School of Hard Knocks

Transcription

1 Summer 2009 News of Conwy County Borough Council School of Hard Knocks

2 in this issue Welcome Welcome to the Summer edition of Bulletin. If you or someone you know would prefer to receive this publication on CD, in large print or electronically please telephone (01492) Page 3 School of Hard Knocks Page 4 Meet your Council Energy efficiency grants Page 5 NHS reforms Page 6 Keeping Safe Rights of Way Page 7 Flood Advice Home Safety Checks Page 8 Estyn report Credit Crunch advice Page 9 Are your eyes fit to drive? Claim today Page 10 Health precinct Page 11 Take part Excellence Fund Page 12 Summer Workshops Welsh Language Scheme The Conwy Oscars Pupils from twelve Conwy schools attended the Conwy Oscars, a glittering red carpet event at Cineworld, Llandudno Junction to celebrate World Book Day. The pupils had all submitted entries for the Education Service s World Book Day Competition under the categories of animation, film and slideshow. Before entering the VIP Auditorium the school representatives walked the red carpet to the sound of Llandudno Town Band. They were then treated to a private showing of each competition entry, all of which were inspired by books with a Welsh dimension. The competition winners were awarded a range of IT educational resources and each participating school received a book token from Waterstones. The whole event was recorded by a film crew from Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan. The first prize winners were: Animation Key Stage 2: Ysgol Glanwydden Film Key Stage 1: Ysgol Glan Gele Film Key Stage 2: Ysgol Glanwydden Slideshow Key Stage 1: Ysgol Glan Gele Slideshow Key Stage 2: Ysgol St Joseph Slideshow key Stage 3: Ysgol Uwchradd Eirias Runners-up in the various categories: Ysgol Glanwydden, Ysgol San Siôr, Ysgol Cystennin, Ysgol St Elfod and Ysgol Uwchradd Eirias. Front cover: School of Hard Knocks is a rugby initiative, which helps participants improve themselves and their chances of finding employment Produced and Published by Conwy County Borough Council. Designed by NWN Design & Print Tel: (01352) When you ve finished reading the Bulletin please recycle it. 2

3 School of Hard Knocks School of Hard Knocks is a rugby initiative, which helps participants improve themselves and their chances of finding employment. The project first took place in Liverpool last year and was such a success that all partners decided to carry on with the series again in 2009, this time in Conwy County Borough. The unemployed participants, all from the local area, came into the scheme through the Council s Adult Services, Probation Officer nominations or wordof-mouth. They were young men from different backgrounds, some under various supervision orders; two of whom were tagged and some who had just not found the right job as yet. They received on-pitch training by Head Coach, Chris Chudleigh of Rugby Performance, complemented by weekly classroom-based training sessions from Creative Training. These sessions were aimed at building on the team work and discipline instilled on the pitch; teaching life and job skills to help build their CVs, and give the confidence to attend job interviews in the real world. The young men worked extremely hard, taking part in weekly training sessions plus many one-off activities, such as watching the Wales Team train, tips from rugby star Jason Robinson, going to a Sale Sharks match, taking on the 100ft high powerfan at Tree Top Adventure and much, much more. All of this was done under the supervision of rugby legends Scott Quinnell and Will Greenwood, with the Sky Sports cameras never too far away. The final game of the programme took place under glorious sunshine at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay on Sunday 3rd May. The Hard Knocks Team played against a Conwy Wooden Spoon XV, managed by ex-england Coach Dick Greenwood and made up of players from local rugby clubs: Abergele, Colwyn Bay & Llandudno. Some ex-professionals were also drafted in for good measure. In an end-to-end game the final score was 34-All with tries for the Hard Knocks coming from Will Greenwood (2), Adam Glover, Callum Jones and David Cripps. Cripps also added a penalty and 3 conversions. Former Wales Captain, Quinnell said This is probably the proudest moment of my rugby career. Not only am I delighted for all 20 of the lads to have done so well, but I can honestly say that I have made 20 friends in the process. The initiative was jointly funded by Conwy County Borough Council and the Children & Young Peoples Partnership. Council Chairman, Cllr Glyn Jones said It was great to see the determination from the lads. They have progressed such a long way since the start of this programme and I hope they continue. The School of Hard Knocks was broadcast as a mini-series on Sky Sports The Rugby Club. If you missed it catch all the episodes 3

4 MEET YOUR COUNCIL ROADSHOWS The work of the Council affects so many aspects of daily life. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, work goes on often unnoticed and that s the way it should be if we are doing our job well. But have you sat and wondered what does my council do for me and what difference does my council make? Well that s why we are keen to take the opportunity to get out and about and listen to what people have to say, as well as letting you know what we are doing and how our services can help and support the communities in which you live and work. Council staff will be on hand to answer questions, demonstrate our work and provide information. So, add one of the dates to your diary and come along to talk to us, tell us what you think, ask questions and find out more. At the Venue Cymru roadshow there ll be plenty to entertain all ages and lots of fun activities to keep the kids entertained so bring them along too! From face painting, to making smoothies, or just flexing your muscles in the play zones, on the dance mats or sports consoles. Or perhaps relax in one of the story telling sessions run by our Library service. Why not come and find out about job opportunities in the council, or perhaps you are thinking of starting your own business and need advice on the do s and don ts. We will also have team members on site that can provide you with advice and guidance on benefits and where to go to get advice if you are being affected by the 'Credit Crunch'. Also, at each of the roadshows you will have the chance to win tickets to the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime at Venue Cymru and a year s free membership to Ffit Conwy worth 250! You ll be amazed at the diversity of the roles and work Conwy County Borough Council is involved in. So join us at: Venue Cymru on June 29th from 3pm 8pm Llanrwst Show on 15th August Cerrigydrudion Show on 5th September By working together, we can make Conwy a better place to live, work and visit. Make your first home more energy efficient First time buyers in North Central Colwyn Bay and East Penmaenmawr can apply for some extra help to make their homes cosier. Conwy Council has successfully bid for money from the Welsh Assembly Government to help first time buyers towards the costs of improving energy efficiency. If you bought your first home in the North Central Colwyn Bay or East Penmaenmawr designated Housing Renewal Areas after 27th June 2007, there may be money available to help you make your home more energy efficient, such as help with the cost of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, central heating and draught-proofing. For example, if you meet the grant conditions and your property needs loft insulation you may be entitled to it completely free of charge. For properties needing more than one of the qualifying energy efficiency measures, you may be entitled to a grant to cover the cost of both (subject to a maximum amount). To be eligible to apply you must be a first time buyer of an existing, not newly built, dwelling. Joint owners who apply must both be first time buyers and applicants must occupy the dwelling as their only or main residence. If you d like to find out more contact Jeremy Grant in Conwy s Strategic Housing Unit on (01492) there s no obligation to take part. 4

5 NHS Reforms Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board As part of the reform process in the NHS in Wales, a new organisation will be created to serve the population of North Wales. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board will combine the North Wales NHS Trust (previously North East Wales NHS Trust and Conwy & Denbighshire NHS Trust), the North West Wales NHS Trust, and the six Local Health Boards of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Wrexham. Acute, intermediate, primary and community care, mental health and learning disabilities services will be integrated into the single organisation. Services will continue to be planned and delivered across community and hospital settings, working in partnership with the voluntary sector, local authorities and other stakeholders. The NHS recognises that it needs to build on the productive partnerships already in place to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of North Wales. The new organisation will be established in shadow form on June 1st 2009 and will become fully operational by October 1st Its budget will be in the region of 1.1 billion and it will have 18,000 staff. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board will provide services to around 675,500 people and primarily serve the residents of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham and other adjacent health communities where appropriate. Michael Williams, Chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board said: There will be much work ahead to bring about the successful integration of the two Trusts and the six Local Health Boards in North Wales. At this early stage my initial priorities are to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible healthcare for patients throughout North Wales, that we respect the cultural and social diversity that exists across the region. The NHS in North Wales recognises local government as key partners in improving health and wellbeing and addressing health inequalities. Local partnership arrangements will continue at a county level which will shape and inform the work of the new Local Health Board. Repair Scheme starts in Penmaenmawr The latest Housing Group Repair Scheme started in Penmaenmawr in mid May The scheme includes seven significant properties situated within the East Penmaenmawr Housing Renewal Area. Four of these properties are also within the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) area and another is in the Conservation Area. The work will involve improving the external fabric of the properties, including relevant 'heritage' embellishments. The local Bistro's appearance will be enhanced and, where necessary, roofs, gutters, windows and doors will be renewed and energy efficiency improvements made. The scheme is being funded by Non-profit making, properly constituted community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver new and innovative cultural projects taking place within the rural parts of Conwy. Applicants can apply for up to 2,500 towards their project. Eligible costs will include artists or historians fees, publicity and marketing, venue hire, art materials, Conwy County Borough Council with assistance from the Welsh Assembly Government. Additional funding from the THI initiative will be available for the properties situated in the relevant area, one of which includes a significant commercial premise, on the main road, that will lead to an enhancement of the main shopping area on Pant-yr-Afon. Works are due to be completed within this financial year. Whilst some disruption is inevitable we hope that the results will add to the regeneration that is already taking place in Penmaenmawr. Grants Available Is your group planning a project which protects Conwy s Heritage or helps to promote its rural culture? If so Conwy Rural Partnership wants to hear from you! interpretative materials, workshops, talks and publications. For an application form and guidance notes, please contact (01492) or (01492) This project is part funded through the Rural Development Plan which is financed by the EU and the Welsh Assembly Government. Tenants Coffee Morning The Approved Landlord Project is a scheme that helps vulnerable people to live independently with support from accredited landlords. A coffee morning was organised at Old Colwyn Methodist Church Hall to bring the tenants together to help them become accustomed in social gatherings and give everyone involved in the project an opportunity to meet and to discuss how the project is developing. The Approved Landlord Project Scheme is co-ordinated by HOST (Conwy's Housing Options and Support Team), the Team helps people who are faced with homelessness. For more information about the project contact Michelle Edwards in Regulatory Services on (01492) or [email protected] 5

6 It s About Keeping Safe Conwy s Road Safety Section has joined Crime Beat to fund a tour of primary schools by students from the Performing Arts Department of Coleg Llandrillo. Pupils of Ysgol Llandrillo yn Rhos at the dress rehearsal in the college drama studio The students have produced a play that delivers several messages about keeping safe and being good citizens. The play revolves around two rookie special agents who are given special assignments, which they have to succeed at before they can be fully qualified. It is a very lively production with excellent performances by the students and includes music and song and quite a bit of audience participation. Primary pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the production, whilst learning about crossing roads safely, safety in the home, fire safety, safe use of the internet, safe places to play and being wary of strangers. New Bus Passes Thank you to the 300+ concessionary bus pass holders that have been in touch to let us know their details have changed. Any remaining bus pass holders who haven t been in touch about changes should write to the Public Transport Section, The Heath, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0PF enclosing photocopies of relevant documentation. If your details haven t changed you don t need to do anything, your new bus pass will be sent out automatically in the next few weeks. Over 26,000 bus pass holders in Conwy will be sent their new card that contains an electronic chip and a new serial number. You can start using your new smartcard as soon as you receive it, but existing bus passes will remain valid until later in the year. For more information please telephone (01492) Footpaths are Improving Three years ago, Conwy s Rights of Way were in a very poor condition, with less than 22% classified as easy to use. A gradual improvement since then has seen this figure rise to nearly 50%, and there is every likelihood that paths will continue to improve over the coming years. Over the last few years greater effort has been put into the enforcement process and ensuring illegal obstructions were removed. Now the Welsh Assembly Government has provided some additional funding to improve the Rights of Way network further. For example, allowing opportunities for volunteer involvement and horse riding to be developed. twofold over the last three years. A good Rights of Way network provides so many benefits to us all, in terms of improving health and the local economy and simply as a means of enjoying our spectacular countryside. I am particularly encouraged by the partnerships with other authorities, walking groups and local communities to achieve this continued improvement. Conwy s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Cllr Joan Vaughan said, Although having 50% of paths rated easy to use is quite a modest figure, it demonstrates that the condition of our footpaths has improved more than For further information, contact: Tom Gravett, Countryside and Rights of Way Manager (01492) Vicky Currie, Senior Rights of Way Officer (01492)

7 Staying safe during a flood Around 5 million people live in flood risk areas in England and Wales. In 2007, the flooding in England and Wales affected 57,000 properties. Being prepared for flooding could save your life and your property. Climate change, will have a major impact on the probability of future flooding, including higher winter rainfall, resulting in surface and groundwater flooding and a rise in sea levels. By the year 2150, sea levels are expected to rise by over a metre. The Welsh Assembly Government has indicated that funding to construct large flood and coastal defence works may not be available in the future. With this in mind, it is essential that communities act now, to prepare for, and make the necessary provisions to manage the devastating effects of flooding to property and life. Making your home or business more resilient to flooding doesn t guarantee that flood water won t get in but it can: Prevent flood water from entering when the flood is fairly shallow and of short duration. Delay entry of flood water into the building, giving you extra time to move your possessions to safety and evacuate. Limit the damage to walls, floors, fixtures and fittings, where flood water has entered the building. Make cleaning up the building and drying it out easier and faster, so that you can get your life back to normal as soon as possible. The Government have made a number of recommendations to help communities prevent future reoccurrences of flooding, such as: Make up a flood kit including key personal documents, insurance policy, a torch, battery or wind-up radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves, wet wipes or antibacterial hand gel, first aid kit, blankets and emergency contact numbers, such as Conwy Council s 24hr EMERGENCY FLOOD RESPONSE NUMBER ; Emergency Services and the Environment Agency s FLOODLINE Increase your personal state of readiness and resilience to floods by following the Environment Agency's practical advice, where appropriate. There are many different types of flood protection products that can be fitted to your property. The Council s Environmental Service will be happy to provide advice on the different choices available to you and are here to provide help and advice during and after a flood event. For further information, please visit our website at Don't delay, dial today Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your property is the message from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Conwy Community Safety Partnership. Free home safety checks are available to all households in North Wales by contacting the freephone number. A member of the Community Safety team will then arrange a convenient time to visit the property and will provide and install smoke alarms free of charge, as well as helping residents to devise an escape plan in the event of a fire and provide practical advice on how to make the home safer. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has launched a campaign called Putting People First to reduce the number of deaths in accidental property fires across the region. Simon Smith, Chief Fire Officer said: The Service is working tirelessly with partner agencies and the wider community to look at this issue as a matter of urgency. The Service cannot do this work alone and appeals to members of the community to arrange free home safety checks and make sure that checks are organised for the vulnerable members of society. Make it your business to make sure your friends, neighbours and relatives are aware of what the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is offering. The home safety checks are completely free of charge - make that call today. Excellence Wales For the fourth year running Conwy Council has been awarded Excellence Wales status at an awards evening organised by the Welsh Local Government Association. This year, the event was held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno and Conwy County Borough Council received two Commendations and a Certificate of Recognition. Excellence Wales is about recognising good practice across the range of services councils provide. It aims partly to reward, partly to inspire, but fundamentally to share learning and improve public services across all councils. Council leader, Cllr Dilwyn Roberts said, We re delighted to receive national recognition for these projects. We are especially pleased with the award that recognises our commitment to improving the authority to provide excellent services for local people. Conwy's awards:- Award Category: Our Citizens and Communities Building an Inclusive Society The Council s Provider Day Unit Opportunities Service offers care and therapeutic services for adults (of working age) with learning disabilities. In partnership with other local authorities, the private sector and the voluntary sector, this service provides employment and other opportunities that maximise the potential and quality of life for this group. Award Category: Our Authority Transforming Our Organisation The Council s Corporate Assessment and Improvement Project (CAIP) has stabilised the authority in terms of its corporate governance arrangements to create a culture of embedded performance and risk management, with large numbers of Council employees enjoying the benefits of increased involvement and an enhanced sense of empowerment. Certificates of Recognition were awarded where an authority demonstrates pockets of exemplary practice worthy of recognition. Conwy received a Certificate of Recognition for: Award Category: Our Future Responding to Climate Change. 7

8 Credit Crunch Advice The Council s Cabinet Members are urging residents to seek help if they are feeling the pressure of the economic downturn. To help residents and businesses, during what may be a prolonged period of economic downturn, the Council has created a special Credit Crunch section on its website. This brings together useful information and advice alongside services the Council already provides such as housing and council tax benefit, free school meals, business rate relief and much more. Council Leader, Cllr Dilwyn Roberts asked for the information to be put together. He explained, We want to provide support for Conwy s residents and businesses. I d urge anyone with concerns about their job, home or business to get advice sooner rather than later - there are groups and organisations that are able to help. Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Meirion Hughes said, One important aspect is to make sure that people are claiming all of the benefits and allowances to which they are entitled. If you think that you may be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, then please contact the Council s Benefits Team. Click onto for information and advice on how to claim benefits, how to save money on your energy bills, who to speak to and where to go for help. If you don t have internet access at home or work, visit your local library where you can use a computer free-of-charge and staff can help you to contact council departments and a host of other organisations. Don t delay get advice now. Children and Young People s Partnership gets top marks from ESTYN The Children and Young People's Partnership (CYPP) brings together all children s and young peoples services in Conwy, including education, health, the police, social services, housing, libraries and the voluntary sector, with the following aims: To have a good start in life To be supported to learn To grow up healthy, happy and safe To be able to play and take part in activities To be listened to and respected To be safe inside and outside of your home To ensure they are not disadvantaged. In November 2008, the Children and Young Peoples Partnership was inspected by Estyn. The inspection focused on services for year olds and the result was among the best in Wales. Inspectors noted that young people in Conwy produced good quality work, supported each other well and contributed effectively to group activities and discussions, and that attendance and punctuality was good across all youth support service providers. It was also reported that vulnerable young people make good progress into education, training or work-based learning schemes. As a result, the proportion of year olds in Conwy not in employment, education or training is below the Wales average. The report states that workers and volunteers have developed positive relationships with young people and provide a good range of activities, teaching methods and learning resources. And that in the vast majority of cases, Genesis Conwy 2 Are you a parent who would like help with confidence, self esteem, training, childcare or transport? You don t have to go it alone, with Genesis help is at hand. Genesis Conwy provides one-to-one support to individuals aged 16 or over who live in Conwy County, particularly lone parents, helping them to take the first steps to work, learning and training. Genesis Conwy also provides training opportunities and mobile creche activities are managed well and staff consistently challenge discriminatory and offensive language and set high expectations for behaviour. Overall, inspectors reported good levels and range of care, support, advice and guidance for all young people across the county, including the most vulnerable, and that services have a positive impact on the achievement and attainment levels of vulnerable groups in Conwy. The Partnership itself was also assessed by the Inspectors and found to have good leadership, cross section of partners and clear arrangements for reporting progress made to elected members. The Estyn Inspectors made some recommendations for further improvement and the Partnership is putting plans in place to address these issues. Sue Maskell, Head of Children s Services at Conwy Council said, It is a great tribute to the dedication of everyone involved that the Children & Young People s Partnership in Conwy has achieved such a good inspection result. As Chair of the Partnership, I am proud of our achievement and keen to move forward to act upon the inspection recommendations. For more information contact the Children and Young Peoples Partnership Team on (01492) or click on to facilities free of charge within communities by working with Job Centre Plus, Sure Start, Flying Start, Social Services, Health Services, Education and Communities First. To find out if you're eligible for Genesis support and for more information phone (01492) or [email protected] Genesis is a Welsh Assembly and European Funded Project from 2008 until

9 ARE YOUR EYES FIT TO DRIVE? The Council's Road Safety Section is joining other members of the North Wales Road Safety Group in running a campaign to raise awareness amongst drivers of the importance of regular eyesight checks. There are indications that more than one third of drivers are putting themselves and others at risk because of poor and uncorrected eyesight. Recent tests carried out by Specsavers Opticians as part of its Drive Safe Roadshow, measured drivers long distance vision in North Wales and uncovered some shocking results. The tests indicated that as many as 40% of drivers are unlikely to meet the required standards for safe driving and that over half (57%) had not had an eye test in the past two years as recommended by experts. As a result of this information, the North Wales Road Safety Group are urging drivers to have regular eyesight checks and to always wear their prescribed spectacles or contact lenses for driving. Drivers who should wear glasses or lenses for driving are also strongly advised to carry a spare pair in their vehicle at all times. It is well known that eyesight can deteriorate rapidly in those over 50 years old, but it is also important to realise that younger people can have problems with their sight. There is no legal requirement for drivers to take an eyesight test once they pass the driving test and only have to make a declaration of their ability to see to the required standard on renewing their licence at 70 years old. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to drive with uncorrected eyesight. We urge people to have their vision regularly tested and if they have glasses or contact lenses to wear them when driving. At the launch of the campaign Dafydd Edwards, North Wales Road Safety Group chairman and Conwy s Road Safety Officer, said: We rely almost 100% on our eyesight for all the information we need to gather and assimilate when we are driving. Therefore, it is imperative that all drivers ensure they meet the minimum requirements and have regular checks. David Fisher, Llandudno store director for Specsavers, who are supporting the campaign said: Most of the patients we see are already aware of the importance of having regular eye tests, so there's only a small minority that fail the driving standard. We tend to find that those failing the standard are usually either teenagers that are just starting their driving lessons, or those over the age of 70 years with eyesight that has deteriorated faster than they'd realised. "However, the most 'at risk' group are those who don't have regular eye tests, as they may be unaware that their eyesight isn't up to scratch, making them a real danger to themselves and other road users. Don t Go Without People who could get help towards their rent and council tax are missing out - don t be one of them. If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit. If you are unsure whether or not you would qualify, we can send you a leaflet showing an estimate of entitlement. You can also speak to a Benefit Assistant for advice about entitlement. CLAIM IF IN DOUBT, DON T GO WITHOUT Fast Track your Application To speed up your claim for Housing and / or Council Tax benefit, follow these simple steps: Step 1 Fully complete your application form Step 2 Provide all supporting information requested on the application form (original documents are required) Step 3 Take your application form and all supporting information to one of our offices (listed right) and ask for your claim to be fast tracked Your application and supporting information will be checked by a Benefit Assistant to make sure that your claim can be fast tracked - if everything is ok your claim will be processed within 48 hours. Take your application form and supporting information to: Bodlondeb, Conwy 41 Conway Road, Colwyn Bay Town Hall, Lloyd Street, Llandudno For more information, advice or an application form contact the Housing Benefit Unit, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU or telephone (01492)

10 Health Precinct On 15th May, Assembly Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, officially opened an award winning initiative at Colwyn Leisure Centre. The Health Precinct is a joint project between Conwy County Borough Council, North Wales NHS Trust, Conwy Local Health Board and Age Concern, which brings together health, leisure and social care services. The Health Precinct offers: 1) A range of innovative health and fitness activities to address a wide range of health conditions. 2) Structured rehabilitation programmes for people recovering from illness or hospitalisation. 3) Improved access to specific health services, in a non-clinical environment. 4) More accessible health and leisure services for specific groups of people who traditionally may have difficulty in accessing services. Physiotherapists, sports scientists, occupational therapists, community nurses, play officers and a range of other health and exercise professionals work together at the centre to help prevent, treat and manage injury, ill health and chronic disease. Their work addresses cardiac disease, sports injuries, stroke, diabetes, obesity, mental illness and cardio-pulmonary disease, through various forms of physical activity and healthy diet. Conwy Intermediate Care Service's health and social care specialists are also based at the Health Precinct, they can identify patients in the community who could benefit by a course of exercise. The team also provide a range of services to maintain people s health and wellbeing by treating people who can be supported within their home environment rather than a hospital. Winner of a Welsh Local Government Association 2008 Excellence Wales Award, the Health Precinct brings a range of professionals to work together to develop new approaches and solutions - all under one roof. 10

11 take part! - 28th & 29th August 2009 Get involved, be inspired and let your imagination run wild with two days of Arts and Literature activities in and around Llandudno. Themed around 'Fantasy', this exciting event will open up the world of Arts and Literature to young people, encouraging them to try activities which may be new to them and even discover new skills. Venue Cymru and many other locations across Llandudno will be opening their doors to host an array of activities ranging from poetry reading and drama workshops, to graffiti art and seaside art decoration, all run through informal workshops and events encouraging Arts and Literature for all. David Wood, named the National Children's Dramatist by The Times, will be joining us to give a reading of his renowned The Gingerbread Man and to lead workshops. Keep an eye on the Venue Cymru website for more information or register your interest at [email protected] and we will keep in touch with you about all the activities that will be taking place, and when and where to book your place. Funded by the Arts Council of Wales Improving quality of life for older people All over Wales, each council is planning ahead for an ageing population. Here are just some of the initiatives that are or have been going on recently in Conwy County to help older people stay healthy, involved and independent: Age Concern Forum groups: meeting regularly in Abergele, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Llanrwst, Llanfairfechan and Llandudno Junction to voice opinions and take part in consultation on important matters. For more information on these informal groups (run jointly by Age Concern and Conwy Council) ring (01745) The Future of Paying for Care in Wales: Earlier in the year some older people s groups and individuals contributed to a nationwide consultation on this issue. Their comments have been forwarded to the Welsh Assembly Government who will be launching a draft plan of future changes later this year. Dignity in Care: Awareness raising sessions and new training courses are being delivered to front line health and social care staff to ensure that dignity and respect are an essential part of services for older people, whether in a hospital, residential, or home setting. For a leaflet on Dignity & Respect ring (01492) Poverty Reduction Task Force: The Welsh Assembly Government tells us that there are millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits and tax allowances. Benefits advisors run one day campaigns in selected towns and villages across the county 3-4 times a year. They visited Cerrigydrudion in March and Kinmel Bay in May to offer impartial advice. Further campaigns are planned for Old Colwyn, Dolwyddelan and Abergele. For advice ring (01492) Age & other forms of discrimination: As part of its commitment towards eliminating any discrimination that might occur within its services, Conwy County Borough Council is currently carrying out an extensive review of its policies, guidance and plans. An equality action plan is being drawn up to tackle any issues that are identified. If you feel you have been discriminated against and would like to discuss this further, please contact the Equality & Diversity Officer on (01492) or [email protected] Helping you to go digital: TV is going digital all over the UK and soon traditional TV signals will be switched off in your area. Help is available for converting TVs to digital for people aged 75 and over; those who have lived in a care home for 6 months or more; those receiving certain disability benefits or those registered blind or partially sighted. For more information call the Switchover Help Scheme on (run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government). For more information on these and other initiatives, contact Sian Hooson, Conwy s Development Officer, Strategy for Older People on (01492) Supporting Excellence in Sport, Education and the Arts Seven high achievers have been awarded a total of 4,550 from Conwy Council s Excellence Fund. At a meeting of the awarding committee last month seven local people, who are all excelling in their chosen field including Squash, Badminton, Angling, Cycling, Bowls, Hockey and Football were awarded grants ranging from 400 to 800. Chairman of the Excellence Fund Committee, Cllr Ian Jenkins said, It is a real pleasure to help these individuals to achieve their goals, such dedication is to be applauded with the day to day pressure that these youngsters are under to compete at the highest level in the whole of Europe, the Excellence Fund can help with the financial strain. The Conwy Excellence Fund is available to sportspeople who are competing in their sport at a national level or higher and also to support excellence in education and the arts. Awards of up to 1,000 are available, which could be used for equipment, travel to competitions, training or accommodation costs. Over 20,000 has been awarded since January. If you re a high achiever in education, the arts or sports and have lived in Conwy County Borough for the past 5 years contact (01492) or [email protected] for an application form. 11

12 Summer Arts & Museums Workshops 11 August 2009 Dinosaur Modelling Workshop Llandudno Museum 10am 11.30am Welcoming more visitors to Conwy As more and more people are planning to stay in the UK for their holidays this year, we've invested in a new telephone system at Llandudno Tourist Information Centre to help handle enquiries as efficiently as possible. 12 August D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs (followed by film) Llanrwst Almshouses pm 3D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs (followed by film) New York Cottages, Penmaenmawr 2pm 3.30pm 18 August 2009 Dinosaur modelling Workshop Llandudno Museum 10am 11.30am 19 August D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs (followed by film) Llanrwst Almshouses pm 3D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs (followed by film) New York Cottages, Penmaenmawr 2pm 3.30pm 25 August 2009 Dinosaur modelling Workshop Llandudno Museum 10am am 26 August D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs - (followed by film) Llanrwst Almshouses pm 3D Modelling workshop based on the Welsh Animation, Gogs (followed by film) New York Cottages, Penmaenmawr 2pm 3.30pm The workshops are suitable for ages 7+ (families welcome). Cost 1.00 per person per workshop. To book phone Charlie Kay, Museums Education Officer on (01492) More telephone lines and the option to leave your details to receive a brochure, the new system helps the TIC staff to deal with many more callers than previously possible. Already this year the number of telephone calls to Llandudno TIC has increased 111%. More evidence that UK holidays are a popular idea is the number of personal visits to the TIC which have increased by 78%. In fact, over the May Day bank holiday, over 2,000 people passed through the doors compared to around 600 for the same period last year. In addition, the Tourist Information Centre and the Council s Tourism Marketing Service have received over 13,000 requests for the Visit Llandudno, Conwy, Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea brochure. Llandudno Tourist Information Centre is located in Llandudno Library Building on Mostyn Street and is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, phone (01492) Welsh Language Board approves Conwy s updated Language Scheme In a letter to Conwy County Borough Council, the Welsh Language Board has confirmed its approval of the Council s revised Welsh Language Scheme. Conwy County Borough Council first published its Welsh Language Scheme in 1997, it was revised in 2004 and the latest version has just been approved. The Scheme covers all the Authority s public services. It aims to ensure that the public receive a service of equal quality from the Council be it in English or Welsh. The new updated version of the Scheme takes into account, amongst other things, service changes within the Council, recommendations of the Welsh Language Board and operational experience. Cllr Philip Evans, Conwy s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services said, I am pleased that our updated Welsh Language Scheme has received approval from the Welsh Language Board, and I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the process. The Council has been in regular consultation with the Welsh Language Board during the drafting of this revised Scheme. 12