More than ever we need parent's views on the changing face of services so please come along for a few hours and share your thoughts. To find out more 'phone Hasina on 02920 227800.
We are seeking parents to particoipate in a course of training sessions where they can develop their IT skills and enhance their cv's while learning how to host online discussion on this site. If you find attending regular meetings difficult but would lik some say in the sort of services you receive this course is for you. Places are limited so call soon on 02920 227800.
Individuals should continue to be supported by the same staff teams and on the same terms and conditions but the organisation employing them may have changed. We are in close contact with both councils regarding these changes and will take any concerns that parents have to future meetings so please feel free to contact us. Accommodation support providers will,in future, be based on a regional basis, with each county being split into
The DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION & SNAP CYMRU have arranged a one Day Conference for Parents in conjunction with HERONSBRIDGE SCHOOL and BRIDGEND L.E.A. based on the theme of " Supporting Children with Down's Syndrome in Primary and Secondary Schools"
To book a place contact: Liz Davies, Heronsbridge School, Ewenny Road, Bridgend, CF31 3HT. Tel: 01656 653974
A fee of £20 is payable but if you wish to attend please contact the Parents Federation and we may be able to help.
All you need do is simply 'phone your GP to book an appointment. Not all people on the GP's register will be registered as having a learning disability so you may need to point this out when booking - if you find any difficulties please call the Parents Federation as we need any information on the new service's effectiveness.
We enjoyed a good attendance at the first of our regular (fortnightly ) meetings held at the HUB in Barry.Parents were brought up to date on the current situation in the Vale and then agreed an action plan that includes contacting all Vale politicians to remind them of the important role that carers of a person with a learning disability play. Part of this process will involve us in compiling a series of short stories / anecdotes on what caring really means and the impact it has on family and 'normal' life. We hope to give decison makers a better idea of the implications of any future cuts by enabling them to have an insight into why current support is so essential.
We hope to see you there - please ring Hasina on 02920 227800 to book a seat and guarantee a coffee (and cake).
We are currently seeking support to ensure that this pilot project continues- your feedback is sought.
Meetings scheduled every Wednesday in Cardiff and the Vale (alternating weekly) commence this week on the 31st at the HUB in Barry. We shall have an up to date briefing on the changes and news on the retendering of services that are currently in hand.
All members are welcome and indeed, urged to attend to find out what is happening and how this will affect you. A meeting in Cardiff is planned for the following week on the 7th at our Canton House office (meeting room A2) for Cardiff parents.
We are working with the Vale Council on preparing a submission for support with training a team of parent Person Centred Planning facilitators. These parents would be paid to provide support to individuals and their families by helping them develop personalised plans that will help when making choices. Many thanks to the parents that have expressed an intrerest in this training - we shall be in touch shortly.
Decisions on who will provide future accomodation services will be made soon and daytime activities will follow. Invitations to tender for new style respite services have been issued and the intention is to encourage a broader range of respite choice suitable for the wide range of individual needs.
Increasingly we are discussing better ways for people with a learning disability to play a more active role in making choices on where and how they live. With the majority of people living at home and relying on unpaid family support, the family perspective is very important.
There have been some very interesting and innovative ways forward in helping people to take more control of their lives, especially in other parts of the UK. These have enjoyed the support of individuals and their families if studies are to beleived and we are keen to find out more. If you have any experience of living elsewhere and enjoyed better services or are aware of any new service 'models' we would like to hear about them. We are setting up an 'Innovations' subgroup where parents can see for themselves examples of new working practices.
An exciting new research project is just starting about self-harm and people with learning difficulties. The research is being conducted by a partnership between Bristol Crisis Service for Women and the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol. It is funded by the Big Lottery, and has full NHS Research Ethics Approval.
The purpose of the research is three-fold:
. To find out more about the experiences of people with learning difficulties who self-harm, and their carers/supporters
. To explore in what ways they have been supported by the services and professionals with whom they are involved
. To identify ideas, and then produce resources, for training and policy development, which would enable them to get the positive support they need in this area.
The research team would like to hear from you if you:
Know of any people with learning difficulties who self-harm, living in or near Bristol, who might like to work with them as Advisors to the project.
Know of any people with learning difficulties who self-harm (and their carers/supporters) who they could interview about their experiences. There are no distance limitations on this - they are covering England, Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland!
Would like your contact details to be kept by the research team, who will then send you regular updates about the progress of the study.
The contact details for the research team are: Dr Pauline Heslop and Fiona Macaulay, Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol, 3 Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TX Tel: 0117 3310987 Email: Pauline at
Heslop@bristol.ac.uk
January 2007
Free annual health checks are now being offered by GP's across Wales for all people with a learning disability.
We urge you to encourage your son, daughter or relative to attend and take advantage of these checks as statistice show many people with a learning difficulty do not take advantage of many preventative health initiatives and are more vulnerable as a result. If you are uncertain whether your relative is eligible please contact your surgery - not all people with a learning difficulty use council services so they may not be made aware of this entitlement.
If you are concerned over taking a relative to your GP's take comfort from our recent parent's Survey where carers reported very high levels of satisfaction from the way doctors had supported people with a learning disability.
Archives - Old 'News'
December 2006 - Vale Council changes
After much objection by families and carers along with other interested parties, the cabinet agreed to shelve plans for a 'cut' in community service budgets and requested an alternative plan be presented instead. The Parents Federation welcome this news as the original intention of staying within budget for 2006-07 would have had severe damaging effects on vulnerable people.
Following a whirlwind of cabinet and scrutiny meetings and a special full council meeting, a vote of no confidence in the presiding cabinet was upheld. This has resulted in a new cross party cabinet being formed, headed by Cllr Alexander. Opposition (Conservative)members will be represented at scrutiny committees to keep an eye on any proposals.
Accomodation services are being put out for tender with a decision being expected before April 2007. Regular parent meetings in the Vale will be held at the YMCA HUB building on alternate Wednesday mornings from the 24th January 2007.
Cardiff Update
Similar parent meetings in Cardiff will be held commencing the 31st January at our Canton House office base.The recommisioning process has been restarted following a short pause and we underttsand that new service providers will be decided upon for the new financial year. We are assured that staff and 'the face' of services offered should not appear different for most people even where new organisations have taken on the support contracts. Please let us know your experiences.
It is important that parents attend above meetings whenever possible in order to comment on any proposals that are brought to our attention (you will also have a chance to share experiences with other carers over a coffee and maybe even a biscuit). If the Parents Federation is to speak for You we need your views.
23rd November
A full council meeting is planned in Cardiff today at County Hall. A physical presence from carers may help swing any decisions made on the day and carers are encouraged to attend and sit in the public 'gallery'. Any parent carers wishing to attend should arrive before 4.30pm and the issues that affect carers should be discussed within the first hour.
We understand that at an extraordinary meeting of the Vale council held last night a vote of no-confidence in the presiding cabinet was upheld - we shall keep in close contact with the council and hope that we can work alongside all staff and members in offering assistance we can to agree a sustainable and sensible way forward that will protect the interest of carers and the most vulnerable people in the county.
22nd November
Parents attended a number of meetings over the past fortnight and we have written to council members asking them to vote against the Vale cutbacks explaining how we feelk they will penalise carers and their families.
At a cabinet meeting today the Action Plan to cutback £5m this year was shelved and officers asked to produce a plan for providing sustainable social services (and savings?) by December 2006.
We shall ask to be a part of this process and seek your views and ideas on how better value could be provided.
We are grateful to both counties for listening to parent's concerns and taking time out to consult with us - we shall keep you informed as we learn more
November update
Cardiff
Following a series of meetings and representation across the sector including from the Parents Federation we understand that the plans for re-commissioning services in Cardiff are on hold for the moment but this isn't certain. We have asked for the opportunity to meet and discuss the detail of the tendering process in order that we can understand its logic and suggest ways in which the process can be improved to maximise its chances of success.
We have also met with some councillors to explain our concerns and stressed the need for proper consultation on the detail of the implementation of changes so that we can highlight any problems as we see them.
Vale
After the well attended Wellbeing and Safety scrutiny committee meetings held in late October we had hoped that our objections to the massive cuts proposed out of community care budgets would be deferred for consideration at a full council meeting in early December. At a meeting of the Corporate Resources committee however, councillors voted to return the proposals to the cabinet for approval without making such recommendations.
Parents have met to agree a course of action and we have planned another meeting for Monday 20th November between 12.30 and 2.30 at the YMCA HUB in Barry. Cuts will impact on all carers directly or indirectly so it is important that as many carers attend this meeting. Please let us know if you plan to attend by phoning 01446 704824.
Council meetings are planned for the 21st November 10am (Audit Committee), 22nd November at 2pm (Cabinet Meeting), 22nd 6pm, Full Council meeting (vote of no confidence in the cabinet) and a Full council meeting on the 6th December 6pm. All are at the Civic Offices in Barry and the public are permitted to attend but not speak.
Other forthcoming meetings include two Scrutiny Committee meetings, Wellbeing and Safety on the 27th November at 6pm and Corporate Resources on 5th December at 6pm and Cabinet at 2pm on the 13th December.
Parents have their Say
Parents attended meetings in both Cardiff and the Vale in the past week to voice their opinions on proposed cuts being made across both counties.
At meetings hosted by Cardiff Council on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, parents quizzed officials on the detail of proposed tender and commissioning plans. Families stressed their concerns that new services commissioned on the basis of being 20% cheaper could only do so at the expense of their relatives.
Parents also challenged the logic behind splitting the county into zones and how this could have a damaging impact on future choices - this approach hasn't worked for other 'client groups' in the city. It was clear that far too many questions remain unanswered regarding what any new services for people with a learning disability will actually look like for people to have confidence in the process.
Rumours that plans had been agreed to close the Castlefield Day Centre were dismissed by Simon Kezik of the council who stated that no such decision had yet been made although he stated the building itself and other issues relating to the site were the cause of concern to the authority.
In the Vale a Scrutiny Committee meeting held on Monday the 23rd was extended to allow members of the public to attend and have their voices heard. Around a hundred people attended and over the 3 hour meeting an overwhelming case for stopping the cuts was made.
The committee stressed that ultimately the decision was in the hands of the council cabinet but a show of hands voted to recommend that these cuts be presented to a meeting of the full council since the implications were very serious.
The Parents Federation has made verbal and written representation objecting to any cuts and stressing the importance of investing in helping families to continue to care to avoid them facing a crisis later.This includes a letter to the council's 'Champion of Vulnerable People' and cabinet member Cllr Gordon Kemp.
Major cuts for the Vale
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced plans to cut £5,000,000 from this year's community care budget to avoid an 'overspend' in this financial year. If this goes unchallenged your services will be cut and people put at risk. We urge you to write to Cllr Kemp at the Vale Council and also your MP, AM, the press and anyone else immediately - these cuts must be stopped!
The cabinet have made the decision to implement these dangerous cuts in spite of advice to the contrary so parents and service users have to stand up and object now or risk losing services.
A public (Scrutiny Committee) meeting has been arranged for Monday 23rd October, evening at 6.00pm at the Memorial Hall, Barry. Please pass on this news as we need as many families as possible to attend and make their views known! The public can attend part of this meeting an make a silent protest.
Parent's Meetings - Cardiff
Two open meetings are planned for this week, Wednesday the 18th October 1.30-3.00pm and Thursday the 19th 6.30-8.30pm. Officials from Cardiff Council will inform parents of the latest developments on the re-commissioning strategy. We will post information on this site as we learn more.
At last weeks well attended meetings parents raised their concerns and challenged the council's claims that service users and parent's had been consulted on the commissioning of new services. We have been involved in drawing up the Strategic Commissioning plan, we have not been involved or consulted on the commissioning process.
We have stated all along that more not less resources are needed to ensure all people get the service they deserve and also stressed our concerns that eligibility criteria would be changed and used as a way to cut the council's spending on services.
Parent's, service users and service providers have supported moves to modernise and improve servicesand free up savings to be used to extend services to those receiving little or no support at present, but it is difficult to see how the present process will do any of these things. It's a real shame that the 'experts' chose not to listen to us but we shall continue to attend meetings and press our case.
Perhaps we should get a consultant in to state the obvious!!
Update 17th October
We have had the following questions raised by parents over the planned changes and shall raise these at the two meetings. The council has also sent a briefing paper that sets out some of the details behind the re-commissioning process.
Twelve Questions
1. Can the council confirm the amount of reduction in funding that forms part of the Tender? The amounts quoted in the tender indicate a reduction of over £3m.
2. You have said that the in house provision will be subject to the same level of cut.Can you confirm this amount in both cash terms and percentage terms?
3. If there is a reduction of 21% or £3m, how can service levels remain the same?
4. Officers have implied that there are significant efficiencies that can be made by . successful providers, can they outline what these savings are?
5.What if my relative does not want their service from the provider chosen for the locality in which they live?
6. Why didn?t you ever tell us that you were grouping services into localities when you did the consultation you say you have done?
7. If you have problems with some of the existing providers why don?t you just re-tender their services rather then everything?
8. Why should we trust you when you haven?t shared everything with us so far and when officers have already said that they will save 50% of the current expenditure?
9.Will the councils own houses be part of the localities? If not why?
10.You have said that the council schemes will be subject to the same level of budget cut but you haven?t said why they are not being re-tendered, why?
11. We are happy with the current providers, if you need to make savings we want you sit down and talk to them to see what can be done, this is what some other local authorities in Wales are doing.
12. The idea of tendering services on the basis of geographic areas is something that has been done in Elderly services but the providers there are saying it isn?t working so why do the same in learning disabilities?
Consultations and your views - October
A number of events are planned for the coming week where parents can make their views known about the current changes in Cardiff services for people with a learning disability.
Major cuts are feared as a result of the re-commissioning process currently underway and on Tuesday 10th October evening, parents are urged to attend an open meeting planned for the Star Centre in Splott between 6.30pm and 9.00pm for details click here . Ategi staff are also planning a protest to the Cardiff County Council Executive Meeting which is being held on 12th October at 2pm and you may wish to go along to find out more.
Playschemes
During the year we have assisted playschemes in both counties. Please take a few minutes to leave your views on the discussion pages - we need your feedback to inform future policy!
At a meeting of the Play Strategic Planning Group held at the Federation offices, parents present agreed to identify a list of things that need to be adressed as a matter of urgency to ensure play provision is accessible across Cardiff for next year. In the absence of the Hollies scheme and with very few parents being able to run their own projects we need action now!
We would like to know of any play schemes or groups in your areas that involve or are suited to children with a disability. Please post any thoughts you have on the aformentioned discussion board.
Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities
This document has been issued by WAG as a draft for consultation, setting out its vision of "A Strategy For Social Services In Wales Over The Next Decade". WAG have given great emphasis to this document and we need to consider its impact on our services and plans for the future.
Click here for a link to the WAG website and the document. We have an online discussion on our discussion pages so please try to post your thoughts
Changes to Services in Cardiff and the Vale
Many of you will have heard of the re-commissioning of services in Cardiff and have expressed concerns over how they will affect you. The Vale seems intent on doing something similar.
We have set up an online discussion on this site where you can leave your views - please let us know how changes affect you!
Parent's Questionnaire- September update
We have so far received only 105 completed questionnaires from our 670 membership. We have commissioned an additional mailshot in the hope that we can get more respondents in the coming weeks. The survey, which is being carried out by the University of Glamorgan to inform us of our member's views, will underpin future representation by the Parent's Federation. Please take some time to complete and return the survey as soon as you receive the latest copy - you need only complete the sections relating to your circumstances - not all 20 sides!!
This is a unique opportunity to have your views listened to and could help us to influence the face and shape of future services.
Norah Fry Research Group
Focus Groups to talk about financial pressures of caring
Cardiff & the Vale Parent's Federation are hosting two 'focus groups' along with the Norah Fry research team on Wednesday 20th September. Meetings are booked for Canton and Barry - the findings will be used in future lobbying so if you want to have a say contact Hasina on 02920 227800 to book a place.
Canton & Riverside Day Service
This service has now moved to new premises in Ely. We are assured that individuals using the service will continue to participate in community based activities based around their individual wishes. This reflects the changing pattern of how day services are being re-provided across Cardiff.
Castlefields - the facts?
Recent media reports about the closure of day centre's, fuelled by concerned parents, have caused many families a great deal of concern. The Parent's Federation will be discussing this issue at its next management meeting (Monday the 21st August) prior to making representation at the next Advisory Planning Group meeting at the end of the month.
Cardiff council officials have already agreed to convene public meetings whenever significant changes are proposed to services in line with its new commissioning strategy. They have also stressed that any changes will only be implimented after having consulted with people using services and their carers. The commissioning strategy aspires to 're-commission' all of its services in a way that encourages them to be better suited to individual's needs rather than the needs of the service.
We have supported moves to improve and 'personalise' services but are very concerned that the motivation for any changes to services is to improve the lives of people and not simply to cut costs as has been expressed in some quarters. We shall monitor developments closely and rely heavily upon your feedback to keep us informed.
Please contact the federation or leave a message on the discussion board if you have any views that you would like us to raise on your behalf. We would be especially interested to hear from you if your relative has had their service changed (for better or for worse).
Update - Meetings have been planned for the 30th August (6.30 County Hall), 31st August (1.30 STAR Centre, Splott) and the 1st September 11.00 (Fairwater). Parents Federation members will attend these and put forward your views.
Playschemes - Cardiff & Vale
The summer playschemes at Ty Gwyn and Hollies special schools succesfully went ahead with support form the Federations Play Co-ordinator, Ulrika. Following a press release we understand that the Hollies playscheme will not take place next year since the scheme was reported to have become a 'mammoth task' to organise for those involved. Let's hope that we can keep parents as enthusiastically involved in identifying new alternative play options for the future.
We are working with partners in the voluntary and council sector to help promote and develop alternatives play options for the future along the models of the successful Maes - y - Coed (integrated) after school scheme. This scheme has included children of all abilities to participate in open play activities alongside non-disabled children.
In the Vale, 'open' playschemes have been made more accessible to disabled children by ensuring that appropriate and trusted support is available for them. This has proved more difficult than anticipated and taken a meant a great deal of effort (and headaches) for all concerned but feedback so far has been broadly positive and we shall convene a meeting in the Autumn to discuss where we go next.
Changes in Day Services - Cardiff
We have arranged a meeting for the 23rd August where parents and others interested in the Canton & Riverside Day Service can discuss the changes in venue that are due to occur. Senior Day Service personnel will be present to answer any questions that you may have and clarify any points you wish to raise.
If you would like to attend please call the office on 02920 227800 so we can ensure sufficient seating and refreshments are available. The meeting will start at 12.00 midday and finish by 2.00pm.
If you are concerned over change to day services elswhere in the county please feel free to attend
Update - Parents were given assurance that the continuity of services (and staff) would be given a priority over the coming year. Parents stressed their opinions that a move out of Canton altogether was not their preffered choice and that the Market Road centre seemed an altogether better venue but had been offered instead to council staff. We also discussed the possible implications of the future Strategic Commissioning Plan and were assured that the council intended to continue employing the staff known to parents in future and not rely on 'agency' staff that didn't know their relatives.
Accessing the Big Outdoors
A consortia of local organisations headed by Innovate Trust has succesfully Big Lottery bid for a large Mentro Allan grant. This will fund the provision of a wide range of outdoor activities in the area of Cardiff ranging from making some activities more physical accessible to offering a selection of different activity 'taster' sessions where people can try out new pastimes. The scheme will commence shortly and we shall post details on this site.
In the latest edition of Disability News an article on an all-terrain wheelchair might interest you. A pair have been bought by the Pembrokeshire Action Group who will hire them to people wishing to gain access to local beaches - who knows maybe Barry will celebrate its Blue Flag status with one as well!
Playschemes in Cardiff - Summer 2006
A series of playschemes have been planned by Cardiff Council over the summer holidays. The schemes are aimed for children aged 5-15 and take place between 10.00 - 11.55 in the morning and 2.00 - 3.55 in the afternoons.
The schemes are based on open access principles so you may wish to speak to play staff before attending to reassure yourself that staff are able to keep a 'special' eye on your child.
Schemes are planned across the county including: Pentrebane, Fairwater,Trelai, Pentwyn, Glyncoed, Maes-y-Coed, Roath, St Mellon, Pontprennau, Butetown, Creigiau, Adamsdown, Canton, Heath and LLandaff.
Phone 2087 3956 for details.
Disability Debate - have your say!
Disability issues are increasingly on the political agenda and in order to keep pressure on politicians and funders it is vital that parents and carers make their views known. You may find the link below of interest and don't forget we have our own discussion pages on this website - have your say!http://www.drc.org.uk/disabilitydebate/
Playschemes in the Vale
Work has continued on establishing a series of playschemes and teen schemes across the county where children can enjoy play in an integrated setting. Demand has been high and it has proven difficult to secure enough specialist support staff to cover every child's requirements. At a meeting that included parent representatives, play providers, support providers and members of the children with disabilities team agreement was reached on a series of packages that ensure as many families as possible benefit. As a consequence families will be offered packages that attempt to address their wishes but these may be limited where specialist staffing levels are low.All parents that have applied to get their children on a scheme will be advised of what is on offer in the very near future.
Person Centred Planning (PCP) dates - Vale
A series of 3 more introductory sessions have been booked with Learning Disability Wales. These are on Thursday 13th July (Hebron Hall, Dinas Powys), Tuesday 18th July ( YMCA HUB, Barry) and Thursday 20th (Memorial Hall, Barry).
Places are limited and we expect them to be popular so please book promptly. Person Centred Planning will underpin decisions made whe commissioning future services and offers a real way for your relative to have a say in what they do. Places are limited so to secure your place on the Vale workshops please book early by contacting Shirley on 02920 492443 or by email to shirley.hendrickson@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM is planned for 29th June and will be held at the YMCA HUB in Barry. Jane Hutt AM will be our guest speaker and we shall officially launch the new edition of the Where You Stand guide at this event. Presentations will be given on 'Planning for Change', with speakers from both Cardiff and Vale council teams giving an update on the work being undertaken to help families plan for changes in their relatives lives. By now you will have been sent an invitation, please reply as soon as you can if you plan to attend so that we can sort out the catering arrangements.
New Where You Stand Guide
The latest 2006 version of this popular guide is ready for distribution and is being distributed to all members. If you are an unpaid carer for a relative with a learning disability living in Cardiff or the Vale and not yet a Federation member but would like your free copy please contact the office on 029 2022 7800. Better still why not join us and receive notice of our events and newsletters.
Due to the increased postal charges we are seeking volunteers willing to distribute copies in their locality - all expenses of course to be reimbursed. If you would like to help the Federation in this way please ring the office.
Consultation papers - have your say!
We currently have two online discussions underway. One, on the Mental Capacity Act is due to be submitted before the 12th June and the second, a statement prepared by the Learning Disability Implementation Advisory Group will be submitted by 30th June 2006.
Both papers will impact on you if you care for a relative with a learning disability and your views are important. Please call the office for more details and leave your views at our online discussion on this site. Click here to see the full LDIAG report.
Update 20th June..
A special meeting of the executive agreed a response to this paper and this will be posted online once finalised.
Cardiff re-commissioning of services - latest
At a recent series of open meetings parents where able to ask council staff questions over how the new strategy will impact on families. Concerns over whether the strategy could deliver its aims without more funding were raised and council officers stressed their belief that the process should release sufficient funds to commission new, more individual and more varied services. This view, we were told, was shared by many organisations that had responded to a nationwide request for interested parties that might wish to become involved in future.
These meetings will be repeated as developments occur and we urge families to keep in touch with the federation and let us know your experiences. The proposed changes could offer great opportunities in the coming years but we are also only too aware of parents fears that changes could lead to a reduction in what little support is offered. Together we can ensure that changes improve the situation but we need your support!
June 2006 - Vale Play latest....
At a well attended meeting held on the 22nd March, parents discussed and agreed to pilot a new way of delivering play across the summer holidays. We plan to hold children's playschemes for the five weeks of the summer break moving between three venues (Llantwit Major and two in Barry) and similarly hold the teen scheme over three weeks in LM, Dinas Powis and Barry.
For the playscheme we intend being able to offer support for ten days (20 sessions) to each disabled child on the scheme but if, after accessing the schemes, parents and play workers agree it is feasible, some children may wish to access the schemes in an open manner without dedicated support (although specific additional specialist staff will be present).
This approach relies on close working between parents and 'professionals' and we enjoyed an enthusiastic and robust discussion where parents concerns and wishes were clearly stated.
Update June.......
At recent meetings between play providers, support providers the Children's team and parents, it was agreed that details of the proposed schemes be sent out in order that the level of support needed can be assessed. A meeting is planned for 26th June where these issues will be discussed with a parent federation representative. We are concerned that the schemes may prove so popular that not enough support will be available for all children, in which case we shall convene an open meeting where parents can agree alternative options that we might pursue.
March 2006 -Cardiff Council's new Commissioning Strategy
Cardiff Council have adopted the new commissioning strategy referred to in previous updates (see below). The implications of this new approach and how it may (or not) affect you will remain a major focus of the Parent Federations' activities in the coming months.
We have agreed to co-host a series of parent meetings during April and May where parents can meet face to face with council officials, have the new strategies aims explained and put forward your questions. These meetings will continue on a bi-monthly basis in order that parents can stay informed and get information directly 'from the horses mouth' - not via second hand rumours and speculation.
The dates planned are:
Wednesday 26th April (6.30p.m. -8.30p.m.) County Hall
Thursday 27th April (10.30a.m. - 12.30p.m.) Fairwater
Wednesday 3rd May (1.00p.m - 3.00p.m.) Splott
Venue details will follow and all members will be sent an invitation.
In addition to having your views heard at these meeting the parents' federation will continue to represent your views at future planning meetings - let us know what you think!
Summer Play Schemes in the Vale
An informal open meeting is planned for Wednesday 22nd March at the YMCA HUB in Barry. The meeting will start at 12.00 and parents will have an opportunity to comment on proposals to extend the length of the playschemes throughout the summer break. families would still be able to access 2 weeks support but over a wider timescale and in different venues across the county.
Changes in Cardiff Social Services - updated
You may have read local newspaper reports about the restructuring of council run and funded services. Some reports have suggested that certain services will face closure, others claim that staff will lose jobs. Our phones are getting hot with concerned carers' seeking more information on any imminent plans. The Parents Federation continues to press the authority for details on these and other issues as well as having been involved in long-term consultations over what day and respite services should look like in the coming years.
At a recent planning group meeting, parent representatives were assured that no firm decisions had yet been made but that many services will be 're-tendered' to ensure that the authority gets the best value from limited budgets. This will involve both internal services such as day centres as well as externally provided ones.
A Strategic Commissioning Strategy has been prepared that outlines the way in which new services may be provided for and we have been involved in commenting on these proposals. We support the core principles underpinning the strategy of putting the person first and basing services around the individual. We also accept that councils have a duty to ensure that money is spent wisely and efficiently in order to ensure that more people receive services that are good value and responsive to their changing needs.
In our formal response to these strategic proposals we have stressed that in our opinion services are currently underfunded regardless of any inefficiencies and potential savings that could be made, also that this is in part a result of a national underfunding of learning disability services.
We are uncertain over whether all people with a learning disability will remain eligible to receive services and support and until each individual has had a review of their needs assessed this remains a concern.
We have also passed on parents' comments that we seek action now rather than endless consultations and have forwarded information on examples of respite projects that we have been involved in as well as participating in ongoing meetings to look at new ideas for providing respite in the future.
We shall continue to press for information and present parent's views on these issues.We need your views in order that we can be truly representative and also need more parents to play an active role in representation in we are to influence the shape of future services.
Members will soon be invited to participate in a research project that we are co-ordinating and it is vital that you let us know what you think if we are to take your views forward.
If you would like to find out how to play a more active role in the Parent's Federation please call the office on 02920 227800.
Day Centre's in Cardiff
We have heard many rumours about the future of day centre's across the county and attempted to seek clarification on behalf of families. We understand that the Canton & Riverside service has no option but to find another base due to redevelopment work and that initial plans to re-sight the service in Ely have also been shelved. Other services as previously mentioned may be put out for re-tender in line with the councils longer term strategy.
It must be noted though that many day service activities are predominently community based and not reliant on the large centre based models of old so the services that people receive ought not necesarily be put at risk by these changes. However we have stressed the need for ongoing premises based services within communities for people to fall-back on when other activities are not taking place.
Cardiff & the Vale Parents Federation have produced a 'position statement' on topics including 'day activities' that can be found on our discussion pages. Please take some time to read and comment on our suggestions as these form the basis of parental representation at planning meetings.
Person Centred Planning - May Update
Person Centred Planning (PCP) is one of the 'buzz' words currently in use within services but don't be deceived into thinking that it is just another passing fad.
PCP is the term used to describe a process that enables an individual to play a genuine and active role in influencing and shaping the sort of support that they want and recieve.
Regardless of a person's level of communication or ability, PCP can help uncover and identify priorities and preferences by using a variety of simple to follow and common sense approaches.
Learning Disability Wales in conjunction with the Vale Council and the Parent's Federation are holding a series of introductory awareness raising events in the coming months. Training sessions are planned for both Cardiff and the Vale during May, June and July.
Please contact the Federation office on 02920 227800 for details of Cardiff workshops
New Vale base for the Parents Federation
We are delighted to announce that we shall be moving into our new Vale offices in the week commencing 23rd January. Based at the new HUB building (formerly the YMCA) in Gladstone Road, parents will be able to visit us and enjoy the facilities including a cafe and coffee shop. We shall be holding regular parent meetings where you can share your views and experiences with other families and agree what topics you wish the federation to raise on your behalf
Playscheme bid
Cardiff & the Vale Parents Federation in partnership with Cardiff Council have piloted a inclusive community play project at the Maes -y- Coed community centre. Children with a variety of disabilities have enjoyed playing alongside their non-disabled friends and despite initial apprehension, parents have supported a bid for the ongoing funding of this successful initiative.
We shall continue to work with the summer playschemes at Ty Gwyn and the Hollies to ensure that they take place but the Maes - y - Coed project offers an example of how play could be offered on a year round basis.
In depth assessment of parents needs
We are currently planning an extensive and detailed series of interviews and small group discussions where all of our members can highlight the issues that they want or need information on. This promises to be one of the largest such projects ever carried out in the prinicipality and will help us to flag up existing and future needs in order that strategic plans can be developed to meet carers needs.
This will be a chance for all families to say what they feel that they need and not just respond to what is being offered. Your involvement and views are crucial and we expect to be able to call upon all the information collected for coming years
Carer's Assessment
All people receiving a service should soon have a 'Unified Assessment' of their needs to check on whether their needs have changed and that current support packages are still suitable. At this assessment a person's carer will also be asked if they would like to have their own Carer's Assessment. This is a seperate assessment of YOUR needs and may include the need for a regular break from caring or some other sort of assistance. If you would like to find out more contact your local social service team (see the Where You Stand guide on this site for details). Further information can be found on both the Cardiff and the Vale council websites.
Friendly Trust Big Lottery Award
The Friendly Trust offers a range of financial advice for families and people with a learning disability including advice on the setting up of trusts. Advice is free to people living in the counties of Cardiff and the Vale subject to elegibilty criteria, for more information call them on 02920 225200 or visit their website at www.friendlytrust.org or click here .
12th Understanding Disability Awards
This popular event was recently held and a great success. Red Dragon Radio's Sara Shipman was joined by the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Cllr. Margaret Alexander, Cardiffs Deputy Mayor, Cllr Monica Walsh and Cardiff's Chief Children's Services Officer, Maria Michael in handing out the many awards. Music was provided by the Tremorfa Day Service band. A full report will be posted soon.
Transition Workers
Both Cardiff and Vale councils are considering recruiting some specialist transition workers as part of their Section 7 funded strategy. Cardiff & the Vale Parents Federation have supported the creation of these posts.
Disabled Children's Play - Cardiff
The Playschemes at Ty Gwyn and Hollies schools are on course to take place. Recent legislation changes have meant that much more work has to go into their planning. Cardiff & Vale Parents Federation's Play Co-ordinator, Ulrika has been working closely with parents from both schemes to make sure that they comply with the new guidelines.
We should soon hear whether we have been successful in our bid for funding from Children in Need for two dedicated play work specialists to help disabled children enjoy access to more frequent play activities.
