On Thursday 25th July 2019, Ffion Poole, Sharon Cochrane, and Kath Toms, supported by Christy Taylor, visited the Welsh Ambulance Service in Swansea to help them create an easy-read leaflet on how to do CPR and use a Defibrillator. We also had the opportunity to use a dummy to practice how to to CPR and also use a defibrililator. We had a great day, and after all the hard work Jason, one of the paramedics, let us have a go in the ambulance car. We can’t wait for the next visit.
At the end of July, Ffion Poole and Kath Toms – supported by Christy Taylor – delivered Safeguarding training to advocates and support workers from Person to Person. Person to Person is an organisation which matches up people with learning disabilities (the partner) to a volunteer member of the community (the citizen advocate). People with a learning disability can often become socially isolated and extremely vulnerable, and the advocate’s role is to assist their Partner to stand up for their rights and to make sure that their voice is heard.
Everyone who attended enjoyed the training, and got involved and was asking questions. If anyone is interested in receiving the training we provide they can ring our office on 01443 834444 and ask for Ffion Poole or Christy Taylor.
At the end of July, Stuart, Christy, Amy, Ffion, and Sharon visited Louise Price, one of the earliest members of Caerphilly People First, who now lives in Barry.
After picking Louise up from her home, we went to Barry Island where we had a go on the 2p machines, some people went on the Ferris wheel, and we all had chips followed by ice-cream (of course).
In July Caerphilly People First members visited Springfield centre in Pontllanfraith where they delivered ‘Big Accident, Little Accident’ training training to a lovely group of people. The training concerns when is the right time to call 999 (only if the situation is an emergency). The group also talked about their experiences of calling 999 or 101, and how they have been treated by Paramedics in the past.
We also handed out the ‘About Me’ documents and magnets. The document can be filled in to contain medical information about you (like medication, allergies etc), which you can stick to your fridge using the magnet, and which paramedics can consult if they are called to your home.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.