Issue 67 Summer 2015
Dignity in Mental Health
Interlink’s newsle er for community groups and voluntary organisa ons in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Introduc on Interlink News
Welcome ..... to the Summer edi on of Interlink’s Newsle er. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please send your ar cles, informa on, job vacancies or adver sements by: 6 November 2015 to Cara Jordan-Evans at Interlink by email: cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: Introduc on Interlink News Mental Health (MHSUI) Mental Health World Mental Health Day Health & Wellbeing Stepping Forward
2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12
Community Voice Young People Local News Interlink Training
13 14 15 16
Our address: 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road Upper Boat, Pontypridd CF37 5BE Telephone number: 01443 846200
Welcome to the Health and Wellbeing edi on Wellbeing has risen in importance and is now on everyone’s lips, including Welsh Government, with wellbeing central to two of their biggest pieces of legisla on, the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2104 and the Wellbeing of Future Genera ons (Wales) Act 2015. This ground breaking legisla on iden fies the huge challenges we all face with the huge reduc ons in public spending. It may seem that things could not get much worse, but they will and have a bigger impact on the most vulnerable people and communi es. Interlink has worked with the Local Service Board and produced a report on the Wellbeing and Future Genera ons Act and it sets out some of the challenges we all face, par cularly, how hard it is to plan long-term and find new ways of doing things when you have to make massive year on year cuts. We can be confident that the recent approach from our partners, in par cular, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, their RCT Together campaign and their Community Enabling Fund, are refreshing, cu ng edge and most importantly, have the community at the centre. We have been working on an amazing funding applica on from New Life Community Church which looks at providing vital services in Tonyrefail for the whole community, intervening early to prevent problems growing and damaging people and communi es (and breaking things we cannot afford to fix). Interlink has similar plans for a Wellbeing Hub in RCT. Interlink remains posi ve because of the staggering amount of amazing individuals, volunteers, members, communi es and partner organisa ons we work with every day. Our newsle er only catches a glimpse of what is happening out there in Rhondda Cynon Taf. We have some incredible Community Voice projects where local people are ge ng together to have their say on their own future. We are working with the Rhondda Alliance, where amazing groups are working together to make a difference by the whole community working to improve the Rhondda with the Big Click, Friends of Tonypandy Community College, Arts Factory, Spectacle Theatre, Team Pink and the People in Work Unit and soon to be many many others! And news just in . . . Interlink has just been given a small grant from the fantas c Rhondda Trust Fund to help out with this work and promote volunteering with young people. Our next event will be held on 7 October in Ferndale . . . let us know if you want to be involved.
Office opening mes are:
One of the exci ng things Interlink is doing to tackle loneliness and isola on is working with Age Connects Morgannwg, Public Health Wales and lots of others to carry out a Listening Project with older people to iden fy what we can do in order to reduce loneliness and isola on following on from our recent ‘From IsolaƟon to IntegraƟon’ Research Report. If you want a copy or are interested in ge ng involved in the Listening Project, we would love for you to join us, so please . . . you’ve guessed it, get in touch!
Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
And there is so much happening with Mental Health Day in October, so please take a look at pages 8 and 9 and join us . . .
Fax: 01443 844843 Email: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Website: www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Page 2
Interlink News Dates for your Diary Crea ve Wri ng Workshop for Service Users and Carers 2 and 3 September 2.30pm - 4.30pm YMCA Pontypridd
Have your Say 10 September 12.30pm - 4.00pm YMCA Pontypridd Visual Arts Workshops for Service Users and Carers 16 and 23 September 1.30pm - 3.30pm YMCA Pontypridd
Ta Ely Funding and Enterprise Event 15 September 2015 1.00pm - 5.00pm Gilfach Goch Community Centre
Transforming your Community For more informa on or to book a place contact Interlink on 01443 846200.
23 September 2015 10.00am - 3.00pm Ferndale School
Rhondda Alliance Event
Healthy, Aspiring, Prosperous and Inclusive (hapi) Project Newydd Housing Associa on have received Big Lo ery funding to deliver the HAPI project. The HAPI Project (Healthy, Aspiring, Prosperous and Inclusive), based in Rhydyfelin and Hawthorn in the North Taf Ely area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, will provide a non clinical service to individuals through one to one support, workshops and interven on ac vi es to improve their overall health and wellbeing and have a par cular focus on the most deprived of the popula on. 840 individuals and 20 organisa ons will benefit from this two year project For more informa on contact Rhydyfelin Community Hub by email: - hapi@newydd.co.uk call or text – 07899665807 Facebook: hapiRCT Twi er: hapi_RCT
7 October 2015 10.00am - 4.00pm Arts Factory, Ferndale
Have your Say 9 October 10.30am - 2.30pm Merthyr Tydfil Rugby Club
Mental Health Forum 24 November 2015 9.30am - 12.00pm
Interlink AGM 25 November 2015
Page 3
Mental Health The Involve 2 Evolve Project promotes and supports Service User involvement in the planning, delivery and evalua on of local mental health services across Merthyr Tydfil and RCT to ensure that the voice of Service Users is heard. Rachel Wya , is the MHSUI Development Officer and co-ordinates various involvement opportuni es such as training, planning groups and engagement events. Contact Rachel on 01443 846200 or email: rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk
INVOLVE 2 EVOLVE – Your Mental Health Involvement Project The Involvement Project is set up to ensure people who use mental health services are meaningfully involved in the way those services are planned, delivered and developed in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. By doing this, we aim to ensure that the voice and experiences of people who use mental health services is heard and acted upon to bring about las ng service improvements. Rachel Wya , the Mental Health Service User Involvement Officer at Interlink, works with people who are involved to deliver the project.
There are lots of way that people can become involved: •
Sign up for our Free SUN Newsle er
•
Involvement events and workshops: These are excellent ways to find out about people’s experiences of services, to share examples of good prac ce and to look at new ways of working together
•
Share your Story: Wri ng down or talking about your experiences of mental health, and what has and hasn’t helped you, can be powerful ways of promo ng awareness about mental health, improving services and challenging s gma
•
Become a Service User or Carer Representa ve
•
Help Recruit Mental Health Staff
What Do People Say about the Involve 2 Evolve Project? ‘For me it has been a life line, it’s built me up with confidence, given me hope and the drive and mo va on to make a difference. One of the key elements was, I was surrounded with brilliant understanding colleagues who, are on the same journey I was on. The team that facilitated the projects were exceedingly suppor ve and believed in what I had to offer which is a boost. I have now been accepted into full me employment with Alzheimer’s Society where my skills and confidence from the Involvement Project has been carried over and used daily. Without Involvement Project and such highly dedicated co-ordinators I would not be in the posi on I am in today, it has made a huge difference in my life. I see it as the road to recovery for the next chapter in my life.’ Gareth Lewis, Demen a Support Worker, Alzheimer’s Society
Gareth Lewis, Alzheimer’s Society
Page 4
Mental Health
Together for Mental Health – Se ng the Priori es Together for Mental Health is the Welsh Government strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Wales. Over the next few months we will be asking service users, carers and staff what their Top 5 priori es are for mental health services from the following list.
How can I get involved?
What are Your Top 5 Priori es for Mental Health?
• Follow us on Twi
• •
• Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Crisis Resolu on and Home Treatment Services Informa on and advice about Mental Health Services Involvement in Care and Treatment Planning Mental Health Out-pa ents Appointments Support on Discharge Meaningful Day me Opportuni es Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Suicide and Self Harm Mental Health Measure Targets Improving Access to see a Psychologist Older People’s Mental Health Accommoda on Self Help courses e.g. Mindfulness Social Services and Well Being Act
• Share your Top 5 Priori
es for Mental Health services in Cwm Taf by comple ng our quick survey at h ps://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/3DYW2DG
er @Involve2E #cwmtafmhyourviews Involve2evolvemh
If you are interested in a ending this event or would like further informa on please contact Rachel Wya on 01443 846200 or email: rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk
New Training Ini a ves Involving Service Users and Carers Outcomes Focused Care and Treatment Planning Training This training session has been designed and delivered by Service Users and Carers for Service Users, Carers, Care Coordinators and Third Sector organisa ons.
It provides an understanding of: • • •
Peoples’ Rights under Part 2 of the Mental Health Measure What makes a Good Care and Treatment Plan How to Plan for a Crisis
The INFORM training aims to raise awareness amongst Primary Care staff of pa ents’ and carers’ experiences of accessing primary care for a mental health-related condi on. It is designed and delivered by a group with lived experience of mental health, who have developed a variety of interac ve training methods including digital stories, group ac vi es and presenta ons. The two hour session highlights common themes in people’s experiences and demonstrates how simple changes to working prac ces can be extremely effec ve in suppor ng people.
For more informa on contact Rachel on 01443 846200 or email: rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk Page 5
Mental Health Maria Abson, Mental Health Development OďŹƒcer, supports local mental health organisa ons in Cwm Taf and co-ordinates links between communi es, voluntary organisa ons 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
Talk to Me 2 -Suicide and Self Harm Preven
on Strategy for Wales 2015-2020
This new strategy aims to reduce the suicide and self harm rates in the general popula on in Wales and promote, co-ordinate and support plans and programmes for the preven on of suicidal behaviours and self harm at na onal, regional and local levels.
Objec ve 3: Informa on and support for those bereaved or aected by suicide and self harm
Talk to me 2 iden fies six key strategic objec ves:
Objec ve 5: Reduce access to the means of suicide
Objec ve 1: Further improve awareness, knowledge and understanding of suicide and self harm amongst the public, individuals who frequently come in to contact with people at risk of suicide and self harm and professionals in Wales
Objec ve 6: Con nue to promote and support learning, informa on and monitoring systems and research to improve our understanding of suicide and self harm in Wales and guide ac on
Objec ve 2: To deliver appropriate responses to personal crises, early interven on and management of suicide and self harm
For further informa on you can download the strategy here www.gov.wales/topics/health/ publica ons/health/reports/talk2/?lang=en
Objec ve 4: Support the media in responsible repor ng and portrayal of suicide and suicidal behaviour
Mental Health Support Service Directory The Mental Health Support website is a partnership project between New Horizons Mental Health and Emo onal Well-being Resource Centre, University Health Board and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The website aims to provide accessible advice and informa on 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.
Are you experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression? If so, you are welcome to come along to our peer support group. The group meets every week to share experiences, provide mutual support, gain informa on and advice on how to manage symptoms. This is a friendly group held in a private and confiden al se ng. Where? Chill Out Room at Llanharan Drop In Centre When? Every Monday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Visit www.mentalhealthsupport.co.uk to find out more! Page 6
Want more informa on? Contact Phoebe Walford on 01443 229723 or Maria Abson on 01443 846200
Mental Health
Mental Health Peer Support Groups in RCT Posi ve Steps - Darran Las, Mountain Ash
M.A.S.H. - Maerdy
This group meet every Friday a ernoon at 12.30pm - 3.00pm at Darran Las Community Centre.
This group meet every Wednesday evening at 6.00pm - 8.00pm at Maerdy Community Centre.
New Beginnings - Glyncoch
Rhondda Listening Friends - Ton Pentre
This group meet every Friday morning at 9.30am - 12.30pm at Glyncoch Community Centre.
This is a social group and people can call in any me or stay all day on a Monday in St John’s Church Hall between 11.30am - 2.30pm.
Clydach Vale Peer Support Group - Clydach Vale This group meet every Tuesday a ernoon at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Clydach Vale Community Centre.
Footsteps - Ferndale
Aberdare Bipolar Support Group - Aberdare This group meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 12.00pm - 2.00pm at New Horizons, 16a Dean Street, Aberdare. Just turn up or phone 0845 4349953 or email: aberdare@bipolarukgroups.org.uk
This group meet every Tuesday morning at 10.30am - 1.30pm at The Morlais Hall, Ferndale.
New Connec ons - Ystrad
Silver Linings - Llanharan
Contact Simone on 01443 424218 or simone@rhondda.org
This group meet every Monday a ernoon at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Llanharan Drop-in Centre. Contact Phoebe Walford on 01443 229723 or Maria Abson on 01443 846200
This group meet every Wednesday morning at 10.30am - 12.30pm in Providence Church, Ystrad. These groups are for people who have mild to moderate anxiety and depression. All groups charge for refreshments and the amounts differ.
For more informa on contact Sara Davies on 01443 424350 or email: Sara.M.Davies@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
Talk About Mental Health A few small words can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health! Mental health problems are common. One in four of us will be affected at some point in our lives. So being able to talk about mental health is something that’s important for us all. The fact that it’s some mes difficult to talk about mental health problems can be one of the hardest parts of having a mental illness. Whether it’s fear or awkwardness about talking to someone you know about their mental health problem - or talking about our own mental health problem, being unable to talk about mental health isn’t good for anyone.
People are talking about mental health on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ cwales so why not join in the conversa on? Remember that you can read about people’s experiences of living with mental health problems (and how to talk about it!) in our blogs. www. metochangewales.org.uk/en/blogs-stories ‘It's essen al to open up discussions of mental health and show others it's ok to be you - it's not infec ous and very important that others can talk to the person who’s going through it.’ Esther, Time to Change Wales Champion
Have a look at our ps to help you talk to someone about their mental health problems, or if you have a mental health problem and you feel ready to talk about it we have ps on how to talk about your mental health. If you haven’t seen it already, our TV advert could inspire you to start your conversa on today! For more informa on visit www. metochangewales.org.uk
Page 7
Mental Health
World Mental Health Day 2015 New Horizons Cynon Valley Recovery College ‘Open A ernoon’ 6 October 2015 1.00pm - 3.00pm 16 Dean Street, Aberdare Contact Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113
A Global Mental Health Awareness Campaign A er the World Federa on for Mental Health (WFMH) founded World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10 October 1992 many countries adopted it as a means of promo ng mental health issues. Every year a theme is chosen and educa on materials are produced by WFMH for distribu on. This year, the theme is ‘Dignity in Mental Health’ to request the educa on material, please email: wmhday@wfmh.com with your contact details. World Mental Health Day is approaching with events planned in both RCT and Merthyr themed on Dignity in Mental Health. Promo ng mental health and wellbeing at a local level has important advantages and benefits for everyone in communi es and goes a long way in reducing s gma and isola on crea ng a non-s gma sing, well informed and suppor ve community. This directs new energy and effort at improving the lives of those living with mental health problems by challenging discrimina on locally.
‘Quiz Night‘ 7 October 2015 7.00pm Quiz starts at 7.30pm - 10.00pm Ton Pentre Football Club
Interlink would like to extend a very genuine thank you to everyone involved in the planning of local WMHD events. Without con nued par cipa on and support these events would not get off the ground. We thank everyone for his or her individual and collec ve support.
Are you up for the Challenge? Does your organisa on 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 informa on contact Sara Davies 01443 424350 or Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113
New Horizons Rhondda Valley Recovery College ‘Open A ernoon’ 8 October 2015 1.00pm - 3.00pm Apple Tree Stores, Dinas Contact Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113 Page 8
For more informa on contact Maria Abson, Mental Health Development Officer at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: mabson@interlinkrct.org.uk
Mental Health
World Mental Health Day 2015 ‘RCT World Mental Health Day Event’ 2 October 2015 10.00am – 2.00pm Michael Sobell Sports Centre 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 informa on relevant to mental health and wellbeing as well as other related issues. There will be a variety of different organisa ons present providing opportuni es for individuals to ask ques ons and be given guidance on issues and topics of interest to them. The event will also provide an arena for organisa ons to celebrate good prac ce and achievements whilst showcasing their services. Interac ve therapies will also be available for you to try. Please come along and benefit from the informa on that will be provided. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. For more informa on contact Maria Abson on 01443 846200 To book contact Kath Price at Interlink by email: kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk
‘ Merthyr Tydfil Main Event ’ World Mental Health Day 2015 9 October 2015 10.30am - 2.30pm Merthyr Tydfil Rugby Club The World Mental Health Day Event is a way of working collabora vely towards addressing the needs of our local communi es. This day will provide an opportunity for service users to engage with providers of services, and will also be a chance for local organisa ons and partners to showcase their services. There will be a range of ac vi es, cra s 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
Would you like to express your ideas or experiences in a creaƟve way?
Crea ve Wri ng YMCA Pontypridd Wednesday 2 September 2015 at 2.30pm - 4.30pm Thursday 3 September 2015 at 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Visual Arts YMCA Pontypridd Wednesday 16 September 2015 at 1.30pm - 3.30pm Wednesday 23 September 2015 at 1.30pm - 3.30pm
To mark World Mental Health Day 2015, the Involve 2 Evolve Project is working in partnership with Making Minds to hold Arts and Crea ve Wri ng workshops on the theme of ‘Dignity in Mental Health’ With your permission, your work will be displayed at the RCT World Mental Health day event which is being held on Friday 2 October at Michael Sobell Centre, Aberdare. To book your place, please contact Rachel Wya on 01443 846200 or email: rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk Page 9
Health and Wellbeing Anne Morris, Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Facilitator, provides informa on, advice and support to community and voluntary groups involved in improving health and social care in RCT. Anne supports partnership working between the sector and other health and social care agencies represen ng the sector at strategic planning and partnership groups, promo ng third sector organisa ons to statutory partners and vice versa. Contact Anne on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk
Community Group Praised at Health Challenge Cwm Taf Crystal Trophy Awards 2015 Community groups promo ng healthy lifestyles and preven ng ill-health in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil (Cwm Taf) have been celebrated and rewarded at this year’s Crystal Trophy Awards. The event organised by the Health and Wellbeing Team at Cwm Taf University Health Board in conjunc on with the Interlink recognises the achievements of local groups and organisa ons who are working to improve health and wellbeing. One of the four finalists was Rhondda Housing Associa on with their ‘Find Your Future Project.’ This project engages with those suffering from poor physical and mental health, low confidence, ex-offenders and those that are socially isolated. The project offers one to one support and opportuni es to obtain new skills. Engagement in the project allows tenants to realise their poten al and raise aspira on with support to access training, volunteering and employment. Two beneficiaries involved with the project shared their personal stories; one had completely turned his life around and is now running a social enterprise offering gardening services and the other is leading a mental health peer support group.
First prize went to Safer Merthyr Tydfil for a series of projects aimed at suppor ng survivors of domes c abuse. They plan to use the prize money to fund a ‘Voices Against Violence’ Choir led by a Young Survivor’s Group. Second prize was awarded to Merthyr Tydfil Housing Associa on for their Boxfit Project, aimed at ge ng more teenage girls physically ac ve. Third prize went to Almond Tree Chris an Fellowship for their counselling service that provided counselling for children and young people in Merthyr Tydfil.
Find Your Future Project Nicola John, Director of Public Health at Cwm Taf University Health Board said, ‘These grass root projects are making a huge contribu on to health and wellbeing. I commend the work of these groups and would like to see these projects replicated in other communi es across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil.’
Ian Davy, Chief Officer, Voluntary Ac on Merthyr Tydfil said, ‘The Crystal Trophy Awards are an excellent way in which community groups and their volunteers can receive recogni on for their fantas c work.’
For more informa n contact Anne on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 10
Health and Wellbeing
Intermediate Care Fund - Suppor ng Older People Earlier in the year Welsh Government announced further investment into the Intermediate Care Fund, which aims to support older people (65+) in their homes and communi es and to drive forward integra on between health, social care and the third sector. The Cwm Taf region received nearly £2million to con nue projects which have proven to be successful in helping older and vulnerable people remain in their own homes. The recurring revenue fund will support schemes which improve out-ofhospital care and help people to return home from hospital and add vital new resources to care in the community. The funding supports the 5 Community Coordinators across Cwm Taf. Employed by Interlink and VAMT the Coordinators quickly built rela onships with statutory partners, mapping third sector and community ac vi es for those aged 65+. They have become experts in their locali es and from the outset they have had an impact on reducing isola on and loneliness for those aged 65 through signpos ng them to third sector and community ac vi es.
Mrs P was referred via her Occupa onal Therapist for help with befriending and possible involvement in ac vi es. Mrs P was receiving physio following a broken hip a er a fall. She had lost confidence in ge ng out and about as she feared of falling again, she was becoming isolated by being confined to her home. The Coordinator made a referral to RSVP’s Welcome Friends Befriending Service and she now has a regular visit from a volunteer who escorts her to ac vi es on a weekly basis. Her confidence has increased and she no longer feels isolated thanks to the progress her volunteer has made by ge ng her out and about again.
The Community Coordinators have received posi ve commenda on from many partners. ‘I have found the work that you have done since being in post both valuable and very worthwhile. The immense informa on you have gathered and displayed throughout the offices as well as the informa ve e-mails has given us the knowledge of what is available in the community and has benefi ed service users. You were able to advise and signpost to services that my service users needed. I hope you will be able to con nue in your role as we have seen a real benefit since you have joined us.’ Linda Davies, Cynon South Locality, RCTCBC
‘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 on-going partnership working is vitally needed in enabling us to provide cohesive community support to our residents of CTUHB.’ Samantha Sullivan, Cwm Tâf University Health Board Merthyr and the Valleys Mind received funding for Project 5 Ways to Wellbeing which works with older people to enhance their overall sense of wellbeing by engaging volunteers, who assist older people by suppor ng them to connect to others, keep ac ve, take no ce of their environment, give to others and keep learning. Further funding was also received in the form of a new Community Capacity Grant Scheme for projects that combat the impact of loneliness and isola on, provide opportuni es for older people to stay healthy and maintain independence and wellbeing for as long as possible. For more informa on contact Anne Morris on 01443 846200 or email: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 11
Stepping Forward Lucy ‘2 jobs’ Foster is a busy girl holding down roles as Community Voice Par cipa on and Evalua on Officer and also the Stepping Forward Project. Lucy’s Community Voice role involves suppor ng 8 very different projects to involve a range of people, including young, older people and people with disabili es, in having a voice in improving community services. Contact Lucy on 01443 846200 or email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk
Crea ve course helps learners ‘step forward’ Stepping Forward is a confidence-boos ng training course run by Interlink RCT has helped unemployed people in Rhondda Cynon Taf return to work. Par cipants on the 12 week Stepping Forward course from the 14 April through to July created a mural and wrote songs which they recorded themselves. They also directed and starred in a music video, got involved in anima on, crea ve wri ng and drama.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and run in partnership with the DWP and Valley and Vale Community Arts, the course offered crea ve opportuni es for 16 people from across Rhondda Cynon Taf who had already completed either full or part units of the City and Guilds employability course. ‘I would tell other people wan ng to do this course of how terrified I was. A er two weeks I was looking forward to coming every day.’
Page 12
A er taking part in Stepping Forward, two par cipants have now gone on to employment. One of the members said, ‘I am so pleased to get a job. This course has been very helpful to me and I don’t think I would have managed all the rounds of job interviews without it.’ As well as helping par cipants return to work, a dozen course members have taken part in further training to help them set up an anima on group. And two members of the group who suffer with anxiety and depression have found out how they can get involved in the mental health project ‘Involve to Evolve’.
Interlink Chief Execu ve, Simon James said, ‘We are pleased with the success of the course, par cularly due to the fact that everyone has seen a drama c change in par cipants self-esteem and confidence.’
Community Voice
Community Voice Ynysybwl - Butchers Pool In 2014 Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Authority announced through its ‘Phase 2 Budget Cuts’ that all outdoor paddling pools in the Local Authority would no longer be funded. Ynysybwl doesn’t benefit from many public leisure facili es and the paddling pool is the gem of the village and is hugely popular with families and children during the summer months it is open. Following on from a local school closure and the announcement that the library would close imminently, a group of local people decided to take ac on and keep the paddling pool open for the children of Ynysybwl. One resident was told by someone senior working in the local authority that you ‘don’t choose to live in Ynysybwl if you want a supermarket.’ That may be true but I chose to live in Ynysybwl for this paddling pool.
The volunteers with the support of Community Voice were able to influence the Local Authority’s Leisure Services, Communi es First, Time Banking, the Ynysybwl Regenera on Partnership, their Community Council and had an amazing amount of social influence that bought in volunteers with specific skills that enabled them to repair the pool and changing room and staff the pool throughout the summer holiday. The volunteers all had a CRB check that was provided by a local business, took a First Aid qualifica on and had training in pool Health and Safety and Child Safeguarding procedures.
Ini ally the idea of saving annual running costs by fundraising to convert the paddling pool into a splash pad was considered and much research was done to find out about indica ve costs, mescales and design. In the short term it was decided that using volunteers to staff the paddling pool would be the most viable op on.
‘I’m so glad to have the pool open, the community would be lost without it.’ Young person
‘The Friends of Butchers Pool are looking forward to opening their pool for the second year. For them it’s really the gem of the community.’ Rebecca Arnold
The Community Council were very happy about being involved in the project and felt they had listened to and supported the local community to keep open a valuable resource. They acknowledged that they were forced to act outside the formali es they were most comfortable with and were happy to have recogni on for the good decisions they had taken. For more informa on contact Lucy on 01443 846200 or email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 13
Young People
Young People’s Debate - Is the UNCRC Fit For Purpose? Young people from RCT took part in a debate on whether the UNCRC (United Na ons Conven on on the Rights of the Child) is fit for purpose. Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda spoke in favour and Y Pant School opposed the mo on. Cllr Geraint Hopkins chaired the debate which was held in the presence of the new Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Professor Sally Holland. This event was held in the Council Chambers in Clydach Vale on 8 July 2015, with many other young people and organisa ons in the audience who also had an opportunity to contribute to the debate. One of the main points raised was that there was not enough adver sing and promo on of the UNCRC and Children’s Rights in general. Vo ng was held For or Against the mo on and the result was 60% - 40% in favour of the mo on.
Next Steps: •
Young people would like to take forward Children’s Rights in RCT by raising awareness of the UNCRC
•
A challenge was made to RCT councillors to work towards a ‘Due Regard’ process, similar to the way ministers have to work to in Welsh Government in rela on to the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011
For more informa on contact Sue Phillips at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: sphillips@interlinkrct.org.uk
Team Pink During work in the community with young girls in Wa stown, it was iden fied by some young girls aged 15-16 that they would like to have the opportunity to take part in rugby. A taster session was provided in which 28 girls par cipated and from that first session the ball literally started rolling. Individual players and the team have not looked back. In their second season they finished second in Welsh League and were finalists in the Welsh Girls Cup.
The health and wellbeing of the team has improved and in some cases girls have lost up to four stone in weight due to the regular par cipa on in physical ac vi es needed to play rugby. It has been a journey for the girls, with challenging mes along the way, but when we think what has been achieved both on and off the field during this journey it is just unbelievable and shows that rugby is more than a game!!
Seven players of the Wa stown team represented regional team Cardiff Blues and five went on to represent East Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
www.supporters.wru.co.uk/ matchdaytv/?play=media&id=21428
The commitment and hard work of these young girls has resulted in many other off field ac vi es, the likes of which can be seen on the video clips. Remembering that these girls could hardly pass a rugby ball, without having to learn tackling, scrummaging and all the other skills that are needed to play rugby, their achievements have been fantas c.
WRU Girls promo video www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicn6DEUFdo Community arm chair aerobic promo video www.youtube.com/watch?v=34a_Ld_6u9o Girls fund raiser, Gate & Nominate www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS8vVLeoOoU
For more informa on contact Mark Hu on, Dynamic Communi es Project Leader by email: mark.hu on@peopleandworkunit.org.uk or call 07929504525 www.peopleandworkunit.org.uk Page 14
Local News Pontypridd Talking News Associa on are looking for volunteers The Pontypridd Talking News Associa on (PTNA), a registered charity, has, for nearly 40 years, recorded every week a digest of news from the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer, as a free service by post, to visually impaired people living in the Pontypridd area and its surrounds and it is recorded at the University of South Wales for one hour on a CD.
As well, the PTNA invites members of the community with an interest in the service it provides to join its Commi ee to help to develop the service.
Providing this service to currently more than 50 listeners the PTNA is able to extend it to many more people with visual impairments living in its area. A CD player can be provided, free of charge, to new users who do not have one.
The Commi ee meets bi-monthly on a Monday evening at the University and if you are able to volunteer to join us or wish to receive the service please leave a message on 01443 404118 with your contact details.
Government Sustainability small project funding now open We are pleased to inform you that the Welsh Government, Directorate of Environment and Development has issued a call for funding for small-scale projects. They are now invi ng bids for small scale project funding (£1,000 - £15,000). Deadline for applica ons is 11 September 2015. The ac vity proposed must be completed by 31 March 2016. We know that community growing projects offer so much more to the people you work with than just the growing aspect. The Welsh Government are looking to fund projects that demonstrate mul ple benefits to the community, so don’t be shy and make sure you sing your own praises in your applica on! The guidance notes in full and applica on form can be found on the Welsh Government website www.gov.wales
The benefits you provide might include: • •
•
Natural resource management - improving biodiversity in your area Improving local environment – clearing overgrown areas, improving access to green space Resilience and resource efficiency – collabora ng with local partners to add value to local community projects, tackling food poverty If you would like any support with this funding opportunity, even if it’s just to proof read your applica on before you send it off, please contact: Ken Moon at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk or moishe@farmgarden.org.uk with a reasonable lead in me prior to the applica on deadline.
If you have ques ons about how to apply please contact the Welsh Government by email: ESDGrantsManagementTeam@Wales.GSI.Gov.UK or call 02920 801029. To submit the applica on form by email please include ‘Small-scale Project Applica on’ in the subject heading or send by FREEPOST to: People and Environment, Welsh Government, NAT 8910, FREEPOST, Cardiff CF10 3BR Page 15
Broaden your horizons ..... with Interlink training Social Services and Wellbeing 2014 Act Awareness Raising Training 4 September 2015 9.30am - 1.00pm
Safeguarding Children and Young People 30 September 2015 9.30am - 12.30pm
Introduc on to Inves ng in Volunteers 17 September 2015 9.30am - 12.00pm
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 30 September 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Mental Health First Aid for Youth
Awareness of Ea ng Disorders
25 September and 2 October 2015 9.30am - 4.30pm
10 November 2015 9.30am - 12.30pm
Why not design your own training! We offer courses for individuals and groups, training fees are nego able and we offer lots of free op ons - contact us! All courses held at Interlink unless otherwise stated. For more informa on call 01443 846200 or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk to view the training programme.
Mindfulness and Stress Control Courses Commencing in September Taf Ely - Mindfulness
Rhondda - Stress Control
Cynon Valley - Mindfulness
2 September at 5.30pm Royal Glamorgan Hospital
3 September at 6.00pm Ystrad Leisure Centre
1 September at 6.15pm Abercwmboi Rugby Club
Taff Ely - Stress Control
Rhondda - Mindfulness
Cynon Valley - Stress Control
21 October at 5.30pm Royal Glamorgan Hospital
22 October at 6.00pm Rhondda Fach Sports Centre Tylorstown
20 October at 6.15pm Abercwmboi Rugby Club
Merthyr Tydfil Stress Control
Merthyr Tydfil - Mindfulness
1 September at 10.00am St Mathias Church Hall, Treharris
20 October at 10.00am St Mathias Church Hall, Treharris
All courses run for 6 weeks For more informa on contact the University Health Board on 01443 744800 or email: CTT_stresscontrol&mindfulness@wales.nhs.uk
Are you looking for office accommoda on in the Pontypridd area? We have office space available to rent in our office in Upper Boat. Or looking to hire conference facili es? We offer a range of mee ng and conference facili es. All room hire charges are inclusive of: Laptop; Projector; Projec on Screen; Internet Connec on; Flip Chart; Dry Wipe Board Refreshments are available on request for a small charge. We can advise on local caterers.
Charity No 1141143 Company No 07549533
Next Issue: December 2015