Thanks to everyone – including Joe Powell, Chief Executive of All Wales People First – who attended our recent relationship course, which was designed by Ffion and Lisa French from Insight. The group talked about what makes a good relationship, what makes a bad relationship, and the warning signs of a bad relationship. They also discussed how to make friends, and how to deal with falling out with friends. The session finished with a ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ relationship quiz designed by Vale People 1st. At the next session on 25th August we will be talking about identity and LGBTQ issues. Everyone is welcome to join us then.
Thank you to everyone who attended our “Have your Say” consultation this week at Fleur De Lys Community Centre. What a great day we all had discussing our lives, and what we would like to see in our community. We had great conversations that brought tears and laughter. Caerphilly People First will now work towards looking for funding to deliver on your recommendations, needs and ideas.
This week we visited Brooklands Day Centre to look at their new garden project and summer house, which are both looking fantastic – the summer house is so relaxing. It was lovely to catch up with some of our members, who we hope to be working with soon in the Risca area.
The group spent the morning volunteering at Taraggan Educational Gardens, where we did some weeding and tidied up a new plot, which is now ready grow some more vegetables and fruit. We then went back to the office and provided feedback on the work that Ffion, Natalie and Sarah are involved in with the University Of South Wales, called ‘Co-producing accessible outcomes for people with Learning Disabilities’. A massive shout out to our Tuesday group, who are all fantastic – it’s lovely to see them all become independent and confident. We’d also like to welcome Gethin, who spent his first day with the group this week, and will be joining us every Tuesday from now on.
On Tuesday 28th June the Caerphilly People First Reconnect Focus Group had another craft session with Cheryl from the Parent Network. We made fairy jars, and some members made bracelets for themselves, friends or family. Thank you Cheryl for another fantastic session.
We’d also like to welcome Sam who has started volunteering with Caerphilly People First. Here are his thoughts on his first session – “I felt that it was really good, I learnt some new skills, for example participating in the allotment project along with the craft session. I feel that my confidence and social interaction are being developed, as I can come across as a shy and quiet person who can get very nervous when meeting new people for the first time. Thank you for your help and support, it’s very much appreciated. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next session.”
If you would like to get involved in the work on the allotments or our craft sessions please contact us on 07488 350518, 01443 834444 or 07940 474640.
This year’s All Wales People First conference, otherwise known as Adfest, was held on 21st and 22nd June in Conwy, North Wales. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Reconnecting’, and ‘celebrating the place of people with learning disabilities in Welsh society’. This was the first in-person Adfest since 2019, and Christy and Ffion attended as representatives of Caerphilly People First.
On day 1 the keynote speech was given by Stuart Todd of the University of South Wales, who talked about the Covid impact study he has carried out. He was followed by Joe Powell, Chief Executive of All Wales People First, who engaged the group in a session called Devil’s Advocacy. This involved Joe asking questions like ‘should people with learning disabilities be the first to lose their jobs during Covid?’ and inviting attendees to give their views.
Ffion and Christy attended two workshops on day 1: ‘Health and wellbeing’, hosted by Carmarthenshire People First, and ‘Holding on to your rights’, hosted by the British Institute of Human Rights. This was followed by attendees giving feedback from all the workshops being hosted.
After this, it was time to relax. Some people had a swim, some went for a walk, and some just caught up with friends they had met over Zoom during Covid. After sitting down for our meal, the evening ended with a disco hosted by DJ Gerraint, which was great.
The morning of day 2 was spent enjoying the ‘Speakers’ tents’ where various organisations – including Welsh Ambulance Service, Gig Buddies, North Wales Together, Practical Pilates, and the Through our Eyes photography project – gave presentations about the work they do. It was especially great to meet Victoria and Rachel from Gig Buddies, after having only spoken to them previously on Zoom.
Other organisations, such The Ambition Party Project, Rainbow Gogs yr Enfys, Conwy Connect, Improvement Cymru, Cheeky Pants, and Rainbow Gogs yr Enfys, had exhibition stalls where they provided information (and sometimes goodies).
Also on day 2, All Wales People First held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where members voted on proposed changes. The conference ended with the Mirror Awards, which are presented in celebration of the great work done by self-advocates and groups over the past year. Well done to all the people and organisations who won an award!
It was a brilliant few days away in North Wales and great to be back meeting face-to-face. The Quay hotel, where the conference was held, and where most people stayed, was excellent. The staff was very helpful, the views were beautiful, and the food and the service was outstanding. We can’t wait to see you all next year in South Wales when we’ll do it all again!
As many of you know, Learning Disability Week takes place from Monday 20th June – Sunday 26th June, and this year’s theme is reconnecting with friends and family after COVID. As we will be travelling to North Wales to attend the All Wales People First annual conference next week, we will be unable to hold our Caerphilly People First Reconnect Focus Group. Because of this, members decided to bring the Learning Disability Week activity forward, and reconnected at a craft session delivered by Cheryl from The Parent Network. The group made friendship bracelets and added their own names, or the name of a friend or family member. We had a great session; it was lovely to see members old and new.
Yesterday the focus group, joined by Paul and Sam, spent another great morning volunteering at Taraggan Educational Gardens. Our plot is now full, and our potatoes, leeks and cabbages are ready to grow. If anyone would like to join us we will be back at Taraggan next Tuesday from 10.30 to 12.30.
During the afternoon the focus group popped along to Islwyn coffee shop, formerly known as Springfield day centre. The coffee was amazing and it was lovely to see some familiar faces. This week they have a plant sale on all week, so why not pop along and grab yourself a bargain. The staff looked so professional in their uniforms, and the customer service skills were incredible.
Natalie, Ffion and Sarah were recently joined by Stacey Rees and Edward Oloidi from the University of South Wales to talk about the new project we are going to be involved in – co-producing an accessible outcomes measure based on the HEF (Health Equalities Framework) and Service Development project. The Health Equality Framework is an assessment used in Wales to check on your health and life. The five areas covered in this project are: Where you live and what you do, your health, how you communicate, things that keep you healthy, and support to stay healthy. This is important because people with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to health problems. We are really pleased to be part of this focus group and looking forward to the second part.
