Spring - Summer 2013
Mid Valleys West Communities First Newsletter
Communities First has changed! The new phase of the CF programme works with residents, community organisations, business and other key agencies in a Cluster area, your cluster area is called Mid Valleys West. (MVW) Key communities within this cluster are Gelligaer, Penybryn, Cefn Hengoed, Hengoed, Glanynant, Tir y Berth, Aberbargoed, Gilfach, and Bargoed. Communities First is an anti poverty programme which aims to support the most disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas. There are around 40 projects that will be taking place over the next 12 months in your MVW cluster area, addressing issues such as unemployment, financial problems, physical and mental health and well-being, digital exclusion, volunteering and ensuring that people have access to the services they need. To find out more about the projects in your cluster area please turn to page 4 or get in touch with your MVW team (Contact details on page 2)
Your Communities First Team
Emma Saunders Cluster Manager 01443 86 42 28 saunde@caerphilly.gov.uk
Janine Reed Environmental Participation Officer Janine.Reed@groundwork.org.uk Ceri Smith GAVO Community Development Officer zoe.williams@gavowales.org.uk
Rhiann Mason Mental Health Officer 01443 86 42 26 masonr@caerphilly.gov.uk
Victoria McCann CF Youth Worker 01495 230067 mccanv@caerphilly.gov.uk
Helen Griffith Health and Wellbeing Officer 01443 86 42 28 griffh4@caerphilly.gov.uk
Rachael Wright Youth Participation Worker 01443 863116 wrighr@caerphilly.gov.uk
Kara lee CF Admin & Monitoring Officer 01443 86 33 45 leek@caerphilly.gov.uk
Greg Roach/Lynsey Thomas Youth Employment Officers thomal7@caerphilly.gov.uk roachg@caerphilly.gov.uk
Lia Wreford Employment Support Officer 01443 86 33 45 wrefol@caerphilly.gov.uk
What Communities First do?
What Groundwork do?
What do GAVO do?
Contact the team if you would like advice or information on:
Groundwork Caerphilly is a charity which helps people & organisations make changes in order to create better neighbourhoods, to build skills and job prospects and to live and work in a greener way.
GAVO works with individuals and community groups, as well as the public and private sector, GAVO supports the community by: Providing information, advocacy and support to communities and groups. Recruiting Volunteers. And providing community training for both individuals and groups.
Funding for community activities & events, training, submitting articles for the newsletter. How to get involved and support your community, or would like to sign up to any of our projects.
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We will now be working in the following community bases, pop in and say hello! Cefn Hengoed Youth Centre Gelligaer Road Cefn Hengoed CF82 7HH Neuadd St Catwg Gelligaer Neuadd St Catwg Community Hall Church Road Gelligaer Bargoed Library Hanbury Road Chapel Hanbury Road Bargoed Caerphilly CF81 8QR
Communities First Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to have your say and be kept up to date on what activities are going on in your area. Mid Valleys West @CommunityRegen
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Communities First Projects - Health Antenatal Project Supporting expecting parents to gain more skills and knowledge in preparation for the birth of their child
Postnatal Project A 6 week family focused course covering a variety of child-centered topics including: nutrition, wellbeing, child safety and physical activity
Cancer Survivors Exercise Project Exercise sessions held for people who have previously undergone treatment for cancer
Aquatics Project Provide primary schoolchildren from the most deprived areas the opportunity to learn to swim
Stepping Out A project to encourage community members to become more physically active, and therefore improve their health utilizing outdoor spaces
Foodwise Promoting physical wellbeing
Mental Health Awareness To enable community members to access information and advice around how to manage/get Support with specific mental health problems
Referrals to Services To increase the amount of appropriate referrals that are made to local services/agencies in order for members of the community to access support
Self Help Sessions Provide self help sessions for individuals over 18 years of age with an aim of improving mental well being, self help strategies and recovery.
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Communities First Projects - Health Portion Plate Sessions Encouraging Healthy Eating
Community Grown / Community Consumed To encourage people to grow and eat fresh fruit and vegetables
Cancer Awareness Project Awareness sessions on how a healthier lifestyle can help prevent the number of cases of cancer and the importance of attending screening appointments
Tobacco control Community based stop smoking groups to support those who WANT to quit
Community Health Champions Training local residents to gain a better understanding of local health issues and become able to signpost to local services
Change 4 Life in the workplace Working with local businesses to help improve the health of their employees
Young People’s Sexual Health Work Educational, sexual health and relationship sessions for young people
Learning Projects Basic Skills Project To provide basic IT classes for adults with little or no IT literacy skills
Drop in IT Provision Drop in sessions for the community to receive support with IT related issues
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Communities First Projects - Learning School Family Link Sessions delivered in schools in order to provide additional support to those at risk of poor educational outcomes
Woodland Ways Environmental project delivered in schools to pupils and their families
Families and Schools Together (FAST) Project to link Families
and Schools Together to
Outdoor Action To provide environmental skills and experience to enhance employment prospects
Lifelong learning in Communities Level 1 ‘Introducing Community Food & Nutrition Skills’ Argoed Cymru
Children & Young People’s Participation project Support for young people so they are able to effectively engage in Junior and Youth Forums and community focused meetings
Children’s University Educational sessions for children and young people, accreditation through Children/Youth University
Promoting accreditation and Raising aspirations with young people Accreditation sessions to improve the educational achievements of young people
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Communities First Projects - Learning Family Transition Project Sessions for families that will engage them in educational and development opportunities
Sustainable group development To work with a Community Groups who want to improve the local services and provisions available to the community
Prosperous Projects Work Clubs Weekly drop in support sessions for people seeking employment
Volunteer Placement Project Work placement opportunities for long term unemployed people to gain experience and build self confidence
Working Towards Wellbeing To improve confidence and self esteem through a range of activities to improve mental health and well-being and reduce some of the barriers to paid employment
50+ Project Work Experience Placements for 50+ economically inactive individuals
Kick Start 6 Week employability programme for long term unemployed people
Caerphilly Passport Programme Providing work placement, training and apprenticeships opportunities within CCBC for 16-24 year olds.
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Communities First Projects - Prosperous Digital Employment Skills Regular IT sessions to encourage IT literacy, delivered by our Get Caerphilly Online partners
Computers at Home Project to provide affordable PCs for families to support young peoples education
Finance keep fit To provide people with the necessary skill to manage their income effectively
Healthy Homes This project will engage with community members who are in fuel poverty or at risk of fuel poverty
Prevention project (Young Risk Takers) Activities for children and young people to prevent or reduce involvement in crime and risk taking
Community Health Day Mental Wellbeing
Postnatal & Antenatal
Thursday 27 June 13 Bargoed Community Centre 3.30 - 5.30pm Fun for all the Family, come along and meet Peppa Pig, Mike the Knight and Hello Kitty.
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Keep Active
Healthy Eating
We all need a helping hand sometimes….. and to live up to expectations of families within Caerphilly County this one-stop-website offers a complete range of information for families. Whether you are a parent, child, young person or a professional working with families in Caerphilly there is a Zone packed with information just for you. Family Zone is for Parents and Carers and has information about childcare, parenting, health and family support services Youth Zone is for 11–25’s and has information about local clubs, activities and services for young people Kidz Zone is for 5–10’s and has information about local clubs and activities and things to do Professional Zone is for Teachers, Childcare workers, people working with families and has contact details and information about services for families
Main features of the Family Information Service Directory are: Are you looking for information, help or advice on childcare, leisure activities, family support services and organisations but don't know where to start?
We can help contact us on: 01443 86 32 32 or drop us an email at
fis@caerphilly.gov.uk
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Are you up for a challenge? Did you know there are over 49,000 not currently online regularly in Caerphilly?
Do you have computer or admin skills that you would like to use?
Would you like to help ensure people in your community are not missing out?
Get Caerphilly Online is a project working across the Caerphilly borough to encourage and support people to get online and get more out of technology. We have a number of exciting volunteering opportunities to join the team and help us meet the challenge including in an administrative capacity, social media/communication role and delivery role. Location – Within the borough of Caerphilly or from home If you’d like to join in contact Isobel Hunt on 07785465481 or email your CV to isobel.hunt@citizensonline.org.uk
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Caerphilly Council Housing Benefit Claim on- line Caerphilly Council Housing Benefit Claim Online If you don’t have access to a computer at home or you are not confident or feel unable to use computers then don't panic help is at hand! Public access computers can be found in all Libraries in the Caerphilly County Borough and staff will be happy to provide advice on using the equipment. The table below shows the Library opening times in your area. If you would like to learn new skills or want to learn more about using Computers and other technology then support is available locally. You could learn how to: Search the internet
Use e-mail
Save, organise and transfer files
Share photos online
Shop and save money online
Sell your unwanted items Use Skype
Did you know? You can make a claim for Housing Benefit/Council Tax or complete a Change of Circumstance form online.
How? To access the forms visit the Caerphilly Council website or use the links below:
New Claims: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/benefitclaims/
Bargoed Library
Ystrad Mynach Library
Monday
9:30am - 6:00pm
Monday
9:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
9:30am - 7:00pm
Tuesday
9:30am - 7:00pm
Wednesday
9:30am - 1:00pm
Wednesday
9:30am - 6:00pm
Thursday
9:30am - 6:00pm
Thursday
9:30am - 1:00pm
Friday
9:30am - 6:00pm
Friday
9:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday
9:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday
9:30am - 1:00pm
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Unemployed and looking for work? Would you like some help? Come along to‌‌
Work Club for informal and friendly advice and support on:
Interview Techniques
Online job applications
Setting up an email account
Access to training
Online Job Search
Volunteering Opportunities
CV Writing
Application forms and covering letters
Confidence Building
Day
Venue
Times
Thursday
Neuadd St Cattwg, Gelligaer
10.00am
~ 12.00pm
Bargoed YMCA
1.00pm
~
3:00pm
Supporting your return to employment Call Kara on 01443 86 33 45 for more information
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Job hunting Planning your job hunting To find the job you want you need to look at your skills and the type of job you want to do. You then need to plan how you will go about looking for it.
What you have to offer Start by asking yourself honestly what skills and experience you have. Think about the skills you have developed in the jobs you have had before, and in your life outside of work. Employment skills and experience Ask yourself the following questions to think about skills you have developed, including those built up in jobs you have had before: Did you develop any skills that will be useful in the job you're looking for? Have you worked as part of a team? Did you need to share information with others? Did you follow or give instructions well? Are you a good timekeeper? Do you have IT skills? Did you get any qualifications? Were you praised for any part of your role? Personal and social skills Ask yourself the following questions about life outside work: Do you get on well with people? Are you on a local committee or a member of a community organisation? are you part of a team, (for example, a sports or quiz team)? do you have skills from caring for your family, (for example, organisational skills)? have you done any voluntary work? have you been to any evening classes or training? Where to look for jobs There are a number of ways you can search for jobs: through Jobcentre Plus through newspapers on the internet by registering with recruitment agencies in trade journals through friends and other people you know
If you would like to find out more please visit gov.uk
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Welsh Water Assist, provides financial assistance to low income households with either large families or a sewerage. Communities First, CCBC and Jobmatch are working in partnership to help raise awareness of s * Get free financial and debt advice * See if you can increase the money you have coming in * Find better energy and utility deals * Access affordable credit and other financial services
Call or email us using the contact details below to arrange a time and place convenient for us to pop in and 14
medical condition requiring high water usage. It caps your charges at ÂŁ120 for water and ÂŁ120 for services and organisations that could help residents mange their money. We are here to help you:
Kara Lee 01443 86 33 45 leek@caerphilly.gov.uk
d see you or if you would like us to send you information in the post. 15
Summer Sizzlers
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Summer Sizzlers
If you would like to learn more about healthy heating and nutrition please contact Helen on 01443 864228 griffh4@caerphilly.gov.uk If you have any recipes that you would like to share please e-mail Kara at leek@caerphilly.gov.uk or post them to: Kara Lee, CF Monitoring & Admin Officer, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Business & Technology Centre, Tredomen Business Park, CF82 7FN 17
After a long day, many of us like to unwind with a nice glass of something. But it’s funny how drink sneaks up on us. The odd glass in the evening can quickly become two or three regular glasses, most evenings. The trouble is that drink sneaks up on our organs too, giving the body a hard time. Regularly drinking over the guidelines can lead to serious health problems, from liver damage to a greater risk of getting cancer or having a heart attack. The good news is that there’s no need to stop drinking alcohol altogether. All you really need to do, if you choose to drink, is to stick within the guidelines. Try our top tips for cutting down Drinking less now can make a big difference to your health later on.
Cutting down at home Here are some ideas for reducing your alcohol intake. Out of house, out of mind If it’s in the house, then we're likely to drink it! Simply stop stocking-up on alcohol when you’re doing the shopping. Don't get drunk. Label it! If a glass tends to mean drinking the whole bottle, try putting a label on the bottle saying “just one glass”… Cork it! Or, you could try using a bottle stopper instead.
Alternatives to drinking – ways to relax without alcohol If you drink to unwind, try finding other ways to relax. Taking yourself out of the home or where you usually drink may also help. Here are some ideas to get you started. Why not try: Pampering yourself with a bath Sipping a cup of herbal tea Rediscovering your music collection Catching up with an old friend on the phone Walking the dog Starting a new hobby – the options are endless! Going for a run, a swim or a bike ride Joining a club, gym or five-a-side team Treating the family to a day out
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Reward yourself It’s not always easy cutting back, so with all the money you’ll be saving by drinking less, why not treat yourself? Go to the cinema. Make some home improvements. Enjoy a day out or a nice meal. Treat yourself to some new clothes.
You should not regularly exceed:
2-3 Units per day max
3-4 Units per day max
Drink swaps during pregnancy Being pregnant needn't mean you have to miss out on socialising though! If you're with friends who are drinking, you could try swapping your usual drink for an alcohol-free version, or a non-alcoholic cocktail. If you're used to having a drink to de-stress, you could try some new activities instead while your bump is growing. Taking a bubble bath, reading a magazine, listening to music, or walking in the park with friends can all be relaxing - and can work out cheaper than booze as well. Overall, you'll probably feel brighter and healthier if you don't drink while you're pregnant. And that means you're more likely to feel ready when the big day comes.
Tips for a night out Drinking socially in a large group can be tricky if you're trying to cut back. Here are some suggestions to help out: Make a plan Set yourself a budget Start later Before you start drinking, Only take out a set Turn up later and you set yourself a limit on amount of money to can drink less. But how much you're going spend on alcohol. don't drink at home to drink. before you go out. Give it a miss If someone's getting a round, don't feel like you have to have a drink.
Sit one out Buy yourself a soft drink when it’s your round.
Take your time Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others.
Replace your usual A ready-made excuse Try a smaller glass or a You can always tell your lower-strength drink or mates that your cutting add a mixer. back on drinking to watch your weight.
Stay hydrated Drink a pint of water before you start drinking and avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst.
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To raise awareness of this years Stop Smoking Campaign, the Caerphilly Health Improvement Team, Healthy Schools and Communities First worked with Tir y Berth Primary School to teach year 5 children about the dangers of smoking. Firstly the children took part in a session to show them that cigarettes have over 4000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous…
Secondly, they were asked to design posters to tell people how dangerous smoking is for our health……..
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Thirdly, four children designs were chosen and along with a very talented graffiti artist, the children spray painted the designs onto display boards……
Each winner also got to take home an individual board, with a design of their choice……
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Year 5 and 6 children also go to watch a fabulous puppeteer who talked about making good choices in life and not to start smoking. The children enjoyed all the activities and hopefully we have put them off smoking for life!
If you are interested in giving up smoking, please see below or contact Helen on (01443) 86 33 45 to find out about the stop smoking projects going on in your area.
Clare’s Law The Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme If you suspect that you, or a loved one, might be involved in an abusive relationship, you can contact your local police force to find out more about that person. You can also ask the police for information about domestic abuse support available in the area. 22
Stop Smoking Wales is pleased to announce appointments are now available in Bargoed and Blackwood. Lucy Morgan, Stop Smoking Wales Advisor, has been working in partnership with Communities First to identify community friendly locations to run smoking cessation groups. Lucy said: “We already operate across the Caerphilly area but thanks to Communities First we have managed to secure two new venues so community members don’t have to travel so far for stop smoking support.” Stop Smoking Wales is a free NHS service that provides a six week behaviour support programme to help smokers quit the habit. By using the service you are four times more likely to quit than doing it alone. The service offers a friendly approach that helps people quit smoking and provides them with the support to stay stopped.Clients receive information on Nicotine replacement therapy, other treatment aids as well as intense behavioural support. To make an appointment or find out more please call 0800 085 2219 and a friendly member of the Stop Smoking Wales will assist you. Stop Smoking Wales hold sessions throughout Wales. To find out what is available in your area call 0800 085 2219 or visit www.stopsmokingwales.com
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Memories Bargoed The Community History Project advertises Gilfach & Bargoed Events and highlights Community Messages; where you can also add your own! The Project is producing a History Book on Bargoed YMCA in 2013. So if you have any information, photos or stories, on Bargoed YMCA; please email ymcahistory@hotmail.com
Citizens Advice Bureau Cefn Hengoed Youth Centre Thursdays from 9:15 - 11:30 We give help and advice on: Benefits Housing Issues Tax Family and personal issues Legal Problems
Debt Discrimination Consumer rights Employment issues Immigration and nationality
Street Games Gelligaer! Bored on a Friday evening? Well, Street Games is perfect for you! You can decide what sports or activities you want to do or just come and join in and try something different. The best thing about it..........it’s FREE!!! Friday 6:30-7:30pm On the grassed area at the end of Haman Place If you are interested in gaining Sport coaching qualifications please come along and speak to the staff or contact Mike Jones jonesm19@caerphilly.gov.uk 24