Wednesday 29 February 2012

Wales on the Edge - Benefit Cuts

The Cuts Watch Cymru report - Wales on the Edge - highlights that almost all people who currently receive some sort of Government benefit, whether it is universal benefits such as Winter Fuel Allowance or Child Benefit, or means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Income Support,  will be affected in some way.  It concludes that the changes to benefits could pull the rug from under the feet of thousands of people in Wales, often already the most vulnerable such as children and disabled people, as they face uncertainty about their income and the possibility of substantial cuts. These changes come at a time when Wales’s economic situation is already weak and job prospects are extremely limited, leaving people ill-prepared to cope. The Cuts Watch Cymru coalition is urging the Welsh Government and Local Authorities to plan ahead to cushion the blows that will affect so many people in Wales.
The report analyses the main benefits claimed in Wales, identifies recent and proposed changes to them, and highlights some evidence on the impact of changes to date. For example:
180,000 people claiming benefit (ESA or Incapacity Benefit) because they are sick or disabled will have their claims re-assessed over the next few years, with only about 5% being expected to be eligible for support because they are too ill to work. The rest will be transferred to work-related benefits, which will be means-tested so claimants with a partner will not receive anything, or off benefits altogether.
40,000 people living in social housing and claiming Housing Benefit will lose an average of £11 a week because they have a spare bedroom, forcing them to move house or face a cut in income.  
75,000 claimants of Job Seekers’ Allowance and 30,000 lone parents with children over 5 years old who claim Income Support will face tough tests to show they are seeking work.
1.2 million older people have lost between £50 and £100 in Winter Fuel Payments.
Many households will be affected several times over, for example if they receive more than one benefit such as Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit, and most benefits will also change with the introduction of Universal Credit.

House Share Support Service

This is a new crisis intervention support service for people aged 16-35 who currently live in Denbighshire and who are either assessed as having independent living skills or have completed a programme of housing related support to develop living skills (e.g. within a supported housing project).  The purpose of the project is to support young vulnerable people in dealing with the issues, obstacles and problems which can arise from living independently in shared accommodation.
Referrals for this service will be expected either to have a tenancy in shared accommodation or to have a clear interest in a specific tenancy in shared accommodation (e.g. be on the point of signing a tenancy agreement before moving in).
All referrals will have been identified as needing support in a number of areas relating to sharing accommodation.  It is expected that referrals will be supported for a maximum of 3 months at a time.
Contact Details:
Simon Farrell
Office - 01745 355007
Mobile - 07769878915

Monday 27 February 2012

Kids Fun Club 2012

A fun out-of-school activity club!

8 - 11 years, 12 - 15 years, 16 - 24 years, with ANY special needs.

Multi Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama, Dance, Healthy Eating, Gardening, Cooking, Intergenerational Shows, Environment, IT, Millennium & Young Volunteers, Sports Leaders, Community Leaders, Own Fun Council, Plus lots more and all done in a FUN way.

Our Mission Statement
The aim of the Kids Fun Club is to support young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual and social potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local communities.

School Term Sessions
Saturday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00
Saturday 10am - 4pm - Fun Club - £5.00

School Holidays
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 4pm - Holiday Club - £5.00
Saturday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00
Saturday 10am - 4pm - Fun Club - £5.00

Lunch Plate is £1.50 or bring a packed lunch, (Breakfast & Lunch Plate - £2.00).

We only close 4 weeks a year, 2 weeks after the summer holidays are over, and then 2 weeks over Christmas & New Year.

We are a club for young people led by young people. For more information please check out our website www.thekidsfunclub.org

Kids Fun Club, John Davies Building, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.Tel: 01745 889444.
Mob: 07943611262.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2012

‘Women and men united to end violence and domestic abuse against women’

Hear from inspirational speakers on the 2012 International Women’s Day theme. Discuss how we can challenge the inequalities and attitudes that cause violence against women.

Refreshments will be provided.

To reserve a place at the event, please contact Ethne Biggs at the NFWI-Wales Office on 029 2022 1712 or by e-mail on e.biggs@nfwi-wales.org.uk

International Women’s Day event
Llandudno Town Hall
Monday 5th March 2012
10.00am – 3.00pm

Monday 20 February 2012

South West Rhyl Communities First - Volunteer Recruitment Day

Thursday 23rd February 2012 @ 10am – 3pm.

John Davies Community Facility, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

Meet organisations looking for volunteers and find out what training is available to help you get the career you want.

Some organisations that will be there looking for volunteers are as follows:
  • Step Up Information Bus
  • Denbighshire Heritage Services
  • Millennium Volunteers
  • Kids Fun Club
  • Ladder of Life - Gateway Project
  • Royal British Legion
  • Dial a Ride
  • Rhyl in Bloom
  • and many more.
Excellent opportunity to enhance your C.V

Free raffle for all attendees, prize - food hamper.

Please call 01745 332528 for more details.

Wear Red Day 2012

We Invite YOU to join US

Sat 18th February to 'Our Wear Red Day' at John Davies Building, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

10am - 12pm - Skipathon & Coffee Morning.
12pm - 1pm - Lunch (£1.00 per head).
1pm - 3pm - Dance workshop & Dance off Competition.

Cadburys Activities, Tombola, Rag a Bag Raffle etc. (for each bag of old clothes you bring we give you a ticket for raffle).

Hope to see you there.

The Young People of the Kids Fun Club.

Monday 13 February 2012

National Survey for Wales

In 2012, six hundred local residents will be contacted by the Welsh Government by letter asking them to take part in the National Survey for Wales. This research will involve an interviewer coming to their home, and they will randomly select one person in the household to take part in a short interview. Residents will be asked a number of questions about their quality of life and their views on local public services like health, public transport and schools.
If the interviewer calls at a time that is not convenient, they will be happy to make an appointment for another time.
The survey interviews are being carried out by two specialist research companies: TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research Ltd. All TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research interviewers carry a Market Research Society Interviewer Identity Card. You should not let anyone into your home if they do not show you this card.
To find out more please view the Welsh Government's National Survey for Wales www.wales.gov.uk/nationalsurvey
To contact the Welsh Government team that runs the National Survey, email surveys@wales.gsi.gov.uk

The ACE Club

The ACE club is a community group that is run by and for younger people living with Alzheimer's or related conditions and their families and supporters. They are a self funding group that meets regularly, membership is open to anyone who has experience of having a diagnosis of a dementia pre the age of 65 (whatever their age now), their partners & families.

They also have Friends of ACE membership for anyone who feels they can support our work in the community.

The club has a just launched a new initiative in kind association with the RSWCRA - ACE in the PARK  (Botanical Gardens, Grange Road, Rhyl) - they are holding their first fundraising event at the Cafe on Saturday 18th Feb at 10.30am - 1pm.

They are also hosting the community cafe on Tuesday mornings from the 21st Feb until late March.

Thursday 9 February 2012

Partnership Project & Development Manager - Single Point of Access (Health and Social Care)

Salary: Grade 11 £34,549 -£38,961
Subject to Evaluation
Temporary secondment in to Adult Social Services for 12 months starting ASAP. The opportunity is open to health or social care professionals working within Denbighshire with appropriate qualifications knowledge and experience.

The successful post holder will manage and support the development of a new, effectively co-ordinated single point of access, single point of assessment and care co-ordination (SPA) for preventative and rehabilitation work for adults across Denbighshire. Denbighshire is to be an all Wales Demonstrator site for this project.
The successful applicant will be a Graduate, with experience of public, voluntary and community sectors and have experience of working in a health, social care or related setting with a proven record of managing partnership work, project management and leading initiatives.
Transformational leadership skills, creative thinking and having the ability to command professional credibility across partners and agencies at a senior level will be essential.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the post, please call Cathy Curtis-Nelson on 01824 706501.

An application form and job description can be downloaded from our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk or alternatively a pack can be requested by contacting the Corporate Customer Service Centre on 01824 706101 or write to: Customer Service Centre, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN or email customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

If you have not received a reply within three weeks of the closing date, you must assume that you have not been short listed for interview.

West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme

Martin Wright Associates are currently working on West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme on behalf of Denbighshire County Council.
In addition to the construction element of the scheme (currently progressing well on site), a significant amount of public engagement has been undertaken to raise awareness of flooding and flood risk with the overall aim of leaving a legacy of improved resilience in the local community.
It is envisaged that this website will remain live following the completion of the construction element of the works and will provide information such as flooding advice to the public should an event occur in the future.

Sunday 5 February 2012

Chat Away Coffee Club

Chat Away Coffee Club is based in Denbighshire, North Wales.  They were originally created by Cerys Greenall (Outreach Officer, C-Saw Autism Initiatives).

Their group aims to support
carers
of children living with Autism, ADHD or any behavioral problem whether diagnosed or going through the process of diagnoses. 

Sessions take place each week on a Friday at The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las in Rhyl, from 12.30pm - 2.30pm, and as from 22 February 2012 each Wednesday from 9.30am - 12.00pm at Margaret Morris Centre, Denbigh. There will be various guest speakers who give advice to
carers,
which can range from benefits to cyber bullying. 

If you would like further information please contact:
Facebook: Chat Away Coffee Club.
Mobile number: 07747600271 or 07826545845.
Address: The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las, Rhyl, Denbighshire.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Get Into Hospitality course

This will be run in conjunction with Clwyd Leisure – this is a brilliant opportunity, after the last course 8 young people were hired directly by them!

It is a two week employment programme for 16-25 year old living in the Denbighshire and Conwy areas. All transport is paid for and a meal will be provided each day.
Clients will gain a variety of qualifications and complete work experience in a variety of areas within the Nova centre.
The course will run on 20th Feb, with the taster day being held on the 15th Feb.
For more information or to book your place on the course, please contact:
Vicky Evans on 01745 366680 - Extension 2702, or 07769973600. Or by email on vicky.evans@princes-trust.org.uk

The Launch Programme

The Launch Programme is a 3 week pre-employment training programme to give young people a taster into the Catering and Hospitality Industry, starting on the 20th February 2012.

The Course will include:
  • Employability Skills
  • Soft Skills
  • Taster sessions in Catering & Hospitality
  • Qualifications in BTEC ‘Jamie’s Home Cooking Skills’
  • BTEC in Work Skills & Food Hygiene Certificate
This is a 3 week programme Monday to Thursday from 12.30pm – 4.00pm. Referrals must be aged 16 - 24 years living in the Denbighshire area. They must show an interest to want to work in this industry and be committed to attend the whole 3 weeks. There will be allowance of £10 a day per young person to support with lunch and transport.

Upon completion of the course the group will be invited to an end of programme celebration meal at the Taste.academy. Each individual will be given an opportunity for an interview for a possible ILM placement with Taste.academy. Exit interviews will be conducted with each individual, with progression support for each participant to assist with helping to find employment or further training.

Everyone interested in the programme must attend a one 2 one information session on the 16th February. This will include an overview of the programme with an informal interview for the course. There are 12 places for the course therefore there maybe a selection process. All successful candidates will need black trousers and non-slip steel cap boots or shoes to be able to take part in this course.

For more information please contact:

Sian Deal
Tel: 07587880835
Rathbone Cymru,
The Hub,

69-75 Wellington Road,
Rhyl, LL18 1BE.