Issue 70 Summer 2016
Dignity in Mental Health
Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for All
Interlink’s newsletter for community groups and voluntary organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Introduction Interlink News
Welcome ..... to the Summer edition of Interlink’s Newsletter. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please send your articles by: 4 November 2016 to Cara Jordan-Evans at Interlink by email:
cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: Introduction News Involve 2 Evolve Mental Health World Mental Health Day Health & Wellbeing Community Coordinators Intermediate Care Fund The Listening Project Community Voice Interlink Training
2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10 11-12 12-13 14 15 16
Our address: 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road Upper Boat, Pontypridd CF37 5BE Telephone number: 01443 846200 Fax: 01443 844843 Email: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Website: www.interlinkrct.org.uk Office opening times are: Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
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Welcome to the Health and Wellbeing edition It’s been a busy time on the Health and Wellbeing front! With World Mental Health Day on the horizon, Interlink staff have been working tirelessly to bring two celebratory events with the purpose of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. This years’ theme ‘Dignity in Mental Health - Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for All’ enables us to contribute to the goal of taking mental health out of the shadows so that people in general feel more confident in tackling the stigma, isolation and discrimination that continues to effect people with mental health conditions, their families and Carers. The Involve to Evolve project has been busy developing new ways to support service user involvement read all about what they have been up to on pages 4 and 5. The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act went live on 6 April this year, the act radically transforms the way in which social services are delivered in Wales and gives people a stronger voice and more say in what support they need, making decisions about their care and support as an equal partner. The Community Voice project; a portfolio of projects that support people to have a voice in improving community services is featured on page 15. The Act is being implemented on a regional basis in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil and Interlink is fully engaged in the implementation plan and in particular the Building Community Capacity element which is key to delivering the aspirations of the Act, see pages 12 and 13 for information on new projects awarded grants from this year’s ICF Community Capacity Grant Scheme and excellent examples of the work being undertaken in our communities. The Act has a focus on early intervention and prevention which is a particular forte of the voluntary sector, read about our Community Coordinators who connect older people to activities and services that maximises their health and wellbeing and promotes independence check them out on page 11 and 12. Vital to and underpinning all our work is listening to people, turn to page 14 to find out about the work of the Listening project. Interlink has recently restructured with changes to our Business Support Team. Alisa Davies, Finance Officer and Cara Jordan-Evans, Communications Officer, have recently celebrated 25 years service with Interlink! Throughout this time they have worked diligently and they are very much appreciated by both colleagues and members alike. Congratulations, both! We would also like to welcome Helen Stokes to the team who is our part-time Reception and Hospitality Assitant.
News Rebecca Evans, Rhondda Volunteering Project Worker Rebecca works with partners to develop volunteering in the Rhondda, matching what young people would like to do with what community and voluntary groups can offer. Since starting the post in April, I have met with many diverse voluntary organisations throughout the Rhondda. Each organisation allowed me to personally engage with volunteers they already had and presented me with voluntary opportunities available to young people in the Rhondda. I have presented the benefits of volunteering in local secondary schools, and have supported young people within the Rhondda into opportunities that interest them. I am currently visiting local youth clubs and sports clubs in the Rhondda, enjoying meeting new enthusiastic young people with different talents and interests. If you would like more information contact Rebecca on 01443 846200 or email: revans@interlinkrct.org.uk
Congratulations to Lynne at People First Lynne Evans, Director of RCT People First, received an Honorary Fellowship Award from the University of South Wales at their Graduation Ceremony on 12 July 2016. Lynne received this award in recognition for her dedication and commitment towards community work and volunteering. Lynne has worked tirelessly for over 40 years supporting people to speak up to challenge and change services for people with learning disabilities to create better lifestyles. Lynne plays an important role in research and training student nurses, police officers, psychologists and lecturers at the University of South Wales.
Dates for your Diary Vol Factor Visioning Event 27 September 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Hirwaun YMCA
Cynon Valley Forum: Future Generations Act & Skills for the Future 28 September 10.00am - 12.00pm
RCT Volunteer Managers’ Network Forum 29 September 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Interlink
Big Lottery Event
7 October 9.00am - 1.00pm Rhondda Sports Centre
Stronger Rhondda
25 October 10.00am - 12.00pm at TooGoodToWaste
Mental Health Forum 8 November 10.00am - 12.00pm
at Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil
Interlink AGM Lynne said: ‘Thank you very much. I am surprised and delighted to have this award. Like the Welsh football team I believe that together we are stronger. It is important that we all work together as a team and know that everyone has something valuable to give. When we all work together we can make stronger communities and provide better patient care. I am very proud to be part of a university where this is really happening.’ For more information about People First contact Dawn Price based at Interlink’s offices on 01443 846200 or email: dprice@peoplefirst.org.uk
16 November
To book a place or for more information get in touch! For all our latest training courses take a look at the back page of this issue or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk
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Involve 2 Evolve The Involve 2 Evolve Project promotes and supports service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of local mental health services across Merthyr Tydfil and RCT to ensure that the voice of service users is heard. Rachel Wyatt and Lucy Foster are the MHSUI Development Officers and co-ordinate various involvement opportunities such as training, planning groups and engagement events. Contact Rachel by email: rwyatt@interlinkrct.org.uk or Lucy by email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200
The Big Thank You The Involve 2 Evolve Project is hugely reliant on the good will of all our volunteer members who give up their time to take part in various events, training sessions and meetings to name but a few! Over the last 12 months, members have contributed a fabulous total of 1095 volunteering hours. To recognise this great achievement, we invited people to the BIG Thank You at Pontypridd Museum on 8 June. We ate cake (and fruit!) and presented attendees with certificates of achievement.
We would like to extend our thanks again to everyone who has supported the involvement of people in local mental health services. Together we are Stronger!
One attendee who had worked with a small group to develop an information resource for people dealing with trauma told us: ‘We cogitated, we learned, we shared, we laughed and our hearts often ached at the thought of other people's pain but it also gave us a chance to use our skills (particularly our creative skills) our knowledge and experience with Jenna, the psychology student. I must say, overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I would not have enjoyed it so much without the support of my colleagues as we were really a ‘dream team.’ Page 4
Involve 2 Evolve
Coffee and Cake Morning - New way to share experiences in Mental Health Having a say in helping to shape mental health services was the icing on the cake for people who shared their experiences at informal coffee mornings.
Matthew Ingram Team Leader for Cwm Taf UHB said: ‘The involvement of services users, carers, Voluntary and Third Sector services is paramount for the review and future development of mental health services.’
One participant said: ‘If I hadn’t come today I wouldn’t have found out about other things that could help me. They really listen to my views and it was great to meet new people.’
As part of the Involve 2 Evolve Project, participants were invited to Coffee and Cake mornings run in partnership with the Community Mental Health Teams in the Cynon Valley and Merthyr Tydfil. The Involve 2 Evolve Project is all about people sharing their experiences of mental health services to promote positive change. Training and support is offered for those who wish to be involved. Key themes discussed were appointments, communication and GP education on mental health and services. Senior Practitioner from Merthyr Tydfil CBC CMHT Alyson Jones was keen to see people have a voice in the services they receive.
Alyson said: ‘Service users are central to the development of mental health services and it’s only right they have their say. It’s a great learning experience for the team as well as our clients.’
Lucy Foster of Interlink RCT said: ‘The days were about sharing successes, helping identify the gaps and helping change things for the better. Both days were very relaxed and informal and the tools were there to help catch key discussions.’ The feedback provided by participants will now help to shape the planning and delivery of local mental health services. Building on this success, plans are now underway to run similar events in the Rhondda and Taf Ely valleys.
For more information please contact either Rachel by email: rwayatt@interlinkrct.org.uk or Lucy by email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200. Page 5
Mental Health
Meet the Reps! Sharon Phillips, Jen Edwards and Jane Treharne-Davies represent the views of service users and carers on the Cwm Taf Together for Mental Health Partnership Board. This is a multi-agency group that oversees how the Welsh Government’s Mental Health Strategy is delivered in Cwm Taf. The Reps have been very busy this year gathering people’s experiences and views of: • Care and Treatment Planning in secondary Mental Health services • The priorities that people think are most important. The top Five were the Crisis Service, Information and Advice; Suicide and Self Harm; Support on Discharge and Access to Psychological Services • The new Delivery Plan for the Together for Mental Health Strategy
Looking forward, the Reps will be talking to people about the availability of daytime opportunities for people locally. We are also in the process of developing a new Mental Health Listening Project to capture people’s stories of local services. Hi, I'm Jen, I'm a grandmother of two grandsons and after I retired from local government a few years ago, I was at a really low ebb. Experiencing anxiety and depression, I felt I had a choice. I could either vegetate in front of the telly or do something useful with my life. So why not try and use my experience to help others? Firstly, I became involved in the Mental Health Peer Support Groups. I’ve found that doing voluntary work can be very therapeutic and it gives you the opportunity to make new friends. I've been told I'm a good listener and am able to show empathy towards others. For those reasons I agreed to become a Service User Rep on the T4MH Partnership Board. There is a lot to learn but I am aware that my time is appreciated and I am well supported by Rachel, Lucy and my fellow reps, Sharon and Jane.
Hi, my name is Sharon and I am involved with a number of mental health peer support groups within RCT and am a trustee for Merthyr and the Valleys Mind. I feel that by being on the Partnership Board it will be an ideal opportunity for me to represent service users and Carers who attend these groups and take their concerns forward which will hopefully help to improve the service that they and others receive now and in the future . Get in touch! For further information about future Involve 2 Evolve events or if you simply want to receive our SUN newsletter, please contact Rachel Wyatt at rwyatt@interlinkrct.org.uk or Lucy Foster at lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk or phone Interlink on 01443 846200. Page 6
Mental Health Maria Abson, Mental Health Development Officer, supports local mental health organisations in Cwm Taf and co-ordinates links between communities, voluntary organisations and the statutory sector through the Cwm Taf Mental Health Forum. The Mental Health Forum welcomes any community or voluntary group with an interest in mental health within Cwm Taf. Contact Maria on 01443 846200 or email: mabson@interlinkrct.org.uk Twitter @MHF_Cwm_Taf
Mental Health Peer Support Groups in RCT Positive Steps - Darran Las, Mountain Ash
M.A.S.H. - Maerdy
New Beginnings - Glyncoch
Rhondda Listening Friends - Ton Pentre
This group meet every Friday afternoon at 12.30pm - 3.00pm at Darran Las Community Centre. This group meet every Friday morning at 9.30am - 12.30pm at Glyncoch Community Centre.
Clydach Vale Peer Support Group - Clydach
This group meet every Wednesday evening at 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Maerdy Community Centre. This is a social group and people can call in anytime or stay all day on a Monday in St John’s Church Hall between 11.00am - 3.00pm.
Vale This group meet every Tuesday afternoon at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Clydach Vale Community Centre.
New Connections - Ystrad
Footsteps - Ferndale
These groups are for people who have mild to moderate anxiety and depression. All groups charge for refreshments and the amounts differ.
This group meet every Tuesday morning at 10.30am - 1.30pm at The Morlais Hall, Ferndale.
Silver Linings - Llanharan
This group meet every Monday afternoon at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Bryncae Community Centre.
This group meet every Wednesday morning at 10.30am - 12.30pm in Providence Church, Ystrad. Contact Simone on 01443 424218 or simone@rhondda.org
New Peer Support Group Merthyr
Come along to the launch day on 3 October at Dowlais Library at 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Contact Maria Abson on 01443 846200 or Andrea Hunt at Journeys/Gofal on 02920 692891.
Mental Health Support Service Directory The Mental Health Support website is a partnership project between New Horizons Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Resource Centre, Cwm Taf University Health Board and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The website aims to provide accessible advice and information about mental health issues and services to people with mental health problems, their carers, health professionals and anyone else with an interest in mental illness. Visit www.mentalhealthsupport.co.uk to find out more! Page 7
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day 2016 After the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) founded World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10 October 1992 many countries adopted it as a means of promoting mental health issues. Every year a theme is chosen and education materials are produced by WFMH for distribution. This year, the theme is ‘Dignity in Mental Health Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for All.’ To request the education material, please email: wmhday@wfmh.com with your contact details. World Mental Health Day is approaching with events planned in both RCT and Merthyr Tydfil themed on Dignity in Mental Health.
‘Quiz Night‘
12 October 2016 7.00pm Quiz starts at 7.30pm - 10.30pm Aberdare Rugby Club Are you up for the Challenge? Does your organisation have any Masterminds? If YES, then put a team together and come along to the World Mental Health Week Quiz Night. Be the Best and Beat the Rest! For more information contact Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113
Promoting mental health and wellbeing at a local level has important advantages and benefits for everyone in communities and goes a long way in reducing stigma and isolation creating a non-stigmatising, well informed and supportive community. This directs new energy and effort at improving the lives of those living with mental health problems by challenging discrimination locally. Interlink would like to extend a very genuine thank you to everyone involved in the planning of local WMHD events. Without continued participation and support these events would not get off the ground. We thank everyone for his or her individual and collective support.
New Horizons Rhondda Valley Recovery College
Course dates are now available, for more information contact 01685 881113 info@newhorizonsmentalhealth.co.uk www.newhorizons-mentalhealth.co.uk
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For more information contact Maria Abson, Mental Health Development Officer at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: mabson@interlinkrct.org.uk
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day 2016
10 October 2016 10.00am – 3.00pm Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, Tylorstown This event is aimed at service users, Carers, general public and professionals with an interest in mental health, there will be a wide range of information relevant to mental health and wellbeing as well as other related issues.
‘ Merthyr Tydfil Event ’ World Mental Health Day and Safeguarding Event 2016
There will be a variety of different organisations present providing opportunities for individuals to ask questions and be given guidance on issues and topics of interest to them. The event will also provide an arena for organisations to celebrate good practice and achievements whilst showcasing their services.
The World Mental Health Day Event is a way of working collaboratively towards addressing the needs of our local communities.
Interactive therapies will also be available for you to try. Please come along and benefit from the information that will be provided. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. For more information contact Maria Abson on 01443 846200. To book contact Kath Price at Interlink by email: kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk
20 October 2016 10.00am - 3.00pm Merthyr Tydfil Sports Centre
This day will provide an opportunity for service users to engage with providers of services, and will also be a chance for local organisations and partners to showcase their services. There will be a range of activities, crafts and complementary therapies available on the day. Contact Maria Abson on 01443 846200 To book contact Carol Hindley at VAMT by email: carol.hindley@vamt.net or 01685 353917
Mindfulness and Stress Control Valleys Steps is an exciting new community based project that is now available across Cwm Taf. The project offers practical information and learning to improve everyone’s emotional well-being through the delivery of free Mindfulness and Stress Control Courses. Cwm Taf University Health Board is supporting the project and hopes this will help people to manage emotional distress by improving emotional literacy and individual resilience to the challenges we all face in everyday life.
Stress Control
Stress Control is a class that aims to teach you a range of skills you can use to fight back against stress and similar problems.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of learning to relax the mind. The Valleys Steps Mindfulness course aims to help you develop Mindfulness skills in your everyday life.
The courses are free and are provided on an open access basis from leisure centres, libraries, church halls and community centres within different areas of Cwm Taf. For more information please visit www.valleyssteps.org or call 01443 803048 email: info@valleyssteps.org Page 9
Health and Wellbeing Anne Morris, Health and Wellbeing Manager. As of April this year Anne took up her new post of Health and Wellbeing Manager. Her role includes managing the Community Coordinator team and the Health and Wellbeing team alongside health, social care and wellbeing facilitation. Anne supports and promotes joint working between voluntary organisations and health and social care providers and supports local health and social care networks. She directly participates in joint planning and partnership groups, representing the voluntary sector and promotes the role and contribution of the voluntary sector to other health and social care agencies. Contact Anne on 01443 846203 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk
Awards for Projects that create Happier and Healthier Communities! Community groups promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing ill-health in Cwm Taf have been celebrated and rewarded at this year’s Crystal Trophy Awards. This partnership event organised by Interlink and the Health and Wellbeing team at Cwm Taf University Health Board recognises the achievements of local groups and organisations who are working to improve health and wellbeing. The Awards were presented by Dr Chris Jones, Chairman of the Board.
Second prize of £1000 went to Porth Men’s and Women’s Sheds whose aim is to help those at risk of social isolation and loneliness by providing activities in a friendly, welcoming place.
This year’s winner of the Crystal Trophy and £1500 prize money was the HAPI project which aims to provide individuals and families with the skills and knowledge to help them to make positive choices to improve their health and wellbeing. As a result of the project local residents in Rhydyfelin have gained employment and taken a lead on community activities to benefit and sustain the project.
Finally fourth prize of £500 went to Merthyr and the Valleys Mind for their Project 5 Ways to Wellbeing which aims to reduce the impact of loneliness and isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of older people, Volunteers support them to engage with activities around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing-Give, Learn, Connect, be Active and take Notice.
Third prize of £750 was awarded to RCT Homes (Trevallis) for their Go4it project which supports families to live a more active and healthy life style. Families enjoyed sports taster sessions and took part in cookery sessions with advice provided by a dietician.
Chief Officer of Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) Ian Davy said: ‘The Crystal Trophy Award is an excellent way to recognise the major contribution that grassroots community projects make in terms of the health and wellbeing agenda – both in relation to prevention and promotion. We know that projects of this nature are being delivered throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil on a daily basis, and that’s why the Crystal Trophy Awards is a special event in our calendars.’
For more information contact Anne on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 10
Community Coordinators
Community Coordinators Older people are benefiting from advice and support provided by Community Coordinators throughout RCT. Their role is to support older people to maximise their health and wellbeing and maintain their independence. Community Coordinators have expert knowledge of what is available for older people in their local area. They have mapped a vast array of groups, services and activities ranging from befriending to Fly Fishing. They work with older people to explore their needs and then signpost them to local services. A key aim of the team is to help reduce the negative impact on health of social isolation and loneliness, by helping older people to access local activities, attend groups and connect with their community.
Karen Powell, Community Coordinator for Taff Ely: ‘From what I have experienced so far, it is a role that is needed to help people navigate through the extensive services that the voluntary sector has to offer. The role is extremely rewarding, especially when you find out what people need and can find a service to meet those needs - you know it is going to make a difference to their lives.’
Following discharge from hospital after a fall, Mrs H reported feeling isolated, she was determined to get herself out and about but had lost her confidence after being hospitalised for three months. She had also developed cataracts and was frightened to venture out. Mrs H had a tablet computer that she was keen to use but her failing eyesight prevented her from achieving this. Karen referred Mrs H to RNIB’s Online Today service where she received 1:1 training to use her tablet. Karen also referred her to a befriending service and she is now receiving a weekly visit from a volunteer who supports Mrs H to attend a local group.
Coordinators have developed close working relationships with Health and Social Care colleagues and receive referrals from clinics, GP’s and social workers. Coordinators are able to signpost older people to the vast range of services and activities that exist in their community. The Cynon Coordinator, Jason Tynan, was contacted by a social worker regarding a gentleman who would be alone over Christmas. Using his connections with local people, Jason contacted the local vicar who arranged for someone to visit the gentleman and take a Christmas gift. The vicar knew of other older people in the area in similar circumstances and was keen to do something to address the issue. Jason coordinated meetings to bring together willing volunteers and community leaders in order to host a Christmas Day lunch for older people who would be isolated or lonely over the festive period. Following a period of intense planning and many generous donations of food, time and gifts, St Fagan’s Church hosted ‘Company at Christmas’. The event was a tremendous success with over 70 older people attending supported by 92 volunteers. The day started with a sherry and mince pie reception where guests got to know one another followed by a Christmas dinner cooked and served by volunteers. Entertainment was provided along with a Christmas gift for all. The first planning meeting for Christmas 2016 starts in September! ‘The Community Coordinators have been invaluable to older people and organisations across Cwm Taf. Each Coordinator has achieved great results in their localities, forming links with not only the Local Authority, Health but with the communities they are working within. Long may it continue!’ Rhian Webber, Cwm Taf UHB Page 11
Community Coordinators/ Intermediate Care Fund Meriel Gough is on a mission to connect older people in the Rhondda with services and community groups. Like the elderly gentleman, recently bereaved, facing financial difficulties. Meriel sourced support for him to claim benefits and reduce his energy bills which resulted in him being £4,459 a year better off. Meriel said: ‘Often people do not know about how to access help that is available out there or that it even exists. Our work is about trying to avoid crises in people’s lives by connecting them to the services they need.’ Meriel visits GP surgeries and clinics offering advice and support and can often be seen walking around a town or village seeking out voluntary groups and charities to add to the growing list of potential support. ‘Meriel you are the font of all community knowledge!’ Lisa Knowles, Occupational Therapist
Deanne Rebane’s role focuses on working with general practitioners, pharmacists and others in a primary care setting across RCT and Merthyr to encourage them to use the services that are available in the voluntary sector. Deanne said: ‘People come into a surgery or pharmacy feeling unwell for social as well as medical problems. This is where we come in, the GP/pharmacist will contact us and we make sure that the patient is given information regarding services and activities, provided by the voluntary sector, in their area.’
‘Our involvement with the ICF Community Coordinators has been invaluable. They have been able to open so many doors to community services we would not have known were in place. The ongoing partnership working is vitally needed in enabling us to provide cohesive community support to our residents of CTUHB. Long may it continue.’ Samantha Sullivan, Cwm Taf UHB
For more information contact Anne on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk
The Intermediate Care Fund VAMT and Interlink would like to acknowledge the record number of applications received for this year’s Grant Scheme and are pleased to confirm that the following projects have been awarded funding and will shortly commence delivery of services: Almond Tree Counselling Service – To improve client emotional well-being through counselling interventions targeted at those aged 50+. Care & Repair – To expand Healthy Homes Scheme and work alongside other projects to offer enhanced packages of support. Cruse Bereavement Service – To provide a ‘Point Plan’ to tackle the unprecedented rate of referrals for generic and specialist support. Page 12
Deafblind UK – To provide community outreach and specific on-the-ground service for local deafblind communities across Cwm Taf. Growing Space – To develop therapeutic gardens at Bronllwyn and Caeglas Care Homes. Past Carers Group, RCT – To support transition from being a Carer once the caring role has ended. Penrhys Partnership Trust – To provide a series of workshops based on ‘a trip down memory lane’. Pontyclun Bosom Pals – To provide a range of support for members affected by breast cancer and their carers. Rowan Tree Cancer Care – To provide a new and innovative befriending service in RCT for older clients whose lives are touched by cancer.
Intermediate Care Fund Royal Voluntary Service – To provide Good Neighbours Service in conjunction with existing and new services. Unity Cymru Theatre – To introduce Unity Jive; a physical and fun project that will motivate and engage over 50’s to improve physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Valleys Kids – To provide an inclusive community programme for older adults and their families within the Porth / Rhydyfelin areas. Volunteering Matters – To provide one-to-one befriending support across RCT and Merthyr Tydfil and complement other existing community based. befriending schemes. Cwm Taf has been awarded a further £1.365m from the Intermediate Care Fund! Prevention is at the heart of the Welsh Government’s programme of change for care and support services. It is vital that care and support services do not wait to respond until people reach crisis point. There is a need to focus on prevention and early intervention to make services sustainable into the future.
The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act places statutory duties on local authorities and health boards in relation to providing or arranging preventative services. This further allocation of £1.365m is to be used to provide preventative services specifically in relation to current core areas of ICF: • Continued funding to support older people to maintain their independence • The development of integrated services for people with learning difficulties and • The development of integrated services for children with complex needs ICF is already being used to drive innovative partnership working and deliver preventative models of care and support. Allocating money in this way however ensures the fund is an effective delivery mechanism for the requirements of the Act. For further information on any of these project then please contact: Anne Morris at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk or Sharon Richards at VAMT on 01685 353932 or email: Sharon.richards@vamt.net
Digital Communities Wales – Could you benefit? With 21 per cent of adults in Wales still not online, many are missing out on opportunities to save money, look for work, find information, keep in touch with family, learn new skills and access important services. They may already be coping with issues such as isolation, poverty or unemployment – issues which are made worse by not being online. The Wales Co-operative Centre delivers a Welsh Government project, Digital Communities Wales, which provides support to organisations that are working with digitally excluded groups, particularly older people, people with disabilities, unemployed people, social housing tenants and families in poverty. Many third sector organisations are already benefitting from the free training provided by Digital Communities Wales. If you would like to find out more about the opportunities for you and the people you support, please contact Stephanie Davies by email: stephanie.davies@wales.coop or phone 07788314706. Page 13
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The Listening Project Bethan Smith, Community Action Researcher Bethan has been funded by the Rank Foundation to facilitate Participatory Action Research projects on behalf of Interlink. Bethan is particularly interested in making research and its findings accessible to everyone and can offer research advice for local groups and organisations. For more information contact Bethan on 01443 846200 or email: bsmith@interlinkrct.org.uk
The Listening Project The issue of Loneliness and Isolation is a complex one, which affects people differently, and has a wide range of causes and different impacts. The Listening Project has been engaging with over 50’s and recording their experiences using a tool called SenseMaker®. Unlike traditional consultation, SenseMaker® is used to capture and make sense of what matters most to people, making research more about people than the researcher’s agenda; whilst still generating strong evidence to support and guide the work of the third sector.
How does SenseMaker® work?
Using Sense Maker software, the project makes optimal use of both qualitative (stories and experiences) and quantitative data (numbers, statistics and patterns), allowing for trends to be identified, whilst also providing real life stories to explain the emerging patterns in real terms. Through the use of SenseMaker®, the project provides powerful analytical tools, yet is delivered through a flexible and user friendly interface.
In practice what does this look like?
Over 50 Volunteer Listeners have been trained. Since January, some have chosen to collect stories on a one-to-one basis, much like a casual conversation, others have chosen to hold group discussions. Organisations and community members alike have used the project to engage with new people and their existing beneficiaries and service users, with feedback including: ‘I found the project insightful, it enabled me to have discussions with participants to better understand their issues.’ The methodology has been designed to encourage organisations to ask the right questions, with the survey having been developed to provide a holistic approach based on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD).
The data from these questions provides us with valuable information to build upon the existing strengths using an Asset Based Community Development approach, whilst also encouraging respondents to reflect upon and value their communities.
What have we found out so far?
When collating the data, it is possible to analyse the data set as a whole or based upon characteristics such as area, age or organisation, allowing specific data to be reported almost instantly to support decision making. However, when looking at the whole data set, four key themes have emerged. • Transport • Experiences of loneliness and isolation in the evening • Information availability/accessibility • Sustainability of day centres These were able to be discussed with reference to the stories and data collected, and we were able to remedy many of the issues raised with cooperation and involvement from our partners at the Older Persons’ Network. In addition, the project has been used to raise awareness of loneliness and isolation and the wider impacts of service provision, organisational practice and community involvement. Whilst there were some concerns that we, as an Older Persons’ Network, were unable to address at present, this will inform future work and we will continue to advocate the voices of Older People in Cwm Taf. Following on from the success of the Older Person’s Listening Project, there is strong support for a mental health and wellbeing version to be developed, which is currently in the making.
If you are interested in finding out more about the project or would be interested in getting involved with either the Older Persons’ Listening project or the upcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Listening Project, please contact Bethan Smith by email: BSmith@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 14
Community Voice Lucy ‘2 jobs’ Foster is a busy girl holding down roles as Community Voice Participation and Evaluation Officer and also the Mental Health Service User Involvement Development Officer. Lucy’s Community Voice role involves supporting Eight very different projects to involve a range of people, including young, older people and people with disabilities, in having a voice in improving community services. Contact Lucy on 01443 846200 or email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk
Community Voice Project Scoop Enterprise Award A group of learners from Coleg y Cymoedd Aberdare have beaten off stiff competition from neighbouring colleges, to scoop the Enterprise Award at the NUS Wales Awards for their work with the ‘Learner Voice’ project with is part of the Community Voice Project. The ‘Learner Voice’ project involved college learners, pupils from Aberdare Community School, Eye to Eye Counselling Services and Spectacle Theatre producing a DVD highlighting mental health issues in young people. The college works closely with Eye to Eye Counselling Services, who offer support to children and young people up to the age of 25 years in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area, therefore when approached to produce a DVD, the learners were keen to get involved. The Cymoedd learners and members of the anti-bullying group from the Community School chose to focus on self-harming; which can be really hard to understand and is highly prevalent in Cynon Valley. A stark national figure of between one in twelve and one in fifteen young people self-harm.
Kim Sanders, Healthy Schools and Pupil Voice Co-ordinator at Aberdare Community School has been involved with the group and has seen the passion gone into the making of the DVD. Kim said: ‘The young people involved with the Community Voice project have been so passionate about creating the film and I am confident that it will be well received, enabling parents, carers, teachers and those involved with young people to recognise self-harm and to confidently signpost them to available support.’ The college learners will use the DVD as part of their presentation at their next competition, the National NUS Awards; which takes place in Liverpool. Cymoedd learner and Executive of the Aberdare Campus Learner Voice, Alice Reardon was thrilled with the success of the project and excited to proceed to the National Awards.
Emma Allcock, Voice worker with Eye to Eye Services stated: ‘This DVD will be shown in schools and colleges throughout RCT and we hope it raises awareness of causes of self-harm, how to recognise it and to reassure there is help available.’
The production of the DVD has been entirely created by the young people for young people, from the storyboard to the filming; with them giving up hours of their free time to create the film.
Alice said: ‘Working alongside the brilliant pupils at Aberdare Community School has opened my eyes even more as to how inspiring our little community is and it shows exactly how big our hearts are.’ Page 15
Broaden your horizons ..... with Interlink training Storytelling Level 1
Co-Producing the Future
8 December 2016 9.30am - 1.30pm Members £20 Non-Members £40 at Interlink
(For Service Users and Carers) 12 October 2016 1.00pm - 4.30pm Free at Interlink
Volunteer Management
11 and 12 January 2017 at Interlink 25 and 26 January 2017 at VAMT 9.30am - 4.30pm Members £40 for 4 days Non-Members £160 for 4 days
Leases and Asset Transfer
19 October 2016 6.00pm - 8.00pm Members £20 Non-Members £40 at Interlink
Get Your Organisation Fit for Funding
Facilitation Skills
25 January 2017 10.00am - 12.30pm Members £20 Non-Members £40 at Interlink
15 November 2016 1.00pm - 4.30pm Members £20 Non-Members £40 at Interlink
POVA
Depression Busting
(Protection of Vulnerable Adults) 8 February 2017 1.00pm - 5.00pm Free at Interlink
21 and 28 November 2016 9.30am - 4.30pm Free at Interlink
Trustee Roles and Responsibilities 23 November 2016 1.00pm - 3.30pm Members £20 Non-Members £40 at Interlink
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We offer courses for individuals and groups, training fees are negotiable and we offer lots of free options - contact us!
For more information call 01443 846200 or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk to view the training programme. Are you looking for conference facilities in the Pontypridd area? We offer a range of meeting and conference facilities. All room hire charges are inclusive of: Laptop; Projector; Projection Screen; Internet Connection; Flip Chart; Dry Wipe Board Refreshments are available on request for a small charge. We can advise on local caterers.
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Next Issue: December 2016