Kids Fun Club 2012

A fun out-of-school activity club!

8 - 11 years, 12 - 15 years, 16 - 24 years, with ANY special needs.

Multi Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama, Dance, Healthy Eating, Gardening, Cooking, Intergenerational Shows, Environment, IT, Millennium & Young Volunteers, Sports Leaders, Community Leaders, Own Fun Council, Plus lots more and all done in a FUN way.

Our Mission Statement

The aim of the Kids Fun Club is to support young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual and social potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local communities.

School Term Sessions

Saturday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00

Saturday 10am - 4pm - Fun Club - £5.00

School Holidays

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 4pm - Holiday Club - £5.00

Saturday 9am - 10am - Breakfast Club - £1.00

Saturday 10am - 4pm - Fun Club - £5.00

Lunch Plate is £1.50 or bring a packed lunch, (Breakfast & Lunch Plate - £2.00).

We only close 4 weeks a year, 2 weeks after the summer holidays are over, and then 2 weeks over Christmas & New Year.

We are a club for young people led by young people. For more information please check out our website www.thekidsfunclub.org

Kids Fun Club, John Davies Building, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.Tel: 01745 889444.

Mob: 07943611262.

E-mail: kidsfun@live.co.uk

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2012

‘Women and men united to end violence and domestic abuse against women’

Hear from inspirational speakers on the 2012 International Women’s Day theme. Discuss how we can challenge the inequalities and attitudes that cause violence against women.

Refreshments will be provided.

To reserve a place at the event, please contact Ethne Biggs at the NFWI-Wales Office on 029 2022 1712 or by e-mail on e.biggs@nfwi-wales.org.uk

International Women’s Day event

Llandudno Town Hall

Monday 5th March 2012

10.00am – 3.00pm

South West Rhyl Communities First - Volunteer Recruitment Day

Thursday 23^rd February 2012 @ 10am – 3pm.

John Davies Community Facility, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

Meet organisations looking for volunteers and find out what training is available to help you get the career you want.

Some organisations that will be there looking for volunteers are as follows:

• Step Up Information Bus
• Denbighshire Heritage Services
• Millennium Volunteers
• Kids Fun Club
• Ladder of Life - Gateway Project
• Royal British Legion
• Dial a Ride
• Rhyl in Bloom
• and many more.

Excellent opportunity to enhance your C.V

Free raffle for all attendees, prize - food hamper.

Please call 01745 332528 for more details.

Wear Red Day 2012

We Invite YOU to join US

Sat 18th February to 'Our Wear Red Day' at John Davies Building, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

10am - 12pm - Skipathon & Coffee Morning.
12pm - 1pm - Lunch (£1.00 per head).
1pm - 3pm - Dance workshop & Dance off Competition.

Cadburys Activities, Tombola, Rag a Bag Raffle etc. (for each bag of old clothes you bring we give you a ticket for raffle).

Hope to see you there.

The Young People of the Kids Fun Club.

National Survey for Wales

In 2012, six hundred local residents will be contacted by the Welsh Government by letter asking them to take part in the National Survey for Wales. This research will involve an interviewer coming to their home, and they will randomly select one person in the household to take part in a short interview. Residents will be asked a number of questions about their quality of life and their views on local public services like health, public transport and schools.

If the interviewer calls at a time that is not convenient, they will be happy to make an appointment for another time.

The survey interviews are being carried out by two specialist research companies: TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research Ltd. All TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research interviewers carry a Market Research Society Interviewer Identity Card. You should not let anyone into your home if they do not show you this card.

To find out more please view the Welsh Government's National Survey for Wales www.wales.gov.uk/nationalsurvey

To contact the Welsh Government team that runs the National Survey, email surveys@wales.gsi.gov.uk

The ACE Club

The ACE club is a community group that is run by and for younger people living with Alzheimer's or related conditions and their families and supporters. They are a self funding group that meets regularly, membership is open to anyone who has experience of having a diagnosis of a dementia pre the age of 65 (whatever their age now), their partners & families.

They also have Friends of ACE membership for anyone who feels they can support our work in the community.

The club has a just launched a new initiative in kind association with the RSWCRA - ACE in the PARK  (Botanical Gardens, Grange Road, Rhyl) - they are holding their first fundraising event at the Cafe on Saturday 18th Feb at 10.30am - 1pm.

They are also hosting the community cafe on Tuesday mornings from the 21st Feb until late March.

Partnership Project & Development Manager - Single Point of Access (Health and Social Care)

Salary: Grade 11 £34,549 -£38,961

Subject to Evaluation

Temporary secondment in to Adult Social Services for 12 months starting ASAP. The opportunity is open to health or social care professionals working within Denbighshire with appropriate qualifications knowledge and experience.

The successful post holder will manage and support the development of a new, effectively co-ordinated single point of access, single point of assessment and care co-ordination (SPA) for preventative and rehabilitation work for adults across Denbighshire. Denbighshire is to be an all Wales Demonstrator site for this project.

The successful applicant will be a Graduate, with experience of public, voluntary and community sectors and have experience of working in a health, social care or related setting with a proven record of managing partnership work, project management and leading initiatives.

Transformational leadership skills, creative thinking and having the ability to command professional credibility across partners and agencies at a senior level will be essential.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the post, please call Cathy Curtis-Nelson on 01824 706501.

An application form and job description can be downloaded from our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk or alternatively a pack can be requested by contacting the Corporate Customer Service Centre on 01824 706101 or write to: Customer Service Centre, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN or email customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

If you have not received a reply within three weeks of the closing date, you must assume that you have not been short listed for interview.

West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme

Martin Wright Associates are currently working on West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme on behalf of Denbighshire County Council.

In addition to the construction element of the scheme (currently progressing well on site), a significant amount of public engagement has been undertaken to raise awareness of flooding and flood risk with the overall aim of leaving a legacy of improved resilience in the local community.

http://www.rhylcoast.co.uk/

It is envisaged that this website will remain live following the completion of the construction element of the works and will provide information such as flooding advice to the public should an event occur in the future.

Chat Away Coffee Club

Chat Away Coffee Club is based in Denbighshire, North Wales.  They were originally created by Cerys Greenall (Outreach Officer, C-Saw Autism Initiatives).

Their group aims to support carers of children living with Autism, ADHD or any behavioral problem whether diagnosed or going through the process of diagnoses. 

Sessions take place each week on a Friday at The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las in Rhyl, from 12.30pm - 2.30pm, and as from 22 February 2012 each Wednesday from 9.30am - 12.00pm at Margaret Morris Centre, Denbigh. There will be various guest speakers who give advice to carers, which can range from benefits to cyber bullying. 

If you would like further information please contact:

Email: cacc@live.co.uk

Facebook: Chat Away Coffee Club.
Mobile number: 07747600271 or 07826545845.
Address: The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las, Rhyl, Denbighshire.

Get Into Hospitality course

This will be run in conjunction with Clwyd Leisure – this is a brilliant opportunity, after the last course 8 young people were hired directly by them!

It is a two week employment programme for 16-25 year old living in the Denbighshire and Conwy areas. All transport is paid for and a meal will be provided each day.

Clients will gain a variety of qualifications and complete work experience in a variety of areas within the Nova centre.

The course will run on 20^th Feb, with the taster day being held on the 15^th Feb.

For more information or to book your place on the course, please contact:

Vicky Evans on 01745 366680 - Extension 2702, or 07769973600. Or by email on vicky.evans@princes-trust.org.uk

The Launch Programme

The Launch Programme is a 3 week pre-employment training programme to give young people a taster into the Catering and Hospitality Industry, starting on the 20th February 2012.

The Course will include:

• Employability Skills
• Soft Skills
• Taster sessions in Catering & Hospitality
• Qualifications in BTEC ‘Jamie’s Home Cooking Skills’
• BTEC in Work Skills & Food Hygiene Certificate

This is a 3 week programme Monday to Thursday from 12.30pm – 4.00pm. Referrals must be aged 16 - 24 years living in the Denbighshire area. They must show an interest to want to work in this industry and be committed to attend the whole 3 weeks. There will be allowance of £10 a day per young person to support with lunch and transport.

Upon completion of the course the group will be invited to an end of programme celebration meal at the Taste.academy. Each individual will be given an opportunity for an interview for a possible ILM placement with Taste.academy. Exit interviews will be conducted with each individual, with progression support for each participant to assist with helping to find employment or further training.

Everyone interested in the programme must attend a one 2 one information session on the 16^th February. This will include an overview of the programme with an informal interview for the course. There are 12 places for the course therefore there maybe a selection process. All successful candidates will need black trousers and non-slip steel cap boots or shoes to be able to take part in this course.

For more information please contact:

Sian Deal

Tel: 07587880835

E-mail: Sian.deal@rathboneuk.org

Rathbone Cymru,

The Hub,

69-75 Wellington Road,

Rhyl, LL18 1BE.

Get Connected

Would you like to know more about social networking?

Then come to our FREE introductory session at G2G Communities CIC Unit D2, Marsh Road, Rhyl

Monday 30 January 2012, 09.30am to 12.30pm.

Hurry, only six places available!

To book your place contact Moira on 01745 334482 or e-mail info@g2gcommunities.org

Getting artistic in the great outdoors

A free five week programme is on offer for women in Denbighshire interested in getting involved in environmental arts.

Participants will learn how to create willow sculptures for the garden, use natural resources to express their artistic side, help improve the look of the local environment and have their environmental work exhibited in the county.

This course is being run by BTCV Cymru, in association with Denbighshire Countryside Service.

For more information, please contact Alex ay BTCV on 01978 261538 or e-mail: a.fairclough@btcv.org.uk

Mae yna raglen pum wythnos am ddim i ferched sydd â diddordeb mewn celfyddydau amgylcheddol yn Sir Ddinbych.

Bydd y cyfranogwyr yn dysgu sut i greu cerfluniau helyg ar gyfer yr ardd, sut i ddefnyddio adnoddau naturiol i fynegi eu dawn artistig, yn helpu i wella edrychiad yr amgylchedd lleol ac yn cael arddangos eu gwaith amgylcheddol yn y sir.

BTCV Cymru sy’n cynnal y cwrs, mewn cydweithrediad â Gwasanaeth Cefn Gwlad Sir Ddinbych.

I gael mwy o wybodaeth cysylltwch ag Alex yn y BTCV ar 01978 261538 neu e-bost: a.fairclough@btcv.org.uk

South West Rhyl Communities First - Woodlands day

Venue: Glan Morfa woodland (Car park outside marsh tracks).

Date/Time: Tuesday Feb 14^th, 11am to 3.30pm.

Lots of free activities including:

• Willow weaving.
• Build an insect house.
• Willow lanterns.
• Scavenger hunt.
• Elder beads.
• And help build a huge sculpture out of plastic that will live at Rhyl Adventure Playground.

This is a joint initiative between: -

• South West Rhyl Communities First
• Rhyl Adventure Playground
• Denbighshire Countryside Services
• Marsh Tracks

Free food includes hotdogs, burgers and a hog-roast.

Hot drinks will be available all day.

This activity will take place inside a huge heated marquee so even if its cold and wet please come along and join in the fun.

Energy Best Deal presentaions

Denbighshire Citizen’s Advice has recently been funded to deliver Energy Best Deal presentations.

They will be one hour PowerPoint workshops, with accompanying handouts and booklets.

The content of the presentation will be; how to compare different deals/tariffs, how to switch suppliers, how to reduce energy bills etc.

The presentations will all be FREE.

If you or your organisation would be interested please contact us for more details. Phone Maria on 01745 332528 or email Maria.Mielczarski@co-operative.coop.

Fed up with the cold?

Are you struggling to heat your home because of poor housing conditions or low income?

Check out the following contacts for free, friendly and effective advice.

North Wales Energy Advice Centre

Free energy advice line: 0800 954 0658

DCC Welfare Rights Team
Free phone advice line: 0800 169 6625  

Rhyl Benefits Advice Shop
Free Phone: 0800 074 333

Age Concern

Phone: 01745 816 947

Care and Repair

Phone: 01745 814484

Shelter for Housing Advice

Free phone: 0808 0800 444

Denbighshire Citizens Advice Bureau Rhyl

Phone: 01745 334 568

  

Nest, Welsh Government’s fuel poverty advice

Free phone: 0800 512012 (landlines) or on 0300 4562655 (mobiles)

Do you want to become a local councillor?

Find out more about representing your community. A series of information road shows for people thinking of becoming a councillor is being arranged by Denbighshire County Council next month.

Representatives of the Council will be at each of the venues to explain how the Council works and what is involved in being a councillor. The road shows have been arranged in different locations, but people are welcome to come along to any of them, regardless of where they live in the county.

The road shows will be held at the following locations:

• Monday, January 16, Llangollen Council Chamber  -6pm.
• Wednesday, January 18, Rhyl Town Hall (Conference Room) – 6pm.
• Monday, January 23 Eirianfa Community Centre,
  Factory Place
  , Denbigh – 6pm.

You can be a candidate if:

• You are over 18.
• You are on the electoral register for Denbighshire and your home (for at least the past 12 months) is in the county OR.
• You work in the county (and have done so for the past 12 months) OR.
• You own a property in the Denbighshire area (and have done so for the past 12 months).

The Council has also produced an information booklet: ‘Thinking of Becoming a Councillor?’  which is available on the Denbighshire website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/elections.
Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Communications Team on 01824 706222 for a copy.

Project Manager Vacancy - Community Resource Centre

Salary: £24,650 - £25,000.
Hours: 37 per week (Full time).
Location: Based in Rhyl.
Duration: Fixed term 3 years.

How to apply: Application forms are available from Bedford Street Community Company Office, 38 Bedford Street, Rhyl or by phoning 01745 339779 and quoting ref PM/1.

Closing date: 06/01/2012.

This post is funded by the Big Lottery.

Need help with debts post Christmas?

CAB advice to Get help early for debt problems


Post Christmas is a stressful time for many people who are struggling with their debts. More and more people every year have trouble making ends meet and covering the most essential household bills.

Money troubles don’t go away by themselves, so if you're getting into trouble, act quickly and seek advice about how to deal with it.

You shouldn't have to add to your debts by paying for debt advice. There are several organisations that offer free, confidential advice to help you get your finances back on track. And you can get that advice in lots of different ways.

If you would like to see someone face-to-face about your debts, you can make an appointment at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. To find your nearest bureau, go to http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/elnk_www_citizensadvice_org_uk_index_getadvice-3.

If it's difficult for you to see someone face-to-face, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) offers a free phone helpline 0800 138 1111, open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

They also operate Debt Remedy, a 24-hour anonymous online counselling service at http://www.cccs.co.uk/.
Alternatively, you can call National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit their website at http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/ to find out how you can get email advice.

National Debtline also offers free, confidential and independent advice for people with business debts. For more information, call 0800 197 6026.

Source - http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/whats_new_jan12_get_help_early_for_debt_problems.htm

Music Activity Scheme (Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey)

The project is targeted at 16- 25 year olds who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET’s).

Each course will have 6 participants will be supported by 2 trained and experienced Community Music Wales tutors who will guide them through music activities, individually and as part of a group. The project will be client led with activity tailored to suit each individual participant.

The project length is 15 weeks or a 30 hour block of activity that can be arranged to best suit the participants needs.

At the end of the course each participants will have produced original pieces of music and gained accreditations for their achievements through Agored Cymru.

Travel to and from the workshops will be covered for participants. 

For more information please contact Osian Rhys Roberts on 01286 685248.

The 58th Welsh Chess Championships 2012

GOOD FRIDAY – EASTER MONDAY

April 6th – April 9th, 2012

PARK INN HOTEL

CARDIFF NORTH

CIRCLE WAY EAST

LLANEDEYRN, CARDIFF.

CF23 9XF.

Tel 029 2058 9988

http://www.cardiff.parkinn.co.uk

Thanks to the WELSH ASSEMBLY for their continued support to juniors in Welsh Chess.

The Tom Weston Memorial Open/Major Championship is open to registered members of the WCU, EC, or other National body.

The John Bishop Memorial Minor Championship is open to registered members of the WCU, ECF, or other National body with a published grade of 1650 (ECF 125) or below.

Championship Secretary:-

Andrew Trickey, 6 Springfield Close, Pendre, Bridgend. CF31 1HR.

Telephone (01656) 712227

email : andrew.trickey@email.com

The Launch Programme 2012

The Launch Programme is a 3 week pre-employment training programme to give young people a taster into the Catering and Hospitality Industry, which will start 4th January 2012.

The Course will include:

• Employability Skills
• Soft Skills
• Taster sessions in Catering & Hospitality
• Qualifications in BTEC ‘Jamie’s Home Cooking Skills’, BTEC in Work Skills & Food Hygiene Certificate.

This is a 3 week programme, Monday to Thursday from 12.30pm – 4.00pm.

Referrals must be aged 16 - 24 years living in the Denbighshire area. They must show an interest to want to work in this industry and be committed to attend the whole 3 weeks. There will be allowance of up to £40 a week per young person to support with lunch and transport.

Upon completion of the course the group will be invited to an end of programme celebration meal at the Taste.academy. Each individual will be given an opportunity for an interview for a possible ILM placement with Taste.academy. Exit interviews will be conducted with each individual, with progression support for each participant to assist with helping to find employment or further training.

Everyone interested in the programme must attend a one 2 one information session on the 15^th December 2011. This will include an overview of the programme with an informal interview for the course. There are 12 places for the course therefore there maybe a selection process. All successful candidates will need black trousers and non-slip steel cap boots or shoes to be able to take part in this course.

For more information please contact:

Sian Deal

07587880835

Sian.deal@rathboneuk.org

Rathbone Cymru, The Hub,

69-75 Wellington Road, Rhyl, LL18 1BE

.

South West Rhyl Communities First Network Lunch - 7th December 2011

Date: 7th December 2011
Time: 12pm - 2pm.
Venue: Communities First Main Hall, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

Guest Speakers
Sandra Jones & Vicky Hoban - Health Social Care & Wellbeing - 1.15pm.

Andrea Fisher - Houseproud scheme - 1.30pm.
Unfortunately Garry Davies from Countryside Services has had to cancel his presentation. We are sure he will attend a Network lunch in the New Year.

Buffet will be first come first served. Please let us know if you will be attending for catering purposes.

For more information please call Lisa on 01745 332528.

Rhyl Town Centre Manager - Job Vacancy

Are you:

• Up for a challenge?
• Capable of taking a lead role in transforming Rhyl Town Centre?
• Experienced, dynamic and resourceful enough to be Rhyl's first Town Centre Manager?

We are looking for someone who:

• Has an understanding and experience of town centre management.
• Can work independently with partners to develop plans and initiatives for the town centre.
• Possesses excellent communication and organisational skills.

If you think you can meet these expectations then we want to hear from you.

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum.

Contract: Initial 3 Year period, commencing 1st April 2012.

Employer: Rhyl City Strategy.

For details on the application process and information pack contact:

Susan Jeffrey on 01745 343605 or susan.jeffrey@rhylcitystrategy.co.uk

Closing date for all applications: Noon on 19th December 2011.

Urgent - Mystery Shoppers required

Do you wear a hearing aid or know someone who wears a hearing aid?

We are looking for people to help us check loop systems throughout November and December. Travel expenses will be paid.

If you or someone know would like to get involved please contact:

Gemma Finch
gemma.finch@hearingloss.org.uk
Telephone: 029 2090 7503
Textphone: 029 2033 3036

Please let us know immediately if you are available.

Thank you.

VIP Official Opening of Ty Ebbw Fach

The Official VIP Opening of Ty ebbw Fach
(the former Coach & Horses in Six Bells)

By HRH The Prince of Wales

On Monday 21st November

All welcome at the marquee and surronding areas. All who wish to attend are asked to be in the area by 10am.

Limited parking available on the lower plateau of the colliery. A road closure will be in place from 9am between Chapel Road and Alexandra Terrace.

Public toilets and refreshments available at Bethany, St. Johns and the Community Centre.

Any enquiries please call 01495 320497.

Denbighshire Advice Network Meeting (CLSP)

The main part of the meeting will consider a range of actions for the winter stemming from Denbighshire's Affordable Warmth Plan.

Date: Friday 2nd December 2011.
Time: 10am - 12pm.
Venue: Eiranfa Community Centre, Factory Place, Denbigh, LL16 3TS.

Chairperson: Richard Jones Abbas - DCC Welfare Rights Manager.
Minutes & Apologies: Rebecca Connor - 01824 712371.

Keep Well this Winter

Keep Well

Flu jabs are free for people aged 65 and over and can prevent or lessen the effects of flu – ask your doctor for an appointment. It is especially important in the winter to eat healthily and stay as active as possible.

Keep Warm

Set your heating to the right temperature (between 18°C and 21°C,) and you can keep your home warm and lower your bills.

Nest is the Welsh Government’s fuel poverty scheme. Nest provides free, impartial advice on saving energy, money management, benefit entitlement and whether you're eligible for home improvements at no cost under the scheme. If you’re worried about the cost of heating your home, you can call 0800 512 012 free from a landline or 0300 456 2655 from a mobile phone. www.nestwales.org.uk.

Keep Safe

Avoid slips and trips in the home by using stair rails and keeping passages well lit. Fire Safety is especially important during the Winter. Your local Fire and Rescue service will carry out a free home fire safety check for you and fit smoke alarms if you do not already have them. Call them on 0800 169 1234 for more information.

Keep an eye out for any older people who may need your help during the cold weather.

The Keep Well this Winter campaign aims to provide help and advice to those aged over 60 to

ensure they maintain good health during the winter. These top tips are some of the best ways

to keep your home warm, keep on top of your bills and keep healthy.

For further information about the Keep Well this Winter campaign contact Age Cymru on 029 2043 1555.

Minister sets out his vision for Communities First

Local Government and Communities Minister, Carl Sargeant outlined how the Welsh Government will continue to support Wales’ most deprived areas when the new Communities First programme begins in April 2012.

Speaking at the programme’s annual conference the Minister praised those involved in delivering Communities First and said that despite working in uncertain and testing times, the current programme was delivering positive change in Wales’ most disadvantaged communities.

The Minister said:

"As we shape the way forward for the Communities First Programme, the Welsh Government is committed to building on what has already been achieved.  I also recognise that it is important that we take time to listen to people’s views before moving forward.  We have done this through an initial analysis of the 300 plus responses to out recent consultation on the programme.

"As well as building on the achievements of the current programme, I want the next phase of Communities First to be clearly seen as a community-focussed Anti - Poverty programme.  All projects will need to demonstrate how the Welsh Government’s investment supports the programme’s aim of tackling poverty.  Any work that does not support this aim will not be funded by Communities First.    
 
"In addition to delivering on our Anti-Poverty agenda, the new programme will focus on good governance and community involvement.  Our funding will be channelled through Lead Delivery Bodies (LDBs) for a Cluster Area, with Regional Boards overseeing the work.  Many existing Grant Recipient Bodies can become LDBs but all will need to pass stringent checks and demonstrate their commitment to community involvement.

"It is important that that the community’s voice is heard.  To this end, each Cluster will need to develop a Plan to increase community involvement, especially among people most affected by poverty.  Only by putting citizens at the heart of our services can we make a real difference to people’s lives and build resilience into communities."

The Minister also highlighted that those working with the programme will need to collaborate with others. He added:

"I am already working closely with other Welsh Ministers to join up our policies and programmes and to explore how we can build on what is already happening.

"A good example is the Integrated Children’s Centre Pilot, where working with Job Centre Plus we have helped over 100 workless families back into work.  Looking forward, one of the Welsh Government’s five key commitments is to provide 500 additional Police Community Support Officers.  I will be looking for these officers to interact with Communities First since their deployment is firmly grounded in a community engagement approach to policing.

"In conclusion, I am committed to Communities First and to ensuring that strong governance and community involvement are at the heart of the new programme.  By working together I am sure that we can tackle our anti poverty agenda and deliver for our poorest communities and individuals."

Listening to views on leisure

Denbighshire County Council’s Leisure Services are holding the second of the twice-yearly round of Leisure Locality Forums across the county.

There will be one held in each of the seven areas where there is a council-run leisure centre; Rhyl, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin, Llangollen and Corwen.

Dates are as follows and all will take place from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.

Prestatyn - Tuesday 8 November at Jubilee Community Centre
Llangollen - Wednesday 9 November at Llangollen Library
St Asaph - Wednesday 16 November at St Asaph Youth Centre
Rhyl - Monday 21 November at Rhyl Library
Denbigh - Wednesday 23 November at Margaret Morris Centre
Corwen - Tuesday 29 November Corwen Sports Pavilion
Ruthin - Wednesday 1 December at Ysgol Brynhyfryd

The forums bring together representatives from the local area with an interest in leisure. On the agenda will be a presentation from the Coach and Volunteer Development Officer, opportunities to share information and open discussions on local leisure issues.

Denbighshire's Leisure Services are always looking for interested parties to join the Leisure Locality Forums. No previous experience is necessary and the meetings are informal.

For further information, please contact Leisure Services, on 01824 708233.

North Wales will be hit hard by benefit reform

The number of people on sickness benefits in North Wales will be cut by 13,000 within three years, a report claims today. The study says Wales will be hit harder than any other part of Britain by the UK government’s controversial reforms of incapacity benefit (IB).


Research by academics at Sheffield Hallam University suggests the 181,370 people on IB in Wales will be reduced by 75,000 by 2014. They say 45,000 are set to be pushed out of the benefits system altogether and some 23,000 will be moved onto Jobseeker’s Allowance.


In Britain as a whole, 6.6% of the working age population claim IB, but the average for Wales is 9.5%. In North Wales, Denbighshire’s figure is 9.5%, while it is 9% in Conwy, with Anglesey at 8.3%, Wrexham 8.1%, Gwynedd 7% and Flintshire 6.8%. It is estimated 2,900 Wrexham people will be affected, with 2,600 in Flintshire, 2,300 in Conwy, 2,000 in both Gwynedd and Denbighshire and 1,500 in Anglesey.


The report, from the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research Centre says across Britain as a whole by far the largest impact will be on the older industrial areas in Wales, Scotland and the north of England. In these areas the prospects of former claimants finding work are weakest.


Report co-author Professor Steve Fothergill said: “The large numbers that will be pushed off incapacity benefits over the next two to three years are entirely the result of changes in benefit rules – the introduction of a tougher medical test and, in particular, the more widespread application of means-testing from next April.


“The reduction does not mean that there is currently widespread fraud, or that the health problems and disabilities are anything less than real. In terms of the numbers affected and the scale and severity of the impact, the reforms to incapacity benefits that are under way are probably the most far-reaching changes to the benefits system for at least a generation. They will impoverish vast numbers of households and cause untold distress in countless more.”


IB is paid at different amounts depending on which group people are in, but many of those who will be affected receive around £97 a week, while current average JSA payments are £61.73.


Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “It’s clear that millions of people have been written off for years left on incapacity benefit with no real support to get into work. That’s why we are re-testing people to see if they have the capacity to work.


“Our changes will make sure those in genuine need get more support and those who could and should be working are given the opportunity to do so.”

Job Vacancy - Dispenser - Rowlands Pharmacy

Wage: Meets National Minimum Wage.
Hours: 35 per week.
Location: Prestatyn.
Duration: Permanent.
Date posted: 19-10-11.
Closing date: 11-11-11.

Rowlands Pharmacy require a qualified Dispenser with a minimum of Level 2 NVQ, to work in their busy pharmacy. Duties include assisting the pharmacist in the dispensary, handling scripts, labelling, stock control, general housekeeping.

For further details on how to apply please call into the Branch at:

Rowlands Pharmacy,

53 High. Street,

Prestatyn,

Denbighshire,

LL19 9AH.

Design a recycled statue competition

Open to all Rhyl schools or groups that work with children aged 5-16 yrs.

Design a 6-8 foot statue, which will be made out of recycled plastics (i.e. Pop bottles, bubble wrap, drinking cups, plates, packaging etc.)

Individuals must submit entries and full contact details (including phone number) must be on the back of the entry. Entries to be submitted on A4 plain paper, in either pen, pencil or crayon. We are not looking just for pictures but designs stating what materials to be used.

The winning design will be built in February 2012 as part of a big environmental day over at Glan Morfa, Rhyl. The statue will live at Rhyl Adventure Playground. An independent panel will meet the week of 12th December to select best entries. Winner will be announced on 19th December at SWRCF Xmas fayre and notified by telephone that day.

All entries must be received by Friday 9th December to:
South West Rhyl Communities First,
John Davies Community Facility,
82 Marsh Road,
Rhyl, Denbighshire,
LL18 2AE.

If submitting entries by hand, please come in through the rear of the building, via the staff offices.