Update from the Mind the Gap workshop, part of the Wyn Campaign
Thanks to all those who joined us at the The Wyn Campaign’s ‘Mind the Gap’ workshop last month. We aimed to review and explore interfaces between the various services which seek to support Wyn. A mix of frontline staff and managers brought a variety of perspectives and expertise from Local Authorities, the University Health Board and the Third Sector.
In addition we were fortunate to have Professor David Oliver, Visiting Fellow of The Kings Fund and Professor Marcus Longley with colleagues from the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC) join us to support our improvement agenda.
The workshop aimed to achieve the following aims:
· Know and agree what we need to do to improve how we care for Wyn;
· Receive external reflection on the challenges ahead for Wyn and where we need to prioritise our attention;
· Explored what Integration means for the Cardiff and Vale Health and Local Authority partners
Key messages emerging from Professor Oliver’s presentation included:
1 Dealing with frailty is now core business – this needs to be understood as the core job for all specialties across both surgery and
medicine and not something which can be handed off to geriatric services;
2. Systems to treat occasional episodes of care for normally healthy people are out of date – we need to re-design existing systems so that they’re set up to deal with people accessing both medical and surgical services the majority of whom are in the older age profiles and who present with multiple co-morbidities;
3. End to end inter-dependent pathways from ageing well primary prevention strategies through to end of life care – we need to be able to act at pace across this pathway and commit resources to key points;
4. There’s no one way of realizing this, the priority is to focus clinical and service-level care around the needs of the individual – much of
what we’re doing for Wyn is working in the right direction.
The remaining time was spent with staff identifying key actions that now need to be taken forward at an operational level. These include looking at multidisciplinary handover, signposting key services for Wyn, their carers and staff, medicines management and reducing ‘hand-offs’ between services.
These operational-specific actions are being built into a plan which will be taken forward by the relevant Clinical Boards, led by Alice Casey, Chief Operating Officer for the UHB and by leads in Social care for the partnership elements. This will also involve meeting with 3rd sector partners to progress working arrangements and future planning.
Calling all voluntary organisations
Have you got news you want to share?
If you have information about your services, current or new, which you want to share with a wide range of people from voluntary and statutory sectors, then why not let us know. We can make sure your information reaches over 700 people via our website, Networks, e-bulletins and Vista. We’re always interesting in hearing about new services, so let us know what you’re doing and we’ll let everyone else know. Please send information to Linda Pritchard or Ceri Venners at VCVS
Cardiff and Vale Carers Support and Information Network Group (CSING)
CSING met on 17th June and highlighted a number of issues relating to services for carers. These included:
· Positive feedback on the recent Carers Event held in St Fagans, and a request for more voluntary organisations to have stands at next year’s event.
· A need for feedback to the organisations which responded to the Adult Carers Services Review which closed for consultation in February.
· Identified some gaps in services for BME carers.
· Discussed how voluntary organisations can use their service monitoring and evaluation information to influence policy and strategy.
· Gaps in respite services and befriending services for people with dementia.
The next CSING meeting is on 23rd September at VCVS. For more information about CSING visit the VCVS webpage
Diary Marker
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN
SOCIAL CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP PLANNING EVENT
SEPTEMBER 9th from 10:00 – 15:00
THE BEAR HOTEL, COWBRIDGE
Morning Session: The Care Council for Wales will present their key objectives on regulation, workforce planning and developing the professionalism and what it means to you. There will be time to discuss and ask questions.
Afternoon Session: How do we take things forward, what is in place, what may be required, how can we support each other?
Confirmed programme to follow. There will be 60 places available
National Smile Month – ends 20th June, but keep smiling!
Taking place between May 20 and June 20, National Smile Month, organised by the British Dental Health Foundation, is a great opportunity for us to learn a little more about our oral health and find out just why it is so important to our overall well-being.
National Smile Month is the UK’s largest oral health campaign. Right at the heart of it you’ll find three key messages that can go a long way to improving oral health. They are:
· Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
· Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
· Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend
For more information and a range of useful resources follow the link
http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/page/home
This week is Falls Awareness Week
Just a reminder that this week is Falls Awareness Week; an annual safety campaign that is run by Age Cymru. A joint Cardiff and Vale Falls Awareness Event is taking place on 21st June. The event is fully booked, but, if you haven’t been able to book a place we can send you an event report. Please contact us if you would like further information.
For information about Falls Awareness Week and for a range of useful resources, follow this link
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/latest-news/falls-awareness-week-2013/
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Framework for Action
The Framework for Action outlines the Commissioner’s priorities and the changes she expects to see for older people, as well as the role she will play in delivering these changes. These include embedding wellbeing at the heart of public services, driving up the quality of health and social care, protecting and improving community services, standing up for older people at risk of harm and tackling prejudice, inequality and discrimination.
The Commissioner has used the strong, consistent and clear voices of older people to develop five priorities within the Framework for Action:
· Embedding the wellbeing older people at the heart of public services
· Driving up the quality of – and availability and access to – health and social care
· Protecting and improving community services, facilities and infrastructure
· Standing up for older people who are at risk of harm and ensuring that they are safeguarded and protected
· Tackling prejudice, inequality and discrimination
http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/news/news/13-05-23/Framework_for_Action.aspx
Welsh Government’s response to welfare reform in Wales
The UK Government’s Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduces significant changes to the welfare system which has implications for people and communities across Wales.
The Welsh Government is working with partners, such as local authorities and charities, and the UK Government to understand the impact and consequences of the UK Welfare Reform Act 2012 for the people living in Wales.
Benefit payments are not devolved to Wales, but the impact and consequences of the UK Government’s changes will be far-reaching here.
We are currently developing new arrangements and details of these can be found following the link
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/socialjustice/welfare-reform-in-wales/?lang=en
Disclosure & Barring Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). For more information, visit the DBS website
EPP Cymru courses
EPP Cymru run free self-management courses for people living with a long term health problem and people caring for a friend or relative.
On the course, learn how to:
· Cope better with: Pain, Tiredness, Depression, Stress, Loneliness, Sleep, Anger, Frustration, Exercise and Healthy Eating
· Breathe properly
· Relax
· Improve pain levels
· Solve problems
· Plan and succeed
· Make lasting healthy changes
·
Vale of Glamorgan Council Vale Viewpoint
The Vale of Glamorgan Council feels very strongly that it should involve residents in shaping services wherever possible. This is a view shared by a number of other public organisations in the Vale and so they have joined together to create Vale Viewpoint. Vale Viewpoint is a panel of residents in the Vale of Glamorgan who receive three to four surveys a year from the Council on behalf of the Local Service Board, a group which also includes the police, fire service, health board and a number of voluntary groups.
The most recent survey was done in January 2013 via online and postal surveys and 284 people responded. Part of the survey focused on respondents’ experiences of accessing health information. Results showed that most people who responded found the information they were looking for online. They felt that the information which should be prioritised relates to how to stop smoking, alcohol advice on intake and limits, healthy eating and keeping active and exercising. The preferred methods of learning about health and wellbeing were online, printed leaflets, social media and face to face. The results of Vale Viewpoint surveys will help to develop services in the future.
For more information about Vale Viewpoint see
Would you like to publicise your organisation for free through VCVS?
Spotlight interview
We would like to offer member groups the opportunity to publicise their organisations through our Vista magazine (deadlines: 1st July for the July edition and 1st October for the October edition). If you are interested, please complete the following interview which could help your organisation reach a wider audience as well as helping people and other groups understand what you do.
If you do not wish to answer all the questions feel free to include any other information our readers might appreciate. Please keep the piece to 350 words and include any relevant photographs.
Please send the completed Spotlight form, along with any photographs to Mark Stillman at VCVS or post: VCVS, Barry Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road, Barry CF62 9DA
- Name of organisation:What services does your organisation offer?
- Where is your organisation based?What geographical areas does your organisation cover?
- Latest/exciting news (events, projects, training etc):
- What difference are you making in the community?
- What is the most rewarding/enjoyable aspect of the organisations work?
- How can people become involved with your organisation?
- If you could make a wish for your organisation what would it be?
- Contact details:
We reserve the right to edit for publication.
A Disability Forum Information Day
Update on Policy and Practice Developments for Disabled Children, young people and their families in Wales
Tuesday, 16 July 2013; 10am – 3pm
Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AZ
For further information or a booking form, please contact ku.gro.selawninerdlihcnull@sgnikoob
SEWTA Travel Grant Programme
The South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) Travel Grant Programme aims to develop measures that encourage the use of local
sustainable travel. The maximum capital grant available is £10,000 towards sustainable transport initiatives and the implementation of travel plans. Imaginative and practical solutions that address specific travel access issues and seek to reduce single occupancy car use are
sought. Tailored solutions will be encouraged, including proposals to enhance existing services or the provision of new additional
services. Projects must include the creation (or purchase) of assets that last for more than one year (eg infrastructure developments, cycles);
appropriate associated soft measures (eg providing travel information, cycle training) are acceptable in conjunction with a capital
measures.
Examples include:
Cycle parking facility or upgrade.
Pool cycles and associated equipment.
Improved cycle routes/crossing and pedestrian routes/crossing (eg to public transport).
Other provision of improved infrastructure for active and sustainable transport.
Capital assets to support shuttle bus services.
Organisations employing at least 25 people in the following South East Wales authorities are eligible to apply for assistance:
Blaenau Gwent
Bridgend
Caerphilly
Cardiff
Merthyr Tydfil
Monmouthshire
Newport
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Torfaen
Vale of Glamorgan
Schools are eligible as long as they have more than 25 staff and provided there is a travel plan which addresses staff travel and has
appropriate targets for reducing single car occupancy for staff and robust monitoring procedures in place.
Link to guidelines or contact:
Deborah Stux
South East Wales Transport Alliance
Maindy Centre
Crown Way
Cardiff
CF14 3AJ
Tel: 029 2087 8526 or e-mail Deborah or view website.
Less invasive treatment can be as effective as surgery: Cardiff-based specialists in cancer trial findings
A Cardiff-based team of cancer specialists have led the UK arm of a European cancer trial which discovered that less invasive treatment can be as effective as surgery for some breast cancer patients.
The findings of the study mean that radiotherapy could be used instead of more invasive surgical treatment to remove cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Professor Robert Mansel, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the University Hospital Llandough, and Professor of Surgery at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine (Institute of Cancer and Genetics), was chief investigator for the study in the UK.
He said:
“The trial carried out in Europe and the UK studied nearly 5000 women to see if radiotherapy was equivalent to surgical removal of lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit).
“The trial showed clearly that radiotherapy was just as efficient as surgery in preventing cancer coming back in the axilla after a sentinel node biopsy had been done. A sentinel node biopsy involves taking some breast tissue and a small number of nodes to see if further treatment is needed.
“This means that most women will not need to have a second surgery to the axilla after a cancerous node has been found. Removing more tissue in surgery can cause more nerve damage and requires another general anaesthetic.
“Radiotherapy is less invasive and causes much less arm swelling, known as lymphoedema compared to further surgery, and these differences persisted throughout the five years of follow up checks for the patients in the study.
“We started recruiting to this trial in 2007 and 85 patients in Cardiff and the Vale took part, as well as some patients from Manchester Withenshawe Hospital. I have just returned from presenting the results at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, an international conference in Chicago.”
NISCHR Clinical Research Centre Research Nurse, Chris Morris, co-ordinated the study in the UK and supported patients to take part. She said:
“It’s been a privilege to work with patients whose involvement in this study could change the way treatment is delivered and improve future patients’ experience.”
Job Vacancy – Housekeeper
12.5 hours per week
£4,190 – £4,449 per annum
This role requires you to work across two of our Supported Housing Schemes in Cardiff. For a jobpack and application form for the above post and to view all our current vacancies please visit www.taffhousing.co.uk, alternatively email Taff Housing or phone the 24 hour recruitment line on 02920 259 150.
Closing Date: 5pm on Monday 1st July 2013
Interview Date: Friday 12th July 2013
Youth Participation Trainee job vacancy
SALARY/GRADE: JNC Youth and Community Support Worker
Range Point 9
HOURS/PER WEEK: Part-time position: 27 hours
LOCATION: Initially West House Cottage, Penarth
RESPONSIBLE TO: Youth Participation Officer
POST REFERENCE: Y-YS-WH006
For further information please see the following documents:
The closing date for applications is Thursday 27 June 2013
Disclosure and Barring Service – Update Service now available
From today, individuals can now join the Update Service putting them in greater control of their information; allowing them to reuse their DBS certificates when applying for similar jobs. This will reduce bureaucracy and save them time and money.
If an individual subscribes to the Update Service their employer can go online, with their consent, and carry out a free, instant check to find out if the information released on the DBS certificate is current and up-to-date.
Other important changes
To enable individuals to reuse their DBS certificates in the Update Service, Registered Bodies must now include the relevant Workforce in line 1 and the Position Applied For in line 2 of field x61 on the application form.
For full details on how to complete field x61 are available from our website www.gov.uk/dbs.
Find out more
We have updated our guidance to make it clearer for customers and we have taken on board feedback in recent weeks.
Karen Leech
Head of Media, External Relations and Marketing
Pedal Power – Cardiff Cycle Festival Events
Story telling and mask making
What?
Dragon mask -making workshop and storytelling session. Announcement of shortlisted entries for Pedal Power Dragon Art Competition.
When?
Friday 14th June 4pm – 6pm For children of all ages
Where?
Pedal Power Cafe, Pedal Power HQ, Pontcanna Caravan Park, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9JJ
How much?
Free but please phone to book a place 029 2039 0713 as space is limited
Pedal Power‘s Dragon Art Competition Exhibition
What?
Short listed entries from Pedal Power Dragon Art Competition for Children will form an exhibition in the Cardiff Cycle Festival HQ. You are invited to come
and admire their work, read the story behind the Pedal Power Dragon Logo and vote for your favourite picture.
When?
From Saturday 15th June throughout Cycle Festival until Saturday 29th June
Where?
Cardiff Cycle Festival HQ, corner of Royal Arcade and St. Mary Street
How much?
Free
Fun Photo Challenge
What?
A fun, active exploration of Pontcanna Fields and beyond. Collect a map and a photo sheet and see if you can identify all the locations in the pictures. On
your bike, or on foot.
Remember, if you don’t have a bike you can hire from us.
When?
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th from 9am
Where?
Pedal Power HQ, Pontcanna Caravan Park, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9JJ
How much?
£2 per person, only £3 for a family (to cover our printing costs)
Pedal Power Singers
What?
Come and join in a session of the Pedal Power Singers – an informal singing group that celebrates the joy of singing and the sheer fun of making music
together
When?
Mondays 6.30pm – 8pm
Where?
Pedal Power Cafe, Pedal Power HQ, Pontcanna Caravan Park, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9JJ
How much?
Free, donations always welcome
Tea and a Ride at 3 for £3
What?
Tea and a Ride at Three. For aged 60 and over – an exceptional offer for Cycle Festival.
Come to Pedal Power HQ from 3 o’clock onwards and have a cup of tea and some flapjack and get yourself back on a bike for half an hour – all for just £3!!
When?
Tues 18th, Wed 19th, Thurs 20th, Tues 25th, Wed 26th, Thurs 27th
Where?
Pedal Power HQ Pontcanna Caravan Park, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9JJ
How much?
Shockingly ONLY £3!! Limited offer. Please bring proof of date of birth (bus pass etc) as we’re sure you don’t look your age!!
Pedal Power Vintage and Craft Fair
What?
Come to the now legendary Pedal Power Vintage and Craft Fair where you can browse through an extensive collection of extraordinary stalls – cute, kitsch,
quality, there’s something for every taste and purse. Plus Pedal Power Café pops up with a super spread of not-to-be-resisted homemade cakes and treats. A
great excuse to treat yourself to some unusual retail therapy whilst supporting the best cycling charity in the country.
When?
Saturday 29th June 11am – 4pm
Where?
Pontcanna Scout base, Fairfields Road , Pontcanna.
How much?
£1 donation for entry.
Variety Youth Club Programme
Variety believe that a key way of helping disadvantaged youngsters to achieve their ambitions is through supporting youth clubs. These facilities give children the activities and interests which will keep them from resorting to crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs at such a vulnerable stage of their lives. Their work through youth groups and community projects helps to open doors for so many children and young people whom would not otherwise be encouraged to develop their skills and their social networks.
Application Form: Available to download from the website along with guidelines.
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time.
Contact: The Variety Youth Clubs and Grants Manager, Julie Thomas on 020 7428 8120 or email.