Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

A new guidance leaflet, ‘My Life, My Way’,  which gives young disabled people information and advice on making the right choices about their future was launched on 4^th March 2010 by Deputy Minister for Children, Huw Lewis.  For more information go to the Welsh Assembly Government website. 

Source: Welsh Assembly Government website

To make our communities the safest place to live, work and visit, The South Wales Fire Service are hosting two fire safety seminars for Older and Disabled People. The seminars will be held on 11th March 2010 at The Orbit Centre, Merthyr Tydfil from 10am – 3pm and on 23rd March 2010 at Cardiff County Hall from 10am – 3pm.  Telephone 01443 232000 or e-mail swfs@southwales-fire.gov.uk to book a place. The closing date is 18th February 2010.

Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, has been invited to present evidence to the Independent Commission on Social Services in Wales. The meeting will take place on
10 February. If you have any evidence or comments about social services (either positive or negative) that you would like Rhian to include in her presentation, please forward them by 5pm on Monday 8 February to Kelly Stuart at: kelly.stuart@disabilitywales.org If you would like to comment but are unable to do so by email for any reason, please call the office on 02920 887325.

Disability Wales and Disability Arts Cymru will be running three workshops around Wales providing an opportunity for disabled people to tell their story. All workshops are free and run from 10am until 3.30pm. Dates/venues: 25th January (Theatre Mwldan, Cardigan), 2nd Feb (Wrexham Arts Centre, Wrexham), 9th Feb (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff). To secure your place and make sure your experiences are told contact Disability Wales on 02920 887325 or info@disabilitywales.org

The Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, has published a wide-ranging plan to improve the blue badge scheme for disabled parking. For more information go to the Welsh Assembly Government website.
Source: Welsh Assembly Government Website

Ceri James (POVA Coordinator) and Liz Woods (Deputy Adult Protection Coordinator) have put together a visual flow chart on the POVA procedure which they are in the process of rolling out to all services.  A copy is available to download.  This should be printed in colour, laminated and placed in strategic locations to assist staff in ensuring they follow the correct procedure in the event of an alert or disclosure or abuse/neglect.

“In Safe Hands” sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s framework for adult protection procedures across Wales. It was issued in July 2000 & the guidance has been updated and extended by supplements issued in 2003 and in April 2009. The latest update replaces the earlier guidance on the role of the Inspectorate. Copies of the latest guidance are available on the  “In Safe Hands” sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s framework for adult protection procedures across Wales. It was issued in July 2000 & the guidance has been updated and extended by supplements issued in 2003 and in April 2009. The latest update replaces the earlier guidance on the role of the Inspectorate. Copies of the latest guidance are available on the Welsh Assembly Government website.

Source: Welsh Assembly Government website

The Welsh Assembly Government has published revised guidance which strengthens arrangements to protect and safeguard vulnerable adults. The statutory guidance – ‘In Safe Hands’ – has been updated following public consultation. 

Source: Welsh Assembly Government website

The Assembly Government has launched its Green Paper, ‘Paying for Care in Wales’.  Consultation on the Green Paper proposals will run until 28 February 2010.  As part of the publicity around this consultation, a leaflet has been prepared for distribution within local libraries, GP surgeries and Citizens Advice Bureaux.  The A4 bilingual leaflet advertises the fact that the consultation is taking place, promotes the website www.payingforcareinwales.net, and encourages people to respond. The leaflet is available to download in English and Welsh.

Developing Awareness and Communication with Deaf and Deaflbind People training is being held at Carmarthen Library on the following dates:

• 22^nd February 1 – 3.30pm
• 1 March 1 – 3.30pm
• 15 March 1 – 3.30pm
• 22 March 1 – 3.30pm
• 19 April 1 – 3pm
• 20 April 1 – 3pm
• 10 May 1 – 3pm
• 17 May 1 – 3pm
• 24 May 1 – 3pm.

Venue – Carmarthen Library, 9 St Peters St, Carmarthen, SA31 1LN.

For more information or to attend contact Shirley David on 01646 651655 or book online at www.bestuk.org.uk.