You’ve still got time to nominate your Wales Volunteer of the Year.

So don’t let that outstanding volunteer or group you know go unrewarded.

There are five categories – adult (25 and over), young person (under 25), green volunteer, trustee and group – and the winners will each receive their awards at a very special ceremony in Cardiff in June.

So nominate someone now. Nominations must be received by 13 April 2012.

For more information, email help@wcva.org.uk or call 0800 2888 329.

Don’t let someone who truly deserves it miss out.

Where does your Poppy Money go?

WELFARE ORGANISATIONS – We can help your clients!

Have you ever wondered how your fantastic donations are used to help local veterans and their families in your area? Now is the chance to find out.

Please join us for an Awareness Morning, including refreshments and lunch, at the Deganwy Quay, Deganwy on Monday 23rd April 2012 from 10.30am through to lunch where we can tell you more.

Come and hear from those deserving veterans who have been helped, along with stories from our wonderful volunteers and other Royal British Legion colleagues and partnerships.

Come and talk to Legion members, volunteers, fund raisers, staff and beneficiaries, Combat Stress, Poppy Calls, care and repair, amongst others.

Please contact our Wrexham office if you would like to join us at the Deganwy Quay on Monday 23rd April or if you would like to tell your story please contact 01978 312823 or e mail mevans@britishlegion.org.uk or northwales@britishlegion.org.uk

Providing Support for Council Tax in Wales

This consultation seeks views on proposals for introducing new schemes in Wales to provide support for council tax once the current Council Tax Benefit system is abolished by the UK Government on 31 March 2013.

Start of consultation: 06/02/2012

End of consultation: 05/04/2012

In the Spending Review 2010, the UK Government announced that it would localise support for council tax from 2013-14 and reduce expenditure by 10 per cent.

From 31 March 2013 council tax benefit in its current form will come to an end and the provision of support for council tax and the funding associated with it, will be devolved to local authorities in England, to the Scottish Government and to the Welsh Government.

Therefore the Welsh Government must work in conjunction with local government to design and implement a new scheme in sufficient time to provide council tax support for those on low incomes or in vulnerable groups by 1^st April 2013.

This consultation sets out the policy, financial and operational considerations related to providing support for council tax in Wales and expectations about how any new scheme could operate.

The document asks for the views of local authorities, advisory groups, representative bodies, the third sector and others who may be affected by these changes, to help the Welsh Government decide on the policy and delivery options for introducing a new scheme to provide council tax support in Wales.

Your views are welcomed on all aspects of the proposed approach set out in the document, in addition to the specific questions asked.

If you are not currently entitled to council tax benefit, then nothing will change for you. If you do receive council tax benefit, there may be changes which will affect you from April 2013:

• Some changes could affect how you claim support with your council tax bill;
• Some changes could affect how much support you can claim, or whether you receive any support at all, and therefore how much council tax you are expected to pay.

This document is not about how much council tax you should pay.  It is about how a new system should be designed and operated to help those who need support to meet their council tax bill.

How to respond

Please submit your comments by 05 April 2012 in any of the following ways:

Email:

LGF1Consultations@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Post:

Joanna Valentine
Local Government Finance and Public Services Performance Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Any response you send us will be seen in full by Welsh Government staff dealing with the issues which this consultation is about. It may also be seen by other Welsh Government staff to help them plan future consultations.

The Welsh Government intends to publish a summary of the responses to this document. We may also publish responses in full. Normally, the name and address (or part of the address) of the person or organisation who sent the response are published with the response. This helps to show that the consultation was carried out properly. If you do not want your name or address published, please tell us this in writing when you send your response.

The People's Budget Workshop - Rhyl

This is a FREE workshop for Voluntary, Community, Resident and Tenant Groups in the Rhyl area on Wednesday 14th March, 12.15pm - 4.00pm (lunch is included at 12.15pm) at The Good News Mission, 75 Marsh Road, Rhyl, LL18 2AB.

Make sure you are part of this energising workshop on getting a much greater say in how public budgets are spent locally. This is the ONLY such workshop in Wales!

There are very few places left - you need to book online NOW to be sure of a place at the workshop.

Reserve your place straight away at www.rhyl.eventbrite.co.uk

The People's Budget is a project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Trust and managed by Church Action on Poverty.

Supported in Wales by the Wales PB Unit.

Hospitality training course

The taster day is on 14^th March and the course will start on the 19^th March. The course will run for two weeks. Anyone who is interested needs to attend the taster day, which will start at 10.00am and take place in the Nova Centre in Prestatyn.

To be eligible for the course they need to be aged 16-25, currently un-employed and live in Denbighshire or Conwy.

They must also fall into one or more of the Prince’s Trust’s target groups:

• Un-employed for six months or more.
• Have a criminal record.
• Be in or leaving care.
• Have less than 5 GCSEs at A*-C grade.

This course will give you three qualifications and work experience. Food will be provided every day and transport costs will be refunded. There are also guaranteed jobs for those who do well (on the last course 8 people were hired!).

This is a fantastic opportunity. If you are at all interested and meet the criteria please contact Vicky Evans on 01745 366680 or by e-mail on vicky.evans@princes-trust.org.uk

Community Events and Marketing Company

Community Events and Market Company Ltd (CEMC) was established to enable local producers and stall holders to sell their produce direct to the public giving consumers the chance to buy fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally reared meat and home made products alongside fair trade goods, fashion, gifts and household items.

Our wider objectives are job creation, training courses for  local unemployed people and some of our profits will be ring fenced and used to support local charities. We offer support for small business, value for money and increase visitors to your town centre.

For more information please visit their new website:
www.cemc.co.uk

South West Rhyl Communities First - New Partnership Board 2012

Front row (left to right): Moira Lockitt (G2G), Donna Murphy (Marsh Residents Association, Jenny Walker (Rhyl City Strategy).
Second row (left to right): Paula Stubbs (Little Brown Bag), Jim Kilpatrick (DCC Countryside Services), Jeannette Mays (Kids Fun Club), Ray Worsnop (Community Events & Markets Company).
Back row (left to right): Peter Smith (Good News Mission), Les Cooper (WWHA), Jane Allen (Vale Residents Association), Larry Marsden (CAIS), Rick Jones Abbas (DCC Welfare Rights), Paul Smith (Welsh Government).

Will Morecombe (RAPA) and Wynne Randles (RYAG) are also members of the new Partnership Board, but are not present in this photo.

Wales on the Edge - Benefit Cuts

The Cuts Watch Cymru report - Wales on the Edge - highlights that almost all people who currently receive some sort of Government benefit, whether it is universal benefits such as Winter Fuel Allowance or Child Benefit, or means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Income Support,  will be affected in some way.  It concludes that the changes to benefits could pull the rug from under the feet of thousands of people in Wales, often already the most vulnerable such as children and disabled people, as they face uncertainty about their income and the possibility of substantial cuts. These changes come at a time when Wales’s economic situation is already weak and job prospects are extremely limited, leaving people ill-prepared to cope. The Cuts Watch Cymru coalition is urging the Welsh Government and Local Authorities to plan ahead to cushion the blows that will affect so many people in Wales.

The report analyses the main benefits claimed in Wales, identifies recent and proposed changes to them, and highlights some evidence on the impact of changes to date. For example:

180,000 people claiming benefit (ESA or Incapacity Benefit) because they are sick or disabled will have their claims re-assessed over the next few years, with only about 5% being expected to be eligible for support because they are too ill to work. The rest will be transferred to work-related benefits, which will be means-tested so claimants with a partner will not receive anything, or off benefits altogether.

40,000 people living in social housing and claiming Housing Benefit will lose an average of £11 a week because they have a spare bedroom, forcing them to move house or face a cut in income.  

75,000 claimants of Job Seekers’ Allowance and 30,000 lone parents with children over 5 years old who claim Income Support will face tough tests to show they are seeking work.

1.2 million older people have lost between £50 and £100 in Winter Fuel Payments.

Many households will be affected several times over, for example if they receive more than one benefit such as Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit, and most benefits will also change with the introduction of Universal Credit.

House Share Support Service

This is a new crisis intervention support service for people aged 16-35 who currently live in Denbighshire and who are either assessed as having independent living skills or have completed a programme of housing related support to develop living skills (e.g. within a supported housing project).  The purpose of the project is to support young vulnerable people in dealing with the issues, obstacles and problems which can arise from living independently in shared accommodation.

Referrals for this service will be expected either to have a tenancy in shared accommodation or to have a clear interest in a specific tenancy in shared accommodation (e.g. be on the point of signing a tenancy agreement before moving in).

All referrals will have been identified as needing support in a number of areas relating to sharing accommodation.  It is expected that referrals will be supported for a maximum of 3 months at a time.

Contact Details:

Simon Farrell

Office - 01745 355007

Mobile - 07769878915

E-mail - simon.farrell@clwydalyn.co.uk  or dyfodol@clwydalyn.co.uk

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.