Category Archives: Uncategorized

Training in Bert Denning

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At the end of June, Ffion, Kath and Sharon (supported by Christy) visited Bert Denning Centre.  The centre provides support for service users who have learning/physical disabilities, and mental health issues.  We delivered Safeguarding, and Ambulance training (when to call 999) to the group and staff.  We also talked about screening for cervical and bowel cancer, and how the tests are done.  We had a brilliant morning and were greeted with such warmth, we look forward to visiting again in the near future.

bert denning

Scrutiny Committee

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In June we attended the Scrutiny Committee meeting at Ty Penallta. Ffion Poole, Sharon Cochrane, Christy Taylor, and Jim Wright from the Gwent Charter Checkers delivered a presentation on the Gwent Charter.  The charter is a document which sets out the rights of people with learning disabilities, which we are hoping to get as many organisations and individuals as possible to sign.  Cabinet members who were at the meeting, who have yet to sign the charter, showed great interest.  We have been invited back to give a more detailed presentation at a later date, and hopefully acquire lots more signatures

Cupcake Day for the Alzheimer’s Society

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On Thursday 13th June 2019 Caerphilly People First hosted a cupcake day to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who baked or donated cakes, and also thanks to everyone who bought cakes on the day.  Thanks to the great efforts of everyone we raised £92.10 in total.

cupcake

Mental Health and Learning Disability Partnership Board Meeting

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In June, Ffion Poole, Kath Toms and Christy Taylor attended the Mental Health and Learning Disability Partnership Board Meeting in St Cadocs,  Caerleon.  We delivered a presentation on Learning Disability Awareness, and the panel showed great interest and was very enthusiastic about the project.  A copy will be sent to the director of education.

cadocs

Carers’ Week

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During June Caerphilly People First attended a Carers’ Week event in Newbridge, where there were numerous stalls and information stands set up by organisations such as the ambulance service, SENSE, Co-op funeral care, drug and alcohol support for youth, the Alzheimer’s Society, and GAVO.

At the event we learned that unpaid carers looking after loved ones living with illness, disability and mental health conditions, or as they grow older, are seven times more likely to be lonely compared with the general public.

Urgent support is much needed as the number of adult carers rises by a third to nearly nine million, and seven national charities have called for a change in the way society supports unpaid carers.

carers

Citizens’ Panel

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During the past two months Caerphilly People First has attended meetings of the Citizens’ Panel.  At the first meeting we provided an update about the training we have been delivering in schools.  Those attending were very impressed with our work, and said they would be happy to recommend us to schools, scouts, girl guides and youth clubs throughout Gwent.

Celebrating Women Event

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In May 2019 Ffion Poole, Kath Toms, Christy Taylor and Sharon Cochrane attended the ‘Celebrating Women’ event in Lansbury Park arranged by the Caerphilly Parent Network.  The event included speakers, games, and workshops entitled ’what it means to be a woman’ and ’if I could I would’.  There were also information stalls on health screening and domestic abuse.

Free pamper treatment was also available at the event, and a couple of us had our nails done and our hair cut.  It was a really enjoyable day and we’ll definitely attend any future events run by the Parent Network.

women

women 2

Training

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On the 16th May Ffion Poole, Kath Toms and support buddy Christy Taylor delivered training to Caerphilly County Borough Council staff in Foxes Lane.  The training provided to the project officers and training officers included Medical Training and Safeguarding.  They really enjoyed the training and the feedback was amazing.  Here are some of the comments we received:

‘Brilliant training, really enjoyed it!’

‘Great trainers, good engagement.’

‘Very informative courses, trainers were professional and I learned a lot.’

‘The presentation was clear and full of helpful advice.’

Kath and Ffion always enjoy providing the training, and if anyone is interested in receiving the training you can contact us on 01443834444 and ask for Ffion Poole or Christy Taylor, or email us on caerphillypf@hotmail.co.uk

training

 

Team Building Trip

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At the beginning of April Caerphilly People First staff and members went on a three-day team building trip to Tenby.   We spent the first day exploring Tenby town and the beach, and in the evening we were joined by Sophie from Pembrokeshire People First.

On the second day we headed to St.David’s, the smallest city in the UK, where we visited the beautiful cathedral.  In the evening we were once again joined by Sophie, along with her sister Lucy.  On our last day we went to Folly Farm where we were joined by Sophie.  We all enjoyed our time away and can’t wait for our next team trip.

tenby

 

National Council

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On 30th April 2019 Sharon Cochrane and Christy Taylor attended the National Council meeting at Able Radio studios in Cwmbran.  The National Council is a bi-monthly meeting where reps from People First groups in Wales meet and talk about issues from their local areas, and also national issues.

One of the subjects on the agenda was LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning) and how people can get support on identifying, and telling their friends and families.  Ffion and Sharon provided information about a group in Blackwood that people can attend if they identify as any of the above.  It is held at Blackwood Basement on the last Saturday of each month, and if you want to contact them you can find information on:

www.caerphilly.gov.uk/Things-To-Do/Young-people-s-activities/Blackwood-Basement  

 Ffion also told the group about Switchboard LGBT, a helpline which you can ring for one-to-one confidential advice and support on LGBT issues.  You can contact them on 0300 330 0630 and their website is:

www.switchboard.lgbt/