Issue 58 Summer 2012
The newsle er for voluntary organisa ons and community groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf
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: 2 November 2012 to Cara Jordan-Evans at Interlink by E-mail: cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
If you require any ar cles translated into Welsh or any other format please get in touch.
In this issue we have: Interlink News Health Team Mental Health Health & Social Care Digital Inclusion/ Police and Crime Training
2 3 4-9 10-14 15 16
Our address: 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road Upper Boat, Pontypridd CF37 5BE Telephone number: 01443 846200 Fax: 01443 844843 E-mail: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Website: www.interlinkrct.org.uk Office opening mes are: Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Page 2
Goodbye and Good luck to Jenny In mid-July, we bid a fond farewell to Jenny Thomas who had been a ‘pocket dynamo’ in developing and delivering two successful ini a ves at Interlink – our Future Jobs Scheme and Learn RCT. Jenny was a valuable member of the Volunteer Centre team and will be sorely missed, but we wish her every success in her PGCE course star ng in September. We are sure that Jenny will make a great maths teacher!
Welcome to Lucy Foster Hi, I’m Lucy Foster, I have been working at Interlink for the last month as the See Change Development Officer and love it so far! See Change is a community development project which uses training and group support to enable people to make a difference in their local area. We are involved in helping groups to make ac on plans, start a campaign, organise community events and gain the confidence to take collec ve ac on to get their voice heard. I used to work with Services for Young People at RCT as a community school cluster worker, Ac vity leader and key worker. Contact me by E-mail: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk
Congratula ons to Kelly Hi, I’m Kelly Daniel and you may recognise me from the See Change project at Interlink. In July I changed jobs and am now the Making the Connec ons Development Officer. It’s a completely new post through European Social Funding and will enable me to work with the voluntary sector for the next 3 years. My new job will support the voluntary sector to deliver the priority ac vi es of RCT’s Local Service B d The Th Local L l Service Board is a partnership made up of the Chief Board. Execu ves of the Local Authority, Cwm Taf Health Board, Interlink and South Wales Police. The key priori es under the Local Service Board’s Single Integrated Plan include safety, health and prosperity. Through my role there will be support for voluntary sector organisa ons to influence public service planning, design and delivery. I will provide training on commissioning and will be able to support you in working with others to become more compe ve in the tendering process. I will also be providing equality training and will be able to support those of you that are required to complete an Equality Impact Assessment. For an informal chat about my new job please get in touch on 01443 846200 or E-mail: kdaniel@interlinkrct.org.uk. No ques on is a silly ques on and I look forward to working with you soon.
Health Team Health Team - Who are we? Ann Philpo , Opera ons Manager at Interlink, takes the lead for health, social care and well-being (HSCWB), has responsibility for training and oversees our networks and forums. She manages the Volunteer Centre alongside other management du es.
Anne Morris, Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Facilitator, supports the third sector to develop and sustain strong partnerships with each other and with other agencies involved in health and social care, to iden fy and address local need by developing the health, social care and wellbeing agenda. The main vehicles for this are the RCT Health Social Care and Wellbeing Forum and its associated focus groups. Maria Abson, Mental Health Development Officer, supports local mental health organisa ons in Cwm Taf and co-ordinates links between voluntary organisa ons and the statutory sector through the Cwm Taf Mental Health Forum. The Mental Health Forum welcomes any voluntary sector group which provides a service to adults who may be experiencing mental health problems or any organisa on with a special interest in mental health within Cwm Taf. The Mental Health Service User Involvement Project (MHSUI) 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 , MHSUI Development Officer, has a development role and facilitates the mul -agency Stronger In Partnership Group. She develops specific projects, such as INFORM, linked to new service developments.
Helen Rees, MHSUI Development Officer, supports service users to take part; to a end partnership mee ngs to represent service user views and to use their experiences and their ‘stories’ to teach mental health professionals.
Dates for your Diary HSCWB Forum 13 September 2012 9.30am - 1.00pm at Coleg Morgannwg Nantgarw
Mental Health Forum 25 September 2012 10.00am - 12.00pm Contact Maria Abson
Social Enterprise Forum 8 November 2012 9.30am - 12.30pm Interlink Contact Ken Moon
Interlink’s AGM and HSCWB, CYD and MH Joint Event 15 November 2012 9.30am - 1.00pm Coleg Morgannwg Nantgarw
Mental Health Forum 22 November 2012 10.00am - 12.00pm Contact Maria Abson
For more ‘dates for your diary’ check out the ‘What’s On’ sec on on our website www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Page 3
Mental Health Progression of The Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 Local Primary Mental Health Support Services The Measure will make sure that more services are available for your GP to refer you to. These services, which may include for example counselling, stress and anxiety management, will either be at your GP prac ce or nearby so it will be easier to get to them. You will also be told about other services which might be able to help you such as local voluntary groups or advice about money or housing. Care Coordina on and Care and Treatment Planning Some people require more specialised care and support, (some mes provided in hospital). If you are receiving these services then your care and treatment will be overseen by a professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse or social worker. These people will be called Care Coordinators and will write you a care and treatment plan – working with you as much as possible. This plan will set out the goals you are working towards and the services that will be provided by the NHS, local authority and other agencies. This plan must be reviewed with you at least once a year.
‘INFORM!’ -
Assessment of people who have used specialist mental health services before If you have received specialised treatment in the past and were discharged because your condi on improved, but now you feel that your mental health is becoming worse, then you can go straight back to the mental health service which was looking a er you before and ask them to check whether you need any further help or treatment. You don’t need to go to your GP first, although you may wish to talk it through. You can ask for this up to three years a er you are discharged from the specialist team. Independent Mental Health Advocacy If you are in hospital and you have mental health problems you can ask for help from an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). An IMHA is an expert in mental health who will help you to make your views known and take decisions in rela on to your care and treatment (but will not take decisions on your behalf!) For further details visit mentalhealthandvulnerablegroups@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Sharing Pa ents’ and Carers’ Experiences of Mental Health and Primary Care
The Mental Health Service User Involvement Project has received a bursary from Wales Mental Health in Primary Care (WaMH in PC) to carry out a mental health awareness raising project called INFORM. We all recognise that people’s stories bring experiences to life. The aim of INFORM is to capture people’s stories of using Primary Care Services (e.g. your local GP) for a mental health condi on and the type of support that you have found helpful or unhelpful. We are also keen to involve carers. The stories that are collected will be used to develop a training pack consis ng of digital stories and training resources for health professionals working in primary care. It is hoped that by sharing people’s experiences we can bring about improvements in the support available from GPs for a mental health condi on and achieve greater consistency in the services that people receive in primary care not just in RCT but across Wales.
Jeff Rowlands being interviewed on his experiences of primary care services
If you would like further informa on about INFORM or about Mental Health Service User Involvement, please contact Rachel Wya or Helen Rees, Mental Health Service User Involvement Project at Interlink Telephone 01443 846200. E-mail: rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk or hrees@interlinkrct.org.uk
Page 4
Mental Health
Posi ve Steps Peer Support Group Health, Rela onships Employment, Money, Family These are some of the things that can affect our mental well-being at any me in our lives. Are you, or someone you know experiencing problems with mental ill health? Then come along to the Posi ve Steps group for informa on and support. You will be able to share experiences with others who have similar issues in a friendly and confiden al se ng. Friday 1.00pm - 3.00pm, The Darran Las Community Building For more informa on or for a friendly chat ring Jill on 01443 479713 or 07795391852
Ge ng Involved - Mental Health Service User Involvement Project I have been using mental health services on and off for over 25 years. When I was 18 I seriously a empted suicide and have seriously considered it several mes since. A er a stressful divorce, following 15 years of marriage and 1 daughter, I struggled with the subsequent feelings of worthlessness and depression. On the rebound, I entered into a doomed rela onship. It was only 3 ½ years later that I realised this, when a er suffering 2 strokes, several mini strokes and a co-incidental spinal injury, which le me in chronic pain, cogni ve problems and learning difficul es. My girlfriend decided to throw me out on Christmas Eve. A er several years of depression I joined the mental health service user involvement project based at Interlink. The group helped me regain my confidence, it felt good to be part of a group and I felt that my experience and skills were appreciated and used. I felt reassured how the group supported each other and it felt good to feel included. Everybody is accepted for themselves. I became involved in several other groups, including the RCT Stroke group. I have been able to use my skills, wri ng reports for the group, commi ee skills and designing logos for the (VOX) voices of experience group. I have given talks to professional groups about my experiences to raise awareness of mental health issues. I have always been interested in sports, I played and refereed rugby, for over 25years. When I became disabled I got involved with the Genesis project and the RCT (ATi) ‘Ac on To independence’ group.
I gradually became interested in sports again and I tried lots of different things, from Wheelchair Rugby, Target Shoo ng, Archery, Fencing and Table Tennis to Athle c Sports, such as discus and shot-put. I took part in the 2010 Cwmbran Mini Paralympics, where I broke the bench-press weight li ing record. I have also campaigned for 2 years to have a ‘ e-down facility’ for wheelchair users in field athle cs in Aberdare Athle cs Club, to help people take part in sports such as discus and shot-put.
I now play Sledge Ice Hockey, I am goal keeper and was recently voted the (MVP) the best player in Great Britain, and will be playing for Team GB at the next winter Olympics. For more informa on about the Mental Health Service User Involvement Project at Interlink contact Helen Rees or Rachel Wya on 01443 846200 or E-mail: hrees@interlinkrct.org.uk or rwya @interlinkrct.org.uk
Page 5
Mental Health New Mental Health Work Clubs The main aim of Work Clubs is to help people make the most of local knowledge and resources to support unemployed people in their communi es to gain employment. A number of Mental Health Work Clubs have been set up in Cwm Taf, these offer a range of support services which include: Training, CV wri ng, Comple ng Job Applica ons, Job Search, Access to Careers Advice, Interview Skills and Volunteering Opportuni es. For further informa on contact Shan Davies from Hafal on 01685 373322
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, Local 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. The site has many features, visit www.mentalhealthsupport.co.uk to find out more!
Post natal depression support for fathers
‘Fathers
Reaching Out’ is a new support network for dads struggling to cope with their partner’s post natal depression, confiden al and non judgemental support from others in a similar posi on. For more informa on visit www.fathersreachingout.com
New Mental Health Peer Support Group A er successfully comple ng Stepping Forward an engagement gateway project hosted by Interlink and overseen by the Mental Health Development Officer, service users have been supported to form their own peer support group called New Friends New Friends is a group available for people who have a history of mental illness. Come along and join us at the YMCA in Pontypridd whether you want to have someone to talk to, join in the ac vites or simply meet new people and have fun!! The group meets every Wednesday and sessions are held from 1.30pm un l 4.30pm. For more informa on call Moirwen on 07805 649592
Page 6
Mental Health
Whether or not you have a mental health problem, you can do something right now to help end mental health s gma and discrimina on in Wales through the new Na onal campaign ‘Time to Change Wales.’ Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health! It’s good to talk! ‘I’m sure Bob Hoskins won’t mind me using his famous catchphrase from the 80s BT ad, as I use it in reference to mental health.’ Talking about my depression, anxiety and everything that comes with it has helped me in a number of ways. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t know what to do or who to tell and more importantly what to tell them. For me, it felt like I was ‘coming out’ about having a mental health problem. One of the first people that I told was my boss at the me. Now, the office isn’t necessarily the easiest place to talk about depression but I felt it was something I had to do in case it started to affect my work. I struck lucky – a er opening up to my boss, he told me that he had suffered something similar and said he would prefer to have me opera ng at 80% than most other people opera ng at 100%. Years on from that day, his words s ll fill me with pride and help me to realise that you can talk about depression in work and that it doesn’t have to be a barrier to employment or furthering your career prospects. Of course, we don’t all have bosses as understanding as the one I had back then, but there is hope and there is now legisla on set up to protect us. As different people will know you in different ways, from friends to family, colleagues to Facebook, you may find that you tailor your message according to the person it’s aimed at. There are those who you may only need to tell once, there are those that you will need to keep talking to for as long as you need to. I believe that whatever the situa on, talking about mental ill health is good for you. It is also good for the bigger picture of having mental health as a more socially acceptable topic of conversa on in the pub, coffee shop, supermarket, on the local high street or over the fence to your neighbour. It’s nothing to be afraid of. Don’t get me wrong, there are people in my life that I have found incredibly difficult to talk to about my illness and there will be more in the future.
I’m not afraid. I’m open and honest about it and it’s their problem if they can’t accept it. I’ve heard someone say that ignorance is society’s mental illness. Many mes in the past, I have likened mental health to cancer, HIV / AIDS and homosexuality; it is the last great social taboo in existence today. As society has changed, so have a tudes to many of the aforemen oned issues. They are generally easier to talk about than they were 20-30 years ago. The same cannot yet be said about mental health. Progress is being made, but there is a long way to go before mental health can be put into the same bracket. Time to Change Wales will obviously help to further that progress and I hope we’re having a very different conversa on in another 20-30 years me.
‘I believe that whatever the situaƟon, talking about mental ill health is good for you.’
Talking to ‘come out’ is justt the th start. t t As A I’ve I’ found, talking therapies such as CBT can be hugely effec ve in aiding your recovery and maintaining be er mental health over me. For many, it will be a long, on-going effort, so even in the darkest and most difficult mes try not to suffer in silence. I speak from experience having considered ending my life on more than one occasion in the past. There are many support services available now that simply didn’t exist years ago – use them, if nothing else, especially if you feel there is no-one in your immediate world to help. Mark Smith For further informa on on Time to Change, training available, volunteering or bringing the campaign to your organisa on, please E-mail: info@ metochangewales.org.uk or visit www. metochangewales.org.uk
Page 7
Mental Health ‘Quiz Night‘ Ton Pentre Football Club Ton Pentre 10 October 2012 7.00pm – 10.30pm Last year’s quiz was a resounding success and as such we will repeat it again this year for all general knowledge quiz enthusiasts. Boyd Clack, Patron of New Horizons has agreed to compere again this year. Please come along with your friends and colleagues to show your support, lots of prizes to be won and to have some fun. For more informa on contact Claire Hughes on 01443 424530 or Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113
World Mental Health Day 2012 Depression: A Global Crisis The World Federa on for Mental Health founded World Mental Health Day (WMHD) in 1992. Each year, on and around the 10 October, mental health organisa ons, health professionals, academic ins tu ons, service users and carers become unified in their efforts to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and emo onal well-being. World Mental Health Day makes mental health a global priority where millions of people from across the globe organise and launch educa onal events and many interes ng and fun ac vi es in their local communi es, raising awareness and funds for mental health causes. WMHD brings mental health issues to the forefront of public a en on tackling misinforma on and common misconcep ons achieving greater public awareness, empathy and understanding. Promo ng mental health and well- being 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, suppor ve community, which will hopefully direct new energy and effort at improving the lives of those living with mental health problems by challenging discrimina on locally.
New Horizons Cynon Valley ‘Open Day’ 9 October 2012 10.00am - 3.00pm 16 Dean Street, Aberdare Contact Janet Whiteman on 01685 881113 Join the Wardens on a Guided Walk as part of World Mental Health Day 2012 17 October 2012 1.00pm - 3.00pm Meet at Tourist Informa on Centre Parc Taf Bargoed Booking essen al 075151189844 or 01685 724952
For more informa on on the above events contact 0808 100 1801
Page 8
This year there are some wonderfully exci ng and imagina ve events and ac vi es planned throughout RCT and Interlink would like to extend a very genuine thank you to everyone involved in WMHD. Without con nued par cipa on and support this event would not get off the ground. We thank everyone for his or her individual and collec ve support. For more informa on contact Maria Abson, Mental Health Development Officer at Interlink on 01443 846200
Mental Health
World Mental Health Day 2012 Walk a Mile for Mental Health ‘A Walk in the Park’ 8 October – Gelligaled Park, Ystrad From 11.00am - 12.30pm 11 October – Aberdare Park, Trecynon (Main Entrance) From 11.00am – 12.30pm Following the success of previous years’ ‘Walk a Mile’ events for the partnership helping to raise awareness of World Mental Health Day and Mental Health in Rhondda Cynon Taf there are further walks planned for this year. The walk in Gelligaled Park will set off from the car park taking a leisurely stroll around the park. The route is mainly flat so is suitable for all. The Aberdare Park walkers will meet at the entrance of the Park and follow a planned route through the scenic, well preserved Victorian Park. So please come along and show your support and enjoy walking with a group of friendly, like minded people. For more informa on contact Paul Bargewell Hopkins on 01443 424350 or Joanne Blunt or Graham Parry on 01685 887883
‘ Merthyr Tydfil Main Event ’ World Mental Health Day 2012 Merthyr Tydfil 10 October 2012 10.30am - 2.30pm Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre 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 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 or Shian Neale on 01685 727421
‘RCT Main Event’ YMCA, Pontypridd 13 October 2012 10.30 – 3.00pm This event will offer a wide range of informa on relevant to mental health, general health and well being 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. Alterna ve therapies will also be available for you to try. Please come along and benefit from the informa on that will be provided. For more informa on contact Claire Hughes on 01443 424350
‘Prizes to be won’ World Mental Health Day
Compe
on
Express your understanding of how we can improve our mental health and wellbeing through poetry, photography or art. Closing date is 25 September Entries to: Sarah Bowen, Ty Keir Hardie, Riverside Court, Avenue De Clichy, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8XF. For more details contact Shian Neale on 01685 727421
Page 9
Health and Social Care
Healthy Living at Glyncoch Health and Wellbeing Advocates The key purpose of this fantas c project is for Glyncoch community members, statutory services and agencies to work together to produce interven ons that will result in a reduc on in health inequali es. The idea for the project was presented at a recently held d mee ng by Dr Catherine Taylor of Taff Vale GP prac ce. At this mee ng 12 local people volunteered to train as representa ves who will focus on local priori es to improve health and wellbeing. Which include: · Improving nutri on · Increasing physical ac vity · Promo ng mental and emo onal wellbeing · Reducing risky behaviour During August, See Change has provided training for the volunteers, covering a range of topics to help with the development of the project that include behaviour change and communica on skills, code of conduct and staying safe. This training also saw the group linking with relevant agencies which was fantas c. We wish you all the luck for the Future!! For futher advice on this project contact Jenny O’Hara at Glyncoch Communi es First on 01443 486496.
Welsh Big Bite Event 2012 The hugely popular Welsh Big Bite Fes val was a roaring success this year with record numbers a ending the annual food, farming and healthy living fes val in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, during the first weekend in August. A fantas c range of Welsh food and drink, cookery demonstra ons and plenty of entertainment was on offer and in keeping with the fes val’s focus on healthy living, the fi h annual Health and Wellbeing Zone, held in its own marquee, proved ever popular with a mul tude of stands showcasing various services such as employment, transport, food and nutri on and many more. Cwm Taf Local Health Board Health and Wellbeing Team organised over forty stands in the marquee, stand holders were able to share informa on and signpost visitors to the many services available such as Lifeline, Carers, Stroke Associa on, Food Co-ops and Smoking Cessa on. The Local Health Board (LHB) also took the opportunity to consult with people about their services. 316 Primary care ques onnaires were completed and 103 people responded to the Carers Measure Consulta on.
Page 10
LHB Staff also spoke to over 1100 people signpos ng them to the various stands in the marquee.
There were plenty of stalls offering advice on healthy living, and informa on and ac vi es from many local organisa ons. Interlink hosted a stand with compe ons and seized the opportunity to consult with the public on their views on public services. In the words of one youngster visi ng our stand; ‘It’s Epic!!’
Health and Social Care ‘Feeling Fine, Working Well’ - the Corporate Health Standard in Cwm Taf The Corporate Health Standard, run by the Welsh Government, is the quality mark for workplace health promo on in Wales. It is an ini a ve for employers to improve the health of the workforce and their organisa on. It is presented in bronze, silver, gold and pla num categories to public, private and voluntary sector organisa ons implemen ng prac ces to promote the health and well-being of their employees. Core elements include Organisa onal Support, Health and Safety, Communica on, Employee Involvement, Policies and Policy Development. Specific health issues covered by the Standard include tobacco, mental health promo on, musculoskeletal disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, nutri on and physical ac vity. Cwm Taf Health Board (HB) has achieved the gold standard and is currently working towards pla num. As part of this standard the HB are seeking case studies which demonstrate a product, project or service that is innova ve or considered ‘leading the way’ under the criteria of transport, procurement, community engagement, facili es management, capital build or employment and skills. If you have a voluntary sector case study that you think would be relevant, please contact Ann Philpo at Interlink.
The small workplace health award is the na onal mark of quality for businesses and organisa ons employing fewer than 50 people. It has three levels of award (bronze, silver and gold) to recognise each development stage achieved. Lifestyle topics, as above, are incorporated into the award depending which level you aim for plus addi onal topics such as Health and Safety, Engagement, Commitment, Managing Pressure and Stress, Business Outcomes, Environmental Awareness and A endance Management. Interlink is currently working towards the gold award, having previously achieved silver.
Interlink staff working for the silver award
Free support and advice is available for small businesses and organisa ons to develop health and well-being ini a ves in the workplace. Like other workplace quality ini a ves, it is a progressive programme and organisa ons are reassessed every three years. This free service is delivered by Public Health Wales. The work to achieve the standard is consistent with the business excellence model, which drives quality and organisa onal development in many organisa ons.
You can confirm your interest in free support and advice by contac ng your regional workplace health adviser of Public Health Wales. By telephone 0845 609 6006 or by E-mail: workplacehealth@wales.nhs.uk
Brief Interven on for Smoking Cessa on Stop Smoking Wales is pleased to offer a free, one-day brief interven on training course Brief interven on is a method of discussing smoking and qui ng in a posi ve, non-confronta onal way to encourage smokers to think about giving up and enable them to access specialist support when they are ready. This training is suitable for all professionals who come into contact with smokers on a regular basis. If you would like any further informa on or have any queries, please contact Stop Smoking Wales by E-mail: stop.smoking@wales.nhs.uk
Page 11
Health and Social Care Having a Say in Local Health Services - The Stakeholder Reference Group Local Health Boards (LHBs), including Cwm Taf Health Board, have been directed by the Welsh Government to set up two non-statutory advisory groups with wide representa on; a Stakeholder Reference Group and a Professional Forum. The Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) is made up of a range of representa ves from the LHB, its partners (such as the 2 Local Authori es in Cwm Taf and the Voluntary Sector), service users, carers and community representa ves. The Community Health Council also a ends in an observa on role.
From a voluntary sector perspec ve, representa ves are nominated from the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Forum to cover the locali es of Rhondda, Cynon and Taff Ely. There is also a Merthyr Tydfil representa ve. The representa ves provide feedback to the Forum at quarterly intervals.
The purpose of the SRG is to ensure that ‘ci zens are at the heart of issues rela ng to local health services, influencing the planning, design and delivery of those services’. The SRG reflects localism and local issues and provides a ‘sounding board’. It is a ’ forum for meaningful and genuine engagement with stakeholders’. The SRG has a programme of work with clear and transparent lines of accountability and with a collabora ve and ci zen-centred approach. It will also con nue to develop close working links with the LHB’s four public fora.
The Chair of the Stakeholder Reference Group is also a voluntary sector representa ve.
Your SRG representa ves are: Jimmy Browne (Rhondda) – Cancer Focus Group Karen Chantry (Cynon) – Crossroads Cwm Taf Rhian Dash (Taff Ely) – Rowan Tree Cancer Care
A Stakeholder Reference Group Annual Report and newsle ers are produced and circulated through Interlink. Watch out for the next one! For more informa on contact Ann Philpo at Interlink on 01443 846200 or by E-mail: aphilpo @interlinkrct.org.uk or Anne Morris by E-mail: amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk
Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure 2010 A Government proposed Measure – introduced by Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister - Health and Social Services. The purpose of this measure is to enable the Na onal Assembly to legislate to introduce a new requirement on the NHS and Local Authori es in Wales to work in partnership to prepare, publish and implement a joint strategy in rela on to carers. In RCT Cwm Taf Health Board has been designated as the lead body and has been assigned funding to assist with training, awareness raising and the implementa on of the Measure. The Health Board is working in close partnership with the Local Authority, the third sector and GPs. The strategy must set out the type of informa on that will be made available to carers that will assist them to carry out their caring role effec vely and ensure that they are properly consulted regarding decisions made rela ng to the person cared for.
Page 12
This new duty on the NHS and its partners to ac vely engage with and involve carers when making decisions about the provision of services to or for carers or the person cared for applies to both individual care plans as well as to the overall planning, commissioning and delivery of local services that affect carers or the people they look a er. The duty will therefore have significant implica on for all staff. The provisions of the Measure encompass carers of all ages; including young people under 18 who are caring. The Measure prescribes an extensive range of informa on which will need to be included. The strategy must be submi ed to the Welsh Ministers for approval by 31 October 2012. For more informa on on consulta ons and the strategy visit Interlink’s website www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Health and Social Care
Bowel Screening Wales Within Wales around 1,000 people die each year from bowel cancer, a disease that can be treated successfully if caught early enough. Men and women aged between 60-74 years who are resident in Wales and, registered with a GP will receive their Bowel Screening Wales test kit through the post every two years. Currently within RCT, around 45% of residents have not completed their bowel screening test kit, leaving them at risk. Screening detects bowel cancer at an early stage – o en when there are no symptoms. When bowel cancer is caught early treatment is much more effec ve the chances of survival are very much be er.
Par cipants of Bowel Screening Wales have shared their success stories. You can watch these via Youtube, by searching bowel screening Wales. You can also join our Facebook community, by searching bowelscreeningwales. For further informa on, please contact the freephone helpline on 0800 294 3370, open between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Or visit our website: www. bowelscreeningwales.org.uk ‘Don’t die of embarrassment’
CWM Taf Health Board CWM Taf Health Board is taking a stand against the harm caused by tobacco smoke by going smoke-free. Smoking has not been allowed on any health sites, including in doorways, in the grounds and car parks since June 12. Smoking is also no longer allowed in any cars or vehicles parked on health board property. Brightly coloured signs advising NHS staff and visitors of the smoke-free policy are now on all buildings, car parks and in hospital bus shelters. The health board is also taking steps to ensure everyone is aware of the no smoking rule. The aim of the policy is to protect the health board’s staff, pa ents and visitors from the harmful nature of tobacco smoke. Nicola John, Cwm Taf Health Board’s Director of Public Health, said: ‘The figures show that smoking conƟnues to be the single biggest avoidable cause of death in Wales and a considerable cost to the NHS in Wales. Cwm Taf Health Board has launched a smoke-free environment policy, which means all our sites are completely smoke free, including doorways, grounds and car parks. We know that 70% of smokers would like to quit smoking and introducing this policy will remove triggers that may cause people to smoke or relapse. We are working closely with our midwifery and stop smoking services to support pregnant women to give up smoking because we know that smoking in pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature births, low birth weight and congenital anomalies in the baby. If we are able to help more pregnant women give up smoking, we will see immediate health benefits for both mother and child.’
If you want help or advice on qui ng smoking there are lots of free NHS op ons available. You can contact Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 0852219 for details of local support or call into your local pharmacist for advice.
Page 13
Health and Social Care Alcohol Brief Interven on Training Opportuni es Public Health Wales is running a programme of staff training for Alcohol Brief Interven ons. Alcohol Brief Interven ons (or ABI) are an evidence-based approach to reducing alcohol consump on from hazardous and harmful levels to safe levels. Alcohol is not like smoking. With smoking the advice is simple: don’t start and if you start, contact Stop Smoking Wales to try to quit, but moderate alcohol consump on is okay. We are not saying cut out, we are saying cut down. And that is why ABI is the way forward. If you believe you would like to become an ‘alcohol champion’ then please get in touch with Craig Jones E-mail: craig.jones@wales.nhs.uk and join the thousands of other people already booked in to receive ABI training. If you have a passion about health and have the chance to spend just five minutes with your colleagues to talk about alcohol then you are the right person to deliver Alcohol Brief Interven ons.
TEDS Treatment and Educa on Drug Services TEDS provides free, confiden al support, informa on and advice for people who are using drugs or alcohol and for those who may be affected by other people’s drug or alcohol use. TEDS can be contacted by phone on 01685 880090, fax on 01685 880099, E-mail: teds@ teds.org.uk. We also have a young persons’ text line on 07870620879, which young people can use to access advice around drugs and alcohol. TEDS also delivers a variety of training courses. Each year we deliver five Level 1 courses – Introduc on to Substance Misuse Issues and two Level 2 courses – Working With People Who Use Substances; places on these courses are free to those who work in RCT and details can be found on our website www.teds.org.uk. Steroids and Image Enhancing Drugs, Brief Interven ons and tailor made course to meet the needs of organisa ons are also available. For more informa on contact Ceri Wa s on 01685 880090.
Rural Health Plan Inspired access, integra on and community engagement – a third sector health and social care sharing event. Although RCT is considered suburban - being the second most populous area of Wales, many communi es suffer from isola on due to its geography and history and hence are subject to similar issues as those less populated rural areas of Wales. Welsh Government has devised a Rural Health Plan whose aim is ‘To focus on the health of people living in rural communi es - their wellbeing, their healthcare and health and social care needs.’ The plan aims to improve access to services, promote closer service integra on and ensure effec ve use of resources and skills within communi es. Improved community engagement applies as much to isolated areas of RCT as to the more rural parts of Wales.
Page 14
A third sector showcase sharing event was held recently in Merthyr Summit Climbing Centre, chosen because of its loca on to highlight some of the issues affec ng isolated communi es. The event provided an opportunity to display innova ve, third sector, health and social care prac ce for rural or isolated communi es in Wales. Projects were chosen from across Wales with two excep onal projects from RCT; Treherbert Mini RFC which serves some of the needs of the isolated communi es at the top of the Rhondda and Friends of Glyncoch who presented their ini a ves on mental health and on social enterprise. As a legacy from the event, an Ac on Learning Set will be developed to take forward learning from the event, tackle problems and test new approaches to working within the Rural Health Plan themes of access, integra on and community engagement.
Digital Inclusion / Police and Crime
RNIB Cymru launches ‘Get Connected’ project RNIB Cymru has launched its new ‘Get Connected’ project, to support people with sight loss to get online and access a wide range of digital services. Funded by the Welsh Government’s Communi es 2.0 project, the service will provide training sessions in community venues, 1 to 1 support and home visits, giving people an introduc on to using a computer and the internet. It's aim is to connect people with friends and family via email, Skype or social media, to assist them to save money by shopping and paying bills online and make a real difference by assis ng blind and par ally sighted people to access the same online advantages enjoyed by their sighted peers. Hannah Rowle , RNIB Cymru’s Digital Inclusion Officer for RCT and Merthyr (pictured), has already been ge ng out and about in the area, mee ng blind and par ally sighted people and asking them about their needs. Hannah said: ‘The support for the project’s been really overwhelming. The people I’ve spoken to know that there are all sorts of opportuniƟes out there in the digital world that they might be interested in having a go at, but they just don’t know where to start, and that’s exactly where this project can help them.’ The project is also looking for volunteers to help deliver the service to more people, so if you’ve got a bit of me to spare and would like to share your social media and internet know-how with others then please do get in touch. For more informa on about volunteering, or to request the support of Get Connected Crew contact Hannah on 07789 285725 or E-mail: Hannah.rowla @rnib.org.uk.
New Opportuni es for Influencing Police Services On 15 November 2012 you will be asked to take part in an elec on for the New (and first ever) Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The PCC will replace the current Police Authority in all areas, including South Wales. Each candidate will produce a manifesto which will tell us what they aim to achieve in the next 4 years if they are successful. They have to complete an ac on plan by mid January 2013. The PCC’s job will be to secure and maintain an efficient police force, decide strategic policing priori es and to appoint the Chief Constable. Chief Constables will remain independent and will s ll have the responsibility to recruit their own top team. To make sure the PCC is accountable there will be a Police and Crime Panel set up to monitor progress, support and challenge decisions. The panel will be made up of 10 councillors from across South Wales.
You can find out who is standing for elec on by looking at www.police-founda on.org.uk. The 19 October is the last date for nomina ons so this list will change. The Welsh Council for Voluntary Ac on are working with the County Voluntary Councils, like Interlink RCT across Wales to make sure that the third sector can influence the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plans. A Safer South Wales Communi es Network has been set up and aims to ensure that the voluntary organisa ons that deliver on the policing agenda have a voice and stake in the new developments. For informa on on how to be part of this network please contact Kelly at Interlink on 01443 846200 or E-mail: kdaniel@interlinkrct.org.uk.
Page 15
Broaden your horizons ..... with Interlink training All courses held at Interlink unless otherwise stated. For more informa on call 01443 846200 or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk to download a training programme and booking form.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Par cipa on: Policy Prac ce
2 October 2012 9.30am - 1.00pm
31 October 2012 10.00am - 1.00pm
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Domes c Abuse, Risk Management and the Eects on Children
2 October 2012 2.00am - 5.00pm
8 November 2012 9.30am - 4.30pm
Time Management
Person Centred Crea vity
4 October 2012 10.00am - 12.30pm
12 November 2012 9.30am - 4.30pm
How to Get What You Want in Your Community
Engaging Service Users in Commissioning Making the Connec ons Workshop
9 October 2012 9.30am - 4.30pm
21 November 2012 10.00am - 1.00pm
Measuring Outcomes: A Interac ve Toolkit
Keeping Up with Equali es Making the Connec ons Workshop
11 October 2012 9.30am - 4.30pm
Increasing you Impact through Technology 11 & 16 October 2012 10.00am - 3.30pm
Mentoring Skills Taster Session
28 November 2012 10.00am - 1.00pm
How to Engage People in Communi es / Volunteering 30 November 2012 9.30am - 12.30pm
25 October 2012 9.30am - 4.30pm
Introduc on to Financial Management Workshop
Full Cost Recovery
5 December 2012 9.30am - 12.30pm
5 November 2012 9.30am - 12.30pm
Check out our training programme on our website for even more courses!
Registered Charity No.: 1141143 Company Limited by Guarantee No.: 07549533
Next Issue: December 2012