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/


Friday 28 June 2013

LawWorks Cymru. Legal advice for individual & community groups

LawWorks Cymru, recently established a project located in Wales that is part of LawWorks: the solicitors pro bono charity.  LawWorks facilitates the provision of pro bono (free) legal advice, from our legal professional members and stakeholders direct to individuals and community groups.

LawWorks Cymru
Naomi Morris and Joanna Bogacz are the project officers for LawWorks Cymru in Cardiff, Wales.  We are currently contacting all stakeholders to introduce the project and to seek suggestions of Third Sector Organisations, who will be able to inform us and benefit from the services we are currently developing.  Details of the LawWorks Cymru project are attached in an information leaflet [see attached] and can be accessed online . 


LawWorks Cymru stakeholders will include all Third Sector Organisations.  At this stage we are hoping to especially reach organisations that have direct links to service users (the LawWorks Cymru beneficiaries) and organisations seeking to provide or establish legal advice clinics/ organisations already providing advice clinics.  In addition, we are working with The Disability Law Service to facilitate access to advice for disabled individuals, so we also trying to reach any organisations who work with disabled stakeholders.  

Our links with the Third Sector & WCVA
The WCVA is a member of our Steering Group and has provided us with all County Voluntary Councils and Volunteer Centres contact details.  We have recently exhibited at the WCVA Charity Law Conference and details of this project and LawWorks other services have been circulated amongst some of the WCVA members.


Kind regards,

Joanna
Bogacz
LawWorks Cymru – Legal Project Officer

Dyfodol Powys Futures News Bulletin

Use the link below to view Dyfodol Powys Futures' recent News Bulletin.  You will find information on:

Cool Futures Powys Young Eyes
Play Radnor Volunteers
CYPP Training
Powys Play Pledge Conference
Family Information Service, Money Making Days

Click Here


Play Radnor Holiday Activities Club


ZOOM Cymru - Young Film Makers Summer School

Opportunity for young filmmakers in Wales this Summer with Zoom Cymru
 
ZOOM SUMMER FILM ACADEMY 2013
 
Is your passion directing, producing or editing films?
 
Are you worrying about what to do in your free time during the Summer holidays? 
 
From 29th July until 2nd August Zoom are offering the chance for young film makers to come together and make a short film. 
 
What would you like to see on TV? 
 
This year the summer school will take place at the Atrium in Cardiff and will be packed with exciting technical workshops, script writing, editing and there will be professional mentors and tutors to help you take the first steps to becoming an independent film maker.
 
Get your hands on the latest digital technology to help you shoot and edit your films with award winning camera operators and editors.
 
If you are aged 16-19 and live in Wales apply now! 
 
Summer School is FREE to attend but as there are limited places, allocation will take place through an application process.
 
If you’re interested download the application form from the Zoom Cymru website and for any further question call us on 01443 888337
 

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Cheaper PC & Broadband Deal for those on Benefits

Announced for this year’s National Digital Inclusion Conference, the special offer allows anyone to get a PC from £24 when taken with a broadband deal from £2.99 per month.
What’s included
  • A refurbished PC or laptop with Windows 7 Pro and Microsoft Home and Student. The PC will have a minimum of 2GHz CPU, 1GB Ram, a 60GB HDD and a CD drive. The laptop will have a minimum of 2GHz CPU, a 60GB HDD, a CD drive and a 14” screen. It will be Wi-Fi enabled for wireless internet access, and have a webcam. 12 months warranty is provided for all computers purchased through Get Online @ Home
  • A choice of broadband deals from the top UK providers, including Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet and Virgin Media. Prices start at £2.99/month for 12 months (line rental required). Broadband deals and advice is provided by broadband comparison experts Simplifydigital
What does it cost?
For those on eligible benefits* – A refurbished PC for £24 or a refurbished laptop for £74, plus broadband and any line rental costs. For those not on eligible benefits – A refurbished PC for £74 or a refurbished laptop for £104, plus broadband and any line rental costs.
*Customers must be a registered UK charity or receive at least one of the following benefits to qualify for the cheaper price: Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker's allowance, Pension credit, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance / Constant Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit / Employment and Support Allowance, Disability element of Working Tax Credit

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Children & Families Practice Exchange Reduce Harm: Substance Use & Misuse

CiW Logo with txt       


Children and Families Practice Exchange (South Wales)

"Promoting the UNCRC Across Wales"

When: Thursday, 18 July; 9.45am - 1.00pm 
Where: Lancaiach Fawr Manor, Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris  CF46 6ER

Miaow Miaow - it ain't no Pussy Cat!
Working Together To Reduce Harm 
from Substance Use and Misuse



Mephedrone or 'Miaow Miaow' as it is commonly known is becoming easily available in many areas of Wales with related recorded offences increasing by 83% in 2011/12.  Young people and school children are a particular high-risk group as they appear to be more likely to take unknown drugs and more greatly influenced by peer pressure.

This event will bring together agencies that are currently working in the field to combat substance misuse with the aim of informing practitioners of the current information and trends surrounding substance use and misuse and to share practice in supporting young people that they work with.

Inspector Alex Chadd, All Wales Police Forces Substance Misuse Coordinator
Inspector Alex Chadd is a South Wales Police Officer currently seconded to the Welsh Government's Department for Health and Social Services working in the Substance Misuse Department.  His work across Wales in the field of  New and Emerging Drugs involves liaison between  the four Police Forces and Operation Tarian.  His presentation will give an overview of the use of the drug Mephedrone with insights into Police enforcement activity and an overview of the local drug scene  and trends in substance misuse.

Film Project - Jeff O'Reilly, Education Consultant
Jeff is a former deputy head of Tredegar Comprehensive School in Blaenau Gwent. Jeff will be sharing his experiences over the last 30 years of working in the field of education in relation to substance misuse. More recently, Jeff has undertaken a piece of research throughout Blaenau Gwent with groups of 15/16 year olds. The stark and informative findings will be shared at the event where Jeff will explain how the journey from research to film project is progressing. Questions and discussions to follow.

All Wales School Liaison Core Programme (AWSLCP)
The Programme is funded by the Welsh Government and focuses on three main themes namely drugs and substance misuse, social behaviour and community and personal safety. The Programme is delivered by trained School Community Police Officers across Wales who provide supportive education by working in partnership with PSE teachers in schools. Currently the AWSLCP is delivered in all 4 Secondary and the 26 Primary schools in Blaenau Gwent by 2 School Community Police Officers. An officer from the programme will run a workshop that will focus in part on substance misuse recognition and also explore approaches to substance use and misuse education.

CRI, Lisa Tibbs, Drug and Alcohol Youth Support Recovery Worker
Lisa will inform attendee's about the support CRI DAYS offers for young people in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent around substance misuse, information on making referrals and how they are processed, training/information for other professionals and multi agency partnership working.

Tea & Coffee provided - Please come along to share, learn and network!

Who Should Attend
Anyone with an interest in, and commitment to, promoting the rights of children in Wales and the need to gain knowledge on this topic with the aim of supporting young people they work with.  It will be of special interest to those working directly with children and young people.

How Much Does it Cost & How to Book
Attendance is FREE OF CHARGE, however, please book early as places are limited.
To book a place please contact Children in Wales, 25 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF10 3BZ
Tel: 029 2034 2434

Play Radnor Job Vacancies: Play Workers



Play Radnor are a registered Charity that provide services to families, children 
and young people in the Radnorshire area. 

JOB VACANCIES: Holiday Activities Club Leader/Principle Playworker
Deputy Playworker
Assistant Playworkers x 2


Play Radnor wish to appoint the following:

Job title: Holiday Activities Club Leader/Principle Playworker 

Place of work: Play Radnor, Trefonnen Community Centre.

Salary: £12 per hour paid monthly in arrears directly into the
employee’s bank account or by cheque by the last
working day of each month.

Term of Employment: Immediate start, working until the end of the school
holidays 2nd September 2013

Hours of work: Initially 3hrs wk in preparation for project. From 22nd
July 9 hrs week to cover sessions Mon, Wed and Fri
9.30am-12.30pm

Qualifications: Must hold a relevant level 3 qualification

Experience: Must have experience in Play/childcare work or related
setting.

Must have experience in managing people.

Main Responsibilities:

The HAC Leader is responsible for co-ordinating the day to day organisation and
running of the |Holiday Activities Club. The HAC Leader reports to the Manager
at Play Radnor and is the link between the Staff, Service Users, and Project
Volunteers. The Manager shall provide advice, support and guidance to the HAC
Leader


Job title: Deputy Playworker 

Place of work: Play Radnor, Trefonnen Community Centre.


Salary: £10 per hour paid monthly in arrears directly into the
employee’s bank account or by cheque by the last
working day of each month.

Term of Employment: Mon 15th July – Wed 4th Sept 2013

Hours of work: Initially 3hrs wk in preparation for project. From 22nd
July 9 hrs week to cover sessions Mon, Wed and Fri
9.30am-12.30pm

Qualifications: Level 2 relevant qualification

Experience: Must have experience in Play/childcare work or related
setting. Experience of managing people desirable

Main Responsibilities:

The Deputy Playworker is responsible for supporting the Principle Playworker in
co-ordinating the day to day organisation and running of the Holiday Activities
Club. The Deputy Playworker reports to the Principle Playworker. The Managerat
Play Radnor shall also provide advice, support and guidance to the Deputy
Playworker


Job title: Assistant Playworker X2 

Place of work: Play Radnor, Trefonnen Community Centre.

Salary: £9 per hour paid monthly in arrears directly into the
employee’s bank account or by cheque by the last
working day of each month.

Term of Employment: Mon 22nd July – Fri 30th Aug 2013

Hours of work: 9 hrs week Mon, Wed and Fri mornings 9.30-12.30

Qualifications: level 2 relevant qualification desirable

Experience: Must have experience in Play/childcare work or related
setting.

Main Responsibilities:

The Play Assistant will be required to assist the running of an Inclusive Holiday
Activities Club .

All positions will be based at Ysgol Trefonnen in Llandrindod Wells
All positions are are subject to DBS checks.

Closing date for applications: 3rd July 2013

Interviews will be held on 8th July 2013.
For an application form and more information about this post telephone 01597 827920

or email admin@playradnor.org.uk

Monday 24 June 2013

FREE PLAY DAYS INFORMATION

Warning:  Children WILL get messy and WILL need a change of clothes! Please contact Dyfodol Powys Futures to book your representative onto a pre-event briefing session so you can inform children & families what to expect.



5 more days left to nominate Volunteer of the Year Award


Only 5 Days Left to nominate your Volunteer of the Year!

Play Radnor - Volunteers Required

Play Radnor are looking for organisations & individuals to help out with their Summer Holiday Activities.  Anyone with an interest, hobby, passion or skill to pass on and share can help out.  There are also opportunities to just volunteer and work with children.


Friday 21 June 2013

Consultation: Educational Outcomes for Children from Low Income Households

Dear Sir/Madam,

The National Assembly for Wales’s Children and Young People Committee is considering undertaking an inquiry into Educational Outcomes for Children from Low Income Households. As part of its inquiry, the Committee is undertaking a consultation to gather evidence that will inform its work.

I have attached a link that refers to the overall aim of the inquiry and includes a broad range of questions: http://www.senedd.assemblywales.org/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?id=81&RPID=1502551836&cp=yes


If you wish to submit your comments, the closing date is 10 September 2013.

I would be very grateful if you could forward this e-mail to any relevant staff/organisations/groups that you think might be interested in presenting evidence for the inquiry.




Annwyl Syr/Madam,

Mae Pwyllgor Plant a Phobl Ifanc Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn ystyried cynnal ymchwiliad i Ganlyniadau Addysgol Plant o Gartrefi Incwm Isel. Fel rhan o’r ymchwiliad, mae’r Pwyllgor yn cynnal ymgynghoriad i gasglu tystiolaeth a fydd yn llywio ei waith.


Atodaf linc yn nodi nod cyffredinol yr ymchwiliad ac yn cynnwys ystod eang o gwestiynau: http://www.senedd.cynulliadcymru.org/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?id=81&RPID=1502551836&cp=yes


Os hoffech gyflwyno eich sylwadau, y dyddiad cau yw 10 Medi 2013.

Buaswn yn gwerthfawrogi’n fawr pe baech yn anfon y wybodaeth hon at unrhyw staff/sefydliadau/grwpiau perthnasol y credwch fyddai â diddordeb mewn cyflwyno tystiolaeth ar gyfer yr ymchwiliad.


Rhodri Wyn JonesSwyddog Cymorth Pwyllgorau 
Committee Support Officer Gwasanaeth y Pwyllgorau Committee Service
Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru 

National Assembly for Wales T: 029 2089 8153 www.cynulliadcymru.org  
www.assemblywales.org
     Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yw’r corff sy'n cael ei ethol yn ddemocrataidd i gynrychioli buddiannau Cymru a’i phobl, i ddeddfu ar gyfer Cymru ac i ddwyn llywodraeth Cymru i gyfrif.
The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales and holds the Welsh Government to account.
Croesewir gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. 

Play Conference: A Great Success!!!

Everyone enjoyed the Conference yesterday with Stuart Lester and Graham Ogilvie present.  Kathy Rist, Chief Executive of Dyfodol Powys Futures, expertly chaired the Conference towards drawing up the Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play.

The Conference was such as success due to a combination of  3 factors:

1 Excellent Key Note Speaker - Stuart Lester
Stuart challenged us with insightful and thought provoking scenarios and questions balanced with exercises which were fun and stimulating.  Laughter was often part of the day; being playful reminded us about how we need to make sure that children have the right conditions for play.

2 Instant Feedback - Graham Ogilvie

Artist & Facilitator Graham Ogilvie provided instant feedback in the form of his drawings of cartoons.
Picking out words and phrases used by participants and speakers, he illustrated the pertinent points concisely, effectively and powerfully in a cartoon.  This now acts as the Conference Report with agreed cartoons which will be worked up and used in future material to promote the importance of Play.


3 Participative Audience
An enthusiastic and committed audience willing to get into the swing, play and take part:
working hard at play:  what does play mean to us?
but I mean this and you mean that - it's still play

having more fun, drawing on top of your head!

a well attended conference but even more significant partners need to share in the fun!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Public Engagement Events: HOW FAIR IS POWYS? A year on ...

Public Engagement Events:  HOW FAIR IS POWYS? A year on

Powys County Council and the Local Health board are pleased to announce free equalities engagement events to connect with the public on equality issues.  Dyfed Powys Police will also be present at these meetings to answer questions.

These are follow-on events from Nov 2011 when the public was consulted on issues that should be considered for setting the Equality Objectives for the Strategic Equality Plans for both organisations.  If you attended these events, then great, please come again, if you didn’t, then please now join us.   

If you have an interest in issues of inequality ranging from: how younger or older people sometimes are sometimes overlooked, to gender differences, to the impact of a disability on a persons life accessing services and employment, to how a persons religious belief needs careful consideration in the delivery of public services, to how low-income causes disadvantage, to gender differences and many other issuesplease try and make these events. 

The more people involved in this process, the more effective the engagement process will be, and the more scope to bring about changes to peoples lives going forward.  At these events you will also hear about how you can get more involved in having adirect  impact on the public sector in Powys and the decisions it makes.   

The events are as follows:   

Venue: Hope Community ChurchNewtown
Date: June 25th, 2013
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

Venue: The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells
Date: July 3rd 2013
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

Venue: Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Date: July 12th 2013
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

At these events there will be representatives from
  • Powys County Council
  • Powys Local Teaching Health Borad
  • Dyfed Powys Police
  • Powys Association of Voluntary Organsiations
  • Other voluntary sector organisations in Powys

 I very much hope that you will be able to attend to assist the public sector in Powys to be kept informed and challenged on issues of inequality.  Reasonable travel expenses will also be covered for independent people attending.

To book onto one of these events, please complete the attached booking form and return to Joy Parkinson - Joy.Parkinson@powys.gov.uk or send to the address contained on the form.

Please forward this on to anyone who you think might be interested in expressing issues relating to equality - the events are open to all members of the public and representatves of voluntary sector organsiations.

BOOK NOW for Play Conference Thursday 20th June 2013, Hotel Metropole


Booking Form Now Available:

To book a place click here: Booking Form

If you are unable to access the form please phone or email PAVO  info@pavo.org.uk  with name, organisation, contact tel/email address & any additional access/dietary needs.


Play in Powys:  A One Day Conference
Thursday 20th June, 10am – 2pm,
Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, Powys.
Powys Play Pledge:
A Charter for Play
making Powys THE Play Friendly County
Stuart Lester provides key note speech.
Stuart, Senior Lecturer at University of Gloucester, will explain why everyone needs to understand children’s play, why it’s important and what it means to all of us.
Stuart Lester has been involved with a small research project looking at the Play Sufficiency Audits from across Wales.  He has delivered presentations at international & national conferences reaching out to those who see themselves outside the “play field”.
We are very much looking forward welcoming him to Powys to benefit from his insight in drawing up our Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play.

Contribute to the first draft of the    
Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play
Organisations need to be here to shape and design the first draft which will demonstrate that services will take into consideration the play needs of children.
To book a place click here: Booking Form


The Programme for the day is:
9.30 Arrival & refreshments
10.00 Welcome Housekeeping and Scene Setting
With Host Partners: PAVO/Dyfodol/PCC Partnership
10.30 Stuart Lester, Senior Lecturer at University of Gloucester & Independent Trainer & Advisor
The Conference will hear:
·       what needs to happen to support children & their right to play
·       the need to understand children’s play & what it means to them.
10.50 Workshop - Are you coming out to Play? (play discussion - what did play mean to you?)
What did you gain from it? How important was this for you?  Where did you play?
11.50 Table Discussion - One Key Message….
12.15 Lunch and networking
1.00 The Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play – First Draft presented
2.00 Close 
The day is designed for:
Key Decision Makers, Trustees, Directors, Heads & Managers of:
Children’s, Young People’s & families services,
Adult focussed services
Health services
Housing, transport & planning services
Environmental services
Commissioning
Quality & performance

Advisers, Policy Makers, Children’s Centres, Community Centres & Village Halls, Youth Workers, Play Leaders, Chief Executives, Heads of Policy, Schools, Tourism businesses, Criminal Justice, Sports Clubs, Fire, Regeneration, Road Safety, Arts & Culture.
Further Details & Booking Arrangements will be circulated shortly.











This Conference is organised and supported by a Consortium of Partners: PAVO, Dyfodol Powys Futures, Powys County Council & Powys Teaching Local Health Board

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Social Care Careers Fairs across Powys

Does your organisation work in the field of social care and employ staff to undertake this work?

If so, you may be interested in having a stall/display/literature at a series of ‘careers fairs’ being organised by Powys’ Integrated Workforce Board later this month.

These events are aimed at individuals wanting to find out more about working in this field with a view to encouraging them to consider the benefits of a career as part of Powys’ social care workforce.

The events are taking place on:

26th June 2013 - Welshpool
The Royal Oak Hotel, The Cross, Welshpool, SY21 7DG

27th June 2013 - Newtown
Hope Community Church, Dolfor Road, Newtown, SY16 1JD

28th June 2013 - Llandrindod Wells
The Drama Centre, Tremont Road, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5EB

There will be a range of different employers with stalls, as well as PCC, Coleg Powys, Careers Wales and Job Centres. There will also be provision for joint 3rd Sector stall at each event for any voluntary organisations who would like to have a presence

If your organisation has an interest in being at any or all of these events please contact PAVO for more information – Ruth Middleton on 01597 822191 or ruth.middleton@pavo.org.uk

Monday 10 June 2013

UNCRC Rights of the Child - 10 minute E-Learning Course - for all to do!

The Children & Young People's Partnership in Powys is looking to 

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.

Thursday 6 June 2013

Play in Powys Conference: 20th June, Programme & Booking Form Available



Play in Powys:  A One Day Conference
Thursday 20th June, 10am – 2pm,
Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, Powys.
Powys Play Pledge:
A Charter for Play
making Powys THE Play Friendly County
Stuart Lester provides key note speech.
Stuart, Senior Lecturer at University of Gloucester, will explain why everyone needs to understand children’s play, why it’s important and what it means to all of us.
Stuart Lester has been involved with a small research project looking at the Play Sufficiency Audits from across Wales.  He has delivered presentations at international & national conferences reaching out to those who see themselves outside the “play field”.
We are very much looking forward welcoming him to Powys to benefit from his insight in drawing up our Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play.

Contribute to the first draft of the    
Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play
Organisations need to be here to shape and design the first draft which will demonstrate that services will take into consideration the play needs of children.
To book a place click here: Booking Form


The Programme for the day is:
9.30 Arrival & refreshments
10.00 Welcome Housekeeping and Scene Setting
With Host Partners: PAVO/Dyfodol/PCC Partnership
10.30 Stuart Lester, Senior Lecturer at University of Gloucester & Independent Trainer & Advisor
The Conference will hear:
·       what needs to happen to support children & their right to play
·       the need to understand children’s play & what it means to them.
10.50 Workshop - Are you coming out to Play? (play discussion - what did play mean to you?)
What did you gain from it? How important was this for you?  Where did you play?
11.50 Table Discussion - One Key Message….
12.15 Lunch and networking
1.00 The Powys Play Pledge: A Charter for Play – First Draft presented
2.00 Close 
The day is designed for:
Key Decision Makers, Trustees, Directors, Heads & Managers of:
Children’s, Young People’s & families services,
Adult focussed services
Health services
Housing, transport & planning services
Environmental services
Commissioning
Quality & performance

Advisers, Policy Makers, Children’s Centres, Community Centres & Village Halls, Youth Workers, Play Leaders, Chief Executives, Heads of Policy, Schools, Tourism businesses, Criminal Justice, Sports Clubs, Fire, Regeneration, Road Safety, Arts & Culture.
Further Details & Booking Arrangements will be circulated shortly.











This Conference is organised and supported by a Consortium of Partners: PAVO, Dyfodol Powys Futures, Powys County Council & Powys Teaching Local Health Board