Author Archives: admin

Gardening & Walking

Posted on by

Yesterday the group took part in a couple of healthy outside activities.  During the morning we restarted work on our allotment at TARAGGAN Educational Gardens & Nursery after the winter break.  It was lovely to see John again and we’d like to thank him for tending to our plot throughout the winter.  Our volunteers couldn’t wait to get back to their tools and prepare the plot to plant broad beans next week.

Lunch was followed by a brisk walk in the beautiful sunshine.  Connecting with nature and working outdoors is so important and has so many physical and mental benefits.  Our members have been looking forward to this day, and really enjoyed it.

Our volunteers meet at TARAGGAN every Tuesday at 10.30am, so if you would like to get involved please get in touch.

Mindfulness

Posted on by

This week the group enjoyed another mindfulness session with Andrew at Libanus Lifestyle Centre in Blackwood. The group talked about stress and took part in the Body Scan.

The Body Scan is a mindfulness meditation which involves scanning your body for pain, tension, or anything out of the ordinary. Some of our members were so relaxed we could actually hear snoring (Gethin Chamberlain)!

How do you a full body scan?

1. Get into position. Find a quiet place

2. Breathe deeply. Take a few deep breaths.

3. Take notice. Be aware of all the physical contact your body is making.

4. Start the scan.

5. Breathe through it.

6. Scan your whole body.

We ended the session by reciting the following mantra: I am calm. I am present in the moment. I am at peace. I am conquering my fears.

The music was beautiful and everyone felt so relaxed afterwards.  We look forward to continuing our mindfulness journey every week.

Cookery Course

Posted on by

We had another very successful cookery session last week – attended by over 30 people – during which the group made spaghetti Bolognese. Members made their own sauce using cherry tomatoes, basil, coriander, garlic, tomato puree, and a few oxo cubes. This was added to the 5% fat lean mince and served with spaghetti and fusilli pasta, and cheesy garlic bread.

It’s wonderful to see everyone learning new skills and catching up with friends, old and new. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, and we’ll see you all again on Friday, when Carly has chosen to make beef burgers.

Art and Wellbeing

Posted on by

Yesterday we held the 5th and final session of our art and wellbeing project with Liz from Islwyn Art Project CIC. The canvasses look fantastic, and we’d like to thank Liz, who’s been amazing to work with.

This is feedback we received from one of our members and volunteers, Morgan, who attended the art and wellbeing project.

When Elizabeth first came to Caerphilly People First five weeks ago, everyone was looking forward to see what she had lined up for us. As the weeks went on we found that the arts sessions were really enjoyable. Today was the last session with Elizabeth, but at some point she’s going to be coming back to do more creative things with us. After these sessions I have more confidence to draw and be artistic.

Wellbeing Project

Posted on by

Last week we launched our wellbeing project, funded by the Gwent Regional Partnership Board RIF. We provided all participants with a copy of the health profile and a guide on how to fill one out. Health Profiles give people important information about you, which will help them to give you the right care at the right time. We also held a healthy eating quiz and discussed the benefits of vitamins C&D.

Everyone who takes part will receive a wellbeing goodie bag made up by our volunteers. The bag will contain vitamins C&D (supplements), herbal teas, adult colouring books, and gel pens (for relaxation). We’ve also added some pocket tissues as there seem to be lots of people suffering from cold and flu.

All workshops are free to attend, so if your organisation would like to take part in one of our workshops please contact us via email enquiries@caerphillypeoplefirst.org or call us on 07940 474640.

Cookery Course Week 3

Posted on by

The group enjoyed another fantastic cookery session on Friday 3rd February when they made pizzas, using the healthy option of tortilla wraps as a base. Learning how to cook and establishing healthy eating patterns is one of the most important lessons we can learn, and the food tasted delicious!

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and for good reason! It’s affordable, delicious and there’s a different flavour option for everyone – you can even add pineapple if you have a sweet tooth.

Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered on the day – you really are appreciated. Next week Richard will be showing us how to make spaghetti bolognese.

Caerphilly People First Reconnect through Music

Posted on by

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday’s music session with Dan from Reckrock, which was so much fun.  The group played instruments, had a karaoke session, and recorded a song. These sessions are a great way to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and make new friends. Massive well done to everyone who took part – you all sounded great.