Issue No. 45 Spring 2018 DePend Local help for Local People Newsletter Published by Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern Volunteers Toast Another Busy Year

With even more cuts in DPVC relies on volunteers to funding for social care carry out its valuable services. provision forecast, third DPVC is looking for more sector organisations like volunteers for its Good DPVC are becoming more and Neighbour Scheme. If you are more important in providing interested in DIY, gardening, frontline services such as driving or befriending join us community transport. now and make a difference.

DINAS POWYS VOLUNTARY CONCERN Inside this edition…  Community Libraries ‘Local Help for Local People’  Crafting keeps you healthy  Need a lift to an appointment—no problem...  A trip to the library or a prescription collected—we can help...  Care and Repair

 Just want a cuppa and a chat—we can do that too…  DPVC Services

For friendly help and advice Telephone 029 2051 3700  NGS Open gardens Email : [email protected] or visit our website www.dpvc.org.uk  You and alcohol

2 Village News

Have Libraries Had Their Day ? Wild About Nature

In 2017 The Vale of Council made the decision to cut library Wild About Nature is a newly provision across the county. This cost cutting exercise resulted in Dinas formed group of people wanting Powys Library being under threat of closure. Thankfully, saved by a group to give nature a helping hand. of willing volunteers and a committee, the library is now a community They intend to hold regular events library and registered charity. But is there still a place for book lending in to help make Dinas Powys as our increasingly technology driven world? According to research carried wildlife friendly as possible. They plan to organise sessions where people can learn about what they can do in their own gardens to help nature thrive, carry out practical working party sessions to plant up areas to encourage pollinators, and lead walks around the locality to appreciate the wildlife we have on our doorstep. The group has started to plan an exciting calendar of events for this year for all ages and abilities to get involved with. If this sounds like something you would be interested in please find out more by going to their Facebook page Dinas Powys Wild About Nature, [email protected] out by the National Literacy Trust, children who go to a library are twice as or tweet @WildNatureDinas . likely to read well compared to those who don’t. Benefits don’t just apply to reading the book. The social experience of discussing what they’ve read AM visits Library with family, friends and generally talking about books increases children’s Jane Hutt attended the library communication skills. It makes them more enquiring and eager to learn open day in November last year to and share. Borrowing from a library also saves their parents money. Think congratulate the team of about the costs involved in buying books. With children easily able to read volunteers who have worked so up to 5 books a week that’s a lot of hard to develop this new charity. “Without libraries what have money out of the family budget. They have expanded the library service to include a range of Of course, it’s not just about the we? We have no past and no activities, including an after school children. Those with low levels of Lego Club. Jane thanked all of the future” - Ray Bradbury disposable income can take volunteers who had dedicated advantage of all the modern library their time to keeping the library has to offer. Internet access, free Wi-Fi and newspapers can all be open and wished it every success . invaluable for job searches, filling in forms or just keeping up to date with today’s news. In turn this leads to happier more inclusive communities with fewer cases of social isolation. In 2012/13 the Arts Council for England carried out some major research into the future of libraries. They concluded that communities valued the safe space, learning environment and quiet places to study. Easy, free access was highly prized and, believe it or not, books were felt to be intrinsic to the successful future of library provision. Support Dinas Powys library and help secure its future. For opening hours and more information telephone 029 20512 556.

3 Village News The Crafty Way to Health

great place to start and end your day with free parking and cream teas. Last year you raised over £4000, an amazing sum. So please come this year on 14th or 15th July and help us support many caring charities, including Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern. For more details please call Sara on 02920512709. Did you know Crafting has been If daytime doesn’t suit you we have discovered to have added health a monthly crochet class & a monthly benefits? Recent studies have hand quilting class that run in the shown that knitting, crochet & evenings too. Pop along and speak Artwork on Show sewing can help reduce your to us in White Gecko Craft Lounge, After last year’s very successful art blood pressure and anxiety issues based on Camms Corner, for more exhibition, Dinas Powys Art Group and has a positive impact on your details or just a chat and a coffee. will be holding its annual mental health and wellbeing. Sara, Sarah & Sian x exhibition on 9th and 10th June Crafting with friends helps make 2018 at the Parish Hall, Britway Road. Last year the group raised “Some have even referred to NGS Open Gardens £500 for a local child to have knitting as the new Yoga” This year in Dinas Powys we have some specialist equipment to some lovely gardens opening for support his special needs. We also social connections and tackle charity as part of the National had a record year for art sales and isolation. Focusing attention on a Garden Scheme. 2018 includes two had a lot of very positive craft can be similar to practicing new gardens which we are very comments. mindfulness and teaches patience pleased to have added to our group. and perseverance. Some have even referred to knitting as the “new yoga.” Here at White Gecko Craft Lounge we run 3 drop in clubs a week where you can learn a new craft, refresh old skills and enjoy the company of like-minded people, all with a cuppa and biscuits included. Our crochet club runs on Monday mornings from 10am to 12pm and The 2018 exhibition will be raising we have 2 patchwork and quilting All five gardens are well worth a visit money for the Alzheimer’s Society classes from 1pm to 3pm on and there will be tea and home in memory of Frances Dring who Monday and Thursday afternoons. made cakes and plant sales as usual. we sadly lost last year. Please join These clubs are just £5 each and St Peter’s Church in Mill Road will us, have a cup of tea and some include tuition time. also be opening it’s doors and it’s a cake and enjoy our artwork.

4 Health and wellbeing

Live Well with Hearing Loss

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru’s and trouble-shooting with the free, volunteer-led service can help following products: you find out about assistive • listening devices • telephones equipment, local services and more. • doorbells • loop systems Whether you need advice on • alarm bells. equipment to help you hear the We also provide information on phone or television or you’re where to access other helpful looking for a way to communicate services such as the fire service, better with friends or family, Live social services and community Well with Hearing Loss can help. groups who may be able to On the first Thursday of every support you further. month there is a free drop-in For more information about the service at Barry Senior Health Shop service or if you would like to (38 Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4HD) volunteer, call us on 029 2033 from 10-12am. Anyone can call in 3034 (telephone), 029 2033 3036 with questions or for advice on (textphone) equipment and local services. @hearingloss.org.uk. Our volunteers are able to visit You can write to us at Action on The Live Well with Hearing Loss homes across the Vale of Hearing Loss, Anchor Court North, service provides information and Glamorgan and are trained to Keen Road, CF24 5JW. advise on accessing equipment and More information is available at support for people who struggle www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/ with deafness, hearing loss or supporting with using it in the wales tinnitus. home. We can help with installation The Power of Song The Forget-me-not Chorus supports people with dementia and their families, through weekly singing sessions. We believe passionately that singing together in a relaxed and fun environment has immense therapeutic benefits, the joy and laughter of “FMNC is a spa for the soul”

our sessions is infectious and the feel-good factor remains long after the rehearsal is over. Everyone’s dementia journey is unique but we are united as we a mix of their favourite songs as well new members and meets on a sing together. Our choristers tell as songs that are new to them. The Thursday, 7-9pm at St Cyres us that the FMNC is a “spa for the choirs aren’t just about recalling School, . For more soul” and we couldn't agree memories but essentially about information call 029 22362 064 or more! Weekly rehearsals last two engagement and fun in a safe place. visit hours and the choir members sing The Penarth Choir also welcomes www.forgetmenotchorus.com

5 Health and Wellbeing Care and Repair in The Vale

Care & Repair Cardiff and the Vale is a home visiting service which helps If you think you could offer some older home owners and private tenants to repair, adapt and maintain their time to help older people to homes. They are a Wales wide charitable movement and actively work to reminisce and feel more ensure that all older people have homes that are safe, secure and comfortable in their homes, appropriate to their needs. please get in touch with Catherine Their home visiting service is FREE of charge and tailored to your individual on 029 2132 2627. needs. They can help by:  Undertaking a healthy homes check  Advising on options to repair, maintain or adapt your home  Helping to find sources of funding for work  Helping you to find a reliable and local contractor  Referring you onto other local services if needed

To find out more about how Care & Repair Cardiff and the Vale may be able to help or to arrange a visit you can contact them on 02920 473337 or by email to [email protected] The Attic Project It’s Good To Talk The Attic Project is an innovative Conversation and contact with partnership project between Care others is enjoyable and plays an and Repair and VCS Cymru and important part in improving our they are currently looking for mood and wellbeing. DPVC can volunteers. The project supports now offer a weekly telephone call older people across the Vale of from one of our friendly Glamorgan, Cardiff and Newport volunteers. Our volunteers enjoy to organise their personal listening, talking and getting to possessions so that they can live know new people. as independently as possible. If you’ve hesitated about asking There is a growing recognition or provide better accessibility to the for befriending as you’re unsure that the possessions we home. It also means people are about a stranger visiting your accumulate over time can be a better able to move to a more home then telephone befriending major obstacle when it comes to appropriate home, reducing the can be an alternative. Give us a downsizing or allowing access for stress of downsizing. call and ask for Judith 029 key repairs, adaptations and 20513700. improvements that make our “Empower older people to homes safe and comfortable. Reminisce” Through our specialist caseworker Sorting through possessions can and volunteers, the Attic Project bring back a lot of memories and supports older people to sort letting go of them can be through or dispose of their challenging. Volunteers support possession in a way that is good older people through reminiscence. for them and good for the Having the opportunity to record environment. Through making and talk about the stories behind space, key adaptations and repairs possessions can be an empowering can take place, that help people to process, reducing feelings of social keep warm, reduce the risk of falls isolation and improving wellbeing.

6 Health and Wellbeing Do You Know How Much Alcohol You Drink ?

The World Organisation for Health TAITH (Change, Grow, Live) is a recommends an intake of up to charity that works with people half a glass of wine as something who want to make positive not harmful to the proper changes to their lives, achieving functioning of our body. positive life affirming goals. Their Government guidelines state that accessible service, empowers an individual should consume no people to improve their health more than 14 units ( 10 if he/she is and wellbeing and take control of over 50’s) of alcohol a week with at the direction of their lives. Their least 2 alcohol free days. area of expertise is substance As alcohol is sold legally, it is very accessible and seen as something misuse which includes alcohol. inherently positive to our culture and society. We don’t even stop to think Taith offices are located in Cardiff about this presence in our lives, let aside the damage caused to ourselves and in the Vale (Barry). At present when we abuse it. They are running a pilot scheme There are many reasons why people start drinking alcohol. Sometimes where they are working in recreational use becomes more and more frequent until it becomes a partnership with different GP serious problem that affects someone’s daily life, their health and their surgeries, Dinas Powys being one relationships with other people. At this point they may not able to control of them, where a Taith worker their use. For others, alcohol use may be linked to traumatic past attends once a week, offering experiences or current issues. Genetic and social factors can also play a patients an opportunity to come significant role. Some of the signs that your use maybe problematic along and discuss their health and include: wellbeing. The worker will listen to the concerns you may have  You find you need to drink alcohol more frequently to get the same around alcohol use, have a effect. discussion about your drinking  You have cravings and urges during the day. pattern and provide support to  You forgot what happened the night before. You feel embarrassed or you to achieve those goals you ashamed of your behaviour. want to set about alcohol  Your use of alcohol is starting to affect your relationships with family drinking. and friends - perhaps you are having more arguments, or loved ones tell you they are worried about you.  You find it difficult to sleep or to get up. You wake up in the early hours of the morning feeling unwell and your motivation to go to work or complete tasks is low.  You plan activities around alcohol - it’s not a night out unless you drink to excess.  You hide, or lie about your use to friends and family.  Once you have had your first drink you do not feel able to stop.

If you feel this is for you, you can contact your GP or speak to a receptionist at the surgery and ask for an appointment with a Taith worker. They will refer you to the worker that is based in your surgery where you can meet and discuss your concerns.

7 DPVC Volunteer News Jane Hutt Praises Community Action Help and Support for the Elderly

I was very glad to visit Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern and the RVS Luncheon Club to meet members of the community who benefit from this excellent initiative and the volunteers who make such a difference. DPVC is an integral part of the community in Dinas Powys and demonstrates the need for voluntary sector organisations who have such a positive impact on community. The work volunteers do to help people participate is indispensable. New volunteers and members are always welcome at DPVC! Regular shopping runs were introduced in 1998. The supermarket of Residents in Dinas Powys work choice is Morrisons in Barry but it’s not just about the shopping. There’s hard to keep their community always time for coffee and a chat in the café. There’s an escort on the lively and accessible. The minibus as well as the driver to give some help with loading and unloading shopping.

Wellbeing and Befriending Would you like someone to have a coffee and a chat with or do you want to go out and visit places, but need help to get there. Sometimes you just need to know what's going on around you so that you can join in Luncheon Club enjoys a delicious again. DPVC has a wellbeing lunch cooked at St. Andrew Major coordinator who can visit and discuss School and delivered to the Lee your needs. We can offer long term Hall every Friday and provides or short term befriending, attendees with the opportunity to information on a range of services, socialise. The DPVC mini bus and including dementia support. We can the fortnightly shopping trips help you get out to clubs, events and allow members of the community take part in all sorts of activities. Our to remain more independent digital volunteers can visit you in while still receiving support with your own home to set up email, the more physical tasks. The skype or get you on line. Stay shopping trips also allow for connected and get in touch on 029 chatting and having a coffee with 20513700. other passengers and volunteers. Thanks to the volunteers at DPVC DPVC has a range of volunteering opportunities. We offer training and and all of the community groups experience that can help with finding employment or keeping you active in Dinas Powys for their work and after you retire. To find out more, email or phone [email protected] service to the community. 029 20513700.

8 Events

What’s On

Dementia Friendly Jane Hutt Surgery Visit www.btplc.com/mydonate/ enter DPVC as your chosen Art Classes April 27th 4-5pm charity 2nd and 4th Wednesday Murchfield Community Centre, 10.30am til 12 Sunnycroft Lane, Dinas Powys. Murchfield Community Centre Sunnycroft Lane, Dinas Powys All Welcome For more information contact Judith at DPVC 029 20513700 or Matthew/Helen at Nexus 02920222000