Your Local Support Team

The Rowan Organisation has a small team of Independent Living Advisers; Jan, Jacqui and Hannah, who provide support across Conwy, Denbighshire and beyond. The project is overseen by Karen Smith, our Deputy Chief Executive, who also lives in North Wales.

Between us, the team has a wealth of knowledge and experience and our aim is to provide you with high quality information and support with regards to Direct Payments and how you can use them to achieve your outcomes.

We have compiled an extensive information pack which can be provided bilingually or in other preferred formats and we complement this with additional resources and support to help you to understand about Direct Payments and how they can be beneficial to you. We also provide support with practical tasks including the completion of associated paperwork, recruiting new staff and of course, ongoing support to become, and continue to be, a good employer. We work closely with the locally based payroll and managed accounts staff to ensure that these services are also tailored to your individual requirements, should you choose to access them, and that communication between us all is effective.

We hope that in time, people receiving Direct Payments will benefit from increased confidence and independence and naturally, this will result in you requiring less support from ourselves. However, should your circumstances change for any reason and you`d like a little helping hand, please remember that we are here to help so if you contact us, we will pick up where we left off.

Our Head Office is based in Coventry and is staffed between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday however local staff are based within the locality in order to provide community based support.

To contact us, please contact our Information Team on the Freephone numbers of:

• 01248 668750 for Welsh Speakers
• 0800 783 1755 for English Speakers

You can also e-mail us via the welsh language information team on gwybodaeth@therowan.org or via the English email address of info@therowan.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our team is made up of...

Name	Role	One-Page-Profile
Karen Smith	Deputy Chief Executive Officer	Click here to see Karen's profile
Jan Dodd	Independent Living Advisor	Click here to see Jan's profile
Jacqui Renwick	Independent Living Advisor	Click here to see Jacqui's profile
Hannah Stokes	Independent Living Advisor

North Wales Peer Support Group

Would you like to meet other people who receive direct payments in Conwy or Denbighshire?

The North Wales Peer Support Group offers DP recipients with a great opportunity to both provide, and receive support from others. The best people to offer guidance on a subject such as Direct Payments are always those who have first hand knowledge and experience.

Peer Support Groups offer an invaluable opportunity to share ideas and suggestions as to how things may be improved...not only between yourselves, but to us, The Rowan Organisation, to your Local Authority and to other local community and voluntary organisations.

The group gives a great opportunity to meet and provide mutual support to fellow Direct Payments users, discuss matters of concern, share ideas and good practice and the opportunity to socialise.

Unfortunately the Support Group for Conwy & Denbighshire no longer meet due to lack of support and resources. If you are interested in starting a local group please speak to your local ILA or contact our Information Service on 02476 322860.

We look forward to meeting you.

Denbighshire County Borough Council

Denbighshire County Council is committed to ensuring that Direct Payments will be offered to all those who meet the eligibility criteria, as a way of meeting assessed care needs.

To find out more about Direct Payments in Denbighshire, please visit their website here or telephone Denbighshire County Council First Contact Team on 01824 712900.

Please note there is an English translation below with all the information about the Personal Assistant Survey from The Welsh Government.

Cynorthwywyr Personol yng Nghymru - 8 October 2021

Deall yn well y Gweithlu Cynorthwywyr Personol

Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn awyddus i gefnogi’r rhai sy'n gweithio ym maes gofal cymdeithasol yn well, a byddent yn ddiolchgar pe baech yn cymryd rhan yn yr arolwg annibynnol rydym wedi'i gomisiynu am Gynorthwywyr Personol.

Rydym wedi gofyn i Brifysgol De Cymru a Data Cymru gynnal arolwg i ofyn am wybodaeth am y math o gymorth rydych yn ei ddarparu, eich cyflog, eich profiad, a'ch barn am y gwaith rydych yn ei wneud. Mae'r wybodaeth yn ddienw ac yn gyfrinachol – ni fydd yn bosib eich adnabod. Ni fydd yn cael ei rhannu â'ch cyflogwr/wyr nac unrhyw un arall. Rydym yn gofyn cwestiynau tebyg i gyflogwyr mewn arolwg ar wahân. Dydyn ni ddim yn gofyn i bobl am safon y gofal y maen nhw’n ei roi neu'n ei dderbyn.

Rydym yn disgwyl y bydd yr arolwg ar gael mis Tachwedd a byddem yn ddiolchgar iawn petaech yn treulio ychydg o amser yn rhannu eich barn gyda ni. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Pam rydym yn gofyn am y wybodaeth?

Rydym yn gwybod bod Cynorthwywyr Personol yn weithwyr allweddol ac yn parhau i chwarae rhan hanfodol yn y gwaith o gefnogi pobl i gadw'n ddiogel drwy gydol y pandemig, trwy roi gofal a chymorth a galluogi pobl i fyw eu bywydau'n annibynnol. Heb eich help chi, fyddai hynny ddim yn bosib.

Ond dydyn ni ddim yn gwybod digon am Gynorthwywyr Personol i allu deall y materion rydych yn eu hwynebu a sut y gallwn sicrhau eich bod chi’n cael yr un hawliau a chyfleoedd sydd ar gael i bobl eraill yn y gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol. Mae Gweinidogion Llywodraeth Cymru wedi sefydlu'r Fforwm Gwaith Teg Gofal Cymdeithasol i helpu i ddatblygu a darparu gwell cyfleoedd i Gynorthwywyr Personol ac eraill sy'n rhan o’r gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol. Gallwch ddarllen mwy yma:- Fforwm Gwaith Teg Gofal Cymdeithasol.

Mae'r Fforwm yn cytuno mai'r Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol ddylai fod yr isafswm cyflog i weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol, a hynny’n bennaf am na ddylai'r rhai sy'n gofalu am ein hanwyliaid drwy'r amseroedd anoddaf fod ymhlith y rhai syn cael y lleiaf o gydnabyddiaeth ariannol yn ein cymdeithas. Rydym angen eich help er mwyn gallu cyflawni hyn ichi.

Sut byddwch chi'n gwybod nad twyll yw hwn?

Os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau neu bryderon am bwy ydym ni, anfonwch e-bost at yr Athro Mark Llewellyn (mark.llewellyn@southwales.ac.uk) ym Mhrifysgol De Cymru (mae rhagor o wybodaeth am Mark ar gael yma). Gallwch ofyn am gael siarad â Mark neu ei gydweithiwr Dr Sarah Wallace - sarah.wallace@southwales.ac.uk). Mae'r arolwg yn cael ei gynnal gan Data Cymru – cysylltwch â Mark neu Sarah os hoffech siarad â rhywun o'r sefydliad hwnnw.

Fel arall, gallwch siarad â'ch gwasanaeth cymorth taliadau uniongyrchol lleol, y swyddog taliadau uniongyrchol yn eich awdurdod lleol neu un o’r darparwr yswiriant. Mae’r rhain wedi gweithio gyda ni i ddatblygu'r arolwg a byddant yn gallu tawelu eich meddwl. Gallwch hefyd gysylltu ag AsesuaThaliadauUniongyrchol@llyw.cymru yn Llywodraeth Cymru i gadarnhau bod hwn yn gais dilys.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Gobeithio y byddwch yn gallu ein helpu i wneud y gwelliannau sydd eu hangen.

Yours sincerely,

D J Clayton

Y Gyfarwyddiaeth Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol ac Integreiddio

Social Services and Integration Directorate

Letter from the Welsh Government Llywodraeth Cymru - 8th October 2021

Personal Assistants in Wales

Better Understanding the Personal Assistant Workforce

The Welsh Government want to better support people working in social care and would be grateful if you would take part in the independent survey we have commissioned about Personal Assistants.

We have asked University of South Wales and Data Cymru to run a survey to ask for information about the type of support you provide, your pay, your experience and your thoughts about the work you do. The information is anonymous and confidential – nothing will be able to identify you. It will not be shared with your employer(s) or anyone else. We are asking employers similar questions in a separate survey. We are not asking people about the quality of care they give or receive.

We expect the survey will be available in November and we would be very grateful if you could take some time to share your views with us. Thank you very much.

Why are we asking for this information?

We know Personal Assistants are key workers and continue to play a critical role in supporting people to stay safe throughout the pandemic, providing care and support and enabling people to live their lives independently. Without your help that would not be possible.

But we do not know enough about Personal Assistants to be able to understand the issues that you face and how we can ensure that you can access the same, rights and opportunities offered to others in the social care workforce. The Welsh Government Ministers have established the Social Care Fair Work Forum to help develop and deliver better opportunities for Personal Assistants and others who make up the social care workforce. You can read more here:- Social Care Fair Work Forum.

The Forum agrees that the Real Living Wage should be the minimum pay received by social care workers not least because those who care for our loved ones through the most difficult of times should not be amongst the least rewarded in our society. We need your help to deliver this for you.

How do you know this is not a scam?

If you have any questions or concerns about who we are, please email Professor Mark Llewellyn (mark.llewellyn@southwales.ac.uk) at the University of South Wales (more information about Mark can be found here). You can ask to speak to Mark or his colleague Dr Sarah Wallace (sarah.wallace@southwales.ac.uk). The survey is being run by Data Cymru – please contact Mark or Sarah if you’d like to speak to someone from that organisation.

Alternatively, you can speak to your local direct payment support service, the direct payment officer in your local authority or one of the insurance providers who have worked with us to develop the survey and will be able to re-assure you. You can also contact the Welsh Government Assessment&DirectPayments@gov.wales to confirm this is a genuine request.

Thank you so much. I hope you will be able to help us make the improvements that are needed.

Yours sincerely,

D J Clayton

Y Gyfarwyddiaeth Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol ac Integreiddio Social Services and Integration Directorate

Do you want to know more about Direct Payments?

Please see the flyer below for more information. You can download the form HERE or by clicking on the flyer.

Annwyl gydweithiwr

Bydd rhaglen cymorth gweithwyr (EAP) a ariennir gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar waith o 4ydd Rhagfyr, gan gynnig ystod o gefnogaeth llesiant i'r rheini a gyflogir yn y gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol yn y sectorau preifat a gwirfoddol yng Nghymru gan gynnwys cynorthwywyr personol. (Byddem yn annog i holl weithwyr gofal cymdeithasol cyflogedig hynny sydd eisoes â mynediad at EAPs presennol i barhau i'w defnyddio).

Bydd yr EAP yn cael ei gynnig gan Care First sy'n cyflogi cwnselwyr sydd â chymwysterau proffesiynol ac arbenigwyr gwybodaeth. Mae ganddyn nhw brofiad o helpu pobl i ddelio â phob math o faterion ymarferol ac emosiynol sy'n gysylltiedig â lles, materion teuluol, perthnasoedd, rheoli dyledion, y gweithle, a llawer mwy.

Er mwyn helpu pobl i ddeall y gwasanaethau a gynigir yn well, bydd gweminar ar 2 Rhagfyr 2020 am 3.30pm (am awr gan gynnwys cyfle i ofyn cwestiynau). Mae'r weminar hon yn agored i bawb sy'n cael eu cyflogi ym maes gofal cymdeithasol, yn y sectorau preifat a gwirfoddol yng Nghymru. Y ddolen i'r weminar yw https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2484630607866568462 felly cliciwch yma i archebu lle.

Byddem yn ddiolchgar pe gallech rannu'r wybodaeth hon gyda sefydliadau perthnasol.

Os oes gennych unrhyw ymholiadau, e-bostiwch EAPqueries@socialcare.wales

Dear Colleague

A Welsh Government-funded employee assistance programme (EAP) will be in place from 4 December, offering a range of well-being support to those employed in the social care workforce in the private and voluntary sectors in Wales, including personal assistants. (We would encourage all those employed social care workers who already have access to existing EAPs to continue using them).

The EAP will be offered by Care First who employ professionally qualified counsellors and information specialists. They are experienced in helping people deal with all kinds of practical and emotional issues related to well-being, family matters, relationships, debt management, the workplace, and much more.

To help people better understand the services on offer, there will be a webinar on the 2 December 2020 at 3.30pm (for an hour including an opportunity to ask questions). This webinar is open to all those employed in social care in the private and voluntary sectors in Wales. The link to the webinar is https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2484630607866568462 so please click here to book a place.

We would be grateful if you could share this information with all relevant organisations.

If you have any queries please email EAPqueries@socialcare.wales

Asha Hassan

Cydlynydd Gwella a Datblygu /Improvement and Development Co-ordinator

Gwefan/Website: gofalcymdeithasol.cymru/socialcare.wales

COVID – 19 Frequently Asked Questions 30th March 2020

We cannot deliver planned care and support as set out in the care plan, what are your expectations?

Answer: We understand the challenges that you are facing with delivering full care packages. We expect you to review all care calls with a view of reducing face to face contact as much as possible. Please keep Care brokers informed of changes to planned care and support as well as keeping a record of individual discussions you have had with citizens and their families around changing a care package.

If staff attend to a citizen displaying the symptoms of COVID -19, should the staff member self –isolate following the call?

Answer: No. Essential care calls need to be continued. Proper adherence to the infection control guidance and proper use of PPE will ensure staff do not carry the infection to other people.

In order to minimise contact – risk of infection, we would like to stop requesting citizens to sign timesheets. Can we do this?

Answer: Yes, as long as you keep a record of calls completed, we are happy for you to deliver care and support on trust during this time.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is running low, hand sanitiser and face masks in particular. Is there any assistance available to source the equipment? Can we access Local Authority supplies?

Answer: A separate communication regarding essential PPE supplies and how to access it has been circulated via PPE@denbighshire.gov.uk You will have also received a request for PPE stock form which should also be emailed to this address. All PPE enquiries should be sent to this email address in the first instance.

When are Providers likely to be issued with more specialist PPE equipment that is required to be used when caring for someone who has contracted COVID 19?

Answer: The shortage of PPE is a nationwide issue, we continue to make representation to Welsh Government on the need for appropriate PPE for the Social Care sector and we will share any information as soon as we get it. Please direct any queries to PPE@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Staff – some staff are self-isolating; we are experiencing difficulties in ensuring all calls are covered. Are there any plans for assistance from the Local Authority to supply staff to assist, or access to any alternative staff resources?

Answer: It is important that you become familiar with the reasons why individual staff members are self-isolating, and the latest guidelines issued, where this is because of a staff member being symptomatic or being exposed, you should monitor their time off and encourage them to return to work as soon as their isolation period is over.

We are currently working on prioritising care calls to ensure the most vulnerable are kept as safe as possible. Should an individual provider be experiencing problems to an extent that they cannot keep an individual safe, please contact the Care brokers. We are working with the wider council, CIW and other partners to develop a contingency response that could support the whole care sector if needed. You will have received an invite for a video conference, provider meeting for this week, this will be an opportunity for us to discuss the challenges we are facing and to consider possible solutions.

Retainers – some citizens are cancelling their care calls as a precaution, where do providers stand with payment of cancelled calls?

Answer: For domiciliary and supported living services, Denbighshire will allow Agencies to charge a retainer for those citizens choosing to self-isolate at 100% of the contracted rate for up to four weeks. We will review this arrangement after the initial four weeks.

We would expect them to:

• identify the calls as retained on their invoices
• for the Care brokers to have been notified, contact details: e-mail: carebrokers@denbighshire.gov.uk Ffon/Tel: 01824 706388 01824 708312
• that any surplus staff are redeployed to pressure areas, (or notify Care brokers that the Agency has availability.

If staff or a citizen is displaying the symptoms of COVID -19, are there any plans to test them for the virus and if so, where can they be tested?

Answer: We are working with BCU to address this issue but have no further information at this point. Please visit the NHS dedicated website for up to date information. https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Is there any information available about shortage of provisions, food and fuel?

Answer: We do not have any information available at this time beyond that which is public knowledge. Suppliers and supermarkets are rationing where possible and government advice continues to be not to stockpile provisions. Provisions are still available, however in much reduced quantities and are intermittently available. Contact is being made with supermarkets to address this issue.

Menter a busnes are a not-for-profit economic development company funded by the Welsh Government to support Welsh Food & Drink producers. They are offering to provide support to organisations who serve vulnerable people in the community, who may benefit from any additional help available with contingency arrangements for food and drink supply during the current COVID-19 situation. They do not distribute or sell any food directly ourselves, but they are looking to match up those organisations in need with food and drink producers across Wales who can meet those urgent needs. If at any point over the upcoming weeks and months any supply gaps and challenges appear in relation to food and drink you can contact them on their central project phone number 01938 530 530.

Rowland Pharmacies have announced that as from next week they will no longer be dispensing medication in blister packs. This will mean that calls will take longer and be a hazard for dementia sufferers. Is this just Rowlands Pharmacies that are taking this action?

Answer: At this point in time we are only aware of this one pharmacy, however it seems likely that others will follow suit. Boots the Chemist stopped providing the free service to Residential homes some time ago. They provided e-training to providers to help them to manage this. This issue is being raised with Welsh Government. Could we please ask Providers to report any problems this causes to Care Brokers?

Are Care Homes still expected to provide information about current vacancies, and what is the preferred way for them to do this? Appreciate that you will need this information to be updated regularly.

Answer: You have received a notification from Welsh Government. They have introduced a tool to record vacancies via the DEWIS website. We encourage you to do this. The aim of this is to support you as care providers as well as commissioners and hospital discharge teams in reducing the volume of calls for vacancy information. To register you will need to follow these instructions.

The website can be accessed via this link https://www.dewis.wales. You’ll need to ‘Sign up’ to create an account using the email address that this email was sent to. Once signed in, simply go to ‘Manage Resources’ then ‘Resources you are responsible for’ where you’ll see your home(s) listed. Clicking on the ‘Vacancies’ button against each home will allow you to update its vacancy information. Simply press the green ‘Save your changes’ button when done. For the next few weeks, you can access support to update your information by calling 07773 486891 between 8am and 8pm daily. You can also access support by emailing help@dewis.wales.

We are having difficulties with supermarkets allowing us to buy sufficient provisions.

Answer: If staff do not have ID badges, we suggest that you send a letter on headed paper explaining why you are purchasing a higher number of goods.

Should members of staff who have health conditions such as asthma or COPD automatically self-isolate even if they are not displaying any symptoms of the virus?

Answer: Please see below advice issued by NHS UK

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/

Other useful information:

The following website gives HMRC Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses#support-for-businesses-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

The following website provides contact details of services that are offering assistance to citizens at this time.

English: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/community-resources or www.denbighshire.gov.uk/communityresources

Welsh: https://www.sirddinbych.gov.uk/adnoddau-cymunedol or https://www.sirddinbych.gov.uk/adnoddaucymunedol.

Please find our Autumn Newsletter below. Please click on the image to open the letter.

Autumn Newsletter (Welsh)

Autumn Newsletter (English)

New PA Guidebook available.

There is a new PA Guidebook available and it can be found www.paonlineguidebookwales.co.uk.

This online resource aims to provide anyone who is either already working as a Personal Assistant in social care or thinking of joining the profession with an up-to-date and accessible way to learn more about the role of the PA, gain awareness of the key issues PAs face and access sources of further information, learning and support.

North Wales - Support Planning & Direct Payments Support Presentation

Darparwyr Hyfforddiant Sir Dinbych

ti’n-Hyfforddi

Yn ddarparwr hyfforddiant ansawdd, proffesiynol a chost-effeithiol gyda swyddfeydd yn Sir Ddinbych a Chonwy ac sydd â'r gallu i ddarparu hyfforddiant ar draws Gogledd Cymru.
Mae'r cyrsiau'n cynnwys Iechyd a Diogelwch, Ymwybyddiaeth o Strôc, Iechyd, Gofal Cymdeithasol, Gofal Plant ac Iechyd Meddwl
www.youtrain.co.uk
ffon; 01745 538953

You-Train

Are a quality, professional and cost effective training provider with offices in Denbighshire and Conwy and have the capabilities to deliver training across North Wales.
Courses include Health & Safety, Stroke Awareness, Health Social Care, Childcare and Mental Health
www.youtrain.co.uk
Tel; 01745 538953

Dinbych - Yr Ysgol Genedlaethol o Hyfforddiant Cymorth Cyntaf

nationalschooloffirstaidtraining.co.uk/locations/Denbighshire/
ffon; 0330 2232801

Denbighshire - The National School of First Aid Training

nationalschooloffirstaidtraining.co.uk/locations/Denbighshire/
Tel; 0330 2232801

Hyfforddiant Robert Jones

Hyfforddwyr Arbenigol yn y Sector Gofal
Cynnig hyfforddiant mewn meysydd hyfforddiant generig gan gynnwys iechyd a diogelwch, cymorth cyntaf, POVA, Iechyd Meddwl a Dementia yr Henoed a thrin â llaw
www.robertjonestraining.co.uk
ffon; 01745 730 079 / 07748 700 330

Hyfforddiant Robert Jones Training

Specialist Trainers in the Care Sector
Offer training in areas of generic training including health and safety, first aid, POVA, Elderly Mental Health & Dementia and manual handling
www.robertjonestraining.co.uk
Tel; 01745 730 079 / 07748 700 330

Gweithlu Gofal Cymdeithasol Sir Ddinbych

Darparu cyrsiau hyfforddi am ddim i ddarparwyr gofal cymdeithasol ar draws y sector cyfan yn Sir Ddinbych. Mae'r cyrsiau'n cynnwys Symud a Thrin, Urddas a Pharch, Cymorth Cyntaf a Gweinyddu Meddyginiaethau
I weld calendr hyfforddi ewch i
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/health-and-social-care/social-care-training.aspx
E-bost; scwdp@denbighshire.gov.uk

Denbighshire Social Care Workforce

Provide free training courses for providers of social care across the whole sector in Denbighshire. Courses include Moving & Handling, Dignity & Respect, First Aid and Administration of Medication
To view training calendar go to
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/health-and-social-care/social-care-training.aspx
Email; scwdp@denbighshire.gov.uk

Y Safle Cenedlaethol ar gyfer Anhwylderau Sbectrwm Awtistiaeth (ASD).

Yma fe welwch wybodaeth am fanylion y gwasanaeth, anawsterau hyfforddi a diweddariadau ar weithredu'r Cynllun Strategol ASD ar gyfer Cymru ynghylch Anhwylderau'r Sbectrwm Awtistig (gan gynnwys Syndrom Awtistiaeth a Asperger).
www.ASDinfoWales.co.uk
Tel; 029 2046 8675
E-bost; ASDINFO@WLGA.gov.uk

The National Site for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Here you will find information about Autistic Spectrum Disorders (including Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome) service details, training opportunities and updates on the implementation of the ASD Strategic Plan for Wales.
www.ASDinfoWales.co.uk
Tel; 029 2046 8675
Email; ASDINFO@WLGA.gov.uk

Cyngor Gwasanaethau Gwirfoddol Sir Ddinbych

Cynnig cyrsiau hyfforddi amrywiol ar bynciau megis Cymorth Cyntaf a Chodi â Llaw, fel arfer ar gost o £35 y person bob dydd.
ffon: 01824 702441
www.dvsc.co.uk

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council

Offer various training courses on topics such as First Aid and Manual Handling, usually at a cost of £35 per person per day.
Tel: 01824 702441
www.dvsc.co.uk

Do you need money for for training?

If you employ your own care and support staff using a social care budget or your own money you can apply to Skills for Care to get money for training for you and your personal assistant. The money that is available is called individual employer funding.

Examples of the type of training you could use the money for are:-

• Moving & Assisting
• First Aid
• Communication
• Dementia Awwareness
• Risk Assessment

To apply for the money and for further information please click here.

WALES COUNCIL FOR VOLUNATARY ACTION

Training and Events Digest

Fundraising camp - 25 September, Cardiff

Brought to you by UK Fundraising, WCVA, Institute of Fundraising and the Wales Millennium Centre, this ‘unconference’-style event is ‘informal and relentlessly practical’ and completely shaped by the fundraising questions you want answered!

Spend a day learning, talking about and maybe even solving the issues and challenges you face in your fundraising. Learn from other fundraisers in your area, find out how they've dealt with similar problems, and share your experience. Find out more about this unique event and book your place by clicking on the link above.

For further Events and Training dates please click here.

UNISON Cymru/Wales Personal Learning Grants

For UNISON MEMBERS working in a social care setting, e.g. local authority, private or charity-run/voluntary aided homes or employed directly by individuals.

For further information please click here.

Welsh Council for Voluntary Action - Training and events digest.

Get the knowledge, skills and confidence to plan, prepare and deliver training sessions with this three day accredited course. One of our most popular courses, Training Skills gives you an overview of learning theory, provides practical planning tools for designing and evaluating, and helps prepare you for delivering your training. The course is ideal for those who are new to training and/or may have taken on a training role in their organisation for the first time.

For further information and details please click here.

Betsi Cadwalade University

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are pleased to offer Leadership & management, Manual Handling and Violence & Aggression training.

New dates have been released for the following sessions:-

HCSW CPD Sessions, including:-

• Sensory Loss
• Catheter Care
• Nutrition
• Stress
• Documentation
• De-escalation and Breakaway in Dementia Care
• Fairness, Rights and Responsibilities

If you would to make a booking or further information regarding available courses or room hire across North Wales, please e-mail ABH.TrainingGroup@wales.nhs.uk.

Awareness courses and software training for disabled people

Click on this link for further information.

Free staff training/ fforddiant staff am ddim

The CADCentre UK Ltd is an approved training provider working in partnership with the Welsh Government to deliver the Work Based Learning training scheme. The aim of the scheme is to provide high-quality vocational training and assessment without incurring any financial costs to the employer whatsoever.

The training courses are FREE OF CHARGE and, after successful completion, the staff will receive City & Guilds certification. The training is predominantly for Welsh speaking staff, however if you have English speaking staff who are interested they can work on a 1:1 ratio.

Courses available are:-

• Using IT - This course is suitable for all employees who use a computer on a daily basis. The qualification consists of training in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc) along with Improving Productivity by Using IT and IT User Fundamentals. (There is also an advanced course for competent IT Users).
• Business & Administration - This course is suitable for any staff in an administrative position. The qualification covers a wide range of topics from managing customer relations to using IT systems.
• Customer Service - This course is for staff who are responsible for delivering customer service and who interact directly with the customer, for example sales or retail staff, staff working on service desks, call centre staff, etc. (This course is only available through the medium of Welsh).
• Keyskills - Communication and Application of Number Keyskills are delivered alongside the qualifications and are at levels 1 or 2.
• All training is delivered on-site and employees are eligible for the courses if they meet the following criteria:
• Not on any other scheme which is funded by the government.
• Contracted to work 30+ hours per week
• Have been an EU resident for at least 3 years

For further information on the courses or to find out more please call Shareen Jarrett directly on Freephone 0808 2000 129 or you can e-mail shareen.jarrett@cadcentreuk.com.

Free training from Denbighshire Council

Denbighshire County Council is pleased to offer free training to Direct Payment Recipients and their staff, free of charge.

For further details, please visit their website or contact the Training Department at:

Workforce Development Team,
Russell House,
Churton Road,
Rhyl,
Denbighshire,
LL18 3DP

Alternatively, we can support you to identify courses with the local colleges, such as those offered by Llandrillo.

Coleg Llandrillo Cymru,
Llandudno Road,
Rhos-on-Sea,
LL28 4HZ.

Telephone: 01492 546 666

Fax: 01492 543 052

E-mail: admissions@llandrillo.ac.uk

Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl,
Cefndy Road,
Rhyl,
Denbighshire,
LL18 2HG.

Telephone: 01745 354 797

Fax: 01745 334 315

E-mail: rhyladmissions@llandrillo.ac.uk

New Horizons with G2G Communities and the Open University

G2G Communities are offering training courses and Open University flexible training courses, some of which may be free. All courses are supported and flexible with drop in sessions and virtual support.

More information is available in their leaflet.

Click here to go to go to our vacancies page.

Coming soon our resource directory.