Here is the latest edition of the Caerphilly People First newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading about our activities.
Tag Archives: caerphilly
Independent Living Skills
During yesterday’s Independent Living Skills course run by Austistic Minds we talked about coping techniques and creating a coping skills toolbox. This is a place for you to keep things that calm you down in periods of distress. The group learned about various coping techniques such as self-soothing (comforting yourself using different techniques), distraction (taking your mind off things by doing something that makes you happy), keeping a diary to express your feelings, and meditation. Next week we will be learning more about personal hygiene, including shaving.
Focus Group Art Session
Yesterday we enjoyed our third session with Elizabeth from the Islwyn Arts Art and Wellbeing project. The group drew and coloured animals and insects – including butterflies, hedgehogs, wasps and bees – for our nature canvas. We also painted the two canvas backgrounds which we will transfer the animals and insects onto at a later session. #communityempowerment
Cookery Course
Great start to our Cookery project last week which has been funded by #ComicRelief Community Fund in Wales! This project will help our local community by encouraging people to eat healthier and become more independent.
We’d like to thank everyone who volunteered on the launch day of the project, particularly Natalie who suggested making leek and potato soup (eaten with a warm baguette), a perfect choice for a cold and frosty day. The food was delicious and the positive feedback from the group was great to hear.
The course continues Friday 27th January at 10.30am at Fleur-de-Lys community centre. You are welcome to book a place on 07940 474640, but hurry because the class is almost full!
Comic Relief Community Fund in Wales
We have received £3,000 from the Comic Relief Community Fund in Wales to fund a community group where adults with learning disabilities will come together and learn basic cookery skills, how to use kitchen equipment, and how to prepare a healthy meal. Many of our members have gained weight during the pandemic and want to learn how to cook healthier meals. Some members have told us that they would like to live independently in the future, and would like to learn basic cooking skills to give them to confidence to do so.
The sessions will also make a difference to the lives of our members by giving them the opportunity to socialise in a group environment and make new friends, reducing isolation and loneliness, and improving mental health. We will be holding 13 sessions in total, and they will begin on Friday 20th from 10:30am-2:30pm at Fleur-De-Lys Community Centre. They are free to attend for anyone with a learning disability, and if anyone is interested in attending they can contact Ffion on 07488 350518.
#ComicRelief
Through Our Eyes Exhibition
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.
Christmas Crafts
We recently started making our Christmas crafts with Cheryl from The Parent Network Community Forum, when we produced baubles and snowman decorations to hang on our Christmas trees. Our next Christmas craft session will be held on Tuesday 6th December.
Parent Network Book Launch
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
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
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.
