Here is the latest edition of the Caerphilly People First newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading about our activities.
Tag Archives: Training
University of South Wales Training
Natalie and Ffion, in their roles as members of TRAC, recently visited the University of South Wales where they trained student nurses by playing the role of a patient.
Natalie King played the role of a member of the community who had an epileptic seizure on the street and was taken to hospital, and Ffion Poole played the part of a patient with a suspected broken ankle who was waiting in A&E. The students did a great job, as did Ffion and Natalie in their acting roles.
Relationship Course
Over the last couple of weeks Ffion Poole has been delivering relationship courses in Church Village alongside Lisa French from Innovate Trust. During the sessions they have discussed Friendship (how to make friends, how to deal with fallouts, and what makes a good friend and bad friend), and have also covered the same issues in terms of boyfriends and girlfriends. In addition they have talked about understanding your body and consent. If you feel you, or anyone else you know would benefit from this course please contact Ffion on 07488350518 or ffion@caerphillypeoplefirst.org.
Gardening Group
Yesterday, at TARAGGAN Educational Gardens and Nursery, our volunteers built a wigwam support and planted runner beans. They also planted courgettes and French beans. Thanks to John for all his help and for showing us the best way to utilise all the space on our plot. The carrots, onions and broadbeans are slowly starting to sprout and the fruit trees are all looking really good.
Our volunteers sowed the courgette seeds by planting them individually on their sides and spaced them out to give them room to grow. They have also been covered to encourage growth and to stop the slugs and snails snacking on them. The French beans have been sown outside as there is no longer a risk of frost. They have been planted directly in the ground and should be ready to harvest in around forty-five days’ time.
Independent Living Skills
Members recently took part in an Independent Living Skills session run by Autistic Minds. This session was all about mental wellbeing, finding what makes you happy and gaining confidence. We will continue to take part in more independent living skills courses on different topics.
Relationship Course
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.
Cookery Course
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.
Cookery Course
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.
Mindfulness Session
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.
Art and Wellbeing
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.
