved much. The sessions were fun and over the 8 weeks I started to express my feelings and show my true personality. I was made to feel comfortable with my surroundings and did not feel different to anyone else I could really just ‘be myself’. The au sm project gave me the opportunity to enrol on a con nua on youth programme which was similar, but also mixing with other people. I am looking forward to star ng, and mee ng new people. I hope that I can help people by showing them what I learned about the nutri on and physical ac vity that we had in the last project.’
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing / page 7
Integrated Care Fund
Congratula ons to the following projects who received grant funding from this year’s Integrated Care Fund. In previous years the grant scheme has funded projects that support older people but this year the scheme was broadened to encompass; Carers, children with complex needs and adults and children with a learning disability. CASE (Young Adult Carers Group) - Time for Ourselves project New Pathways - Family Support Service RCT People First - Design and evalua on for future services across Cwm Taf SHINE Cymru - Service for people with Spina Bifida
Young Adult Carers Time for Me Project Carers Suppor ng Each Other (CASE) a Young Adult Carers Group received funding from the Community Capacity Grant scheme this year for a residen al weekend, workshops and day trips. Having me away to look forward to can mean so much for many Young Adult Carers. We spend a lot of me at home with the people we care for and some mes don't think about ourselves and our own needs. We are s ll young people but we also care for someone who we love very much. We want to provide some ' me out' for the Young Adult Carers living in RCT to show them how much they are valued and to provide some opportuni es for them to get out with other Carers to socialise and to build their friendships and support networks. Young Adult Carers don't get to go on a holiday with or without the person they care for and don't have the me just to switch off and think about themselves. The residen al weekend gave us the opportunity to relax and try some new ac vi es in the outdoors which, again, we rarely get a chance to do. We stayed in bunk houses together, cooked and ate together and shared a fun me with others who understand us. The range of day trips and workshops provided opportuni es for Carers to have me away from their caring role and to spend me with other Young Adult Carers but a bit closer to home for those who aren’t able to be away overnight. Young Adult Carers measured the impact of these opportuni es on their wellbeing using a wellbeing toolkit and results show a marked increase in their overall wellbeing with the greatest impact being on good rela onships which are so so valuable for Carers.
‘We haven't really had our childhoods so this will give us me to have fun now and me to just be ourselves without having to think about our worries.’
Community Coordinators / page 8
Community Coordinators The Community Coordinators have been very busy this year receiving 1,222 referrals for older people requiring care and support. Coordinators made a total of 1,000 referrals and over 5,000 signposts to community groups, services and ac vi es.
George was referred to the Community Coordinator by the Council’s Intermediate Care team. He is 82, lives alone and has various health issues and limited mobility. He has lost confidence in going out and is becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. Speaking with George he told me about his love of gardening and also history. A community garden project had just started near to his home and with the help of reablement services George now a ends and is thoroughly enjoying it and making new friends. George was given a tailored list of other ac vi es close by.
His daughter said: ‘He’s a ending a singing group, chair exercise and a cra group and really enjoys them all. He is keen to a end more and would love to know about other similar ac vi es and groups.’
Delyth was referred to the Community Coordinator by her GP who was concerned about her mental health; she was feeling isolated, stressed and depressed. Delyth needed to find work and had applied unsuccessfully for a number of jobs in the care sector. Her low mood and lack of confidence were impac ng on her ability to perform at interviews and mul ple rejec ons were adding to her distress.
‘I never knew there was help out there to help people over 60 back into work. I know we look at re ring at this age but I really want and need a job.’
Delyth was referred to New Horizons, a mental health charity where she a ended an anxiety and stress course. She was also referred to Communi es for Work who provided confidence building sessions and supported her back into employment. Her mood has improved and she is happy in work.
Wellbeing Coordinators / page 9
Wellbeing Coordinators The Wellbeing Service has gone from strength to strength with over 800 people referred in to date. The Wellbeing Coordinator’s role is to work with people to iden fy what ma ers to them and connect them to the range of services, groups and ac vi es available in their community.
Grow Rhondda
‘Gardening on Prescrip on!’ A social prescribing gardening project, created by Dr Rachel Benne of Forest View medial prac ce in Treorchy and supported by the Wellbeing Coordinator and Treorchy Men’s sheds. The project aims at helping those with low levels of anxiety and depression, stress and isola on. People learn a variety of gardening techniques via prac cal workshops, engage in willow weaving and bird box making and have the chance to meet new people over a cuppa and a chat.
Anna was referred to the Wellbeing Coordinator via her GP as she was feeling isolated. As a Carer for her husband she was feeling stressed and explained that she had no me for herself, this was having an impact on her own health and wellbeing and affec ng her caring role. The Wellbeing Coordinator met with Anna where they cha ed about her interests, Anna explained her love of gardening. A new project had recently been developed in the area called Grow Rhondda, Anna a ended and has enjoyed every session so far and reports that her feelings of stress have eased considerably and that she feels more confident. She is even encouraging her husband to join! ‘I’m so thankful that I spoke to you. I didn’t realise that this was happening. Ysbyty George Thomas is local to me and it’s not far for me to leave my husband. I’m s ll working on him to come with me! He would love it!’
Henry, 58 was referred into the Wellbeing Service via his GP, he was experiencing mental distress and had recently lost his job. On mee ng the Coordinator he reported that he was not interested in a ending any courses, social groups or training as he was not a sociable person. He felt that due to his age he was unemployable, he had no friends and no social life and felt that his life was over as he had no purpose. Henry men oned that he had an allotment and this was the only thing that brought him any joy. The Coordinator informed him of a community venture called ‘Cynon Valley Organic Adventures’, who were looking for volunteers to help develop and sustain a community garden and were about to start a selfdevelopment programme called ‘Plan ng the Seed’. Henry was very reluctant to get involved and stated there was nothing that he could gain from the experience, however he agreed to a end the programme. Upon follow up by the Coordinator, Henry said he was comple ng the programme every week and also volunteering in the community garden daily and is thoroughly enjoying it. He feels he now has a purpose, no longer feels depressed and believes that this is due to volunteering. He said he really enjoys mentoring the other volunteers, and in par cular the ones with extra support needs. He stated he has surprised himself with the extent of his skills and he would like to obtain paid employment at the garden if the opportunity arose. Feedback from programme tutor: ‘He seems to be a natural leader, you can see he loves taking people with extra support needs under his wing and organising everybody. He is very good with people, especially the hard to reach, his manner changes around them, it’s nice to watch.’
Community Advice and Support / page 10
Community Advice and Support The Community Advice Team provided advice, support and training to community and voluntary organisa ons throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf from play groups to churches. This includes helping 264 groups with funding and raising nearly £3,000,000 for community ac vi es, services and facili es.
Canolfan Pentre Canolfan Pentre was set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisa on in 2016; local community members came together to save their last remaining community asset - a disused day centre. Through RCT Together Asset Transfer they took on the asset and have since raised over £100,000 to renovate and offer services for the community. Canolfan Pentre is a thriving community centre in the Rhondda Valley offering a range of programmes to help address isola on and loneliness, including a er school clubs, a community cafe, job club, mental health support and a parent and toddler group. Canolfan Pentre were supported by Interlink to successfully apply for £65,000 from the Garfield Weston Anniversary Fund.
‘From the very start of our project Jo Markham has been an important part of our team at Canolfan Pentre. Jo became more to us than a support, she played a vital role in giving us the confidence to proceed with funding applica ons we may otherwise overlook for fear of it being too complicated. This confidence has enabled us to secure over £200,000 this year alone. We are forever grateful to Jo and all she did for us.’ Buffy Williams, Canolfan Pentre
Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach celebrate grant success Interlink members Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach celebrate grant success with a successful £257,000 applica on to the Na onal Lo ery Community Fund. During 2018 Interlink’s Community Advice and Support Team member Ken Moon has been suppor ng the Meithrin with their asset transfer from RCT looking at helping them register as a Community Interest Company, develop their business plan and apply for grant funding.
‘Just wanted to give you our good news, we have been successful with our Lo ery applica on for £237,000 and want to thank you for your help and support as we couldn't have done it without you.’
Community Advice and Support / page 11
Community Advice and Support Young Tenants Build Wales’ First Digital Bench on the grounds of St Catherine’s Church The innova ve idea came about a er members of Rhydyfelin Youth Club began developing their woodwork skills during training with Eggseeds, a sustainable educa on organisa on. They iden fied the problem of charging a phone when out and about and wondered whether a sta on such as a solar powered bench could assist. With ini al support from Newydd Housing Associa on, the project was kickstarted with funding from Interlink, specialist support from Renew Wales and wood donated by TR33, Newydd’s contractors. This gave the group the confidence to present the idea of installing the bench on church grounds to Reverend Peter Lewis of St Catherine’s Church. The completed wooden bench has a solar panelled roof that stores power and allows the public to charge devices through one of two USB ports.
Sco Tandy, Community Regenera on Officer at Newydd said: ‘I am so proud of the team at Rhydyfelin Youth Group for their hard work and enthusiasm in seeing this project through. Not only have they worked together as a team, gained fantas c skills for the future but they have also thought of the needs of the local community.’
Arts Factory Arts Factory based in Ferndale, applied to Pen Y Cymoedd Community fund to provide community support and improve their building to benefit the local community. The organisa on is a vital community anchor organisa on working in the area to benefit the local community providing services for children, young people and people with a learning disability. Interlink worked in partnership providing support with the applica on process for the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund. Arts Factory is an innova ve social enterprise, running an on-line recycled book enterprise, Factory Books and a graphic design enterprise. ‘The help we received from Joanna Markham from Interlink was invaluable in us being successful with our grant applica on, the financial support from Pen Y Cymoedd CIC will enable our social enterprise, Arts Factory Design, to employ two new people, upgrade our IT, repair our historic building and increase the services offered to our valued design clients. It will be a fantas c head start towards genera ng sustainable income, which in turn will feed into the Arts Factory charity to engage, train and support marginalised people in the Valleys community.’
Community Advice and Support / page 12
Community Advice and Support Area Based Working for Stronger Communi es Working in collabora on with Pontypridd Town Council, Interlink brought together 53 people to ‘A Be er Pontypridd Gwell’ event at the Muni Arts Centre in June. The event was adver sed and planned through Facebook with themes being suggested and discussed by those booking on. The purpose of the event was to iden fy the individuals and groups in the community who are working towards one of the themes to make their community be er. To help develop and strengthen local networks and find out what support people need around the themes: • • • • •
Growing Ponty: Community and Bee Friendly Plan ng Prosperous Ponty: Training and Employment opportuni es Diversely Ponty: Harnessing the Welsh Language, Heritage and Culture Connec ng Ponty: Developing Wellbeing Networks Ponty Town Ponty Voice: Improving Public Ameni es
The event generated lots of discussions and ideas and more focused spaces were proposed to focus on taking forward ideas such as a community growing network for Pontypridd.
‘What struck our group was the passion and love everyone has for Pontypridd and the future of the town. There are numerous issues but they are not insurmountable if we come together as a community to tackle them. Let’s harness this passion and the frustra ons through ideas and ac on to bring about change.’ Councillor Heledd Fychan
Case Study Trawlln Constant Gardeners, Friends of the Earth Pontypridd (Bee Friendly Pontypridd) and Grow for It Llantrisant were established to encourage individuals to access public space within their local community for the purposes of improved well-being and the resilience of wildlife and communi es. All three groups sought to develop sites on public land managed by RCTCBC. Interlink supported each group to nego ate with RCTCBC through an asset transfer programme called RCT Together. This included helping the groups get established with an appropriate legal structure, wri ng a business plan, securing funding and nego a ng a lease agreement. With two of the groups involved based in Pontypridd, Interlink then started working with the Town Council to look at how the two organisa ons could pilot a more co-produc ve approach to suppor ng community access to public land. This work has so far led towards the crea on of an embryonic community growing network in the Taf Ely area, the crea on of several new groups, and the forma on of a Sustainable Land Use Advisory Group within the Town Council to support community growing. ‘It’s always inspiring to hear about other community growers and to be around that energy and enthusiasm working together on posi ve change.’ Louisa Mills, Grow for It Llantrisant
Future Genera ons / page 13
The Power of Future Genera ons to Transform Society Interlink held a hugely successful Conference tled ‘The Power Of Future Genera ons to Transform Society’ on the 13 November with over 100 people in a endance. The audience was overwhelmed with the presenta ons from young people (supported by Spectacle Theatre) and Interlink members. Anne West from Beddau and Tynant Community Library Monday Club and Dave Harris from Treorchy Men’s Shed who showcased the incredible things they do to involve people. They mo vated everyone to take part in workshops on loneliness and isola on, volunteering and children and young people. Interlink has a huge amount of work to do to work with people to take ac on. Special thanks to Marcus Longley, Chair of Cwm Taf Public Service Board (PSB) who talked about how the PSB aims to implement the Wellbeing Plan, but more importantly took me to listen to people and share thoughts and experiences with us.
‘The presenta ons from our members and young people seemed to mo vate everyone in the room, we don’t need celebrity speakers because people working for free in our communi es are the real celebri es. Simon James, Interlink’s Chief Execu ve
Interlink Review 2018 with the help of People and Work Interlink carried out a review of its role with the help of People and Work with the findings reported to the Execu ve in July 2018.
The review recommended that: Interlink should clearly state its core role as a CVC as being to support a thriving and sustainable third sector in RCT. Its core strategic outcome should be a strong and healthy third sector that benefits communi es in RCT. Interlink should be clear that it is not a service provider. To enable this Interlink will develop a clear - and publically available - set of criteria for deciding when such work should be undertaken: • • • •
work that relates directly to a CVC’s role ac on-research to test out a way of working with a view to informing third sector organisa ons developing a new service which no-one else could develop and which will be handed on to third sector partners as and when feasible building capacity in the third sector to undertake work
The Review also provided recommenda ons on volunteering, health and wellbeing, voice and reputa on, these recommenda ons form part of our work programme for 2019/20.
Mental Health / page 14
Mental Health Involvement in training, recruitment and events
Throughout the year Service User and Carer Representa ves have par cipated in a number of events, recruitment and training opportuni es:
Opening Minds - Talk with Psychology Students In March 2019, three Representa ves were asked to a end South Wales University to speak to their MSC Clinical Psychology Students to share their experiences, as service users, about treatments and therapies they have encountered. The Representa ves found it a really valuable day by having the opportunity to share their views and opinions. The feedback from the students was phenomenal.
‘I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for coming in today and sharing such personal experiences with us. I found it very important and insigh ul for us as clinical psychology students that we had real-life perspec ves regarding experiences with mental health problems. I am very grateful that you took the me to share your journeys with us and I have learned a lot from this session. Thank you very much.’
Training and Recruitment Service User and Carer Representa ves have also had the opportunity to be involved in recruitment panels and sharing stories of their lived experience as part of the Mental Health Awareness Training. This year we have supported recruitment panels for a Social Worker and two Psychotherapist posts and been involved in Care and Treatment Planning Training for Care Coordinators.
‘J's story was so useful. She blew me away with how strong she was a er going through all of the struggles she has had in life and reminding me that a smile could make someone's day.’ A endee, Mental Health Awareness Training ‘J's talk was for me the best part of any course that I have done.’ A endee, Mental Health Awareness Training
Pa ent Buddy Service Users and Carer Representa ves from the Cwm Taf Together For Mental Health Partnership Board wanted to develop a ‘Pa ent Buddy’ booklet for people on admission to hospital that could serve as an invaluable source of informa on during what can be an uncertain and o en difficult me in somebody’s life. The Team visited the Mental Health Unit at Royal Glamorgan Hospital to gather pa ent’s views and ideas on what they would find useful for the Pa ent Informa on booklet. A er months of consulta on and teamwork we were pleased to launch the booklet in August 2018. The Pa ent Buddy includes lots of useful informa on, such as the different coloured tunics the staff wear, useful telephone numbers, visi ng mes and details of different organisa ons who can provide advice to pa ents on advocacy, finances and accommoda on. ‘It looks amazing can’t wait to start using it and giving it out.’ Therapeu c Nurse, CwmTaf UHB
Mental Health / page 15
Mental Health Have Your Say
Mental Health Dignity Pledge
As part of the review of Community Mental Health Teams, our Mental Health Service User and Involvement Officer and our Mental Health Development Officer have worked in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the local authori es to deliver ‘Have Your Say’ events across RCT and Merthyr.
Following a number of engagement events and a endance at the Na onal Forum the Service User and Carer Representa ves iden fied that Service Users and family members felt that they didn’t always receive a posi ve pa ent experience and felt they were treated with a lack of dignity and respect.
There was a fantas c turn out of over 90 people that were either accessing or had experience of secondary mental health services, all keen to share their views and experiences. There was a lot of posi ve feedback about support people received.
The Representa ves worked with other service users, the local authority and the University Health Board to develop a Dignity Pledge which will be displayed in; In-pa ent Mental Health Wards and Units, Outpa ents, Primary Care and Community Mental Health Team venues across RCT and Merthyr.
The following priority themes emerged: • Greater consistency with workers • Improvements to outpa ents systems • More local services especially for people living in the Cynon Valley and Merthyr Tydfil We look forward to working on these themes with service users and carers, local authori es and Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB.
The Dignity Pledge has so far received lots of posi ve feedback, however we will con nue to monitor and review with the view to embed in other service areas next year.
‘At last and wasn’t it good to get such posi ve feedback - just goes to show that if you give enough me and pa ence anything is achievable!!’ Service User Representa ve
‘It was an open session. Everybody was enthusias c and had their own say. We as a group worked well together.’ A endee, Rhondda Engagement event
‘Well done to everyone involved very clear easy to read and shows good partnership working. Thanks to all.’ Maria Thomas, Chair of Cwm Taf T4MH Partnership Board.
Mental Health / page 16
Mental Health Forum Look to the Future The Cwm Taf Mental Health Forum, which is hosted by Interlink, brings together local Mental Health Third Sector Organisa ons, Service User Representa ves and the Statutory Sector to enhance partnership working and co-produc on. In 2018, all Forum members co-designed a 3 year ac on plan that aligned to the Together For Mental Health Strategy with the over-arching theme of addressing loneliness and isola on for those with mental health illness across RCT and Merthyr. The Forum iden fied four main priori es that they would focus on and work is now underway on numerous projects around; Informa on, Advice and Assistance, Peer Support, Peer Mentoring/Befriending and Counselling/Talking Therapies. We have seen the successful launch of MATV Mind #ItTakesBallsToTalk and the success of the FestyPorth event in recogni on of World Mental Health Day. In 2018/19 the Forum Ac on Plan was recognised as an excellent piece of work. The Forum are looking forward to collabora ng to deliver the forum Ac on Plan on further projects to improve mental health services in Cwm Taf. ‘My congratula ons to the forum as it was clear from Welsh Government response to the delivery plan that they were very pleased with the achievements the forum were making.’ Maria Thomas, Chair, Together For Mental Health Partnership Board
FestyPorth In 2017 Interlink hosted a Mental Health Listening Project to collect personal stories on how people manage their mental health. A World Mental Health Day Event was held at The Factory in Porth on the 10 October 2018 where there was Youth Theatre Performances, Hip-Hop Theatre and exhibi ons. This led to FestyPorth in October 2018, fes val of music and wellbeing to bring the community together to promote ac vi es available in Porth and surrounding areas. 20 different events took place throughout the town including; Live Music, Comedy, Dinners, Photography, Art, Workshops and other recrea onal ac vi es. A Breakin’ Jam compe on saw dancers from the UK, Europe and the world to compete in Porth.
‘Thank you for #FestyPorth I enjoyed it, the people who stop and chat and listen make it an interes ng experience.’
Cwm Taf Social Value Network/ page 17
Young People Know their Rights! The Cwm Taf Social Value Network Winter Event ‘Are we effec vely involving and suppor ng children and young people?’ held at the Red House, Merthyr Tydfil, was a great success with over 60 people ge ng involved in energe c debate. We heard about new plans to invest in early interven on and preven on services in Cwm Taf to improve wellbeing.
The young people spoke well. No one should provide services without asking the people who use their services what they want. A endee
What Really Ma ers in Ferndale? As part of the Valleys Task Force young people from Ferndale took part in a workshop looking at stories collected from young people in the area. Young people came together in a workshop and were enthusias c and posi ve about how young people could become involved in small ac ons to create a be er future for those who live in the area. The workshop was such a success it led to an event where any one of any age could discuss what really ma ers to them @ Arts Factory on 17 April.
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Involvement was a strong theme, and we were really excited to hear from children and young people who were meaningfully involved in a decision to commission substance misuse services in Cwm Taf
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The incredible story of a young Carer, caring for both her mum and siblings
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Newly elected service user and Carer representa ves told everyone about their new role on the Cwm Taf Social Services and Wellbeing Board
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Kirrin Davidson, Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, talked about how to take a rights based approach to involving children and young people.
Young People’s Par cipa on / page 18
Substance Misuse and Young People Over the past year, young people from RCT and Merthyr Tydfil came together to work on a young people’s version of the new strategy for Substance Misuse in Cwm Taf. This version is intended to complement the new strategy for Substance Misuse, but in a young person friendly way. They wanted more of an informa on leaflet and poster, with their own ideas for the images and text. Their work was professionally produced and is striking to look at and very edgy, which they feel will appeal to other young people. Following on from this, the young people have since been involved in the en re Tender process for the new substance misuse contract for Cwm Taf. They were taken through a young commissioner process and came up with their own sec on of the Tender, for which they had 10% of the overall scores. The young people evaluated their sec on very professionally and handled their own element of the interviews so well, they needed no support. To accompany their work, the young people also made a short DVD of their experiences, finally achieving runners up at Merthyr Tydil’s Academy of Success awards.
‘You can’t stop people from doing it, but do it safely.’
‘Easy to get into places that serve alcohol, over half are underage.’
‘Lots of younger people in town at night, some as young as 11 years.’
‘I’ve got friends that do stuff and I want to tell them of the effects.’
Measuring the Mountain / page 19
Measuring the Mountain Measuring the Mountain is a project working to understand people’s experiences of health and social care and whether there have been differences to that care as a result of the new Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act. We collected 473 stories from across Wales; they highlighted incredibly posi ve experiences as well as nega ve experiences covering a range of services, se ngs and loca ons and reflected much that the Ci zens' Jury heard in September 2018. The 16 recommenda ons that came from the stories echoed many of those made by the Jurors, par cularly around viewing people as partners in social care delivery, making more offers of support and informa on, making it easier to engage with social care, and improving the support provided to carers.
‘I a ended a stress management course for Carers a li le while ago - I didn't think I was stressed and didn't think there was any point going but went along anyway. It was amazing. I realised how stressed I was and that the only reason I hadn't no ced was because of how busy I was caring for my mum. I'm so glad it was recommended to me - I've now qualified to deliver the course myself.’
Family support worker
‘The service provided Dad with some support and harm reduc on approaches to help his health, and vitally they assigned me a family support worker, who I think probably saved my life. Having someone who was an ally, who I could talk to and feel was there for me, was invaluable.’
Volunteering / page 20
Vol Factor supports 136 young people to volunteeer The fantas c contribu on made to civil society in RCT by 136 volunteers aged 14-25 was showcased at a Celebra on Event held in the Llanharan Drop in Na onal Volunteers Week, a ended by RCT CBC Cabinet Member for Stronger Communi es, Wellbeing and Cultural Services, Rhys Lewis. The volunteers have been recruited thanks to 14 grants made by the Vol Factor, a youth–led grant scheme suppor ng volunteering projects for young people in RCT. The scheme is funded by Volunteering in Wales and administered by Interlink. The Vol Factor is managed by a panel of 14-25 year olds recruited through previous schemes, who came up with the name and decided on the criteria for the grants.
This year the panel awarded grants to 14 projects: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Doggy Bag Project and Volunteer Recruitment Team Building (Llanharan Youth Drop In) Mental Health Training (Ferndale Youth Provision) Our Poppy (Hirwaun YMCA) Mental Health Forum (Spectacle Theatre) Homework Club and Cooking Classes (Fernhill Youth Project) Young Volunteers Football Project (Aberdare Valley AFL) Healthy and Ac ve Ac vity Day (RCT People First) How Green Is My Valley Now? (Avant Theatre) Developing a Young Volunteer Network (Pontypridd Panthers Basketball Club) Shu le Time (Ac ve Valleys) Community Sports Volunteers (Urdd) Crea ng Safe, Sociable Places (Eventsparks)
Pontypridd Panthers Basketball Club recognises the value and importance of volunteering for young people. For the past two years the club have encouraged their young members to get involved in coaching, refereeing and officia ng. The club recognise that the self-confidence and social skills gained by undertaking volunteer roles within the club are invaluable. Not only do these opportuni es provide the young people with a greater understanding of the game that they love, but it provides them with the chance to build leadership skills, take responsibility, be role models for the younger children in the club and help them with building a CV for the future.
Jon Bunyan, Volunteer Coordinator at Pontypridd Panthers Basketball Club said: ‘Interlink supported us by providing Millennium Volunteers Cer ficates, promo ng the Volunteer Scheme online and by suppor ng the group to successfully pull down a Youth Grants Award of £1217. The funding is covering hall hire and ensuring young people complete training courses to accredit their Volunteering Roles, which will give the Club a strong cohort of qualified volunteers. The funding has helped in a number of ways, but specifically the Pontypridd Panthers Youth Volunteer Programme which Interlink supported will develop over the summer as we sit down and formulate a development plan with each young volunteer.’
Execu ve Commi ee - Staff Team / page 21
Execu ve Commi ee April 2018 to March 2019
Pauline Richards Janet Whiteman Richard Flowerdew Stephen Davis Louisa Addisco Kari Lea Jones Richard Walters Lisa Wills Sharon Phillips Elizabeth Williams Hayley Teague Jeffrey Woodington Natasha Applasamy Chris ana Fatoki
Valleys Kids New Horizons RCT Scouts Spectacle Theatre Ynysybwl Regenera on Project Unity Theatre Gilfach Goch Community Associa on Arts Factory Co-opted Canolfan Pentre Co-opted Safe Families for Children Co-opted Co-opted
Chair Vice Chair Treasurer
from November 2018 from November 2018 from November 2018 from Novmeber 2018 from November 2018 un l January 2019 un l November 2018 un l November 2018
Staff Team Simon James Anne Morris Alisa Davies Kathryn Rogerson-Davies Kath Price Cara Jordan-Evans Joanna Markham Ken Moon Meriel Gough Nia Williams Karen Powell Chris ne Davies Thomas Crocke Maria Abson Rachel Wya Lucy Foster Julie Lomas Hannah Furnish Bethan Smith Sue Phillips Rebecca Thomas Ka e Cooke Gemma Lloyd
Chief Execu ve Deputy Chief Execu ve Finance Officer Funding and Development Manager Office Manager Informa on and Communica ons Officer Development Officer (un l December 2018) Development Officer Community Coordinator Rhondda Community Coordinator Cynon Community Coordinator Taff Volunteering Development Officer (un l September 2018) Volunteering Development Officer Mental Health Development Officer Mental Health Service User Involvement Officer (un l August 2018) GP Wellbeing Coordinator Rhondda GP Wellbeing Coordinator South Cynon (from January 2019) GP Wellbeing Coordinator Taff Ely (from February 2019) Community Ac on Researcher Fframwaith Par cipa on and Involvement Officer (Hosted by Interlink) Development Officer Measuring the Mountain Project Manager Recep on and Hospitality
Interlink Cleaners
Jackie Willis (un l July 2018) Brogan Smart
Accounts / page 22
Accounts Accounts Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2019
£
Restricted funds £
2019 Total funds £
2018 Total funds £
5,321 258,736 264,057
_____ -
5,321 258,736 264,057
11,454 249,974 261,428
191,946 260,817 452,763
9,876 (859) 9,017
201,822 259,958 461,780
170,656 301,526 472,182
Creditors Amounts falling due within one year
(78,840)
-
(78,840)
(86,557)
Net Current Assets
373,923
9,017
382,940
385,625
Total Assets Less Current Liabili es
637,980
9,017
646,997
647,053
Net Assets
637,980
9,017
646,997
647,053
637,980
639,646
9,017
7,407
646,997
647,053
Unrestricted funds Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investments Current Assets Debtors Cash at Bank and in hand
Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds
These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient informa on to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the charitable company. For further informa on, the full accounts, the independent auditor’s report and the trustees’ annual report should be consulted. Copies of these can be obtained from Interlink, Glenview House, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd CF37 1JY Telephone: 01443 846200. To the Members of Interlink RCT In the opinion of the independent auditors, Bevan Buckland LLP, the summarised accounts given in this document are consistent with the full annual accounts. Bevan Buckland LLP, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors, Langdon House, Langdon Road, Swansea Waterfront, Swansea SA1 8QY
Accounts / page 23
Accounts Statement of Financial Ac vi es For the year ended 31 March 2019
Unrestricted funds £
Restricted funds £
2019 Total funds £ -
2018 Total funds £ 366
Income and endowments from Dona ons and legacies Charitable ac vi es Grants and contracts
-
-
273,168
615,350
888,518 1,040,309
Other trading ac vi es Investment income Other income Total
17,429 5,793 21,022 317,412
63,253 678,603
17,429 31,060 5,793 5,744 84,275 8,462 996,015 1,085,941
2,030
-
Expenditure on Raising funds Charitable ac vi es charitable a vi es Total Net gains/(losses) on investments Net Income / (Expenditure) Transfers between funds
428,396 430,426 5,405 (107,609)
2,030
5,101
571,050 999,446 1,051,745 571,050 1,001,476 1,056,846 5,405 3,943 107,553 (56) 33,038
105,943 _______
(105,943) ________
_______ _______
_______ _______
(1,666)
(1,610)
(56)
33,038
Reconcilia on of Funds Total Funds Brought Forward
639,646
7,407
647,053
614,015
Total Funds Carried Forward
637,980
9,017
646,997
647,053
Net movement in funds
Get In Touch For further informa on on Interlink’s ac vi es and membership details, visit: www.interlinkrct.org.uk www.facebook.com www.twi er.com/interlinkrct Contact us on 01443 846200 email: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Interlink, Glenview House, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd CF37 1JY Registered Charity No: 1141143 Company Limited by Guarantee No: 07549533
We would like to thank all our funders for their support with thanks to the Welsh Government Integrated Care Fund