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Showing Resilience through COVID 19 Conference

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At the beginning of December, Ffion, Nat, Hannah and Amy – supported by Christy – attended the ‘Showing Resilience Through the COVID 19 Pandemic’ conference at the University Of South Wales. Jenny from Cwm Taff People First opened the conference by sharing the agenda for the day. She was followed by Edward Oloidi from the University of South Wales who talked about the COVID research he did during the pandemic.

Caerphilly People First members Ffion, Amy, Nat and Hannah spoke individually about their experiences of COVID, including vaccines, lockdown and coming out of lockdown. They were followed by student nurses Laurie Wood and Jade Savage who talked about working in a vaccine centre. Attendees then took part in workshops titled ‘Living with COVID’ and ‘Loss & Bereavement’ (the latter was facilitated by Caerphilly People First). We then headed back into the main conference area where Cwm Taff People First talked about their work on the Health Champions project. Attendeed then took part in another workshop, where they talked about ‘What is good health care? What can I expect from health services? and How can I keep myself healthy?’

After lunch we headed back into the main conference area where Cwm Taff People First showed their ‘My Day My Way’ film and Ffion talked about the Caerphilly People First Reconnect Focus Group which we run every Tuesday.  The last workshop of the day was called ‘Hopes & Dreams for the Future’. The event closed with Martin and Sarah from the University Of Wales talking about the project they have recently been involved in with TRAC members. It was an amazing day and we were glad to be part of it.

Through Our Eyes Exhibition

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On Thursday 24th November 2022, Ffion, Christy and Sam attended the launch of the Through Our Eyes project at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Through Our Eyes shares the stories of people with learning disabilities in Wales through photographs and videos which challenge perceptions and stereotypes by highlighting the valued roles and activities of people with learning disabilities in our communities.

The welcome address and keynote speech was given by First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS. Joe Powell, Chief Executive of All Wales People First, then talked about the importance of the exhibition, and Lucy Hinksman, the project worker and project photographer gave a speech on her experiences of going out to different groups to take photos. This exhibition will be in the Senedd until February 4th 2023, and is open to the public Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30, Saturday & Bank hols 10.30-4.30, and closed on Sundays. We feel it’s important for people to visit this brilliant exhibition to see the many activities being undertaken by people with learning disabilities.

Focus Group Gardening

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We recently attended TARAGGAN Educational Gardens & Nursery in Bargoed, where it was lovely to catch up with John and continue working on our plot at the allotment. Everything we planted was ready to be harvested so we were very busy digging up cabbage, beetroot and leeks. Leeks are fairly frost tolerant so you can delay harvest until after the first few frosts. Over the next few weeks we will be turning over our plot to make it ready for when we restart our project next February.

Healthcare Consultation

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Sam and Natalie from Caerphilly People First have been working in partnership with RCT People First to deliver an online question and answer session to student nurses and other professionals from Cardiff University. Our members shared their experiences of using healthcare services, specifically what is positive and what could be improved. Members suggested eliminating jargon, and said all information be produced in an easy read format. They also said more support should be provided for adults with a learning disability who wish to access mental health services. One positive is that most doctors offer annual health checks to people with a learning disability, and anyone aged 14 or over who is on the doctors’ learning disability register can have a free annual health check. You can ask to go on the register if you have a learning disability, and you can check with your local practice to see if you or the person you care for is on the register.

Parent Network Book Launch

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Caerphilly People First would like to thank Amanda Jones and the team from The Parent Network for a lovely afternoon celebrating the launch of the fantastic new Petra book, Slap Happy Monsters (Angenfilod Anghyfrifol in Welsh). On March 21st 2022, it became illegal to physically punish children in Wales. The story in the book raises the issue of physical force in a way that allows for questions and discussion. Well done to all the staff and volunteers who worked on the book – it really is amazing and thought-provoking.

Halloween Event

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Members recently enjoyed a great Halloween event at Fleur de Lys Community Centre in Blackwood.  The event was organised by our volunteers, who did a fantastic job while looking amazing in their costumes. The team also did a great job of carving their pumpkins. Thanks to everyone who took part – it was great to see everyone having fun together.

Pencoed Fach Organic Farm Visit

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Last week members visited Pencoed Fach Organic Farm where we had a great time looking at the stalls, pumpkins, and farm animals, including chickens, pigs, and cows. Don’t forget when you dispose your pumpkins to think of our wildlife. Lots of different animals can eat pumpkins and it’s a great idea to pop them outside after they’ve had their Halloween use. Squirrels, birds, foxes and even badgers can eat pumpkins.