Last week we had our second cooking with numbers session with Multiply Caerphilly. Our members made yummy salads and burritos with different fillings in air fryers. Big thanks to our volunteers – the food looked amazing! We’re taking a break next week, but we’ll be back on July 12th.
We recently received a visit from Clare and Tracy from the primary care learning disability nursing liaison team. They stopped by to talk about annual health checks and gave us some information about who’s eligible to receive one, and how we can book.
We look forward to seeing you both again on July 30th and can wait to have a look at and try out some of the equipment they use at the Doctors.
An annual health check for adults with learning disabilities is a comprehensive assessment designed to identify and address health issues that may be overlooked or unmanaged in this population. The aim is to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Here are the key components:
Physical Health Assessment
Medical History Review
Mental Health Evaluation
Lifestyle and Preventive Health
Social and Environmental Factors
Communication Needs
Care Planning
These checks are typically conducted by a general practitioner (GP) or a nurse, often in collaboration with other healthcare professionals familiar with the needs of people with learning disabilities. The goal is to provide holistic care that addresses both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that individuals with learning disabilities receive appropriate and timely healthcare.
Caerphilly People First members had a fantastic time at their most recent music session with Dan from RecRock. The room was filled with energy and enthusiasm as everyone gathered to participate. Dan’s engaging style and musical expertise brought out the best in each member, encouraging them to sing their hearts out. The session included a mix of popular songs from artists like Celine Dion, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Queen, and many more, creating an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere. Thank you to the Libanus Lifestyle Chapel team for providing hot dogs for lunch; they were enjoyed by all. Next week, unfortunately, is our last session for the summer, but we will have a blast for our final get-together. Please come in fancy dress if you like, as we will have some party songs and party food.
Yesterday we held our RecRock session at Oxford House in Risca, at the Cwtsh Community Wellbeing event. The garden was the perfect setting for our members to sing their favourite songs and have a dance. We also got to make fruit kebabs with Multiply Caerphilly, and have festival make-up and hair done. Next week, we will be back at Libanus Lifestyle Chapel on Wednesday from 10:30am until 12:30pm.
Last week Ffion Poole delivered the final part of her relationship course at Oxford House. The last session focused on human rights. We discussed the barriers people face when it comes to relationships, our right to have relationships, and we also talked about fairness, equality, and respect. Well done to everyone who attended the sessions. Your input and views were great to hear, and we’ve all learned something new over the past few weeks.
As part of Learning Disability week 2024 Caerphilly People First volunteers recently attended a Learning Disability event at the Civic Centre in Pontypool. They shared their opinions and experiences about going out with friends and the barriers they face. They also talked about having paid employment and what their ideal job would be, with Gethin saying he would like to be a train driver. Additionally, they discussed their rights, emphasising their right to live happily in the community, the right to love, and the right to make their own choices. Working with all the feedback will ensure service providers hear our voice and work together to improve things for our future.
Friday’s cookery session was run by Multiply Caerphilly. Our members learned about whole numbers and tried their hand at making quesadillas in the air fryer. A big thank you to Rebecca and the team! Everyone enjoyed the session, and we look forward to seeing you all next week.
Last week the group enjoyed a reflexology taster session with the lovely Emma Burns. Reflexology is great for relaxation, as some of us can be hypertensive to our surroundings. Reflexology can help you feel calmer and rested, safe, and comfortable. It can also improve your sleeping patterns and increase confidence!