Empowering 0345 06 121 12 www.cais.co.uk Change Spring 2017 | Issue 41 Senior appointments to help CAIS stay fit for the future

CAIS HAS MADE two new appointments to its senior management team. Following a lengthy development and assessment process, Leon Marsh was named as Director of Community Services with Sandy Ackers made Company Secretary. Both are long-term servants to the organisation, and have already stepped into their new roles after being appointed by Trustees. CAIS chairman Dr Dafydd Alun Jones congratulated Leon and Sandy on their appointments. “I am pleased that the Board has felt able to fill these positions from within the charity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of developing “We will continue to support internal development CAIS services in the community, and I’m excited by the programmes in the hope of affording similar opportunities in opportunities to come,” he said. the future.” “My priority will be to position CAIS to take advantage of the Challenge opportunities that are available, and to secure sustainable platforms for growth. Leon has been working with CAIS for approaching five years, “Over the forthcoming weeks and months, I’m looking and has more than 14 years’ experience in the criminal forward to meeting all staff and want to take the chance to justice, housing, substance misuse and residential services thank them for their continuing commitment to CAIS.” sector. Sandy has been with CAIS for more than 10 years after joining Most recently, he worked as CAIS Commercial Manager, with the charity following a career in the private sector. She will specific responsibility for Hafan Wen and Ty’n Rodyn. combine the role with her existing post as Finance Manager. He has now taken on a new brief as CAIS Director of She also oversees the work of the award-winning and Community Services, with responsibility for Supporting expanding CAIS Social Enterprises. People, Young Persons’ Services, Homelessness Prevention and Residential Services, Champions’ House, Counselling, “I’m looking forward to working alongside the Board of Therapeutic Interventions and Parabl. Trustees in this exciting new role,” Sandy said.

CAIS aims to empower positive changes in the lives of people affected by addiction, adverse mental health, unemployment, offending and other life challenges, through a range of services and support delivered by skilled and experienced staff and volunteers. Volunteers walk with the animals...

CYFLE CYMRU volunteers now helping visitors learn interact with people. So you volunteering then I would are picking up fresh insight more about the 500 species have to learn those people really recommend it.” into the Secret Life of and 15,000 animals at the skills again, like having a Cyfle Cymru is part of the Chester Zoo as part of a new site. conversation and looking Welsh Government’s Out of tie-up with the attraction. people in the eye. Cyfle Cymru, which is backed Work Service, and is being Participant Keilie Wycherley by EU funds and the Welsh delivered by the DACW is one of a group who are Government, offers effective partnership across the giving their own time to peer mentoring, training and North , Powys, Dyfed, help daytrippers enjoy their confidence-building life skills Western Bay and Gwent visit, enhance the zoo’s for people with experience of areas. conservation efforts, and mental health and substance The programme has develop their own skills. misuse issues. already helped more than They are part of this year’s Keilie, who used drugs 1,000 people in Wales and huge volunteer intake at for more than 20 years, delivered in excess of 10,000 busy Chester Zoo – where was introduced to the hours of support in the animals and keepers were opportunity by her peer community. recently the stars of a mentor George James. More information about Cyfle behind-the-scenes Channel “I love it – it is really good Cymru is available online 4 documentary series. and a fantastic opportunity,” at www.dacw.co.uk, by Participants have completed she said. “When you’re “Volunteering at the zoo has emailing ask@cyflecymru. a thorough volunteering in addiction, you isolate been a fantastic opportunity. com, or calling 0300 777 training programme, and are yourself – you don’t want to If anyone is looking into 2256. Cyfle Cymru

Want to help us get people talking?

Could you help us to improve our counselling services? Alongside our colleagues at Caniad – the combined voice for mental health and substance misuse involvement in north Wales – we are seeking participants to join our service user involvement groups and help us make a difference! We currently have vacancies on a new involvement group for CAIS Drug & Alcohol Counselling, as well as the Parabl involvement group Talking Heads. Volunteers will be able to use their experience to offer views and ideas, and help shape our services. For more information on how you could contribute, please contact Tony Ormond at Caniad by email on [email protected] or call 07799 622 700. Great student counsellors help CAIS tackle substance misuse

CAIS COUNSELLING is going from strength to “We are absolutely thrilled to have such a strength thanks to the incredible work of our fantastic group, each with their own individual student counsellors. style and personality and yet all with the same passion and commitment to counselling,” All new counsellors must accrue 100 hours of said counselling and Parabl manager Nicola one-to-one client work before they qualify, and Blackwell. placements can be extremely hard to find. “Their dedication to delivering a high standard But CAIS has been able to help the counsellors of service is commendable and we simply of tomorrow progress in their training and couldn’t manage without them. career, by providing valuable opportunities to gain the practical experience needed to develop as professional practitioners. Proud “I am incredibly proud of the fact that we can Thrilled provide student counsellors with the opportunity to complete their qualification. Since September 2016, CAIS has recruited 10 counsellors onto our student placement “Having started my CAIS career as a student programme – and we couldn’t be happier with counsellor, I can speak from personal experience the contribution they are making to clients in when I say how much it means to have a service need of support. believe in you.”

In their own words: student counsellors on their experiences with CAIS Tracey I’ve always had an interest in people and person-centred counsellor, I want to support those human behaviour, and believe that everyone struggling by listening to their story, without judgement, has a unique story to tell. in the hope that they can find a way forward. For some people, that story carries difficult, Every member of staff has been welcoming, helpful confusing, or even painful experiences – making and supportive. There is an obvious team spirit life a daily challenge. In becoming a within CAIS and I have felt included in this team. Tiffany After leaving school I went straight into a sales It’s challenging emotionally and academically but I career, but I had always admired how counsellors couldn’t be happier with the choice I’ve made. were able to help others through their struggles It’s an enormously supportive environment and I feel – and wanted to do something fulfilling. like I’ve developed personally as well as professionally. I took on an evening course in counselling skills at Getting to see real clients allows you to put all you’ve Glyndwr University, then a diploma. learnt into practice, and CAIS is a great place to do that. Kate I have experienced hardship and the power of experiencing a whole different client group, and agency counselling, and I also have an innate desire to set up. see people grow and reach their full potential – Secondly, the staff at Champions House and the so counselling seemed like the perfect fit for me! people around are so awesome! I have really enjoyed My CAIS placement is great, on two levels. Firstly, their welcoming smiles and helpfulness. It’s been a joy it’s very different to my other placement – so I am to be around them! Celebrating the stories of recovery at Wrexham event USERS OF CAIS services were amongst more than 50 people to be presented with certificates at a special recovery celebration at Wrexham Memorial Hall on Bodhyfryd. The event – which was organised by the North Wales Service User, Family and Carer Forum – encouraged people in recovery to celebrate their progress and achievements and think about their next steps, and was attended by officials from North Wales Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the North Wales Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse, Council, HMP Berwyn and support agencies. show that support is available for important that we recognise and The day included a keynote speech people who need help to tackle drug encourage progress in recovery,” he entitled Recovering Recovery from use and other life challenges. said. CAIS chief executive Clive Wolfendale. “Whether people have taken small “We are pleased to celebrate those Interim chair of the forum Brian Lewis steps along the road or big strides steps and to help people to continue to said he was delighted to be able to towards a bright new future, it’s move their lives forward.”

CAIS hits the standard for staff wellbeing

CAIS HAS BEEN awarded the Bronze Guidance on offer includes help to tackle Corporate Health Standard in recognition smoking, information about the benefits of of its efforts to protect and support the regular exercise, advice with healthy eating, wellbeing of more than 200 staff across the stress, pressure and mental health, and other organisation. personal support. The new mark, issued by Public Health Any member of staff who needs help with Wales, shows that CAIS has an ongoing and difficuties at home or at work can contact demonstrable commitment to workplace the Cadw CAIS team of Nicola Blackwell and health at a senior level and that appropriate Olwen Evans at any time. plans, policies and systems are in place. “We’re delighted to have received this award Last year, CAIS launched Cadw CAIS — because it evidences the commitment CAIS a confidential internal support service for has made to the emotional and physical staff who need advice, practical health and wellbeing of staff,” Olwen said. wellbeing support, and information. “Our senior management team created The team behind Cadw CAIS circulate a the Cadw CAIS employee support service monthly newsletter packed with information because they believe in the power of a and tips, make resources available to staff happy and healthy workforce. The Bronze on the internal CAIS Sharepoint pages, and Corporate Health Standard award host regular wellbeing draws and events to acknowledges the recent efforts made promote healthy living and working. towards achieving this.” Growing confidence

“When you plant something and it grows, you can say ‘I did that’.”

HEATHER LOVES the sense of “There are some seeds in the “I like outside stuff,” Heather said. achievement she gets from spending polytunnel that we planted a couple “It’s structured, and there’s always time at the Seeds2Grow Farm near of weeks ago, sunflowers, tomatoes, something to do. St Asaph. some salad and onions.” “I’ve met new people and made some Alongside the rest of the team, she’s Heather, who has Asperger syndrome, new friends, and I’ve learned a lot. spent recent weeks harvesting a said working there had helped to Being outside helps, and helps how healthy crop of rhubarb and preparing make her more physically active and you feel too. for the summer growing season meet new people. “Watching everything coming to ahead. She lives locally and is able to walk to life is a nice thing. You get a sense “It’s really good, I really enjoy it,” the farm every Friday to take part in of achievement. When you plant she said. “My favourite job is the activities there. She hopes to pick up something and it grows, you can say ‘I strimming, but I like planting too.” some part time work as a result. did that’.”

Staff Profile Introducing... Kay Ribbons-Steen Training Officer, Seeds2Grow

IT’S OFFICIALLY SPRING, the busiest time of the year on the Seeds2Grow farm. My name’s Kay, and I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this fabulous project. Along with this, clients have access to free accredited Following in Alec’s footsteps, I am now looking forward training in a variety of topics, including CSCS cards. to developing the farm into an even better and bigger site Seeds2Grow is open to people over 25, from Gwynedd, — one which helps clients recover and gain the skills they Conwy or Denbighshire, with a work-limiting health need to be ready for the working world. condition. There are already beds full of rhubarb, broad beans, Seeds2Grow is supported by the European Social Fund cabbages and onions, but as we sow seeds for the summer through the Welsh Government, as part of the Active we also plan on creating a new sensory area and plants Inclusion Fund managed by WCVA. that attract wildlife. To find out more visit cais.co.uk/seeds2grow, download I also run ecotherapy activities such as fire lighting, nature our leaflet, or email [email protected] art and bushcraft which help boost clients confidence, self esteem and wellbeing. Porter’s takes the capital by storm

CAIS SOCIAL ENTERPRISES has opened a brand new The vibrant, bright and fresh Llandaff North hub is one of branch of its successful Porter’s Coffee Shop chain – this eight across Cardiff, and provides access to groups, classes, time taking its successful mix of quality food and drink activities and support services as well as a one-stop-shop and catering training to the capital! for City of Cardiff Council services and community groups in the area. The third Porter’s outlet opened at the newly-refurbished Llandaff North and Gabalfa Community Hub in Cardiff at the end of February. It offers a great rmenu of tasty treats Change and improve including healthy eating snacks, breakfasts, fabulous The new outlet comes hard on the heels of the opening of sarnies and delicious drinks inspired by the success of Porter’s Coffee Shop at Rhyl Library and One Stop Shop Porter’s Coffee Shop and Bistro in Colwyn Bay. earlier this year. Award-winning CAIS Social Enterprises will also work In November, CAIS Social Enterprises was named as one of in partnership with colleagues at Living Room Cardiff the leading community businesses in Wales after picking and mental health charity Hafal to offer meaningful and up first place in the health and social care category at the rewarding training and volunteering opportunities. Social Business Wales Awards.

Gongs for DragonTale gadgets takes to with digital airwaves inclusion at castle award win launch day CHANGE STEP’S Digital Cymru Awards run by the MOBILE RADIO project It builds on the success of the Inclusion project has been WCVA. DragonTale took to the Recovery Radio programme, recognised with a national airwaves with a live launch delivered by AVOW at Judges said Change Step’s award. broadcast across three local Champions’ House, and nomination had stood stations from Gwyrch Castle. will train ambassadors in The project, delivered in out because of its “reach, recovery to record, edit and The project, which has partnership with BT and sustainability and innovative produce high-class radio received £500,000 in lottery Digital Communities Wales, delivery model”. Linzi content. was named joint winner Jones and Steve Stokoe are funding, sees CAIS partner alongside the RNIB in the pictured collecting the award with AVOW and Glwydwr Look out for the DragonTale Digital Inclusion category on stage in Cardiff. University to tell stories from purple and gold van near you! at the annual Third Sector Read more: bit.ly/2pGtUv1 across North Wales. Read more: bit.ly/2p41tLh Crew-it caters for success CONWY JOBSEEKERS have collected hundreds of millions of pounds to almost 200 qualifications as part the economy of Conwy, and sustain of hospitality and customer service thousands of jobs. training schemes run by an award- CAIS Social Enterprises was recognised winning CAIS Social Enterprises as one of the best social enterprises in Participants from council-backed Wales late last year after winning the Crew-it and EU-funded At-Your-Service health and social category at the Social joined programme leaders and special Business Wales awards in Cardiff. guests at Station Court in Colwyn Bay to collect certificates and celebrate Important factors their successes. CAIS chief executive Clive Wolfendale Under the two schemes, a total of 82 said finding work was “one of the most people have been given training and important factors in helping people get practical work experience by the team back on their feet” following significant behind the popular Porter’s Coffee life challenges. Shop and Bistro. WCVA CHIEF EXECUTIVE Ruth Deputy Mayor of Colwyn Bay Jeff Marks also joined the celebration to Backed by Conwy County Borough Pearson hailed the success of the learn more about volunteering and Council’s Community and Enterprise programmes. voluntary projects backed by CAIS. Development Scheme, Crew-it helped 25 people get into work and supported “I’m impressed with all the hard work She said she had enjoyed meeting CAIS the attainment of 166 work-related which goes into providing the training deputy chief executive Lynn Bennoch qualifications over the last three years. people need to find work, and to see and other staff. the results,” he said. At-Your-Service – which is supported “It was great to meet with Clive, Lynn by the European Social Fund through “It means people can have a new start and colleagues, as well as a number of the Welsh Government, as part of in life, can rebuild confidence and their volunteers, and to hear about the great the Active Inclusion Fund managed place in the world – and it could even support on offer from CAIS,” Ruth said. by WCVA – delivered 11 new roles, 30 be the start of a brand new career.” “I was particularly interested to learn qualifications and 5 volunteer posts. The new At-Your-Service-2 scheme about CAIS’ range of volunteering The programmes, which both targeted now offers catering, hospitality and roles and wide range of partnerships, the tourism and hospitality sectors, customer service training to people which help extend the reach of provided opportunities for people who face barriers to employment in services to people who can so furthest from the jobs market to join Conwy and Denbighshire. often find themselves in vulnerable industries which together contribute Find out more at cais.co.uk/ays2 circumstances.” Recovery in Action clean up in Wrexham

VOLUNTEERS FROM Champions’ support from the North Wales House are cleaning up Wrexham Police and North Wales Police with their new Recovery in and Crime Commissioner’s Your Action project. Community Your Choice scheme. It is also supported by Keep Wales Their regular clean-ups in the Tidy. community are attracting the right kind of attention, and showing that people with past Great example experience of substance misuse “This is just another great can give something back to the example of what can be achieved area they live in. by people in recovery,” project manager Elen Richards said. So far, the group have taken around 100 bin bags full of “It proves that people with rubbish off the streets of experience of substance misuse Wrexham – including drugs can move on in their lives and paraphernalia, broken glass and make a great contribution to countless bottles, plus dozens of Wrexham.” sharps. Volunteers from EU-funded Out Their visible and high-profile of Work Service Cyfle Cymru have efforts have won praise on also joined in. social media from members of Recovery in Action works with the public, positive comments community councils and local from community leaders and councillors to identify areas which councillors, and attention in the need to be addressed. Volunteers local press and national media. have cleared areas around Trinity The project has been funded by Church, King Street, a project grant from Wrexham Park, Gerald Street, Watery Lane, County Borough Council’s Cunliffe Street and Bryn Offa with Clive Wolfendale, Chief Executive Together in Wrexham fund and many more to come! Lynn Bennoch, Commercial Director & Deputy Chief Executive Geraint Jones, Director Leon Marsh, Director of Community Services Sandy Ackers, Company Secretary Newsletter produced by James Williamson CAIS Head Office CAIS Ltd is a limited company 12 Trinity Square, Llandudno registered in England and Conwy, LL30 2RA Wales Tel: 01492 863 000 Registered Number: 2751104