Beacons Creative
Beacons Creative (Wales) Limited is a unique social firm producing candles and other products whilst providing employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and those furthest from the workforce.
Born out of a day care service provided by Powys County Council, Beacons Creative, with the help of Social Firms Wales, was launched in 2009. The Company’s objective is to develop sales, create new products, provide employment opportunities for service users within a safe and caring environment.
Beacons Creative is led by a strong voluntary board of directors who were brought together to provide leadership, a broad range of management skills and a wealth of experience. With the continued support of Powys County Council the business is growing and signs indicate a very positive outlook for this social firm.
We spoke to Business Manager Martine Weaver and she told us about this exciting time to learn more and become involved with the business. Martine told us also that it was important that the management was guided by those they work with. There is actually a ‘Have your say day’ this Friday (7th October) at 10:30 at this address:
Beacons Creative, 9/10 Ffrwdgrech Estate, LD3 8LA.
Information and Advice Clinics
Disability Powys is running Information and Advice clinics around the county. Have a look at the locations and the dates below and get in touch to book an appointment. There’s a range of things we can advise on, including benefit queries or help with form filling.
The Brecon Clinic is at Bishop Bevan Hall every other Tuesday on 1st, 15th, 29th November and 13th December.
The Newtown Clinic is at the Tenant’s Room of Mid Wales Housing on Tuesday 8th and 22nd November and 6th December.
The Llandrindod Clinic is at the Disability Powys meeting room on Wednesday 9th and 23rd November and 7th December.
The Knighton Clinic is at Offa’s Dyke Centre on Wednesday 2nd, 16th, 30th November and 14th December.
Phone the office on 01597 824059 to book your appointment with us. You will be seeing Leanne, our specialist in the area.
Focus on Powys Paralympian Robbie Davies
Table tennis player Robbie Davies is competing for a gold medal tomorrow afternoon in Rio, and we wish him all the best.
You can watch a short video in which he is interviewed here.
Originally a rugby player, Robbie’s journey through rehabilitation from a serious accident in 2005 has taken him to Rio, where he competes for gold or silver – appropriate for a world number one.
Direct Payment Support Workshop
Direct Payment Support Specification Workshop
Specification Workshop 2pm – 5pm, 15th September 2016
Smithfield Meeting Room, Antur Gwy, Builth Wells
This workshop is an opportunity for all stakeholders to review and shape the future service specification for direct payment support. This forms part of a wider recommissioning project which is looking to recommission the service with a service live date of 1st April 2017.
All stakeholders are welcome to attend the workshop to feed into and help develop the specification. It is asked that places are confirmed in advance by emailing: Joanna.harris@powys.gov.uk or calling 01597826061.
If anyone would like further information about the project or who is unable to attend and would like to feed in their views in an alternative way then I would encourage them to get in touch.
For general info on Direct Payments in Powys see http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/adult-social-care/apply-for-direct-payments/
Make calling the DWP free!
Phoning to discuss a benefit claim is often both unavoidable and time consuming. Therefore, we’d like to bring your attention to a recent petition that is aiming to end the charges associated with phoning the Department for Work and Pensions.
Powys Autistic Spectrum Forum
Until recently there was nothing available in Powys for adults on the autistic spectrum. However, a social group entitled Embracing Individuality has been set up recently.
The group meets once a month in Rhayader and is hoping to expand to other towns. This is a laid back group where people can chat, play board games or just relax and be themselves.
For further information phone Caroline on 01597 811375, email caroline@happyandhealthy.org.uk or use our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PowysAutism/
Brecknock Access Group
Brecknock has a thriving Access Group and meets in Brecon, Builth Wells and Ystradgynlais. In the words of organiser Sue Nelson “We aim to make a constructive contribution towards ensuring that our community is accessible to everyone.”
The three town sub groups work independently and operate based on groups of volunteers coming together and work to improve access to services, information and buildings. In Builth the Group works closely with the town council and played a key role in ensuring that the new health facility Glan Irfon is fully accessible. There is also an access guide to Builth Wells shops here.
In Brecon, the current major project is the development of the new ‘Cultural Hub’ – which the local Access Group is heavily involved with. There is also a co-opted town councillor who links to the group. Recently, a survey of Brecon’s cafes was completed and is available via the tourist information centre. The Brecon group also works closely with the National Park.
Speaking about the work of the Access Groups, Sue Nelson told us that meetings are relaxed but well organised and are open to everybody. Meeting monthly in each of the three towns, anybody who wants to know more or be involved can contact Sue on 01874 624754 or nelson.sue@btinternet.com
Disability Sport in Powys
This week we’ve been speaking to Beverley Tucker the Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for Powys. Keen to promote the opportunities for participating in sport, Bev told us about the Kayaking and Sailing Day with Clywedog Sailing Club a couple of weeks ago.
This had followed a very successful Disability Sport Taster Day in Newtown on 1st June.
Bev is running five community clubs which are attended by over 100 adults and children and there are many athletes progressing and performing at a high level. These past few months alone activities have included sailing, tennis, bowls, basketball, netball and swimming; with planned activities now including horse riding, hill walking, outdoor pursuits, canoeing and cricket.
If you want to speak about opportunities for taking part in Disability Sport in Powys then we can’t think of anyone better for you to contact.than Bev Tucker.
Dance is for Everybody
Dawns Powys Dance is a highly creative and fully independent dance charity based in Llandrindod Wells. They are passionate about connecting people across Powys with dance by creating dynamic and inclusive experiences designed to build confidence, stimulate positive change and act as a gateway into understanding, enjoying and benefiting from dance. The charity pursues artistic excellence alongside social relevance, providing opportunities for a broad range of people from different areas, ages, abilities and social backgrounds to participate in dance classes, productions and touring shows.
At Dawns there are classes for both children and adults, and all classes are open to everybody. One of their classes is specifically for those with learning difficulties, and runs in both Llandrindod and Welshpool.
This summer in Newtown (22nd to 26th August) an exciting and free to access dance project for families is running. It’s based on the works of Roald Dahl and is called ‘Dahl Dances’. The project will end in a promende performance around Oriel Davies Park. To book a place simply email hello@dawnspowysdance.org
If you’re wondering whether to try dance then we have an offer for you. The first few people to mention the Disability Powys Blog can try a class at Dawns for free. In the words of Dawns Powys Dance staff member Amanda Griffkin “We mean it when we say dance is for everybody and everybody can dance. Do come and try one of our classes and tell us what you think.”