Our offices will close at 5pm on Wednesday 23rd December and
reopen on Monday 4th January 2021
Monday 21 December 2020
Friday 18 December 2020
Don't forget - Join with Lloyds Bank Foundation to look at Systems Change in Merthyr Tydfil
After much preparatory work and delays due to Covid, come and join the discussion! Open to third, statutory and private organisations. Links to Eventbrite are below.
Workshop
1 (9:30-12:30, 13th January)– is a session which looks at the
strengths and assets that already exist in Merthyr Tydfil, particularly through
the lens of COVID 19 and the response to that, and will include us showing a
film we made capturing some of the incredible work that’s taken place this
year. We will also be looking at what kinds of changes you would like to
see if this work is successful.
Workshop
2 – (9:30-12:30, 3rd February) Builds on workshop 1, and will
develop a collective decision around what would be a good starting point for
this work. This will be the foundation for the practical next steps in
the work.
Thursday 17 December 2020
Paying for Fuel - Free Webinar from NEA for those advising people in or at risk of fuel poverty
The Paying for Fuel webinar will look at how we are charged for gas and electricity, the types of tariffs we use and how we can limit our expenditure.
It aims to help delegates understand the content of fuel statements and how we can use this information to switch tariff or supplier.
Webinars are delivered live by our expert tutors to small groups to ensure a good level of interaction and support for learners.
AUDIENCE
Free places are available to frontline staff and volunteers from non-commercial organisations that regularly encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty – i.e. essentially those on a low income / in a vulnerable situation and who are struggling to manage their household bills
It aims to help delegates understand the content of fuel statements and how we can use this information to switch tariff or supplier.
Webinars are delivered live by our expert tutors to small groups to ensure a good level of interaction and support for learners.
AUDIENCE
Free places are available to frontline staff and volunteers from non-commercial organisations that regularly encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty – i.e. essentially those on a low income / in a vulnerable situation and who are struggling to manage their household bills
A link to fully funded Webinars is here
Shelter Cymru e-Learning and resouces
Shelter Cymru's eLearning and resources are accessible online at any time from anywhere.
Wednesday 9 December 2020
Nominate a Young Person for the Diana Award 2021
Nominations are now open, and we want to hear all about more incredible young people and the game-changing work they’re doing to transform people’s lives! If you know a young person that is changing the world around them, please let us know as we would love to champion them and their amazing work.
WHAT IS THE DIANA AWARD?
The Diana
Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their
social action or humanitarian work. The Award is the longest running award for
young people that is given to individuals through a retrospective nomination
process only. We believe this is special. Young people do not work towards the
award, rather they demonstrate their suitability through their actions, without
any expectation of reward.
We are excited to invite you to shine a spotlight on an unsung
hero by nominating a young person from your organisation. The Award is open to
young people aged 9 - 25 who have been engaged in at least 12 months of
activities, who are selflessly transforming the lives of others, often in the
face of adversity. We know that there are many young people in your region who
fit this criteria and we believe that they deserve recognition on a global
platform.
Nominations must be made before the 12 March 2021 deadline at https://diana-award.org.uk/nomination-centre/ where further information about the nomination process and our programmes can also be found. Attached is a nomination guideline document for more details on the nomination application. We would also welcome your support in helping us spread the word even further, encouraging others to nominate for The Diana Award so that we can celebrate the amazing things that your young people are doing!
Help the MS Society design it's self management services
Join a Focus Group on 6 or 9 January to have your view heard
Helo Blod - Free Welsh translation and advice service/Gwasanaeth cyngor a chyfieithu am ddim
Using just a little bit of Cymraeg can make a big difference.
Helo Blod is your fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice service. And it’s free. Lauren Evans is the local Helo Blod Advisor (based in the Menter Iaith Merthyr Office at Theatr Soar, Merthyr) here to help with:
- get free translations into Welsh of up to 500 words a month
- check your
- own translations into Welsh of up to 1,000 words per year
- market and promote your business bilingually
- increase Welsh language customer services and recruit Welsh speakers and Welsh learners
- make the Welsh language more visible in your business, opening the door to new customers and conversations
- get you connected with businesses around you so you can build a network to use more Welsh
- help you and your team to learn a few Welsh words - or more
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mae defnyddio ychydig o Gymraeg yn golygu
llawer mwy na geiriau.
Helo Blod yw’r lle i gael cyngor ar sut
mae defnyddio mwy o Gymraeg yn dy fusnes a chyfieithiadau hefyd. Ac mae’r cwbl
lot am ddim! Lauren Evans yw Ymgynghorydd Helo Blod Lleol ac yma i helpu.
Mae ein swyddogion Helo Blod yma i helpu. Gyda'ch gilydd bydd modd i chi weithio ar ddefnyddio mwy o'r Gymraeg yn dy fusnes. gyda
- cael cyfieithu am ddim o destunau hyd at 500 gair y mis – o’r Saesneg i’r Gymraeg
- gwirio testunau Cymraeg hyd at 1,000 gair y flwyddyn
- marchnata a hyrwyddo dy fusnes i’r gymuned Gymraeg
- cynyddu gwasanaethau Cymraeg i gwsmeriaid a recriwtio siaradwyr Cymraeg a dysgwyr Cymraeg
- gwneud y Gymraeg yn fwy gweledol yn dy fusnes ac agor y drws i sgyrsiau a chwsmeriaid newydd
- dy gyflwyno i rwydweithiau lleol sy'n gallu cefnogi dy fusnes
- dy gyfeirio di at fusnesau yn dy ardal fel bod modd i ti fod yn rhan o rwydwaith o bobl sy'n defnyddio'r Gymraeg mewn busnes
- helpu di a dy d̨m dysgu ychydig o eiriau Cymraeg Рneu fwy.
Galli di gysylltu â fi ar y ffôn neu drwy
e-bost a chawn ni sgwrs am sut allwn ni weithio gyda’n gilydd i gynyddu dy
ddefnydd o’r Gymraeg.
Ymgynghorydd Helo Blod Lleol / Helo Blod Local Adviser
Caerffili a Merthyr Tudful
Ffôn / Phone: 01443 820913 | 07885 812144
Twitter / Facebook : @HeloBlod
https://businesswales.gov.wales/heloblod/
New over 50s Alcohol Helpline
We Are With You and Barod
have launched an over 50s Alcohol Helpline providing support and advice to
individuals aged over 50 worried about their drinking, and their concerned
others. The helpline is also available for professionals supporting
peopled aged over 50.
- Monday
to Friday – 12pm – 8pm
- Saturday
& Sunday – 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Volunteer Outdoors Now!
Opportunities coming up with Connecting People and Nature at Nantllwynog Park and Gellideg Fields
Mental Health Support for People in Employment
Able Futures can help you manage your mental health at work so you can enjoy more good days. We could give you nine months advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.
Able Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental
Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Wednesday 2 December 2020
Children in Need - Funding Briefing Session 10 December 2:00pm-3:00pm
CIN opened up its Main and Small Grants programmes in November for applicants seeking CIN funding. We will be holding a funding briefing session on Thursday 10th December at 2-3pm for potential applicants to find out more about our funding. We are expecting this grant round to receive a high volume of applications so the session will be key for finding out the focus for the 2 programmes, and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the strategic aims of our funding. We can also provide some insight into the key themes and areas that we would particularly welcome from projects and organisations in Wales. To find out more and to book your place on the session please contact cin.wales@bbc.co.uk.
Job Vacancy - Housing First
Housing First have a vacancy for a Maternity Cover Project Manager. The post is now on our website www.salvationarmy.org.uk - 'Jobs' where an online application can be made before the closing date on 13/12/2020.
Housing First Merthyr Tydfil offers a fresh approach to supporting entrenched
homeless individuals with complex needs. Working collaboratively with the
health, justice and the housing sectors we deliver long term sustainable
housing solutions. Housing First Merthyr Tydfil is a project that is motivated
by a passion for removing barriers for those looking for somewhere to call
home. We are an aspirational and positive project; keenly person centred and
psychologically informed, embraced by an organisation who promotes a culture of
constructive creativity.
Please see the advert and Job Description/Person Specification attached and head to www.salvationarmy.org.uk - 'Jobs' to apply online. If there are any questions regarding the role then please contact me on the details below and I will be happy to help.
Cara Forsey
Housing First Project Manager/ Rheolwr Prosiect Tai yn GyntafThe Salvation Army / Byddin yr Iachawdwriaeth
E-bost/Email: cara.forsey@salvationarmy.org.uk
Tel/Ffôn: 07884563210
Tuesday 1 December 2020
Christmas - Welsh Government advice for people who were shielding
Please find below the links to the Welsh Government Christmas advice for people who were shielding:
https://gov.wales/christmas-advice-people-who-were-shielding
https://llyw.cymru/cyngor-y-nafolig-ar-gyfer-pobl-oedd-yn-gwarchod
Please circulate this widely and if possible use innovative ways to get this information to those that might not have access to the internet/social media as Welsh Governmentwould like this advice to reach as many people as possible.
Thank you.
Giving Tuesday - a helping hand for local groups from Merthyr Valleys Homes
Merthyr Valleys Homes are supporting “Giving Tuesday” which we have launched today with our teams and will roll out every Tuesday throughout December.
The idea is to provide colleagues with a list of ways they
can support our communities if and when they have a little time to do so.
That could be through donating food, clothes, gifts or their time. We
want to extend the offer to you to send us a list of things that our teams
could help you with.
Do you need any help with deliveries, collections, donations, befriending etc? Let us know what you could do with a little bit of help with and we’ll notify our teams.
We’re keen to get these ideas out to our colleagues as quickly as possible so I’d appreciate if you could come back to me as quickly as you can.
Please note, this is completely voluntary for our teams to get involved in so we cannot guarantee support for your requests. Please feel free to pass this on to any groups who might be interested in feeding back to us.
Monday 30 November 2020
A Wellbeing Boost for Rural Merthyr Tydfil
It is no secret that the more isolated communities within Merthyr Tydfil usually face challenges in accessing support. Valleys Steps has therefore sought and successfully secured funding to work in these areas. They have recently started to deliver a wellbeing project in partnership with Coed Lleol, with a focus on the regions of Vaynor, Cyfarthfa, Plymouth, Bedlinog, Merthyr Vale and Treharris.
The project aims to enable community members to develop resilience and better manage their mental health and wellbeing via the provision of the following elements:Six-week Stress Management and Mindfulness courses.
Shorter wellbeing focused workshops.
Woodland and nature-based programs of activity, with the intention of improving wellbeing via connection with the natural environment.
Volunteering opportunities, providing a stepping-stone into education and work.
On behalf of Coed Lleol, Ceri Williams (South Wales Co-ordinator) said ‘Coed Lleol are very excited to work in partnership with Valleys Steps. This Rural Action Cwm Taf funded project will give both organisations a fantastic learning opportunity to incorporate new elements into the programs delivered, thus enriching the experience of participants that engage with our services.’
Valleys Steps are keen to hear from individuals and groups interested in receiving support or getting involved. This may be an established organisation with a large number of beneficiaries, or simply something small and informal, such as a book club or walking group. If you are would like to know more, please get in touch with Wellbeing Course Facilitator Judith Parry on judith.parry@valleyssteps.org. Further information can also be found on the websites of Valleys Steps www.valleyssteps.org and Coed Lleol: www.coedlleol.org .
***
Due to the presence of Covid19 restrictions, much of the service will be delivered online initially, with Coed Lleol workshops taking place outdoors where possible. Restrictions are being reviewed regularly, with a view to wider community provision as soon is feasible, safely and in line with the latest advice.
Small Grants for 4 Environmental projects
A. The Great Escape - Small Experiments with Children Young People
Are you interested in developing a project to involve
and work with children and young people to safely access the outdoors either
physically or digitally?
We want to support youth-led or intergenerational projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr that find out about how children and young people feel about, access and benefit from the outdoors. There is £1,000 available for 3 youth-led or intergenerational projects that take place between January 1st and 31st March 2021.
We are really interested in supporting projects that involve any children and young people who find it more difficult to access the outdoors, for example, children and young people:
- · with a disability
- · who care for someone
- · who feel isolated and are struggling to deal with Covid 19
- · groups where at least 50% are girls
Next Steps for those wishing to get involved
This programme is open to all and we can help guide you
through the process. Please email grants@interlinkrct.org.uk
or call 01443 846200 for more information. The deadline for approving
projects is Friday 18th December.
The Great Escape is supported by Cwm Taf Public Service Board and Interlink RCT and funded by Natural Resources Wales
B. The Great Escape – A Small Experiment with front-line Public Service Staff
Are you interested in developing a project to support
people working in public services access the outdoors either physically or
digitally?
We want to support projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf and
Merthyr that find out how front-line public service staff feel about, access
and benefit from the outdoors. There is £1,000 available for a project that
takes place between January 1st and 31st March 2021.
- · have been unwell
- · care for someone
- · who feel isolated
- · are struggling to deal with the pressures of work due to Covid 19
- · involve people from different departments or organisations
- · want to connect with the environment and community in which they live
Next Steps for those
wishing to get involved
This programme is open to all public service organisations and we can help
guide you through the process. Please email grants@interlinkrct.org.uk or call
07772 464110 for more information. The deadline for approving projects
is Friday 18th December.
The Great Escape is supported by Cwm Taf Public Service
Board and Interlink RCT and funded by Natural Resources Wales
Organisational Resilience - new opportunity
Lloyds Bank Foundation is inviting organisations in Merthyr Tydfil to join a short programme of three 1 – 1 ½ hour practical workshops exploring organisational resilience. These are interactive sessions where we identify what organisational resilience means for our own organisations and work together to explore how we can strengthen it to give us the best chance to navigate the uncertainties ahead. These will be held via Zoom.
The Organisational Resilience Programme is delivered by specialists experienced in leading and managing small charities. The programme is delivered free of charge
Start date: January 2021. Exact times and dates to be confirmed.
If you are interested in hearing more about the programme, please come to an introductory session on the 15th December 2020, from 2-3pm, hosted by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil. This will also be via Zoom.
We look forward to seeing you. If you are interested in attending, please email training@vamt.net by 11 December. Many thanks.
Wednesday 25 November 2020
Cruse Bereavement Care need Volunteers Now!
More information here If you feel you can help a bereaved person, please take a look.
Tuesday 24 November 2020
Monday 23 November 2020
Training from Wales Neurological Alliance
Wales Neurological Alliance are delighted to announce that we have been awarded some vital funding from the National Lottery. The purpose of this funding is to help support those living with a neurological condition to use digital technology more effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with Digital Communities Wales (DCW) we are offering a number of training sessions from December 2020 to August 2021. The first session will be held on 07.12.20, please use the link provided below to register.
07.12.20, 2.00-4.00 pm
Title : Supporting people living with a neurological condition to use technology during the COVID 19 pandemic - Digital Carousel
Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItcu2oqD4pGtz-P1NAC8mraB5sbrFsyeFJ
Description
This session is aimed at staff, volunteers and professionals and will run for about 2 hours. Within that time you will be placed into a room with other member organisations of Wales Neurological Alliance and you will have the opportunity to look at five subjects: Keeping in touch, Keeping occupied, Accessibility, Wellbeing, Digital storytelling.
This session is aimed at staff, volunteers and professionals and will run for about 2 hours. Within that time you will be placed into a room with other member organisations of Wales Neurological Alliance and you will have the opportunity to look at five subjects: Keeping in touch, Keeping occupied, Accessibility, Wellbeing, Digital storytelling.
Free Toiletries for Charities and Community Groups via Toiletries Amnesty
Toiletries Amnesty is a a charitable organisation working to end hygiene poverty, which helped an estimated 250,000 people last year by connecting charities and community groups to local people with unwanted toiletries and cosmetics.
We have recently added categories for face masks, as we know not everyone can afford the face coverings required to access shops, cafes and public transport.
How it works
Toiletries Amnesty is
a free to use directory, where each
organisation can list the items they need, and specify whether they accept
partly-used or opened products. You can amend your listing at any time – for
example, to change your opening hours, the items you need, or the best place to
drop off donations.
There are currently
more than 200 organisations in the directory, including homeless shelters,
refuges, food banks, hospices, refugee organisations, and NHS trusts.
The public can search
the directory for local causes that will take their excess toiletries,
cosmetics and hygiene products. This also makes them more aware of local causes
and more involved in their community.
Why it’s different
Unlike other hygiene
bank schemes, Toiletries Amnesty does not collect the goods as a middle man
(for example, storing them in a warehouse); instead, you receive the goods
straight away.
People are not asked
buy new products just to donate; the idea is to be eco-friendly, responsible
consumers, by passing on unwanted products that would otherwise go to waste.
Toiletry and beauty brands can also donate their surplus products.
Like many of the
organisations you support, Toiletries Amnesty is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to help fund its
services, expand its team and continually improve the website.
If you have any questions about how Toiletries Amnesty works, or you need further information, please see the website (toiletriesamnesty.org) or email info@toiletriesamnesty.org
Welsh Women's Aid - Mobilising Communities
My name is Sabiha, and I am the Community Engagement Officer for Welsh Women’s Aid. The purpose of my role is to identify opportunities to mobilise with communities across Wales to engage in Violence Against Women; Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence work.
English
Please register here for the
session at 1pm on Thurs 26th November https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129336652409
Please register here for the session at 5:30pm on
Thurs 26th November https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129460438657
Attendees will receive Time Credits!
Cofrestwch yma ar gyfer y sesiwn am 1pm ddydd Iau 26
Tachwedd https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129336652409
Cofrestwch yma ar gyfer y sesiwn am 5:30pm ddydd Iau
26 Tachwedd https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129460438657
Thursday 19 November 2020
Book a one to one session with WCVA re Active Inclusion Fund
We’re inviting approved beneficiaries to an informal one-to-one funding chat with our Active Inclusion team.
Whole Town Covid-19 Testing for Merthyr Tydfil
Everyone living or working in Merthyr Tydfil will be offered COVID-19 testing, whether they have symptoms or not - as part of the first mass testing of a whole area in Wales.
All residents and workers will be offered repeat COVID-19 testing from this Saturday (21st November) even if asymptomatic, to help find more positive cases and break the chains of transmission.
The move will be delivered through a partnership between the Welsh Government, UK Government, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the Ministry of Defence, with logistical support from Armed Forces personnel.
The first site will open at Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre on Saturday 21st November with further sites due to open throughout the county borough later this month. Thousands of lateral flow tests will be available for residents and workers of Merthyr and citizens can find out how to access these tests by visiting www.merthyr.gov.uk/covidtesting
The mass testing programme will also see the use of Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) in Wales for the first time. Everyone who attends any of the asymptomatic test sites in Merthyr Tydfil will be given a test using the devices, which can turnaround results within around 20-30 minutes.
If an individual tests positive via a LFD test, they will be asked to return home so they can self-isolate immediately.
Those with symptoms will continue to be tested using PCR self-swabs at existing testing facilities.
Building on the learnings from the first mass testing pilot in Liverpool, the whole town pilot in Merthyr will provide vital information to help inform further rollout of mass testing technology in future.
We will be closely monitoring the number of positive results to help us better understand the spread of the virus which will in turn inform actions to prevent further transmission.
Wednesday 18 November 2020
What BulliesOut did with their Comic Relief Emergency Funding from VAMT . . .
BulliesOut were thrilled to receive funding from Comic Relief, through Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, to fund some online training for young people and also their powerful Jar of Confidence Kits.
The kits are part of a workshop that, using a combination of communication and a creative activity, encourages discussion on an exceedingly difficult topic. It explores the term ‘confidence’ in more detail, empowers young people to recognise their skills and abilities and identifies what makes you confident – inside and out.
During Anti-Bullying Week, 200 Jar of Confidence Kits were issued to primary schools across the Merthyr area to enable children to take part in this empowering, creative activity.
Carers Wales all Wales online Roadshow
Join Carers Wales for our first all Wales online Roadshow
Afternoon event: 2pm to 4pm
Evening event: 6pm to 8pm
Event timetable
- A re-cap and overview of Carers Wales key work areas, including an overview of our Lottery Project which is almost complete
- Carers Wales’ response during the pandemic
- Our work priorities for the year ahead
- Your thoughts on Carers UK’s new Strategy 2025
- Self-Advocacy - Speaking up for yourself and who you care for
- Join us on a Welsh historical walk
- Social enterprises and community co-ops –
opportunities for carer-led services.
- Knowing your rights as a carer
- Music session with The Welsh National Opera
Find
out more here: https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/care-for-a-cuppa-in-wales
Tuesday 17 November 2020
Universal Children's Day 20 November
Dewch i ymuno â ni yn nathliadau Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Plant
Ddydd Gwener yma, yr 20fed o Dachwedd, mae’n Ddiwrnod Rhyngwladol y Plant. Fe hoffen ni chi i ymuno â ni ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol i ddathlu popeth sy’n wych am blant a phobl ifanc yng Nghymru!
Ry’ ni’n gofyn i chi ymuno drwy rannu unrhyw lwyddiant yn eich hysgol chi eleni neu rywbeth mae plentyn neu pherson ifanc wedi gwneud sy’n gwneud chi’n falch. Dyma sut medrwch chi gymryd rhan:
- Tagiwch ni ar @childcomwales ar
Twitter, Facebook neu Instagram mewn unrhyw negeseuon ry’ chi’n rannu ar y
diwrnod, fel ein bod ni’n medru ail-rannu
- Defnyddiwch #FiYwFi lle bo’n
bosibl
Ry’n ni’n
mawr obeithio medrwch chi ymuno â ni ddydd Gwener yma i ddathlu’r hyn sy’n wych
am ein plant a phobl ifanc.
JOIN US AND CELEBRATE UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY
Friday 20th November is the 31st Universal Children’s Day. We would like you to join us on social media to celebrate all that’s great about children and young people in Wales!
We are asking you to join us to share something you’re proud of achieving this year as a school or something a child or young person has done to make you feel proud. Here’s how you can take part:
- Tag @childcomwales on Twitter,
Facebook or Instagram in any social posts that you post so we can re-share
- Use #HereIAm where possible
We hope you
can all join us on Friday to celebrate what’s wonderful about our children and
young people.
Job Vacancy at Artis Community - Volunteer Manager
Volunteer Manager
Artis Community Cymuned
Artis Community has reached a very exciting time in its history with plans agreed for a move into what will be the redeveloped YMCA building in Pontypridd. The redevelopment project will become a centre for creativity, arts and culture that will amplify the energy and vitality of the South Wales Valleys. Ambitious plans will bring the historic local venue back into community use by mid 2021.
We are currently seeking to appoint a new Volunteer Manager. As we work towards the opening of the new building, the Volunteer Manager will support and motivate a team of Volunteer Creative Ambassadors; volunteers from the local community who will shape and feed into a new programme of activity and contribute to the development and launch events around the opening of the PYMCA building.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record in recruiting and managing volunteers, and engaging with the community to support positive change.
This is an opportunity to work
with an organisation in an exciting period of development, looking to make a
positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of its community as well as
supporting socio-economic prosperity.
Background Information Role Description
Salary: £ 26k (pro rata)
We operate an Equal Opportunities Recruitment Policy and welcome applications from all sections of the community in Welsh or English. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and culturally diverse communities who are currently under-represented within our organisation.
Monday 16 November 2020
Safeguarding Week 2020 launch of Borough Wide Youth Forum animation
Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum have been working with the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding board on a project about Domestic Abuse and Violence by children and young people to parents/carers. The animation they produced called ‘In My House’, was released previously during the lockdown as the young people in the forum though it might be a useful resource for families coping with the new normal living arrangements.
Safeguarding Week 2020 - Talking Saves Lives
Monday, 16th November will mark the beginning of Safeguarding Week 2020 and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board (CTMSB), along with all other Safeguarding Boards throughout Wales, is taking this opportunity to work with its partners to highlight safeguarding issues and promote safeguarding activities.
This year has been like no other. With the lockdowns that have been enforced due to Covid-19, the country has experienced extreme disruption, with thousands of people feeling socially isolated, with no access to activities such as going to the gym or taking part in group activities, that they may normally rely on to help them with cope with the stresses of daily life. This has subsequently had a massive negative effect on the mental health and well-being of people of all ages and very sadly, in some circumstances, this has led to people taking their own lives.
In light of this, and in the knowledge that we are likely to be experiencing some form of continued lockdown over the winter months, the Safeguarding Board and its partners will be focussing this year’s Safeguarding Week on positive mental wellbeing and preventing suicide. This is even more important as we enter the winter period, which is already a time that is known to bring low moods for many, including those who may suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The emphasis will be on ‘Talking Saves Lives’ and the importance of people reaching out and talking whenever they may be struggling and feel that things are getting on top of them.
- Suicide remains a leading cause of death in young people in the UK, and the number of deaths due to intentional injuries and self-harm have not declined in 30 years.
- The latest figures show that the number of suicides are the highest they have been since 2000.
- Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. In 2019, there were almost 6,000 registered suicides in England and Wales, with around ¾ of these being men.
- Two in five men aged 20-59 in England, Scotland and Wales don't seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems.
Throughout Safeguarding Week, there are a number of events taking place, which are aimed at children, young people, adults and professionals. These are focussing on suicide prevention and positive mental health and well-being.
To view all the activities which are taking place during Safeguarding Week throughout RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend, please select this link
For information on more support services, apps and resources, please visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Board’s website – www.ctmsb.co.uk
Need some help keeping your home clean and tidy? Channel 5 opportunity
Channel 5’s and 5star’s hit transformational cleaning show is looking for people across the UK who are in need of some professional help keeping their homes clean and tidy.
Filming in December this year until February 2021, this series sees expert cleaners clean each home in just four days and then gives each of our participants tips to keep their home clean for good. For more information, please email cleaning@flyingsaucertv.com or fill in an application form here https://form.jotform.com/201614460158348.
Safeguarding Community of Practice - What have we learned from COVID-19?
Safeguarding Community of Practice – What have we learned from COVID-19?
Time: 2pm –
4pm
Venue: Zoom
Session
type:
You will hear from a range of speakers from
organisations that support people who may be at risk of harm and abuse and how
COVID-19 has impacted their work and the support they provide.
This event is exclusively for people who
have safeguarding responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations, for
example designated Safeguarding Officers or leads, safeguarding practitioners
and trustees with responsibility for safeguarding.
Click here
to register
for this event
Please note: A joining link will be sent to
you the morning of the event. Please use this to join on Tuesday 17 November at
2pm
Thursday 12 November 2020
Active Baby at Home
Early Years Wales will be running a 6-week virtual programme to new parents in the Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas starting on Wednesday 18th November (1:30pm – 2:30pm).
"Our Police, Our Community" public survey
The South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner has now launched his ‘Our Police, Our Community’ public survey. The survey is aimed at people living in South Wales and aims to capture people’s feedback about the issues affecting and concerning them in their community and the service provided by South Wales Police. Feedback shared via the survey will help the Commissioner to inform his Police and Crime Plan and decide on the required amount to set the ‘precept level’ (the amount we contribute towards policing as part of our council tax) in South Wales.
English – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/OurPoliceOurCommunity/
Welsh - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WelshOPOC/
Easy Read (English) - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EROPOC/
Easy Read (Welsh) - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EREHEC/
Free Training from Barod - Basic Substance Misuse
Barod's Basic Substance Misuse training that runs from 10-12.30 via Zoom for all professionals working in Cwm Taf. The next session is on the 18th November and there are other sessions available up to March 2021.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/basic-substance-misuse-tickets-112581073020
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A free and fully digital
introduction to substance misuse |
Wednesday 11 November 2020
Co-op Food Fund - in collaboration with Community Foundation in Wales - closing on 13th November
Coop Food Fund - Click here to visit the webpage for the fund
Deadline
for submitting an application – 12pm on the 13th of November (This
Friday).
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