submitting articles for this site

If you wish to have any news relating to services for children and their families published onto this site please forward items to PAVO via email: info@pavo.org.uk. Preferably send attachments in Word or publisher rather than pdf format.

If you wish to have further information about anything appearing here please do contact PAVO via the HelpDesk email: info@pavo.org.uk or phone: 0845 009 3288

If any of the links to documents, surveys or other websites don't work please do let us know and we will try again.

See our Sister Blog: PAVO Powys Play Partnership -http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/


Thursday 31 January 2013

Childcare Providers - Workshops & Support Available


Dyfodol Powys Futures will be hosting two training days full of interesting and useful workshops and stalls on subjects applicable to childcare providers.

More details to come but the venues are booked and are as follows:

2nd of March 2013 10am - 3pm
St Johns Family Centre
Pendre Close, Pendre, Brecon
LD3 9EA

23rd of March 2013 10am - 3pm
Oldford Infants School
Oldford, Welshpool 
SY21 7SX

To book a place please contact myself or Stephanie Keane - stephanie.keane@dyfodol-powys-futures.org.uk

STAR Club for 6- 12 year olds in Ystradgynlais




A  FREE , fun and relaxed Club in a safe & confidential environment for
6-12 year olds
An opportunity to explore feelings around domestic abuse
Games, activities & discussions to help
Manage feelings & develop practical skills as well as
Manage anger & personal safety
Starts Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Ystradgynlais
& each following Wednesday for 8 weeks excluding Easter Holidays
3.30 - 5 pm 
For more information & to secure a place contact:
Judy Hargreaves Tel 01874 625146 Email bwajudy@btinternet.com
Melanie Sharman Tel 07870 603995 Email bwaystrad@btinternet.com





Wednesday 30 January 2013

Rights of the Child: Online Training Course


United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) online training course

This training course will help officials learn more about children and young people’s rights.
The Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure came into effect in May 2011.  This course is designed to help people understand how the new Measure will affect their area of work.
Alongside the full training we have also developed a 10 minute version. This is a snapshot introduction to the UNCRC and the Measure.
Click on the link below.
Access the 5 sections to learn more about the Measure.
Take the Quiz to test your knowledge.

Job Vacancies: PAVO Officers


POWYS ASSOCIATION
OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
CYMDEITHAS MUDIADAU GWIRFODDOL POWYS



 
Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations has the following vacancies.

(i) Third Sector Broker and Info-Engine Officer
(ii) Safe Services Officer

Both posts are
Fixed term to 31 March 2014     28hours per week 

Salary £ 18,966.40 per annum  (£23,708 pro rata)

The main tasks of the Third Sector Broker and Info-Engine Officer post are:
To support the safe, appropriate and effective involvement of Third Sector organisations in the Powys Communications Hub (which provides a single point of access for people in Powys to Adult Social Care Services) to provide the best support to people in Powys
To work in the Communications Hub to ensure that information on Third Sector service providers on Info-Engine (on-line information directory for Powys) is accurate and readily accessible to relevant health and social care professionals
To develop the content of the Info-Engine Database so that it provides a comprehensive database of key third sector organisations and services and to liaise with external partners to support the development of Info-Engine

The main tasks of the Safe Services Officer post are:
To delivery training sessions and information briefings about Standards for Health Services in Wales and quality standards
To promote the Standards for Health Services in Wales and quality standards to Powys’ Third Sector and develop the Sector’s understanding of their relevance and importance
To use a community development approach to support third sector organisations to adopt the Standards for Health Services in Wales and to evidence their attainment, and to support them to strengthen, develop and implement sound governance arrangements to support the delivery of safe services


Closing date for applications:  12noon on Tuesday 19th February 2013

Application packs are available from Mandy Phillips on 01597 822191 or mandy.phillips@pavo.org.uk 

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Powys 2013 Play Summit: More Families Play More!


Powys 2013 Play Summit: More Families Play More!
  • How do we work together to make sure more families can play more in your communities?
  • What's happening already?
  • What more can we do?
The Local Authority has a duty to undertake a Play Sufficiency Audit.  We will be able to have a look at some of the data and find out some of the stories behind the data.

You are warmly invited to this event and welcome your opportunity to become involved with the developments of Play in Powys.


Friday 8th March, Unit 30 Ddole Road Industrial Estate, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6DF
10am - 12.30pm
OR

Friday 15th March, Hope Church, Dolfor Road, Newtown, SY16 1JD
10am - 12.30pm


TO BOOK A PLACE - contact PAVO

Follow Play at: http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/


Play In Powys - Join up


Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations and Dyfodol Powys Futures are delighted to announce that they are working in partnership to establish the infrastructure which will enable more accessible play opportunities across the County.
We are providing functions that will enable other organisations to develop and deliver play opportunities.  The idea is to concentrate certain tasks that can be done once across the county in a central hub leaving other organisations to do what they do best in their communities.  In essence, we will be providing a central resource to:

  • Be a central communication point for play
  • Promote of the value of play
  • Coordinate of the planning of play projects
  • Plan & secure central resources for play, including income generation
  • Support others to provide play which responds to children’s needs
  • Recruit  volunteers
  • Provide training to the play workforce
We know that play has a massive positive effect on communities and for personal development. 
Centrally Planned, Locally Delivered Play
“The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child states that every child has the right to play.  We’re here to support the grown-ups and make sure they have all the right resources in place for that to happen.  We will act as a central communication point for all those who wish to get involved.  Working with Powys County Council, the Health Board, schools and hundreds of community groups we will be able to plan and support centrally but play will be delivered where it matters – in the communities where children and families live,” explains Yvonne Owen-Newns, Play Hub Facilitator with PAVO.

Sign up today to become a member.  It is very simple, just your basic contact details and what you do.  By signing up to the membership, this will help us to demonstrate just how many organisations are working hard to make sure play happens in Powys.
Powys Play Partnership Membership Pledge

Follow the Play Blog to keep up to date at: http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/

Monday 28 January 2013

Fuel Poverty- Information half day available


Spreading the Warmth in Powys: Tackling Fuel Poverty
Date: 13th March 2013           Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: PAVO, 30 Ddole Road Industrial Estate, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6DF

The Welsh Government has an ambition to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales by 2018. With latest estimates showing that one in three Welsh households are now living in fuel poverty, this half day information event, jointly planned by PAVO, NEST Wales and Powys County Council, aims to examine funding opportunities and support for households in Powys.
Who should attend?
The event is aimed at third sector organisations, community and voluntary groups and health and social care professionals. 
If you are keen to learn about support available to help make homes warmer and reduce fuel bills, this is an information event not to be missed.
There is no cost for attending the information event. Spaces are however limited. To book your place at the event, please complete the online booking form. Any questions about the event please contact Ruth Middleton at PAVO,  01597 822191ruth.middleton@pavo.org.uk.


For further information about NEST WALES click here

Thursday 24 January 2013

Play In Powys - What do Parents/Carers think?


Play in Powys


We want to know what parents and carers think about their children playing outside and the places that they play or hang out in.

The Council now has a legal duty under the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 to assess the play opportunities provided within its area. We’ve already consulted with children and young people across the county about what they do in their spare time, but we also want parent and carers’ views.

To let us know what you think, follow the links below tothe online survey. The survey should take you about 10 minutes to complete, it’s completely anonymous, and all responses need to be made before 5pm, Monday 4 February.

This is your chance to help shape the future of play in Powys.

Welsh survey: http://surveys.powys.gov.uk/index.php?sid=69369&lang=cy
English survey: http://surveys.powys.gov.uk/index.php?sid=69369&lang=en


Please note that mailservice@powys.gov.uk is an unmonitored address, any reply will not be delivered

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Youth Grant Scheme


Youth Lead Grant Scheme

We Still have money left in this years youth lead grant pot!!!

Apply Now before it too late

THE APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY A YOUNG PERSON, AGED 14-25 YEARS OLD.  
Individuals and groups can apply for grants in the region of £250.  The application form may be filled in or other methods of answering the questions will be accepted e.g.video, DVD, along with section B of the application form.
Project proposals must demonstrate:
• how organisations will involve young people aged 14 – 25 in developing their voluntary
 activities.  A minimum of 4 young people, aged 14 – 25 need to be involved when
 submitting a Youth Led Grant Scheme application but the project can involve anyone.
• how they will deliver new, high quality volunteering experiences
• how they will approach and attract young people, particularly those that are
 disadvantaged or excluded. 
All applications will be considered but preference will be given to applications from:
• Communities First areas
• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• People with physical or learning disabilities
• Youth led volunteering opportunities e.g. applications submitted by young people rather
 than a Youth Worker applying to involve young people
• Smaller organisations
 FOR MORE INFO
Contact:
PAVO Helpdesk:  0845 009 3288
  

Monday 21 January 2013

What's stopping Young People Using Public Transport




What stops young people from using public transport?  PAVO are looking to develop projects to increase the take up of public transport across the county by young people, especially those that may not have the confidence to use it. 

What are the suggestions from young people which would help them to use public transport more?
Pass on your top 3 suggestions along with:

a low cost/no cost ideas

and off the wall ideas

to PAVO so that we have some evidence of need and ideas on how to best support young people.

Use the link below to record your ideas:



Genesis Project Continues ....

Firstly Happy New Year from the Genesis Team and we would like to wish everyone all the best for 2013!

I'd like to take this opportunity to explain that the Genesis Project will hopefully be continuing until the end of its contract in June 2014.  Last week however there was some rather disturbing press coverage indicating that the project may be closed a year early (June 2013.)  All the local authorities in Wales are currently fighting this consideration from the Welsh Government and are doing everything we can to ensure that the good work of the project for the people of Wales continues.  

On that note it is therefore business as usual for the time being in our office and I would like to appeal to you all for new referrals and for you to circulate this email as you see fit to encourage others to refer or indeed those who may want our support to refer themselves (attached is our referral form in Word, Excel and PDF format, please use whichever suits your IT needs).  Here is a brief update on what we do for those who would like a refresher and a copy of our leaflet is attached:

The Genesis Project assists those people furthest from the labour market to overcome barriers preventing them from undertaking education or training and entering work.
Genesis aims to provide a package of client-centred support to reduce barriers that may exclude an individual from training and entering the labour market. These barriers may include limited skills or qualifications, low self esteem, lack of confidence, health issues or family commitments.
The Project aims to support individuals to move one step closer towards training and ultimately employment.
Genesis aims to assist participants to overcome a variety of barriers including childcare and financial barriers to participation. This is either through direct support, or by referring to other agencies that work in partnership with Genesis.
To be eligible for a service from Genesis, participants must:
  • Be over 16 years old
  • Be a parent or carer
  • Live in Powys
  • Not currently be employed (not claiming JSA or ESA)
  • Facing barriers in returning to work or employment
Funded by:
  • WEFO (Welsh Funding Office)  – Genesis is a Welsh Government initiative, and is delivered by Dyfodol Powys Futures on behalf of Powys County Council.
  • European Social Fund
Please do contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the information and requests in my email, I work full-time and therefore am available to talk or email most days.

With kindest regards

Clare and the Genesis Team 

Clare Fry
Genesis Officer
Dyfodol Powys Futures
Trafford House
Temple Street
Llandrindod Wells
Powys, LD1 5HG
Tel:  01597 825236
Mobile: 07531377312
E-mail: clare.fry@dyfodol-powys-futures.org.uk

Company Limited by Guarantee - 6556066
Registered Charity - 1126794

DYFODOL POWYS FUTURES - For People. For Powys 

To Download the Genesis Poster and referral forms please use the following links:
Genesis Poster:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41FCphm3PwqTFhZcEk2RW5jTDA/edit
Referral Form PDF:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41FCphm3PwqNnhRbFEtT3JkNkU/edit
Referral Form Word:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/1rdf3Oq2C1Pb9_WZALO8npgRJZibYXSngV5qBvtLmfzngfqM0MadSU1yjM6id/edit
Referreal Form xlsx:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/1jfEn8caU_5MSwoHyHlHrpZvUv4qLu1Uz_qM9CWG4dGDxWYHCNxgWRX7ZWIMs/edit

URGENT RESPONSE: Supporting Separating Families - Can you give your support for a potential project?

URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED BY TUESDAY 22nd JANUARY!
Resolve Cymru have been invited by the Department of Work & Pensions to submit further proposals to establish a project in Powys which will support separating families.  Resolve Cymru propose to provide a bespoke mix of individual and group work to support families through a painful experience and hope to minimise the effects on children and young people.  This project will complement  their family mediation service.

If you are able to provide written support to the funders, at this point in time, please contact Yvonne at PAVO for further details.

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Children & Young People's Conference Proposed!


A proposed Children & Young People's Conference is in the early stages of planning.  The Conference will be around developing School Councils, One Plan Consultation, Intergenerational Work, Workforce Development and Careers.

At the moment possible dates are:

26th September 2013  

OR

4th October 2013


Please keep in touch with developments and opportunities to support and develop staff and volunteers working with children and young people.


 

Safeguarding Self- Assessment Tool - Are your policies & procedures working?

Powys Local Safeguarding Children's Board have developed as Self-Assessment Tool which will help your organisation check that you have the correct policies and procedures in place and that these are followed.  

We all want to be able to demonstrate that we are safe organisations and to make sure that any gaps in training or development can be filled.  This process will help guide you through and re-check that you have everything in place.

PAVO are asking voluntary organisations who work with Children & Young People to complete this and to submit your responses to PAVO.  If you have any difficulties or need help with completing then please contact us for support.

By collating the information together in one place we will be able to identify common areas of training and development for the sector, as a whole.

Use the link below to download and to access the document
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B41FCphm3PwqOEJ2NGFhYWVsYzQ/edit

Friday 11 January 2013

Early Support - Supporting Children with Disabilities

A meeting has been arranged to use the MAPPIT tool will be used to assess the situation with Early Support in Powys, with Cathy Hamer, Early Support Consultant attending.  The tool was used 2 years ago so we hope to be able to see some changes.

Llandrindod Wells on Monday 4th February at 2pm - 4.30pm. 

If you would like further information and to be able to feed in, either at the meeting or outside of the meeting please contact the PAVO helpdesk, in the first instance.

Tuesday 8 January 2013

What Difference Are We Really Making? Brecon & Ystradgynlais Areas


What Difference Are We Really Making?
Families First is an innovative programme that promotes the development of effective multi-agency systems and support, with a clear emphasis on prevention and early intervention for families, particularly those living in poverty.”
Recent data suggests that in both the Brecon and Ystradgynlais areas there is an increase in referrals to Children’s Social Services, many of which are not meeting the Children’s Services criteria, suggesting that they are inappropriate referrals.  At the same time we have low levels of referrals to the Local Resource Solution Panels (LRSP’s) in these areas.
To explore this further, the Children and Young People’s Partnership is hosting a proactive workshop to look at how we can ‘turn this curve’ and reduce the levels of inappropriate referrals to Children’s Services and provide earlier intervention for those families who require it.  At the workshop you will be provided with local data to indicate key trends in the children and young people’s populations in these areas.  We will then work together to explore the ‘story behind the data’ and to develop ‘local action plans’ that will help us ‘turn the curve’ and provide earlier intervention for children, young people and their families.
Who should attend: The workshops are open to anyone with an interest in and able to make a contribution to improving outcomes for children and young people in Powys, in particular in the Brecon and Ystradgynlais areas.

Please make every effort to come along to this event (which is being held after the scheduled LRSP’s) on:

January 21st at Brecon Tourist Information Centre, 1pm
February 27th in Ystradgynlais (Venue to be confirmed), 12.30pm

Lunch will be served at the above times. The Local Resource Solution Panel will take place at 10am prior to the workshop in both areas.

Please register ASAP as places are limited. Contact Pamela Beausang, Joint Assessment Family Framework Programme Officer at pamelab1@powys.gov.uk or phone on
01597 82 6246