Yesterday, Ffion Poole – supported by Christy Taylor – visited the Newport People First offices to deliver the second workshop of her relationship course. She spoke about relationships, how to meet people, and what makes a good or bad boyfriend/girlfriend. She also gave the group scenarios and asked if they pointed towards a healthy or unhealthy relationship. Ffion is looking forward to providing the third part of the course to the group.
Thank you to everyone who attended last week’s cookery session – it was another great success. The group made beef burgers from scratch, as suggested by Carly. We made the burgers using 5% fat lean mince, and added fried onions, cheese, and ketchup to our buns, and the results tasted amazing. Some members chose to have their burgers with salad and onion rings, and some chose chips.
It was lovely to see everyone coming together, learning new skills and sharing tips with each other on how to make the perfect burger. Thanks again to everyone who volunteered – we couldn’t do it without you.
Moira has chosen to make creamy buttery mashed potato, served with fish fingers and peas next week. We won’t be making the fish fingers from scratch, so we will also have time to make some chocolate Rice Krispies cakes.
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.
This week the group enjoyed a relaxing mindfulness session with Andrew at Libanus Lifestyle Centre in Blackwood. We learned about the differences between stress, anxiety, and worry, followed by meditation that was really enjoyed by all. We’re definitely going to make this a regular activity, as it’s beneficial in so many ways.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What a fantastic turnout we had for our second cookery session – funded by the Comic Relief Community Fund in Wales – which was attended by 24 people! As suggested by Louise last week, we cooked chicken fajitas, which tasted amazing. Massive thanks to everyone who volunteered, and we’ll see you all next week when we’ll be making pizza, as suggested by Amelia.
Here are some of the comments we received from those attending:
Jordan – I enjoyed chopping up the peppers and eating all the biscuits. I had lots of fun.
Louise – It was really positive, and good to feel part of the community.
Amelia – I enjoyed meeting new people and learning to cook. The staff are lovely and helpful.
Adrian – I enjoyed speaking to people and learning new skills.
Audrey – I enjoyed helping to cut the food and having cups of tea. It’s an amazing group.
Mark – I liked getting out and meeting people, and trying something new to eat – I really enjoyed the food.
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.