Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

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

Neath Port Talbot CVS has organised three local information and funding events, one was held in January and the other two (which were postponed due to poor weather) will be held in March. Information stands will be available from local service providers and funding advice/support will be given. They will be held between 1.00pm and 6.00pm on:

• Thursday 18th March, Peniel Hall,  Glynneath

• Friday 19th March,  St Theodore’s Church, Port Talbot

For more information or to attend please contact Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631246

The National Policing Improvement Agency has launched a website where you can view and download certain local crime statistics for your area via a map interface. It may be of interest and provides comparisons between local areas.

The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into the use and regulation of sunbeds in Wales and is calling for those with an interest or expertise in this area to submit written evidence. Please find attached the background and guidance for witnesses.

From the Neath Port Talbot CBC website:

A new initiative to raise awareness of abuse in all its forms comes under the spotlight next week in Neath Port Talbot.  A DVD ‘Why didn’t we see it?’ is to be launched locally by The South Wales Adult Protection Forum (SWAP) to coincide with Elder Abuse Awareness Day. For more information go to http://www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2482&pr_id=3562

Please see below the website link for Children and Families of Offenders which contains the booklets and posters regarding the impact of prison on family life and also young peoples’ rights in prison.  Please note the link at the top of the page titled ‘Info for CYP partnerships’ as this is particularly useful.  www.cfopathway.org.uk

Information from the Welsh Assembly Government’s website:

A new pilot project to help families with disabled children claim the benefits they are entitled to was announced on 12 May 2009 by Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons. The £500,000 pilot scheme will look over the next two years at the best ways to increase the household incomes of families with disabled children. Citizen’s Advice Cymru will deliver a campaign to increase benefit uptake as part of their existing Wales wide Better Advice Better Health initiative.  http://wales.gov.uk/news/latest/090513benefituptake/?lang=en

Please find attached supplementary information and covering letter by the Department of health for third sector organisations to facilitate planning for a potential pandemic.

The aim of this information is to bring together the UK’s planning assumptions and the Government’s response strategy for the various aspects of an influenza pandemic that will be particularly relevant to the third sector. This will enable those at various levels in all third sector organisations to consider the direct impacts that a pandemic will have on their organisations and ways in which they can protect themselves and others, whilst helping to facilitate the wider response to minimise its impacts on the most vulnerable groups of society.

The consultation proposes new thinking on welfare and sets out plans for improving support and work incentives to create a system that rewards responsibility, gives people the incentive to do the right thing and encourages them to look for work and to seek the skills they need for the future.

The closing date for responses is 22nd October 2008. You can download the document from the Department for Work and Pensions website or download it here.