Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

Following approval from the Wales European Funding Office in April 2009, the Big Lottery Fund have committed £9.5m towards Life Skills projects for care leavers, carers/former carers and economically inactive families. The Life Skills project is the first time that Big Lottery Fund money has been matched with European Social Fund (ESF) at source.

They are now in a position to offer further funding to support Older People to help get them back into education, training, volunteering, or employment.

As with the other rounds within the Life Skills project, it will follow a strict competitive tender process. Further information about the project can be found at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Two briefing events are being held in September to enable people to gain a fuller understanding of these further procurement rounds of funding and how to apply under the Life Skills project. They will be held on the following dates at the following locations:

10.30am -12pm Wednesday 1st September at Bangor University
10.00am -11.30am Friday 3rd September at the YMCA in Newport

If you would like to attend one of the briefing events please complete and return the attached reply slip to LifeSkillsWales@biglotteryfund.org.uk or contact Betty Smith on 01686 611702.  Please book your space as soon as possible as spaces are limited.

Volunteers are sought for the following ‘Learn with Grandma’ event and to help at in the office:

- Margam Country Park (Neath Port Talbot) on 18th August 2010

If you are interested, please contact Val on 01550 720994 or email valwoodgaiger@aol.com. Alternatively you can contact the NPTCVS Volunteer Centre on 01639 631387.

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is undertaking a Review on whether older people are treated with dignity and respect whilst in hospital.The aims of the Review are:

• to consider older people’s experiences, both good and bad, when they are hospital in-patients
• to make practical recommendations where people are not treated with dignity and respect and
• to spread good practice where they are.

Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service is currently gathering evidence that will be submitted to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.  If you would like to provide evidence for the review please complete the questionnaire on the Older Persons Page and return by Friday 6th August 2010

If you live in Neath Port Talbot and are interested in issues affecting those over 50, would you like to be one of the voices of older people in the area? The Older Persons’ Council is looking for enthusiastic and committed people who are in regular contact with older people in the community.

The Older Persons’ Council is a link with those over the age of 50 and the Local Authority, the Welsh Assembly Government and organisations that have an influence over the lives of all older people.  Then please contact us on opc@npt.gov.uk  or by  telephoning 01639 763418.

The Neath Port Talbot Older Persons’ Council (OPC) are looking for people over the age of 50, with enthusiasm, drive and commitment to apply for selection onto their reserve member list.  They are particularly looking for older people who throughout their lives have acquired experiences and skills which could benefit the OPC and their work, or those who are involved in their community and have an overview and understanding of the issues which affect the quality of life of those over the age of 50.  The OPC was formed in 2005 as an independent body of twelve people.  They receive support and training to develop their expertise and communication skills to further the aims of the Neath Port Talbot Strategy for Older People, along with giving another voice to the older residents of Neath Port Talbot enabling them to contribute towards and influence the provision of local and national services and policies, particularly those that have an impact upon the lives of older people.  For more information contact Grace Halfpenny at g.c.halfpenny@neath-porttalbot.gov.uk

Older and disabled people can get help from the government via the BBC run Switchover Help Scheme. The Help Scheme can still help eligible people around Wales until 30^th April 2010. There is a free helpline number: 0800 4087655 or textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.  Welsh Language: 0800 4085904.  For more information, please visit the help scheme website or e-mail info@helpscheme.co.uk.

We believe their financial care tomorrow is as crucial as it is today

Are you unsure about how best to leave your loved one with a learning disability money in your will? Planning ahead can make all the difference to those close to you, and provide you with peace of mind.

At Mencap, we understand that you are probably worried about how your loved one will manage their financial affairs when you are no longer around and concerned that a large amount of money may leave them in a vulnerable position. You may also be keen to ensure that they continue to receive their benefits but still enjoy their full inheritance.The Wills and Trusts team provide parents, families and carers with free booklets about writing wills and setting up trusts for the benefit of a loved one with a learning disability.We also organise free seminars around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The free two-hour seminars offer vital, specialist legal advice and give parents and carers a much needed opportunity to get answers to those difficult questions – that often make the process seem so daunting.

The next Planning for the Future events in your area are:

Monday 26th April, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Function Room C, City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3ND

Tuesday 27th April, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

G10 Conference Room, Canolfan Gorseinon Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon, SA4 4QN

Wednesday 28th April, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

The Council Chambers, National Library of Wales, National Library of Wales, Penglaif, Aberystwyth, Ceredigon, SY23 3BU

Thursday 29th April, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Carmarthen Leisure Centre, Llansteffan Road. Johnstown, Carmarthen, SA31 3NQ

Friday 30th April, 1230pm – 2.30pm

HSBC Room, Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, 77 Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL28 4LR.

To book a place, please contact Gina Collins on 0207 696 6925 or email willsandtrusts@mencap.org.uk

If cannot make the event but would like information about providing for someone with a learning disability in your will call the team on: 020 7696 6925, www.mencap.org.uk/willsandtrusts or willsandtrusts@mencap.org.uk

Source: Mencap Cymru

The Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales, Ruth Marks, announced that her first Review will be on the treatment of older people whilst they are in hospital, especially in relation to dignity and respect. Ruth is also glad to announce that the Review will be chaired by Dame Deirdre Hine DBE FFPH FRCP. More information from the press release can be found on the Older People Wales website.

Councillor Peter Rees has been appointed Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council. Councillor Rees, who represents the Neath South ward, holds the Cabinet Portfolio for Social Care, Health and Housing. He is also the Council’s Older Persons’ Champion.

Source: Neath Port Talbot CBC 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.