New funding for community green spaces – applications open 19 October

Groundwork in Wales

New funding for community green spaces – applications open 19 October

Do you know of a local community green space project that would benefit from funding? If so, then get ready a new community grant programme!

The first funding round of the programme opens for applications across England, Wales and Scotland on the 19th October and will close on 30 November.

This will be your first chance to submit an application for a grant of up to £12,000 to create better and happier places where you live, although there will be two funding rounds per year over the next three years.

 Groundwork - Grant guidance

http://www.groundwork.org.uk/

Few places still available - Listening to Older People Project

Venture Out - November Activity Programme

The first dementia-friendly village is on its way to Maerdy

Communities in Upper Rhondda Fach lead the way to becoming a dementia-friendly village

 Alzheimer’s Society in Upper Rhondda Fach is holding an event on Monday 2 November from 12 -2 at Teify House, Maerdy to showcase and launch the exciting work and opportunities for the local community to get involved in to make Maerdy the first dementia-friendly village in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Through the Community Capacity Fund, the charity, in collaboration with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC), is planning to set up services for people affected by dementia in the Upper Rhondda Fach area and will run each Tuesday from Teify House from 10 am to 2 pm until next April. Some of these services include:

 

• a Singing Group, called Singing for the Brain®, designed specifically for people with dementia
• a cafe group which will incorporate activities to help people with dementia to maintain a sense of well-being, independence and remain connected to their local community
• and specific programmes for those who care for people with dementia
• reminiscence activities for people with dementia
• Dementia Friends sessions – a raising awareness session for the community

If you’d like to come along or want more information please contact: Rhia Stankovic-Jones on 01685 -353919 or rhia.jones@alzheimers.org.uk

Your NHS - Choose Well Campaign

The Welsh Government launched a ‘Your NHS Wales - Choose Well’ campaign today (News article here). They are calling on the public to think carefully about how they use the NHS and find the right health services for their needs.  

The campaign highlights the importance of self care in dealing with many minor illnesses, which can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and advice. It also highlights the various free services available, from NHS Direct, GPs, pharmacies, opticians and minor injury units, ready and able to treat a range of health conditions.

It asks people to only call 999 or go to their local Accident & Emergency unit if they have a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention, such as severe chest pain, choking, blacking out, major blood loss or a suspected stroke.

Not sure what NHS service to use? Download the app: http://www.choosewellwales.org.uk/

The Welsh Ambulance are running a social media campaign throughout this week, and they would be grateful if you would share this information with your colleagues and networks. Tell them how you have chosen well by tweeting pictures and comments to @WelshAmbPIH with #YourNHSWales.

VAMT Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil will be held at 11am on Thursday 12th November in the Bessemer Hotel, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil.

The guest speakers will be Gerald Jones, MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and Jayne James, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. We will also be presenting the Nicola Park Award 2015 for “Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering in Merthyr Tydfil”. Agenda

A carvery lunch will be provided.

Please email the reply slip to Laura Johnson by 5th November.  

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Merthyr and the Valleys Mind have commissioned New Pathways to deliver Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and have 4 spare places on the course on 28th and 29th October.  The cost will be £125 per place.

If you would like to take up a place then contact:  Cathy Boyle, Operations Manager at Merthyr and the Valleys Mind on 01685 727 522 / 07957 187297 / Cathy.boyle@matvmind.org.uk 

Spread the Warmth Grant - deadline extended

Spread the Warmth Grant (Age Cymru)

We have made the decision to extend the application deadline for the Welsh Government funded ‘Spread the warmth’ grants.

Our Spread the Warmth grants are targeted at areas where there are high incidences of excess Winter deaths, as well as prioritising provision of information and winter support services to isolated and vulnerable older people.

We are looking for applications that can evidence continuous activity and meaningful interaction with older people during the winter months with a particular focus on health promotion and illness prevention.

For more information, visit our website or contact Angharad Phillips, Health Initiatives Officer on 02920 431556.

Gwanwyn Community Grant Scheme

The Gwanwyn Community Grant Scheme is now open!  The deadline for submission is Wednesday 9 December 2015.  For an application form and an information pack with details on how to apply please download from the Gwanwyn website or to request a pack by post please call Age Cymru on 029 20 431 555.

The Listening Project - come and find out more!