Children & Young People's Network: Newtown Area Meeting Update

We held a small meeting and are working on a focused project to support each other and recruit more volunteers for children & young people's groups in the Newtown area.  

In November we held an initial event in Tesco just to start us off and raise the profile of volunteering.  

Our future plans now cover:

Practice Exchange:
Holding a Practice Exchange to share our ideas on how best to keep volunteers and support them.  This will be held in April.

Volunteering Case Studies
Gathering case studies of success stories of volunteers working with children & young people.  We then want to publicise these through all of our newsletters, websites etc.

Community Events to promote Volunteering
We also want to hold more events in the community to highlight volunteering opportunities.

Good News Stories inform Service Planning
The groups are also providing good news stories of how young people have gained skills/confidence from either volunteering and/or support from voluntary organisations.  This information will then help to influence county wide planning of services.

Want to be involved?
If you want to become involved with the group then please contact Yvonne at PAVO, in the first instance.  Keep an eye of this blog for details of dates of meetings coming up.

Volunteering Opportunities in Health & Social Care

Volunteering in Health and Social Care

There is a long tradition of volunteers in Powys contributing to health and social care services. If you have a friendly personality and can spare a couple of hours a week, you could provide regular social contact to an older person or a person with a long term health condition either face-to-face or by telephone. Some of the ways you can give your time include:

• Popping round to someone’s house for a cup of tea and a chat,
• Helping them with shopping,
• Giving someone a lift to pick up a prescription
• Helping to organise social events (meeting and greeting, helping with activities such as bingo or quizzes).

By giving some of your spare time, you could make an important contribution towards helping an older person stay active and continue to live independently in their own home. 

Why volunteer?

Volunteering can offer an opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience, make new friends and increase self-confidence. 

Young volunteers can be rewarded for what they do as a volunteer by registering as a Millennium Volunteer, a recognised Award that shows how many hours you have volunteered and looks great on your CV, college, university or job application.

 

If you are interested in learning more, do give us a call on 01597 822191 or email the Powys Volunteer Centre at volunteering@pavo.org.uk. One of our Volunteer Officers, Hannah, Debbie or Michiel will arrange to meet you for a chat.

-- 

Debbie Brooks
Intermediate Care Volunteer Officer / Swyddog Gwirfoddoli Gofal Canolraddol

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO)

Unit 30 Ddole Road Enterprise Park/ Uned 30 Parc Menter Ffordd Ddole

Llandrindod Wells

Powys

LD1 6DF

Tel/Ffôn: 01597 822191
Fax/Ffacs: 01597 822495

Powys Volunteer Centre -  Powys' Gateway to Volunteering 
Canolfan Gwirfoddoli Powys - Porth Powys i Wirfoddoli

Powys Youth Engagement Progression Multi-Agency Board Meeting: January 2015

Do you know of any successes that young people have achieved as a result of being in contact with 3rd sector organisations, either as a volunteer OR has been supported by a 3rd sector organisation?  If so, do let us know.

A meeting of the newly formed Youth Engagement Progression Board held a meeting today (Friday 16th January) to move forward the action plan which will focus on reducing the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).  

We are keen to involve Voluntary Sector Representatives to help feed in views from 3rd sector perspectives and the views of young people.  If you are interested in this role then please contact Yvonne at PAVO to discuss further.

The following are very brief points raised in the meeting and which may be of interest to your organisation.  If you wish to see fuller paper work then please do contact Yvonne at PAVO and you can have copies of papers and discuss further.

Powys Learning & Skills Programme Board

The YEPB will feed directly into the Learning & Skills Programme Board and will will use a format of “Actions, Issues, Achievement” (AIA) to report on good news stories, issues and action.  PAVO will highlight the Volunteer of Year Awards presented in November 2014.

National & Regional Updates

Wales Wide Common Area Prospectus –

http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/decisions/2013/janmar/addysg/LA3883/?lang=en

Schools reluctant to take part due to lack of knowledge of funding situation and what they would be able to offer, within the timescales.

The Prospectus will cover ALL opportunities including traineeships and apprenticeships.

SW & Central Regional Learning Partnership – representation from Powys to be there, includes representative from CVC.  Agreed that Mike Griffiths will attend to represent Powys and feedback.

Evaluation of YEP Framework – interim findings:

Key Issues:

Project management of implementation of action plans.

Post 16 providers – how are those at risk identified.

Post 16 providers – tell CW of those dropping out – needs to be better

Provision mapping – lack of tier 2 provision

http://wales.gov.uk/docs/caecd/research/2014/141216-evaluation-youth-engagement-progression-framework-interim-en.pdf

YEPB: Implementation Sub-Groups

At risk/data sharing group:

Organising and finalising WASPI and ISP to operate information sharing across partner agencies.

NEETS Management

Key piece of work to identify those at risk of exclusion and not in Education, Employment or Training.

Members of this group need to be able to take on the Lead Worker role under the Team Around the Family. 

  

Provision

Involves mapping of provision across the county and identifying gaps in services.  The LRSPs already have a remit to identify gaps in provision.

Funding/Resource Opportunities

Looking at how to optimise funding opportunities, including EU funding streams.

Youth Academy

Intention provide a one stop shop in relation to work experience, apprenticeships, traineeships.

Assist business in offering more young people opportunities and making connections and links.  Partnership working.

Overcome the lack of information for parents/carers and young people about opportunites outside of school.

Gather information in skills gaps.

Fatal & Non-Fatal Drug Poisonings from Heroin

Public Health Wales have received a number of reports over the last few days of both fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings from heroin in both North and South Wales.  Please make relevant service users and other service providers aware along with the relevant harm reduction advice and ensure Naloxone supply available. 

  

Please can you disseminate to all relevant service providers and colleagues in your area.

Diolch yn fawr / Many Thanks

Jacalyn Lewis

Polisi Camddefnyddio Sylweddau, Busnes y Llywodraeth a Chorfforaethol / Substance Misuse Policy, Government & Corporate Business

Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government

Swyddfa Merthyr Tudful Rydycar / Merthyr Tydfil Office Rhydycar

Merthyr Tudful / Merthyr Tydfil

CF48 1UZ

Ffôn / Tel 0300 062 8842

E-bost / Email: Jacalyn.lewis11@cymru.gsi.gov.uk / Jacalyn.lewis11@wales.gsi.gov.uk

www.cymru.gov.uk/camddefnyddiosylweddau / http://wales.gov.uk/topics/people-and-communities/safety/substancemisuse/?lang=en

DAN 24/7 - 0800 6 33 55 88

Llinell Cymorth Cymru ar Gyffuriau ac Alcohol
Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

http://dan247.org.uk/

Cyd Cymru Wales Together Energy Collective Cydweithfa Ynni - Clubbing together to buy cheaper energy

Clubbing together to buy cheaper energy

Residents in Powys are being encouraged to join forces to get a better energy deal through an energy switching scheme.

Cyd Cymru / Wales Together is the collective energy switching scheme for Wales. Registration for the scheme is now open and Powys County Council is encouraging residents to register and get a better energy deal.

For more information please see the links below.

Cyd Cymru - Charter Background

Cyd Cymru business headliner

Cyd Cymru A3 poster

Cyd Cymru - Information English

Cyd Cymru - Information Welsh

Cyd Cymru - Sample text letter - English & Welsh

Clubbing Together Release

FREE Training - Communities 2.0 Low and No Cost Tech Tools to help Organisations do more with less !

Communities 2.0  

FREE Training  Communicating and Sharing Information 

NEW DATE - 18th February 2015 !

Organisations and community groups have so many things to do that it often seems there is no time to look at how technology helps save you time and money.

Communities 2.0 are running a FREE event to show you some of the FREE, and low cost tools that can help your group make managing everyday tasks a breeze:

Communicating and Sharing Information

• Communicating and Sharing Information
• Organising and Running Events
• Developing your Online Presence
• Holding Online meetings
• Consulting with your members

The workshop will be a full day with refreshments and limited to 1 place per organisation. 

Mae gan Sefydliadau a Chymdeithasau gymaint o bethau i'w wneud, yn aml mae'n teimlo nad oes amser i edrych ar dechnoleg er mwyn ein helpu i arbed amser ac arian.

Mae "Communities 2.0" yn rhedeg cwrs AM DDIM i ddangos rhai o'r teclynau rhad fedr helpu wneud ein tasgiau dyddiol yn llawer haws.

● Cyfathrebu a rhannu gwybodaeth.

● Trefnu a rhedeg gweithgareddau.

● Datblygu eich presenoldeb ar-lein.

● Cynnal cyfarfodydd ar-lein.

● Ymgynghori gyda'ch aelodau.

Bydd y gweithdy am ddiwrnod cyfan yn cynnwys cinio bach canol dydd a chyfyngir y gweithdy i un cynrychiolydd o bob sefydliad. 

Bookings can be made online at https://pavo-tech-dec.eventbrite.co.uk

Training will take place on the 18th February 2015 at PAVO Offices, Unit 30 Ddole Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys  LD1 6DF.  Please book using the online form above.

Volunteers for Children & Young People's Groups

We are launching a campaign to recruit the right people to support groups working with children & young people.

To start us off let us know about your volunteering story ...

IF YOU VOLUNTEER:
Do you volunteer as a trustee on a committee?  Working with groups of young people in a youth club? Supporting individual young people?  Being involved with your child's pre-school play group or parent/baby group?

Please share your experiences with us.  We want the whole truth though.  We know it can be challenging fitting everything in but along side that we know there are pay backs. 

IF YOU SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS:
Are you already involved with a group who supports volunteers? What are your top tips in providing volunteers with support?  How do you show your appreciation?  What are the challenges that you face at the moment?

HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM VOLUNTEERS?
Has your family had the support from volunteers?  Are you a young person who sees just how adults are helping you in their own spare time?  What do you appreciate you about your volunteer?  

Share your experiences via this blog or directly with Yvonne at PAVO.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Parents Protect!

Stop it Now! Wales is a child sexual abuse prevention programme funded by the Welsh Government and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. They work to protect children and young people from sexual abuse by working with parents and carers and multi-agency professionals as well as members of the public through awareness raising and education. They also offer a confidential helpline to any adult with a concern about child sexual abuse on 0808 1000 900.

Their services and resources are relevant to parents, carers, professionals, childcare workers, volunteers, school staff; in fact anyone who has contact with children or families in their personal or professional life.

They offer a range of services and resources which include a wide variety of Sessions and Courses, some of which are free of charge. See free sessions below. Sessions and courses with a suggested donation are detailed overleaf.

If any organisations are interested in accessing the FREE training then please let us at PAVO know and if there are enough numbers we can arrange a session.

If any of you are interested in the paid courses and willing to share the cost then please let us know, as well.

Please let us know HERE

Stop It Now Sessions Information / ENG

Stop It Now Sessions Information / WELSH

PAVO Asset Transfer Events - Still Time To Book Your Place

PAVO Asset Transfer Events - Still Time To Book Your Place

Are you thinking about taking on Land or Premises as an asset transfer?

Many community groups and Town and Community Councils in Powys are currently considering whether to take up the opportunity to take over responsibility for running properties from Powys County Council, or are currently already in negotiations to do this.

There is still time to book your organisation's place at PAVO's two forthcoming events that will provide you with information and access to support that will assist your organisation with its decision making and planning.

These events will be of use to representatives of any community organisation or Town or Community Council that is currently involved in, or considering, asset transfers.

Thursday 22 January 2015, 10.00am-3.00pm at Bishop Bevan Hall, Brecon

Tuesday 27 January 2015,  10.00am-3.00pm at the Monty Club, Newtown

At  both sessions there will be:

·         Information about a new funding opportunity from the Big Lottery to support asset transfer projects

·         A presentation on some legal issues to consider when looking at taking on premises or land as an asset transfer,  with the opportunity for questions and answers with a legal professional

·     The opportunity to meet other local organisations considering asset transfers and to share your experiences

Both events will run from 10.00am-2.00pm, with 2.00pm-3.00pm being available for general networking by everyone attending. A light lunch will be provided.

If your organisation would like to book places for representatives to attend either of these events, please contact Melissa Townsend PAVO on 01597 822191 or melissa.townsend@pavo.org.uk  or book on-line at:  Asset Transfer meetings

FREE PLACES OFFERED - Induction Social Care, Working with Autism and Aspergers Awareness and Mental Health Awareness

Last chance to book on Induction Social Care 2 day training as follows:

2^nd & 3^rd February in Neuadd Brycheiniog, Cambrian Way, Brecon LD3 7HR, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Please book your places via Trent Self Service or email pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827507

Aim:

To ensure that social care workers recognize they are engaged in a sector that is covered by a professional Code of Practice and they understand their responsibilities. This training links to the Care Council for Wales and refers to all 7 of the Social Care Induction Framework Learning Outcomes, which supports a common understanding to induction in social care in Wales.

Key Learning Outcomes:

■ Understand the principles and values of care to ensure individuals are treated with dignity & respect

■ Understand your role and responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Practice

■ The principles of health and safety in the workplace

■ Understand the principles of safeguarding and protection

■ Recognise and understand the importance of all forms of communication and how to promote good communication

■ Understand the importance of continuing professional development (CPD)

Last chance to book on the Working with Autism & Aspergers Awareness training as follows:

11^th February 2015, Cartrefi Cymru Office, Brecon  9.30am – 4.30pm

Please book via Trent Self Service or email pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827507

Aim:

To raise awareness of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome by focussing on the variety of issues that an individual on the Autistic Spectrum may face as well as looking at effective ways to support them in different settings.

Key Learning Outcomes:

■ Understand the main characteristics of the Autistic Spectrum

■ Understand how Aspergers fits into the Autistic Spectrum and the particular issues people with Aspergers may face

■ Knowledge of the Triad of Impairments

■ Understand how sensory issues can impact on individuals with an autistic spectrum condition

■ Know how to develop sensory profiles for individuals

■ Be aware of strategies to support an individual on the Autistic Spectrum

We have places available on the Mental Health Awareness training as follows:

18^th February 2015, NPTC Group, Coleg Powys Newtown 9.30am – 12.30pm

25^th February 2015, The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells 9.30am – 12.30pm

11^th March 2015, Neuadd Brycheiniog, Cambrian Way, Brecon LD3 7HR  9.30am – 12.30pm

Please book your places via Trent Self Service or email pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827507

Aim:

This is an awareness raising programme for staff that may come in contact with people who have mental health problems.

N.B. Slide to be included in presentation around raising awareness of carers and young carers

Key Learning Outcomes:

■ Understand the main models of mental health

■ An understanding of key issues connected to race, culture and mental health

■ Knowledge of the causes and symptoms of a range of mental health problems; and treatment and support options that relate to these

■ Awareness of common prejudices and assumptions associated with mental health

■ Treatment and support options

Regards

Training Unit

Powys County Council

01597 827507