Thursday 28 July 2011

Work Programme provides tailored support as latest figures show people are being found fit for work

New statistics published by DWP today show that over a third (39 per cent) of those who claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are assessed as fit for work. The figures also show that a further 17 per cent can do some work with the right help and support.

People who are found fit for work will now be supported through the new Work Programme, which rolled out across Britain last month. The Work Programme provides tailored support for people to get into sustained employment. People who are found too sick or disabled will continue to receive unconditional support and a higher rate of benefit.

DWP Minister Steve Webb said:
"These figures show that many people are able to work with the right help. We have strengthened the support now available tailoring it to individual needs so they can overcome whatever barriers they face.
"Those who cannot work will always receive our unconditional support but for those who can work it’s right that they get the help they need to get into employment.
"We are continuously improving the medical test to ensure that it is as fair and effective as possible."
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which determines whether someone is fit for work, has been substantially improved – the majority of Professor Harrington’s recommendations are now in place. Changes have been made including making improvements to the decision making process. A second Independent Review of the WCA is now underway and will be published before the end of the year.

For all new ESA claims from 27th October 2008 to 30th November 2010, the result of the initial WCA is as follows
  • Support Group – 7%
  • Work Related Activity Group – 17%
  • Fit for Work – 39%
  • Claim closed before assessment complete – 36%
  • Assessment still in progress – 1%
Delivering the Work Programme private and voluntary sector organisations are investing £581m upfront in the biggest welfare to work programme this country has ever seen to provide tailored support built around the needs of individuals. Organisations will be paid by results and allowed to develop support that really addresses the needs of jobseekers.

The full Employment and Support Allowance: Work Capability Assessments statistics are available here: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/index.php?page=esa_wca

£15 million to unlock the 'Potential' of young people in North Wales

More than 4,000 young people across North West Wales who are at risk of falling out of school or further education are set to benefit from a new £15 million scheme to improve their chances of success, First Minister Carwyn Jones announced today.
 
The Potensial (Welsh for Potential) initiative will target 11-16 year olds who are facing difficulties such as under achievement or absenteeism. It will help target 16-19 year olds who are already in college but are at risk of dropping out.

Backed with almost £9 million from the Convergence European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, the scheme is being led by Gwynedd Council in collaboration with Anglesey, Denbighshire and Conwy councils along with Coleg Menai, Coleg Llandrillo and Careers Wales.

Aimed at reducing the number of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), Potensial will provide alternative curriculums and innovative training to motivate students who are experiencing problems learning.

Tailored to the needs of each individual, a range of techniques will be used such as vocational training, one-to-one intensive support and activities to raise self-esteem to encourage them to remain in education and improve their skills.

The project will also provide specialist support for young people with disabilities or who are in care as well as young carers to help them achieve their full learning potential.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Denbighshire Hydro Power Event

Denbighshire Hydro Club - Cadwyn Clwyd
Venue: Ruthin, Llanfwrog Community Centre 
Friday 15th July 2011

Registrations and Tea and Coffee - 9:30 – 9.55 am

Welcome and Introductions
Silas Jones, Cadwyn Clwyd - 9.55 – 10:15 am

A summary of Denbighshire’s Hydro Power Potential
Simon Taylor,
Renewable Design Consultants (RDC) - 10:15 – 10:45 am

Hydro Power and Abstraction Licences - an Environment Agency Perspective
Jacques Sisson, Environment Agency TBC - 10:45 – 11:15 am

A summary of the Hydro Club member schemes
Simon Taylor, RDC - 11:15 am – 12:00 pm

LUNCH BREAK 12:00 – 12.45pm
(A buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided)

Informal Session - 12:45 – 14:00pm
This gives you the chance to ask any questions of the experts available on the day.

Saturday 9 July 2011

Money health check

Whatever the situation with your finances, it’s good to know where you stand and that you are making the most of what you have. The health check, a new online money planner from the Money Advice Service, is for everyone.

The Money Advice Service is independent and it’s here to help everyone understand and manage their money better.
It takes just 10 minutes to answer some straightforward questions and the health check will give you a personalised action plan which identifies the top three things you can do to make the most of your money right now, and to plan for future goals.
Best of all - it’s free and it’s unbiased. The Money Advice Service won’t recommend a particular product or provider or try to sell you anything.
Click here to take the health check now. https://healthcheck.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/?

Wednesday 6 July 2011

BTCV Engagement Gateway Project – Lone Parents

This FREE course is aimed at lone parents who are looking for a career in the outdoors, want to learn more about conservation, gain accredited training, or simply gain confidence and improve their health and fitness. We are offering a 5 week course where participants will take part in horticulture and environmental activities in a friendly, sociable setting. The course will also include Skill Build sessions, with help and support into further learning and employment.

Over the 5 weeks participants will:

1. Gain practical environmental and horticulture skills, including environmental art, willow weaving, allotment activities, habitat creation, healthy eating, etc, in various sites around Denbighshire.
2. Improve health, fitness and confidence, meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly environment.
3. Work towards accredited training.
4. Improve job search skills, including CV writing, applications and interview techniques.
5. Receive access to further volunteering opportunities, career advice and training in the local area.

Applicants must be:
- A single parent – living alone with primary responsibility for a child.
- Aged 16 and above.
- Unemployed or economically inactive.
- Reside in Denbighshire.

For more information please contact Alex Fairclough at BTCV on 01978 261538 or email a.fairclough@btcv.org.uk.

North Hoyle Off Shore Wind Farm

Operated by RWE npower Renewables Limited and Rhyl Community Partnership, Prestatyn and Meliden Community Partnerships Community Fund.
  • Is your group in need of a grant?
  • Are you based (or deliver a service) in Rhyl or Prestatyn and Meliden?
  • Is your group a formally constituted body?
If you have answered yes to the above questions why not apply to the Rhyl or the Prestatyn and Meliden Community Partnerships, who are distributing a total of £45,000 for Rhyl and £30,000 for Prestatyn and Meliden on behalf of the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund owned and operated by RWE npower renewables.

If your group has a project which will make a lasting difference to the community and you want an application pack, please call in and pick one up:

For: Rhyl Community Partnership, c/o The Clwyd Coast Credit Union, 17-19 Bodfor Street, Rhyl, LL18 1AS.

or

For: Prestatyn and Meliden Community Partnership, c/o First Class Clothes, 12 High Street, Prestatyn, LL19 9BB or the Pop In, Meliden Road, Prestatyn, LL19 9RT.

Or email: rhylcommunitypartnership@yahoo.co.uk

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS is 31st August 2011 and should be returned to:

For: Rhyl Community Partnership, c/o Tynewydd Community Centre, Tynewydd Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3RD.

For: Prestatyn Community Partnership, Pop In, Meliden Road, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9RT.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM TO CLWYD COAST CREDIT UNION OR FIRST CLASS CLOTHES.