submitting articles for this site

If you wish to have any news relating to services for children and their families published onto this site please forward items to PAVO via email: info@pavo.org.uk. Preferably send attachments in Word or publisher rather than pdf format.

If you wish to have further information about anything appearing here please do contact PAVO via the HelpDesk email: info@pavo.org.uk or phone: 0845 009 3288

If any of the links to documents, surveys or other websites don't work please do let us know and we will try again.

See our Sister Blog: PAVO Powys Play Partnership -http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/


Friday, 29 September 2017

Meet the Big Lottery


Meet the Funders – Big Lottery follow-up – 18th October 2017
PAVO, in collaboration with the Big Lottery, are offering your organisation the opportunity to discuss your funding application:

  • Speak directly to Lottery officers responsible for assessing applications with your colleagues – for up to twenty minutes
  • Find out how you can improve your bid
  • Cymraeg neu Seasneg ar gael / Welsh and English available
  • No waiting – you will be given an appointment time
  • Slots available in Newtown (morning) and Llandrindod Wells (afternoon)
For more information, or to book a slot, contact George Stroud on george.stroud@pavo.org.uk or 01597 822191

ALN Transformation Programme - Rhaglen Trawsnewid ADY

Mae Gweinidog y Gymraeg a Dysgu gydol oes wedi ymrwymo i ddarparu diweddariadau chwarterol ar y Rhaglen Trawsnewid Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol. Cyflawnir hyn fel llythyr at y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl ifanc ac Addysg, anfonwyd y cyntaf ohonynt ar 7 Medi. Darllenwch y llythyr yma os ydych am wybod mwy am ein datblygiadau diweddaraf: http://www.senedd.cynulliad.cymru/documents/s65665/Llythyr%20oddi%20wrth%20Gweinidog%20y%20Gymraeg%20a%20Dysgu%20Gydol%20Oes%20Rhaglen%20Trawsnewid%20ADY%20-%2011%20Medi%202017.pdf
 
 
 
The Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language has committed to providing quarterly updates on the Additional Learning Needs Transformation Programme. This will be delivered as a letter to the Children Young People and Education committee, the first of which was sent on 7 September. Please read the letter here if you wish to find out our most recent developments: http://www.senedd.assembly.wales/documents/s65665/Letter%20from%20the%20Minister%20for%20Lifelong%20Learning%20and%20Welsh%20Language%20ALN%20Transformation%20Programme%20updat.pdf
 

Tuesday, 26 September 2017




CHANGE OF DIARY MARKER! PAVO 2017 Conference and AGM

29 November 10am – 3.30pm (from 8 Nov 17) Cefn Lea Conference Centre, Newtown SY16 4AJ **Please note the change of date from our previous notification**

We trust you will still be able to be with us for our Annual Conference and General Meeting and that you will cascade this information through your organisation and via your networks. The theme of the conference is The Future of Volunteering in Powys The day will comprise briefings, discussions and learning opportunities about many different aspects of volunteering. It will be an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and reflect on the crucial importance of volunteers  to the Third Sector and our communities.

There will also be a Third Sector ‘market place’ giving you opportunity to  promote your organisation and to network with others

Invitations will follow in due course.

Newid Nodyn dyddiadur Cynhadledd a ChCB PAVO 2017!

 29 Tachwedd, 10.00am - 3.30pm Canolfan Gynhadledd Cefn Lea, Y Drenewydd SY16 4AJ **Nodwch y newid dyddiad o'n hysbysiad blaenorol** Hyderwn y byddwch yn dal i allu bod gyda ni ar gyfer ein Cynhadledd

Flynyddol a'r Cyfarfod Cyffredinol ac y gwnewch chi ledaenu’r wybodaeth hon trwy'ch sefydliad a thrwy'ch rhwydweithiau. Thema'r gynhadledd yw Dyfodol gwirfoddoli ym Mhowys

Bydd y diwrnod yn cynnwys briffiau, trafodaethau a chyfleoedd dysgu am lawer o agweddau gwahanol ar wirfoddoli. Bydd yn gyfle i ddysgu, rhannu profiadau, a myfyrio ar bwysigrwydd hanfodol gwirfoddolwyr i'r Trydydd Sector a'n cymunedau.

Hefyd bydd 'marchnad' y Trydydd Sector yn rhoi cyfle ichi hyrwyddo'ch sefydliad a rhwydweithio ag eraill.

Bydd gwahoddiadau dilyn maes o law.

DIARY MARKER  / NODYN I'R DYDDIADUR

Round Table Exchange Event : Brexit & Children's Rights: Implications for Wales
Wednesday, 8 November 2017
Cardiff (venue tbc)
9.30am - 1.00pm

You are invited to attend a Round Table Exchange Event co-ordinated by Children in Wales, in partnership with the Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People.
 The event will be an opportunity to hear from a range of speakers focusing on the potential impact of Brexit on the rights of children and young people in Wales, and to consider through group discussion the priorities and implications for organisations and the children and young people you work with and support. Contributions will be heard from:
 Catriona Williams OBE & Sean O'Neill, Children in Wales
Dr Simon Hoffman, Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children & Young People
Mieke Schuurman, Eurochild (Brussels)
Glynne Jones, Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
Welsh Government (invited) Young People

PLACES ARE LIMITED TO 2 PARTICIPANTS PER ORGANISATION so please confirm your attendance as soon as possible. We need to ensure that we have a manageable number of delegates to have discussions at round tables.
RSVP:  bookings@chidreninwales.org.uk

 THIS EVENT IS FREE OF CHARGE
However, there will be a charge of £25 for those delegates who book a place and do not attend. Cancellations will be accepted up to 2 days before the event. We will accept substitutions if the named participant is unable to attend at short notice.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE


Digwyddiad Cyfnewidfa Bord Gron:   Brexit a Hawliau Plant: Goblygiadau i Gymru
Dydd Mercher, 8 Tachwedd 2017 Caerdydd (lleoliad i'w gadarnhau)  9.30yb - 1.00ypFe'ch gwahoddir i ddigwyddiad Cyfnewidfa Bord Gron a gydlynir gan Plant yng Nghymru, mewn partneriaeth ag Arsyllfa Cymru ar Hawliau Dynol Plant a Phobl Ifanc.

Bydd y digwyddiad yn gyfle i glywed gan amrywiaeth o siaradwyr sy'n canolbwyntio ar effaith bosibl Brexit ar hawliau plant a phobl ifanc yng Nghymru, ac i ystyried trwy drafodaethau grwp beth yw'r blaenoriaethau a'r goblygiadau i sefydliadau ac i'r plant a'r bobl ifanc rydych chi'n gweithio gyda nhw ac yn eu cefnogi. 
 Clywir cyfraniadau gan y canlynol:
Catriona Williams OBE a Sean O'Neill, Plant yng Nghymru
Dr Simon Hoffman, Arsyllfa Cymru ar Hawliau Dynol Plant a Phobl Ifanc
Mieke Schuurman, Eurochild (Brwsel)
Glynne Jones, Swyddfa Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru
Llywodraeth Cymru (gwahoddwyd) Pobl Ifanc

MAE LLEFYDD YN GYFYNGEDIG I 2 POB SEFYDLIAD felly gofynnir i chi gadarnhau eich presenoldeb cyn gynted â phosibl. Mae angen i ni sicrhau bod gennym ni nifer rhesymol o gynrychiolwyr i drafod wrth y bordydd.
RSVP: bookings@childreninwales.org.uk

 DIGWYDDIAD DI-DÂL YW HWN
Fodd bynnag, codir tâl o £25 i'r cynrychiolwyr hynny sy'n archebu lle ac nad ydynt yn bresennol. Derbynnir cansloam ddim hyd at 2 ddiwrnod cyn y digwyddiad. Byddwn bob amser yn derbyn eilyddion os na all y cyfranogwr a enwir fynychu ar fyr rybudd.

BYDD LLUNIAETH AR GAEL
Children in Wales - Young Wales

The Welsh treasury has asked us to organise two interactive workshops to seek young people’s views on the Welsh Budget that is currently being developed.

The workshops will be held in
·      Children in Wales office, Windsor Place, Cardiff CF10 3BZ on 30th October 2017 from 11am until 1pm and lunch will be provided.  (Maximum 25 places for young people).                    
·      Welsh Government Building, Sarn MynachLlandudno JunctionConwy LL31 9RZ on 2nd November 2017 from 11am until 1pm and lunch will be provided.  (Maximum 15 places for young people).  


Mae Trysorlys Cymru wedi gofyn i ni drefnu dau weithdy rhyngweithiol i gasglu barn pobl ifanc ynghylch Cyllideb Cymru, sy’n cael ei datblygu ar hyn o bryd.

Cynhelir y gweithdai yn
·        Swyddfa Plant yng Nghymru, Caerdydd CF10 3BZ ar 30 Hydref o 11yb tan 1yp, a byddwn ni’n darparu cinio. (Uchafswm o 25 o leoedd ar gyfer pobl ifanc)               
·        Adeilad Llywodraeth Cymru, Sarn Mynach, Cyffordd Llandudno, Conwy  LL31 9RZ ar 2 Tachwedd o 11yb tan 1yp, a byddwn ni’n darparu cinio. (Uchafswm o 15 o leoedd ar gyfer pobl ifanc

Call: 02920 342 434
Email: bookings@childreninwales.org.uk


Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Young People's Question Time


Young People's Question Time - Do you know young people in Powys who would like to attend?
Young Wales is running a Young People’s Question Time event on Tuesday 24th October 2017.  This event, which will take place in Cardiff Bay, will be an opportunity for young people to put questions to a panel on the issues that matter to them.  This will be an early evening event 5.30pm – 8pm.
Confirmed panellists are:
·        Kirsty Williams AM, Cabinet Secretary for Education
·        Professor Dame Sue Bailey OBE DBE, Expert Advisor to Together 4 Children & Young People (T4CYP) – a programme set up to improve mental health services for children and young people in Wales.
·        Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales
A tour of the Senedd will be arranged during the after-noon, prior to the event, for those able to come earlier, followed by refreshments, before moving over to Question Time (venue to be confirmed). The questions must be submitted in advance.  Young Wales anticipate a high demand for this event and places will be limited.
If you have any queries about this event please contact: Andrea on 029 2034 2434 or andrea.storer@childreninwales.org.uk

Monday, 18 September 2017

Services Fit for the Future>

There are two opportunities for you to have your say around the laws shaping the health and social care services in Wales:


Thursday, 14 September 2017

Youth Led Grants are open

This years Gwirvol Youth Led Grant is open for applications, 

Funding is now available for youth led grants projects running up to end of March 2018. Grants of up to £600 are available for projects that provide volunteering opportunities for young people aged 14-25 to help their communities in Powys. 
The applications have to be written by young people.
A panel of young people from Powys will assess the applications. 
Closing date: 31st October 2017.

Please follow the link below for more information and the application pack.


Does your organisation need Trustees, would your Trustees like training to help in their role?

We have received funding from the Big Lottery to help recruit, place and train new Trustees and/or mentors with organisations in Powys.  (Third Sector Skills Project)

We initially gathered some information last year and received a phenomenal response.
The first part of the project is research to find out what is missing/needed to then give a more targeted response to organisations that need new trustees or mentors to help with specific tasks.

In order to help find new trustees we need to see what gaps there are in the sector already and if there are particular vacancies on your Board which aren’t filled. With this in mind please could you all take a few minutes to complete the survey below.

___________________________________________
The Welsh Audit Office is currently doing a public survey about which local authority services that  are most important to residents and which they think will be most important to them in the future.

Called 'My Rural Wales' you can complete the survey (takes 5-10 minutes) at: http://audit.wales/my-rural-services/home.html 

Children in Wales offer a course - Adverse Childhood Experiences ACEs.
10th October - Cardiff


A one-day course
The 2015 report by Public Health Wales, the Welsh Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study states that "There is a growing body of evidence that our experiences during childhood can affect health throughout the life course. Children who experience stressful and poor quality childhoods are more likely to adopt health-harming behaviours during adolescence which can themselves lead to mental health illnesses and diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes later in life.

Adverse Childhood Experiences are not just a concern for health. Experiencing ACEs means individuals are more likely to perform poorly in school, more likely to be involved in crime and ultimately less likely to be a productive member of society".

Cwrs undydd
Mae'r adroddiad yn 2015 gan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, Astudiaeth Cymru ar Brofiadau Niweidiol yn ystod Plentyndod (ACE) yn datgan bod "Corff cynyddol o dystiolaeth bod ein profiadau yn ystod plentyndod yn gallu effeithio ar iechyd ar hyd cwrs bywyd. Mae plant sy'n profi plentyndod ansawdd isel, sy'n llawn straen yn fwy tebygol o fabwysiadu ymddygiad sy'n niweidio iechyd yn ystod y glasoed, a gall hynny yn ei dro arwain at salwch meddwl ac afiechydon fel canser, clefyd y galon a diabetes yn ddiweddarach mewn bywyd.

Nid dim ond yng nghyswllt iechyd mae Profiadau Niweidiol yn ystod Plentyndod yn destun pryder. Mae profi ACEs yn golygu bod unigolion yn fwy tebygol o gyflawni'n wael yn yr ysgol, yn fwy tebygol o ymwneud â throseddu, ac yn y pen draw yn llai tebygol o fod yn aelod cynhyrchiol o'r gymdeithas".


To book: http://www.childreninwales.org.uk/

Email: training@childreninwales.org.uk

Help Knighton Community Centre 'Keep the Lights On'

There is still time to vote for Knighton Community Centre's 'Keeping the lights on ' project in the M&S Energy Grants competition. If successful the funding will be used by the Centre to install photo voltaic panels on the Centre's roof to reduce it's carbon footprint and make savings with the centre's running costs. The Community Centre is the only Powys based project in the competition.

Health and Wellbeing Afternoon in Machynlleth


Dear PAVO Member

As a valued PAVO member we are keen to hear if you have accessed the funding services we provide.
We would be most grateful if you could take a few minutes to fill in the the survey which can be found by clicking on this link:  https://goo.gl/forms/AHS4WjkUR4GeLzY63 before the 18th September 2017.
Thank you in advance of your co-operation.

Kind regards
Claire

Friday, 1 September 2017

Consultation on proposed Autism (Wales) Bill

Proposed Autism (Wales) Bill.

Paul Davies AM has proposed The Autism (Wales) Bill . The intention is to make provision for meeting the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum conditions in Wales with the aim of protecting and promoting the rights of autistic adults in Wales. The Bill would also give the condition its own statutory identity, recognising that autism is a condition in its own right.
Specifically, the Autism (Wales) Bill would seek to:
*Introduce a strategy for meeting the needs of children and adults in Wales with autistic spectrum disorder conditions;
*Ensure a clear pathway to diagnosis of autism in local areas;
*Ensure that local authorities and health boards understand and take necessary action so that children and adults with autism get the timely support they need.
*Establish a register of autistic children and adults so that local areas can plan accordingly;
*Regularly review the strategy and guidance to ensure progress

The current  consultation is open until  20th November. The information given is split into topics and  then asks questions on:
*The Need for an ongoing Autism Strategy.
*Clarity on pathways to diagnosis
*Delivery of Services
*Training of key staff working with people with Autism Spectrum Conditions.
*Employment opportunities for those with Autism Spectrum Conditions.
*A Definition of Autism and it’s inclusion in the strategy.
* Possible unintended consequences
*Costs and Savings as a result of the Bill.

This is the start of the consultation process, it is an opportunity for individuals and organisations and their workers to influence the contents of the Bill. Paul Davies has until 13 July 2018 to introduce a Bill that meets the policy objectives set out in the “Explanatory Memorandum” he tabled on 4th May 2017.
If you would like to comment on all or any part of the Bill you can find information and how to feed your comments in here:
Write: Consultation – Autism (Wales) Bill, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA
Telephone: 0300 200 6565
Deadline: 20th November 2017.


Threat to the UK’s Community Transport Services?

Every day in Powys, local community transport schemes’ minibuses provide essential journeys for people who have no other means of getting out. These act as a lifeline to let people attend health appointments, do their shopping, meet friends and come together in support groups. This is now under threat following an announcement in July by the Department for Transport (DfT) which interprets a 2009 European Regulation in an unforeseen and unintended way.

In the UK there has been a long-standing ‘light touch’ licensing regime for non-profit operation, exempting it from full professional licensing standards in order to keep costs as low as possible.  However,  a small lobby group of UK commercial operators has argued, and the DfT has accepted, that European professional standards should apply to all minibus services provided by charitable groups primarily set up to provide transport.

In effect this means that scheme’s would need to meet the same licensing requirements as any other commercial bus provider, with the additional driver training and vehicle maintenance facilities which such licensing requires. This issue affects all operators of vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats for whom transport is their primary purpose.

This change will affect a large part of the community transport sector, including:
·         Door to door dial-a-ride services
·         Minibuses enabling members of social support groups to attend meetings
·         Minibuses shared for efficiency across several community organisations

If the DfT implement’s this new approach, then across the UK:
·         Many smaller community transport schemes may have to stop operating. Initial surveys have shown that many older volunteers would not wish to continue if they had to obtain and maintain additional professional driver qualifications.
·         There is a likelihood that some schemes may decide to switch from minibuses to operating MPVs and cars to avoid the regulatory requirements. Apart from the extra costs this will cause this it would also affect the nature and passenger capacity of the services they can provide.
·         Schemes that opt to meet the professional standards will be faced with significant additional costs. The registration and training costs for each driver is estimated at £1,500. This is likely to be unaffordable for many schemes and there are no dedicated funds being made available to help schemes meet these costs.

The inevitable risk is that there could be a significant reduction in the scale and scope of operations. There is no safety or service quality case for this.

There are 10 transport schemes in Powys which are potentially affected by this issue. Together they provide 81,000 passenger journeys a year for some of the most isolated and vulnerable people in our county.

There has already been a variety of responses by Local Authorities in the UK to the DfT’s announcement. Some have reacted by withdrawing or suspending contracts with community transport schemes whilst others have adopted a more measured approach. However, it is pleasing to report that Powys County Council has to date refrained from instigating any actions resulting from the DfT’s announcement.

PAVO is currently seeking the views of community transport schemes in Powys about the impact that changes to licensing arrangements could have upon their services and financial viability and the consequences it would then have upon the many thousands of people who use their services. This information will be shared to help inform decision makers and support any necessary lobbying activity.

A UK-wide group of concerned community transport operators and professionals is developing a national campaign to: raise awareness at a political level and argue the case for community transport schemes; obtain expert legal opinion on the DfT’s announcement, and provide clarity and advice to schemes and service commissioners in the wake of the DfT’s action. You can find more about this at: http://ctpermits.co.uk/

If you have any queries about this issue or require further information please contact Sarah Leyland Morgan PAVO at sarah.leyland@pavo.org.uk or 01597 822191