Welcome to the August Newsletter
Say 'Goodbye' to NVQ and 'Hello' to QCF
Some of the last staff to do an NVQ!
Sue is looking forward to telling everyone about QCF.
We’re on the Web!
www.communitylives.co.uk
Words from Chris & Rick
Welcome to another fun filled Newsletter with lots of stories and photos showing everyone having a great time. We would like to say a fond fare- well to Peter Thomas who is retiring after being with us for 13 years. He will be popping back from time to time so you may still see him in the office! We would like to thank him for all his hard work and commit- ment to the Consortium. The new Human Resource Manager, Joanne Davies has now started with us so we would like to officially welcome her to the Consortium. I’m sure you will get to know her over time – her photo is now on the wall in reception! I’m sure you will enjoy the articles in this letter. Well done to Jane as she has taken over from Debbie as Editor and I’m sure you’ll agree she has done a good job. Also a big ‘Thank you’ to Deb for editing the past Newsletters!
Thanks Chris & Rick
Chris and Rick
Health & Safety Award 2010
Peter Thomas went along to the Dinner and Dance at the Village Hotel in June this year to receive an award from Swansea & West Wales Occupational Safety Group for CLC’s outstanding safety performance 2010. CLC has won this award for 2 year’s running, so well done everyone at CLC for their commitment to keeping our workplace and Service User’s home environment a safe place to be.
Relatives’ Forum Update
Understanding the Mental Capacity Act: Consent and Best Interests.
Relatives’ Forum Held on Wednesday 11th May 2011.
Our guest for the evening was Chris Griffiths, Consultant Nurse for Learning Disability Services.
Chris gave a short presentation on ‘Understanding the Mental Capacity Act: Consent and Best Interests’ followed by an informal discussion about the Mental Capacity Act in practice and the impact it has on Service Users and their relatives.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005, covering England and Wales, provides a statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.
It sets out who can take decisions, in which situations, and how they should go about this. The Act received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005 and came into force during 2007.
The term ‘a person who lacks capacity’ means a person who lacks capacity to make a particular decision or take a particular action for themselves at the time the decision or action needs to be taken.
The underlying philosophy of the Act is to ensure that any decision made, or action taken, on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to make the decision or act for themselves is made in their best interests.
Working out what is in someone else’s best interests may be difficult, and the Act requires people to follow certain steps to help them work out whether a particular act or decision is in a person’s best interests.
There was a short discussion on the role of the Personal Welfare Deputyship;
The Court of Protection has powers to appoint deputies to make decisions for people lacking capacity to make those decisions.
Once a deputy has been appointed by the court, the order of appointment will set out their specific powers and the scope of their authority.
When making decisions, deputies should follow the Act’s statutory principles and apply the ‘best interests’ checklist and not allow their own personal interests to influence the decision.
Chris has offered to return to talk to us again on this topic or any other health issues at a later date.
Later this year, we would like to tell relatives about our plans to deliver a more person centered service which will ‘support people to live the life they choose’ and the most efficient way of doing this.
Don’t forget that if you want to raise any issues with the Relative Representatives on The Board, or if there are any topics you would like us to discuss at future meetings, please ring Janice Connick-Evans, on 01639 701040 or Cliff Alden on 01792 323295 or you can ring Wendy or Chris at the Consortium office on 01792 646640.
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Janice Connick-Evans Committee Member |
Cliff Alden Committee Member |
Wendy Evans Community Services Officer |
Christine Brian Director of Community Services |
SAD NEWS .......................
Mr Geraint Howells
In March, the family, staff and friends of Mr Geraint Howells at Heol Illtyd were sad to announce that he had passed away. Geraint was a much loved and respected friend, a wonderful brother to Jan and Ray and beloved Partner to Margaret. His passion of the Ospreys saw him at many games and Daycare was his joy. His laughter and sense of humour was infectious, he is sorely missed by all that knew him.
R I P Geraint.
Membership Drive
Here is an update on the Membership Drive. We currently have 146 members, which includes a mixture of 34 service users, 20 relatives, 53 staff, 8 related professional agencies and 31 miscellaneous people.
Members can vote to help make decisions and also elect members of the Management Committee.
Are you interested in becoming a Member?
If you are, you will need to fill in an application form, these are available from Debbie Chegwen at the Consortium office, this will cost £1 and you will be sent a Share Certificate in the post.
Email: debbie.chegwen@communitylives.co.uk
Tenant’s Holidays
We have received Holiday Feedback forms from some Tenants, giving us their opinion on a holiday they have taken. Here is a brief summary of their comments:
One Service User went on a caravan holiday to Tenby in June 2011. The clubhouse had great entertainment and a Disco. There was an indoor swimming pool and ten-pin bowling. Everyone went to Tenby for lunch one
day and looked around the gift shops. They also went to Oakwood Park and the Manor House which were nearby and was great fun.
The caravan site was nice and quiet with plenty to do and was right on the beach as well. They would recommend this holiday to other Service Users.
If you would like more information on this holiday please contact Jonathan Thomas the Contract Manager for Network 5.
K101: An Introduction to Health & Social Care
FREE Course sponsored by UNISON & the Open University
If you work in the frontline of care this course will build your confidence and skills, and give your career a boost. The course takes you into the lives of care workers and care service users by using the latest interactive study techniques delivered by the Open University. You will complete frequent activities to set you thinking – drawing on your own ideas and experience to deepen your learning and help you understand the essentials of good practice.
Modules of study will include:
For further information, contact:
Karen Fisher, Project Manager - Connecting Learners in the Third Sector
Tel: 01792 646640 Email: karen.fisher@communitylives.co.uk
NVQ Update
"Congratulations to the following staff who have achieved NVQ awards
since the Winter Newsletter":
A1 Assessor
Erica Jones
Ceri Joseph
Level 2 Care
Anne Marie Jones
Carol Williams
Sarah Martin
Bonita John
Sue Webb
Kim Howell
Charlotte Adams
Jonathan Thomas
Julian Thomas
Rob Harris
Nicola Day
Ella Trybalska
Tanya Michael Taylor
Gemma Cole
Theresa Milner
Claire Short
Julie McGrath
Level 3 Care
Claire Clement
Kelly McDonald
Alison Hicks
Level 3 Management
Donna Sarich
Pam Godwin
Chris Watts
Leanne Williams
Julie Thomas
Jill Cunliffe
Level 4
Shellley Davies
Joan Benbow
Julie Richards
Marina Burrows
Christian Cowap
Level 4 Management
Paul Gardner
Mandy Hopkins
NEBOSH
Debbie Chegwen
Well done and thank you to their assessors who worked hard to help them gain these qualifications!
Sue Cole
A FOND FAREWELL TO NVQ
Wednesday 11th May 2011 saw the very last NVQ workshop of the very last NVQ programme. The NVQ is being replaced by QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework). The new QCF programme of workshops begins in September and will run on a similar line as the NVQ workshops. The NVQ qualifications achieved over the years will still be a relevant qualification.
Thank you to all the candidates who have worked hard to achieve their NVQ over the last 15 years. A big thank you to all the assessors who have assessed the work and supported and encouraged their candidates. Thanks also to Gower College Swansea (formerly Swansea College) for their support (and funding) over the years.
Over 500 NVQs have been achieved; these include levels 2, 3 and 4 in Care, levels 3, 4 and 5 in Management and level 2 and 3 in Business Administration.
Approximately 88 assessors have been trained and achieved a D32/33 or A1 qualification.
NVQ Graduation Day
A Graduation ceremony took place on the 23rd June at Sketty Hall forpeople who had achieved NVQ levels 4 and 5 in Care and in Management.
Kirsty Lincoln, Joan Benbow, Christian Cowap, Julie Richards, Shelley Davies and Marina Burrows all achieved Level 4 in Care.
Kirsty, Joan, Chris, Julie and Shelley all attended the ceremony but unfortunately Marina was unable to attend.
The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Ioan Richards and the Principal and Chief Executive of Gower College
Swansea, Nick Bennett, presented the certificates.
A buffet lunch followed the presentation.
Sue Cole
Tenant Participation - Information and Stories 
Hi everyone,
I hope you are all enjoying the summer and having good holidays. I went to Scotland in June and loved it. I was in Edinburgh and Perth.
Sean and Paul from Gorseinon and staff member were at Wembley watching Swans V Reading on Bank Holiday Monday.
Last year during Learning Disability Week, Neath/Port Talbot Local Authority ran a photographic competition. The theme of the competition was meeting your neighbours. They had a number of entries. Here are photos of the winners.
Well done to the people who have finished the Leadership Skills Course.
The course has been running weekly since November last year. The people attending the course have been learning the skills needed to get more involved in their own lives. It has helped people to be more confident in making choices to live the life they choose.
Many of the sessions taught the group about politics and how they can participate in decisions being made by the Government. We were invited to visit the Welsh Assembly Government building in Cardiff.
Here are the members of the group Rebecca Evans, Linda Evans, Brian and Nicola Roberts and Lynne Coleman with Bethan Jenkins, Plaid Cymru AM in Cardiff.
In one session the Police visited the group and talked about ‘hate’ crime.
In another session, information was given about the changes to benefits that will come in soon.
Members of the group will be the very first people to gain an Agored accredited course with CLC. The group will receive their certificates at the next Consortium AGM.
In April, Albert and Alan from Swansea accompanied by staff Derek and Alan went to Benidorm for a week. They thoroughly enjoyed the beach and the food. Albert said that he only ate English food!
They went to Valencia for the day and went to see the cathedral.
Albert said it was a lovely holiday and that the flight was great.
We would like to thank everyone for their donations of equipment and tools. The allotment is coming on fine and we are hoping to sell some vegetables in the future. We have grown everything from seed such as potatoes, beans, tomatoes and lettuce and we have a good crop of winter vegetables too.
In May, some people from Network 5 had their first meeting in Swansea. They met to choose where and when they wanted their next network night out and what the theme of the night would be.
The meeting was chaired by Gethin Bibbs and everyone contributed. After the meeting they relaxed with a buffet and a chat. They decided that the next night out will be in July and the theme would be Wales.
A good night was had by everyone and the people we support also asked if they can have some more get togethers.
David Hurse from Tulip Lodge Holiday to Cardigan, West Wales July 2011
David trying to spot the Red Kites (Birds) and enjoying the sunshine on his holiday in West Wales
David enjoying a boat trip in Newquay West Wales looking for Dolphins and Seals
Staff who went: Roger Liles and Jessica Geary
Sonia Lascelles from Gorseinon attended her sisters wedding on May the 6th at Oldwalls Leisure in Llanrhidian, Jenny Francis a support co-ordinator accompanied Sonia. Sonia had a fantastic day watching her sister Heather walk down the isle towards Andy to whom she was about to marry. Sonia was happy to see her parents and also her grandmother who travelled down from Stoke for the wedding. Sonia also caught up with lots of family and friends who she hasn’t seen for many years.
After the ceremony Sonia had photo’s taken with her family, also Jenny videoed the day using the flip camera. I’m sure Sonia will enjoy watching the video back in the future. Later Sonia sat outside in the sunshine with a glass of Pimms chatting to her family and listening to her grandmother reminiscing about the old days. Then when it was time to leave, Sonia said her goodbyes to all family and friends. On the way home to finish off the day Sonia stopped for a bite to eat then returned home. Over all Sonia had a wonderful day with lots of photo’s and a video to remember her day.
Malcolm Newton from Tulip Lodge Holiday to Windsor 2011
Malcolm checking out the British Army’s strike force for when he joins up in the near future
A coffee break in Windsor after the castle tour. Nothing like a break on a good day!
Malcolm stopping for lunch after buying a few souvenirs on the street stalls
Malcolm studying the history at Windsor Castle. Also planning his routes to take over!
Staff who went: Thomas Lynch and Peter Dowding.
Bruce Owen from Pontardawe
I went on the aeroplane to Turkey. And what a fab time I had. As soon as I got on the ship I put on my shorts and t-shirt ready to catch some sunshine with Tina and Joan. I sat by the pool in the daytime and entered the quiz competition. Tina and Joan were rubbish at answering the questions. I answered more than them.
Every evening we went for a nice meal. I had my photo taken with the captain of the ship.
We went to a market in Egypt and I bought myself a watch and some presents for the people I live with. We also went to Cyprus and met up with Joan’s daughter. She showed us around. We had a lovely day. She let me use her pool where I paddled my feet. One night on the stage was a comedienne named Brenda. She looked like Cilla Black. She was a nice lady. Here is a photo of us.
We went sight seeing in Alanya, I finished off my shopping because we were going home the next day. I would really like to say that I really enjoyed my holiday and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Gardening
ABERDOVEY
In May this year, Stuart Wilde, Fforestfach took a holiday in Averdovey and stayed at the Trefeddian Hotel. He was accompanied by staff Wendy and Zoe.
They had a fantastic time. The hotel was very posh and we had to dress for dinner. Here is a photo of Stuart outside the hotel all suited and booted ready for the evening meal which was first class.
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We visited Aberdovey town which had lovely shops, a harbour and beach. We ate yummy homemade ice cream on the beach after having a good look around.
The next village along is called Talyllyn and has a steam railway which goes all the way up the mountain into Snowdonia with breath taking views. We were lucky with the weather that week!
PORTHCAWL
Here is Christopher Hughes who went to Porthcawl and stayed in an adapted caravan on his Whitsun break. Chris had a good time. He enjoyed a nightly beer at the clubhouse in Trecco Bay, went to Ffos Las racecourse and other locations around South Wales.
Swansea People First held their Health Fair on 17th June 2011 at Liberty Stadium. As usual it was a success. Here are some photos.
NETWORK 1 EASTER PARTY!
This event was our first for Network 1. The party was held at the Brighton Road Club in Gorseinon on Monday, 18th April.
All the people we support and staff worked hard on creating the excellent standards of different and unique designs and craftwork of hats and table decorations.
Robin Savours from Gorseinon, the ‘Entertainments Officer’ organised the bingo and raffle. Everyone we support had Easter eggs and prizes.
Everyone had a wonderful evening and we are looking forward to our next event.
All photographs by Clive Jeffries from Gorseinon
Thank you for sharing your stories. If you would like more information on the stories you have read about please contact me on 01792 646640 or email me.
julie.davies@communitylives.co.uk
Julie Davies
Tenant Participation Officer
Change of hands for the START Newsletter….Jane Devoy will now be taking over the START Newsletter. Many thanks to everyone for all the stories that I had so much pleasure in reading and putting together for you!! GOOD LUCK JANE!!
Debbie Chegwen
Thanks to all who passed me stories it was great reading all the fun you’ve 
had on your holidays and parties!
I hope you enjoyed reading this Newsletter as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
Thanks again, I look forward to your stories for the next issue!
Also if you have any queries or any articles you would like to add to the next Newsletter please contact me on the office number below or email me at jane.devoy@communitylives.co.uk
Plus I would be grateful for any comments or feedback about this Newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who passed me the articles for this issue.
Jane Devoy
Dates for your diary:
Dates for Your Diary |
Venue |
Date |
Time |
Management Committee Meeting |
Board Room |
16/08/11 | 2.00 pm |
Service Coordinators FORUM |
Training Suite |
05/10/11 | 10.00 am |
Staff Sub Group Meeting(not forum) |
Board Room |
10/08/11 | 10.00 am |
Tenant Lives Group Meeting |
Board Room |
25/08/11 | 10.00 am |
Staff FORUM |
Training Suite |
14/09/11 | 10.00 am |
| Team Coordinators Forum | Training Suite | 01/11/11 | 2.00 pm |
| Housing Support Coordinators Meeting | Board Room | 30/09/11 | 10.00 am |
