Do you have a few hours to spare?
Would you like to help a local Community Organisation?

JIGSAW have lots of Volunteering Opportunities available We are looking for enthusiastic people to help us raise both awareness and funding

Jigsaw is a voluntary organisation which provides support to families whose child has been diagnosed, is being assessed, or is showing behaviour traits of Autism and/or ADHD We are looking for Volunteers to assist us in various roles,
i.e:

• Fundraising
• Promotions
• Publicity
• Networking
• Family Sessions
• Support Workers
• Committee Members

Come along to our Information Day onTuesday 16th April 2013from 10.00am until 2.00pm and from 6.00pm until 8.00pmat The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las, Rhyl, LL18 2DY

North Wales Coast Regeneration Area funding paves the way for further projects

Welsh Government Regeneration Area funding of £25,500 for a feasibility study and a design for a car park in Crescent Road, in Rhyl will pave the way for Denbighshire Council to complete projects which will lever in private sector investment £15 million.

The study and design for the Crescent Road site, which has been purchased by Denbighshire County Council after being identified as a key priority site in Rhyl, will provide the best solution for traffic flow to avoid impacting too greatly on residential properties. The project will also provide conceptual designs of the public realm surrounding the proposed new aquatic centre and Children’s Village underground car park which is a priority for the regeneration of Rhyl’s promenade.

A further £25,000 has been awarded to Theatre Colwyn for the purchase of Digital Cinema which will allow the community cinema to continue and will improve the experience for cinema goers. The new equipment is needed to replace traditional 35mm film projection as distributors are withdrawing this format. The new technology will also make Audio Description, Audio Enhanced and subtitled screenings for the hearing and visually impaired available.

Announcing the funding, Housing Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis said:

“I am delighted to announce funding for these projects. The car park feasibility study will pave the way for further development of Rhyl and is an excellent example of how a relatively modest amount of funding can lead to huge benefits for the local economy.

“Theatre Colwyn’s funding award is an example of the community benefits that Regeneration Area funding can bring. It is a relatively small sum of money compared to other projects we have funded, but it will make a real difference to the theatre by ensuring that the community cinema can continue to provide much needed entertainment for cinema goers of all ages. It will also improve the services for people with visual or hearing impairments which is vitally important.”

Kids Fun Club - Holiday Clubs

Mon 25th Robot Wars

{Create and Make a Scary Robot head} 

Tue 26th Making a Movie of it

{Who can Make a Movie using their Robot Head} 

Wed 27th Fun Day & Zumbathon 

{See Separate Poster and maybe meet Easter Bunny} 

Thu 28th Volunteer Training 9.30-12.30

{This for our Volunteers & trainees only} 

Sat 30th & Mon 1st April 

{Club Closed Bank Holiday Weekend }

Tue 2nd Remote Car Challenge 

{do fancy the challenge, bring own car if want} 

Wed 3rd Greenfield Valley

{Trip Out More details later}

Thu 4th Volunteer Training 9.30-12.30

{This for our Volunteers & trainees only}

John Davies Building 82 Marsh Rd, Rhyl LL18 2AE All sessions are 10-4pm £8 Members £10 non members Either packed lunch or £2.00 Members £2.50 Non Members Trip Out £10 Members £12.00 Non Members packed lunch required

Tel 01745 889444 to find out more {please ring before 6pm}

Adult learners week 2013 - Whats going on guide

Denbighshire VW 0312 by

Jigsaw Newsletter

Denbigh group - Eirianfa Community Centre, Factory Place, Denbigh

Weekly group meetings - Wednesday from 9.30am until 11.30am

Saturday 2 March 2013 - We will be holding our Denbigh Family Session from 10.00am until 12.00pm. We shall be organising a mini Sports day for our families to enjoy.

Wednesday 6 March 2013 Jane Parkinson, Welfare Reform will be attending our Denbigh meeting to advice us about the changes to benefits and the recent welfare reforms.

Wednesday 13 March 2013 - Ann Shercliffe, Regional Officer for The Family Fund, will be attending our Denbigh meeting to give us advice about applying for a grant from the Family Fund.

Please note there will be no weekly group sessions on 27th March or 3rd April 2013 as it is the Easter half term holidays.

Saturday 6 April 2013 - We will be holding our Denbigh & Rhyl Easter Family Session from 10.00am until 3.00pm. We shall be meeting at 10.00am at The Fifties Museum at Cae Dai, Denbigh, LL16 4SU and then afterwards we will be meeting at Vue Cinema, Rhyl Promenade to watch either: Finding Nemo 3D, The Croods or Jack the Giant Slayer (we shall confirm the film nearer the time). There will be no cost for this trip as this has been funded by a grant received from RWE npower renewables. The whole family is welcome to attend although booking is essential as we shall be hosting an Easter Egg hunt during the day. Bookings can be made via our Facebook Events page.

Colwyn Bay group - Bryn Cadno Community Centre, Colwyn Heights, Colwyn Bay

Weekly group meetings - Thursday from 9.30am until 11.30am

Thursday 7 March 2013 - Tracy Cresswell, Conwy County Council, will be attending our Colwyn Bay meeting to give us a demonstration on how to use Boardmaker, which will help us to create various resources for use at home.

Thursday 14 March 2013 - Representatives from MENCAP will be attending our Colwyn Bay meeting to advice us about the services MENCAP provide and how they can assist/support our families.

Please note there will be no weekly group session on 28th March or 4th April 2013 as it is the Easter half term holidays.

Rhyl group - The Oak Tree Centre, Ffordd Las, Rhyl

Weekly group meetings - Friday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm

Friday 1 March 2013 - Winnie Lawson, CAB Benefits Advisor, will be attending our Rhyl meeting to provide advice and guidance on which benefits families are entitled to.

Saturday 2 March 2013 - We will be holding our Family Session from 1.00pm until 3.00pm. Stuart from UKANUNI will be teaching us all how to perform circus skills.

Friday 8 March 2013 - Jane Parkinson, will be attending our Rhyl meeting to advise us about the changes to benefits and the recent welfare reforms.

Friday 15 March 2013 - Ann Shercliffe, Regional Officer, Family Fund, will be attending our Rhyl meeting to give us advice about applying for a grant from the Family Fund.

Please note there will be no weekly group session on 29th March or 4th April 2013 as it is the Easter half term holidays.

Saturday 6 April 2013 - We will be holding our Denbigh & Rhyl Easter Family Session from 10.00am until 3.00pm. We shall be meeting at 10.00am at The Fifties Museum at Cae Dai, Denbigh, LL16 4SU and then afterwards we will be meeting at Vue Cinema, Rhyl Promenade to watch either: Finding Nemo 3D, The Croods or Jack the Giant Slayer (we shall confirm the film nearer the time). There will be no cost for this trip as this has been funded by a grant received from RWE npower renewables. The whole family is welcome to attend although booking is essential as we shall be hosting an Easter Egg hunt during the day. Bookings can be made via our Facebook Events page.

Trips

Thanks to Merlins Magic Wand families from our group will be enjoying a day trip to Blackpool Circus on Saturday 30 March 2013.

Courses/Seminars

Tuesday 19 March 2013 Afasic Cymru and Contact a Family are holding an information day to advice families about the recent Welfare Reforms, this will take place at The Interchange, Old Colwyn from 9.00am until 4.00pm. Jigsaw will be holding an information stand at this event. Please feel free to come along and say hi.

Fundraising

We are looking for Volunteers who can assist us in various positions. If you, or someone you know, are able to donate your time to our group can you please email us at: info@jigsawsupport.org.

Drop in Day - Colwyn Bay

The Older People’s Commission is holding a drop in Information Day in the Daffodil Day Centre in Colwyn Bayon 11 March 1.30-3.30pm (Daffodil Day Centre, The Rothesay, West Promenade, Colwyn Bay, LL28 4BY). The purpose of the event will be to share information about the Commission with people from the local area as well as having information stands from other stakeholders with useful information for older people.

Welfare Reform Information Day

Contact a Family Wales and Afasic Cymru are holding an Information day on all welfare benefits and forthcoming changes at:

The Interchange, 317 – 319 Abergele Road, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 9YF

To reserve a place on the workshop, or a session with a caseworker, please email: wales.events@cafamily.org.uk or telephone Kate on 02920 396624/ 07904672614.

Statement by Denbighshire County Council

Denbighshire County Council

At its Cabinet meeting on 15th January, Denbighshire County Council allocated around £600k to support local community priority projects in its main towns (Corwen, Denbigh, Llangollen, Rhuddlan, Ruthin & St Asaph) . The projects were those identified as priorities in the Town Plans agreed by Council last year. Cabinet also agreed to extend the Town Plans to include the surrounding villages and more rural communities and held back a further £600k to be allocated when those priorities had been agreed. The Town Plans were developed based on consultation with local residents and businesses and it is expected that the process of expanding the plans to cover the surrounding communities will do as well. More details on the precise arrangements are due to be reported to a future Cabinet meeting to agree the exact process.

As well as putting extra money into the Town & Community Plans budget, the County Council has also rolled into the same pot, the Community budgets (revenue and capital) previously available for community groups to bid for. Funding will now be made available to projects that are agreed by the local community to be a priority and that make their way into the Town & Community Plans. Any groups with projects wanting funding should keep an eye out for information about how the broader community plans are being developed and should start discussing ideas with local community representatives to gain support for their project.

The County Council acknowledges that this is a change from the way in which Community Funds have been allocated in the past but is clear that it continues to see local community priorities as important but, in these times of reducing budgets, just wants to be sure that there is a robust way of making sure those projects that are supported are priorities for local communities and sees the Town and expanded Community Plans to be the way to do that.

Communities First is changing

South West Rhyl Communities First is changing and will soon be known as North Denbighshire Communities First creating one Denbighshire cluster.

We will be moving into new areas and exciting times lay ahead.
To find out more about the changes and the areas we will be covering, come and see us at the Rhyl library on:

Tuesday 13th February 12noon - 4pm
Wednesday 19th February 2pm - 6pm

Appointment of Members

TACKLING POVERTY EXTERNAL ADVISORY GROUP

Appointment of Members

Background on the Tackling Poverty Advisory Group

The Welsh Programme for Government sets out the key areas of activity to tackle poverty. To deliver this agenda the Tackling Poverty Action Plan was published in June 2012, which sets out the detailed contribution the Welsh Government will make to this agenda. The refreshed Tackling Poverty Action Plan will be published in June 2013 to display the progress the Government is making to Tackle Poverty.

The Minister for Local Government and Communities and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services has responsibility for leading this work and, in May 2012, established an External Advisory Group as an important contribution to delivery.

Reason for appointments

The group comprises of a panel of experts in the field of poverty and currently has six members. We have identified gaps in the expertise of the group are seeking to appoint around 4 expert members to bring that knowledge and expertise. We particularly need expertise in the following areas:

• Poverty and Health
• Poverty and Disability
• Generic Poverty

Members of the group will be expected to have a clear understanding of the issues facing the Welsh Government in tackling poverty. Further details of person specification can be found in the Information for Candidates.

Members remit is to:

·         Provide expert, evidence based advice to the Welsh Government on the implementation and further policy requirements necessary to deliver the Tacking Poverty Action Plan in Wales.

·         Consider and comment on the progress of the Welsh Government in the attainment of its tackling-poverty targets as set out in Programme for Government and the Tackling Poverty Action Plan.

Members serve in a voluntary, unpaid capacity.  Members will be expected to be available to work a minimum of 4 days per year as the Tackling Poverty External Advisory Group will meet at least 4 times a year.

It is the policy of the Welsh Government to promote and integrate equality of opportunity into all aspects of its business including appointments to public bodies. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all groups and we ensure that no eligible candidate for public office receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation.

 The principles of fair and open competition will apply and appointments will be made on merit.

To apply, please complete a short written statement (maximum one side of A4) setting out how you meet the person specification, supported by a CV. The person specification can be found in the Information for Candidates.

For further details contact Laurie Davies, Tackling Poverty officer on 0300 062 8097 or email laurie.davies@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 March 2013. Applications received after this date will not be considered. It is expected to hold interviews on the 10 and 11 April 2013.

Kids Fun club @ John Davies Community Building

Kids Fun club is a fun out of school activity club for young people with specific needs 8-15 members and 16-24 volunteers

Kids Fun Club is on every Saturday 10am - 4pm
Also in school holidays only - Holiday Clubs Monday, Tuesday and wednesday 10am - 4pm in addition to Saturday

Please visit the website for an up to date price list www.funforall.me.uk


Sponsered Zumbathon 2013 & Fun Day - 27th March 2013

At John Davies Community Building - 10:30am - 3:30pm (zumbathon 2pm-3pm)

Burgers and hotdogs available 11:30am-1:30pm

There will also be a bargain table and a bottle raffle

To find out more or to register please contact Kevin on 01745 889444

Music Magic - Starts 22nd January 2013 for 8 weeks

 Following the success of the sessions last term, kids fun club are pleased to announce that the classes will continue

Come along and join in the fun at John Davies Community Building, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl 5:30pm-6:30pm

To register, please contact Kevin on 01745 889444

Nest Wales attending A2A drop in session

Nest Wales will be attending Access 2 Advocacy’s drop-in session on 
December 19th from 9.30am, at 30 Bedford Street, Rhyl.

An adviser from Nest will be available to answer your questions about fuel poverty, making Welsh homes warmer and more fuel-efficient places to live, as well as;

• Saving energy
• Money management
• Making sure you’re on the best fuel tariff for you;
• And whether you are entitled to any benefits to boost your income

You may also be eligible to receive home improvements at no cost to you, to help make your home warmer and reduce the cost of your energy bills.

Nest support is available to everyone in Wales.

Access 2 Advocacy will of course still be available to discuss any other issues you might be having; for example housing, care, making complaints and much more...

DVSC Newsletter

Please see the following link to DVSC'S Latest newsletter regarding volunteering in Denbighshire

http://www.dvsc.co.uk/english/documents/VolunteerNovember2012.pdf

Preparing for Universal Credit

Money a+e’s guide to opening and managing a bank account
Universal Credit is set to replace a number of out of work and low income related benefits and the level of benefits available will also be capped. TheTransition to Universal Credit will begin from October 2013 for new claimants. Universal Credit will consist of two elements: A Living Cost element and a Housing Cost element. Universal Credit will be paid to claimants in a lump sum on a monthly basis. Unlike Housing benefit, the housing cost element will also be paid to the Claimant and not directly the Landlord.

It is therefore vital now more than ever to ensure that those who are in receipt of benefits firstly have a bank account/s and secondly that they learn how to manage those bank accounts and prioritize all their financial obligations, here is our guide to help you get started.

Step 1 - Opening a Bank Account

The first thing you need to do is find a bank account that is correct for you. There are many different types of bank account available, so it is very important you check which will be most appropriate for you. For more information about bank accounts check out, The Money Advice Service’s guide,‘How to choose the right bank account’ (https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-choose-the-right-bank-account)
One of the biggest issues faced when opening a bank account is ensuring you have the appropriate ID. To find out what ID is required for various banks please check out The Money Advice Service’s guide, ‘Identity requirements for basic bank accounts’. (https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/identity-equirements-for-basic-bank-accounts)

Step 2 - Managing a Bank account

Use more than one bank account to help you budget
• Using several accounts to manage your money can help you stay in control of your spending.
• Divide your income each month into separate accounts – (e.g. you could have one account set up for paying your rent, council tax and other priority bills and another account for spending on yourself).
As soon as you receive your income divide it into separate accounts by setting up standing orders. Make sure the standing orders are set up for the date you are due to receive your money. This will avoid any temptation of dipping into money that should be set aside for essential bills and ensure that you keep on top of your all your financial obligations.

Check your bank statements and bills on a monthly basis
• Once you have set up your accounts, it is important that you keep an eye on what money you have coming in and out of your bank accounts each month.
This is crucial if you’re keen for your budget to stay balanced. You should check your accounts on a regular basis and go through your bank statements
and bills to ensure that important transactions have been processed correctly and to make sure that no suspicious spending is showing on your accounts.

• Review your spending on a monthly basis, this will highlight where you might be over spending and encourage you to make cuts if necessary.

Keep a spending diary
• Keeping a spending diary for a few weeks is a good way to check that your money is really going where it should.

• Buy yourself a small note pad or if you have a smart phone you can download the Spendometer App (http://www.spendometer.co.uk/Welcome/DownloadOptions). Write down everything you spend for a minimum of four weeks and at the end of each week review your spending, this will give you a full overview of where your money is actually going.

• Many people find that keeping a spending diary tends to focus their minds on what they’re spending and can act as a deterrent for unnecessary spending.

Reassess your budget on a regular basis
• The key to successfully managing your budget is to ensure you revisit it on a regular basis.

• Each time there’s a change in your situation that will have an impact on your finances, it is important that you amend your budget accordingly to reflect these new changes. For further tips and information on money management check out our ‘Money management’ page. http://www.moneyaande.co.uk/advice/money-management

Upper Denbigh Community Development Update

The Upper Denbigh Community Development project has been funded for three years by the Big Lottery Fund and its aim is to support and encourage local residents from Upper Denbigh to participate within their community to bring about positive change.

If you have an idea that you feel would benefit the local area, please do not hesitate to contact Angela Watt, Community Development Worker to see how she can help you put your idea into action.

Communities First

From October 2012 Upper Denbigh will become part of the North Denbighshire Communities First Cluster. Communities First is a programme funded by the Welsh Government that aims to help communities play a major part in bringing about changes that will increase their chance of accessing education and employment and improving their levels of health.

Communities First staff will be employed to support community members to be involved in the whole process including planning and making decisions. They will work alongside the community and partner organisations to ensure that activities, training, projects and funding address the needs identified by the community.

If you would like more information about Communities First and how it will be rolled out in Upper Denbigh please contact Lisa Evans on lisa.evans@co-op.co.uk or Tel: 01745 332528.

Upper Denbigh Community Development Project

9 Pennant Flats, Henllan Street, Upper Denbigh, LL16 3PH

Tel: 01745 815897

E-mail: angela@dvsc.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UDCDP

Fastlove Speed Dating - Over 50s

Date: Thursday 25^th October 2012

Venue: Denbigh Town Hall

Cost: £12 per ticket

Capacity: 40 (20 men and 20 women)

Speed dating, the social phenomenon that has taken the UK by storm, has arrived in Denbigh! At a speed dating event, up to twenty men and twenty women get together; they get a limited amount of time to chat to each other, usually sitting either side of a table, then move on to the next date. During the night you get to meet everyone there of the opposite sex and decide who you'd like to see again. The dates are then matched by the organisers and within 2-3 days those people that are matched are sent each other’s details. It really is that simple!

There will be two separate events, one for the 50-65 age group and one for the 65+ age group, and they will be taking place at Denbigh Town Hall on Thursday 25th October 2012 as part of the No Limits event organised by Denbighshire County Council, in partnership with Age Concern North Wales Central. The reason for having speed dating at the event is to provide an opportunity for an age group that is not often catered for to meet people in a fun and social environment, not just for dating but also for friendship.

The cost for the speed dating is £12 per ticket, which is a £5 reduction on the normal price for Fastlove events. To book your place, phone 08456 442083 or visit the website: fastlovespeeddating.co.uk

Denbighshire Advice Network Open Day

Venue: Eirianfa, Factory Place, Denbigh

Date: Wednesday 17th October 2012

Time: 10am – 2pm

Let local organisations know what your service does?

Build new links and learn what others are doing?

Let advice giving organisations know what you would like them to do and how they should do it?

Free refreshments and a warm welcome

Please phone Beccy on 01824 712371 to book space for your display.

Heritage Lottery Fund

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.

HLF has supported more than 33,000 projects allocating over £4.97 billion across the UK, including more than 2,000 projects totalling over £240 million in Wales.

To find out more, please visit www.hlf.org.uk

For further information about the HLF please contact Stephen Barlow on 029 2023 4165.

Music Magic

Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in collaboration with Denbighshire Arts Service presents:

Music Magic!

Following the success of the sessions last term, we are pleased to announce that the classes will continue.

With experienced tutor Arfon Wyn and guest musicians.

Arfon will be joined in some sessions by other professional musicians who will introduce you to various musical instruments.

The main aim of the workshops is to give you the confidence to ‘have a go’ and enjoy interacting with each other and create your own music, working towards a performance at the end of the term.

No previous music experience is needed. If you play a musical instrument you are welcome to bring it with you to the workshops.

Join in the fun!

5.30 - 6.30pm, Tuesdays at SWRCF, John Davies Facility, 82 Marsh Road, Rhyl.

Start date: 9th October (for 8 weeks, no session 30^th October)

To register, please contact Kevin in the Kids Fun Club on 01745 889444 or 07943611262.

Chat Away Coffee Club celebrate their 1st Birthday

On 16 September 2011 Donna James and Claire Williamson met each other for the 1st time, who would have guessed that 12 months on they would be celebrating the 1st birthday of their support group, Chat Away Coffee Club!  Chat Away Coffee Club is a support group for carers of children living with Autism, ADHD or behavioural problems, whether they have been diagnosed or are being assessed.

Funkystars, Abergele, gave an amazing display of their morris dancing talents on the day and Angela Bayliss very kindly donated her time to do face painting for all the children. Everyone that attended the party had a great time. 

Donna James said "In the past 12 months we have met so many wonderful families and have enjoyed lots of different activities with all the children, as well as raising awareness of these amazing Abilities, we are hoping that the next 12 months will see us achieving Charity status as well as expanding further and starting a new Chat Away Coffee Club in Colwyn Bay :)

Currently, Chat Away Coffee Club hold weekly sessions, during term time, each Wednesday at Eirianfa, Factory Place, Denbigh from 9.30am until 12.00pm and each Friday at The Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. 

Monthly family sessions also take place at both Eirianfa, Denbigh and The Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl which the whole family is invited to, for further details please contact Chat Away Coffee Club via our website: www.chatawaycoffeeclub.org, email: cacc@live.co.uk or by phone: 07799 848270.