Barnardo's West Wales Fostering Panel

The Barnardo's West Wales Fostering Panel are looking for a parent of a disabled child to join us on our panel.  This would involve being part of the panel, meeting quarterly with reading time, a days commitment once every three months.

This panel approves short break carers for both the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Family Link services and helps monitor standards for both services.  You will be paid expenses but unfortunately no salary.  If you are interested, please contact Deirdre Connell, Panel Advisor on 01646 687064

NEWS

Family carers can now access support from the Challenging
Behaviour Foundation on 0845 602 7885

Families caring for sons/daughters with severe learning disabilities can now receive individual telephone support around understanding and managing challenging behaviour for the cost of a local call. 

Some children (and adults) with severe learning disabilities typically display behaviour which may put themselves or others at risk, or which may prevent the use of community facilities or an ordinary home life.  This behaviour may be in the form of aggression, self injury, stereotyped behaviour or disruptive and destructive behaviours.

Whilst anyone may at times display challenging behaviour, the work of the Challenging Behaviour Foundation is aimed at helping those with severe learning disabilities.  Severe learning disability (sometimes referred to as severe intellectual disability or severe mental handicap) is a developmental disability and refers to individuals who have either no speech or limited communication and require support with daily living skills such as dressing and eating.

Family carers experiencing these issues can now access individual information and support from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation Family Support Worker on 0845 602 7885.

Originally started by a parent to provide help and information to other parents, the Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s expertise is now recognized by a growing number of learning disability professionals.  Email support is also available, and families and professionals are invited to contact info@thecbf.org.uk to find out more about the information, resources and support available from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, which specializes in challenging behaviour associated with severe learning disabilities.  All information, resources and support free to family carers.

For more information contact:  The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, The Old Courthouse, New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BE, email info@thecbf.org.uk , telephone 01634 838739 (general enquiries) 0845 602 7885 (Family Support Worker) or visit www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk

 

 

2008 Easter Egg Run

A fun day was had by all on Sunday 16th March.  Some 300 motor bikes travelled around Pembrokeshire before joining our party at the Camrose Community Centre, Pelcomb Cross.  A big thank you to the 3 Amigo's who once again arranged the bike ride and collected Easter eggs which were distributed to all the Children/Young people who were at the party.  Surplus eggs were given to SNAP and Holly House for distribution.

While at the Party, the Children/Young people got the opportunity to play instruments and sing songs with Bongo Clive who also surprised two birthday boys by singing "Happy Birthday" and "The Happy Song" to them.

 There was also the opportunity to try out circus skills with Circus Malarkey.  After all that the children/young people got the chance to have their face painted or show off their talents in our Arts and Crafts corner with Jenny Blackmore.

We would like to thank all those involved including St Johns Ambulance (who were on hand to offer assistance) and to the volunteers who gave up their Sunday afternoon to ensure everything ran smoothly.

We look forward to seeing you all at next years Easter party.

News/Events/Training

MERLIN'S MESSENGER: Issue 13 June 2008

Children's Centre Update

There are babies on the horizon.  Both Kate and Delyth are expecting a happy event and will be taking mate rnity leave shortly.  We are excited for them but will miss them while they are away.  However, two replacement workers have been recruited to cover the maternity leave but only on a part-time basis.  Their names are Laura and Siobhan, and they will start in July and September respectively.  The service offered by the centre will be slightly reduced but we will endeavour to respond as usual to requests for information and advice and continue to support the families with whom we are currently involved but taking on new work will probably not be possible.

 The Easter party was great fun as usual with lots of bikers arriving with loads of Easter Eggs.  Earlier in May, we consulted with young people who have a Key Worker and they expressed very positive views and some funny ones about their Key Worker.  We had planned to make a DVD to give informtaion about leisure activities direct to young people but unfortunately we were not successful in our bid for funding but we will keep trying.

 Here's hoping for good weather over the summer so that we can all enjoy the activities available and our beautiful coastline and countryside

Are you interested in MUSIC WORKSHOPS/JAM SESSIONS?

Under 16's 4.30pm Fridays, 16 and Over 6pm Fridays.

At The Jam Shop, Goat Street, Haverfordwest.

All abilities welcome!

For further details or to book, call Brenda 01348 831 678 or Ian 01437 563749.  Places are limited so book early!!!

 

Pembrokeshire Team Challenge and Quadrathlon

Saturday 6th September @ Neyland Yacht Club

A fun event raising money for local good causes:  Parents Action Group and Welsh Sailing Venture

Join in or just come along to support the participants.

For an entry form and further details contact: Martin Dyde on 01646 684059, email martin@dydem.freeserve.co.uk Website www.ptcq.co.uk

 

Community Legal Advice

What is Community Legal Advice?

Community Legal Advice is a free and confidential advice service paid for by legal aid.  It's an easy - to - use service that helps people deal with their legal problems.  We provide free legal advice, help and information, through a telephone helpline, and award winning website and a range of leaflets.

OUR HELPLINE: 0845 345 4 345

  • People who live on a low income or benefits can call 0845 345 4 345 for free independent advice about dept, education, benefits and tax credits, employment and housing problems.
  • Calls cost no more than 4p per minute from a BT landline but calls from mobiles are usually more.  If a caller is worried about the cost, they can ask an advisor to call them back.
  • Advice is available from 9 to 6.30 Monday - Friday.  If you call outside office hours, just leave a message and you will be called back.
  • Typetalk calls welcome and Minicom 0845 609 6677 available.
  • The helpline has a translation service if you would like advice in a language other than English or Welsh.

OUR WEBSITE:  www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

  • Find a local solicitor or advice service for a range of legal problems
  • Find out if you are eligible for legal aid using our calculator
  • View or print legal information leaflets.

OUR LEAFLETS:

  • Are written by independent experts
  • They are available in English, Welsh, Braille and Audio
  • MultiKulti, one of our partners has translated our Equal Opportunities and Racial Discrimination leaflets into Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish and Turkish.
  • Call 0845 3000 343 to order large numbers of leaflets.

For more information please contact: Marcus Ponting on 029 20 647 249 or email marcus.ponting@legalservices.gov.uk

 

SUMMER PLAY SCHEMES

STOP PRESS!!!  Pembrokeshire Activity Scheme WILL BE RUNNING during the last 3 weeks of the Summer holidays.  Application forms need to be in by 25th July and are available from Pembrokeshire Children's Centre or by contacting Tim Moss on 01646 683919.  Tim can also be contacted regarding information on mainstream play schemes.

Portfield School are holding their Summer Playscheme starting Wednesday 23rd July for 3 weeks (weeks commencing Wednesday 23/07/08, Tuesday 29/07/08 and Tuesday 05/08/08).  Each day will start at 9.30 and finish at 3.30, costing £5 per day.  Transport will not be provided.

The Disabled Young Persons Project are holding Saturday sessions at the Garage (behind Haverfordwest Library) on June 28th and July 5th.  Wednesday sessions will also be held throughout the summer.  These dates are: 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August and 27th August.  These will also be held at the Garage with the exception of Wednesday 20th August as the Garage is unavailable that day so they are hoping to have a trip out.

SPLASH is a free activity programme that runs during the school holidays.  It is available to all 13-17 year olds living in Pembrokeshire.  Activities include Kayaking, Canoeing, Abseiling, Coasteering, Climbing, Sailing, Surfing and many more.  We offer free pick up points around the county.  If you are interested in being included, please contact Tessa on 01646 622 013.

During the school summer holidays Pembrokeshire Youth Service will be offering free activities to young people aged 8 - 18 years in North Pembrokeshire.

Sessions will be run from 10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.15pm - 4.00pm from Monday to Thursday in the following communities:

4th - 7th August Solva (Football club)

11th - 14th August Clynderwen (The Pavilion)

18th - 20th August North Pembrokeshire Sports Tournaments (Goodwick Sports Club)

In each community there will be a range of qualified, bilingual youth workers with access to resources which will enable young people to participate in music, art and craft, team building, environmental, community and sports activities.

For further information please contact:  Heidi on 01437 775845 heidi.holland@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or Liz on 01437 776635 liz.griffiths@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.

 

PORTFIELD SCHOOL

Abigail Knight is the new Parent Partnership Officer in Portfield School.  Abbi will be setting up coffee mornings to run once a month in Holly House.  These will give the parents the opportunity to meet together in a relaxed atmosphere to listen to guest speakers and join in with workshops.

Abigail will also be working alongside the sixth formers while they carry out work experience with the local businesses.

GREAT SUCCESS AT GYMNASTICS COMPETITION

On Thursday 17th April, fifteen pupils from Portfield School, Haverfordwest travelled to the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff to compete in the 2008 Rotary Clubs of Wales Gymnastics Championships.

All the pupils were awarded medals for participating in their disciplines but several pupils did particularly well including Jamie Jay who received the 1st place trophy in the "floor" senior section, Poppy Kirner, also a senior, came 1st in the "ball" routine in the wheelchair rhythmic gymnastics section, and Louis White, a junior, was awarded a 2nd place trophy for the "hoop", and also a 3rd place for the "ball" sections in the wheelchair rhythmic gymnastics.

All the pupils are looking forward to taking part in next years competition and working hard to try and qualify again, and perhaps do even better.

 

"LOOKING AFTER ME"

A free six week self-management course for adult carers

In October 2007, Pembrokeshire LHB successfully ran the first Looking After Me course for adult carers.  As it name implies the course was about carers making time to look after their own health needs.  The course ran with 16 participants who's caring roles ranged from caring for a child, spouse, parent, in-law or friend.  One participant summed up the benefits of the course by saying:

"The course has benefitted me in many ways.  I have gained a lot of confidence in myself...it has helped me come to terms with a lot of things in my life.  I am recognising that I really need to understand myself and my needs, and that actually I have to say no sometimes to other peoples needs.  I have remembered that I am a woman, a human being in my own right with hopes and ambitions.  My whole family seems to have lifted itself up a notch.  since the course finished, my  husband and I have been able to have some time together, without our son, because I have allowed my younger children to have time with their brother which has taken away the need for me to constantly clock watch."

LOOKING AFTER ME is a free course for any adult who gives help to a relative or friend who is ill, disabled, elderly or in need of emotional support - in other words a Carer.  It is led by trained tutors who themselves have experience of caring and is run over six weekly, 2 1/2 hour sessions including coffee/tea breaks.

VENUE & LOCATION - Cricket Club, Haverfordwest

START AND FINISH DATE - Every Tuesday from 23rd September to 28th October 2008

TIME - 10.30am to 1pm

To book your place, register your interest in a future course or to discuss your support needs to allow you to take part in the programme, call The Expert Patients Programme on 01554 744492.

USEFUL WEBSITES

Boots the Chemist and the British Medical Journal have together launched new health information website on a range of conditions.  The information is based on the BMJ's "Clinical Evidence" Series of Systematic Reviews.  The reviews set out which treatments definately work, those which are likely to work and those which don't work or may be harmful.  Some of the conditions covered will be relevant to children.

www.askbootshealth.com

The website of a private children's physiotherapy practice describes what kind of physical work can be done for a range of conditions including DCD/dyspraxia; sensory processing/integration disorders; autism/ASD; ADHD; cerebral palsy; developmental delay and dyslexia/specific learning difficulties.

www.juliadyer.com

Financial information: tax, savings, families, benefits, teaching children about money, hints and tips about money management etc.  By TV personality Jasmin Birtles.

www.moneymagpie.com

PEMBROKESHIRE CARERS EMERGENCY CARD SUPPORT SERVICE

Do you worry about what would happen to the person you look after if you were suddenly taken ill or had an accident?

If "Yes", then the Carers' Emergency Card Support Service is for you.

What is the Carers' Emergency Card?

It is a credit card sized card that you carry with you at all times.  It is used as an instant source of identification in case of accident or sudden illness.

The British Red Cross and Pembrokeshire Crossroads will hold your number and details where help can be co-ordinated to assist you both, while you are receiving attention.  By making a brief phonecall, help can be summoned for the person you look after.

What are the benefits to carers?

  • Carers are offered 24 hour a day emergency cover
  • Carers feel less anxious and more free to go out
  • Carers have peace of mind if something happens to stop them getting home.

Is there a charge?

No, the service is free to Carers

How do I join the service?

You can join the service by completing an enrolment form which can be obtained from the British Red Cross:- Tel: 01792 772146, Fax: 01792 784910 or by writing to: British Red Cross, Carers Card Registration, Villiers House, Charter Court, Phoenix Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, SA7 9FS

What next?

Return your completed form to the British Red Cross at the Swansea address.  On receipt of your completed form, they will register you with the service, issue you with a card and return to you a copy of your enrolment form.

How do I use the card?

Always carry the card with you.  It is important that this identification is found quickly.  If at all possible, clip it to your coat, wallet or handbag.  It needs to be one of the first things that anyone who comes to your assistance sees or finds.