For more information on any of the course call Debbie or Lisa on 578632. Students from the Action Resource Centre had a proud moment on Saturday 29th November 2008 when they attended the graduation ceremony at Swansea's University of Wales. For their achievements in the field of Information Technology Foundation Certificate, pictured here are some of the graduated students... Jean Powell, Maureen Thomas, Seleh Chege and Joanne Fitzgerald pictured with Lisa Watkins and Debbie Jones, staff from the ARC and tutor Georgina Hayman, who also graduated.Michael Powis, Elaine Quinn, Cath McCormack also graduated in absento.

Earlier in November Debbie Jones was presented with a trophy and certificate for work done with the City and County of Swansea Play Team, as a 'Play Champion' along with 3 others in the group. Picture here the play champions with Lord Mayor Cllr Gareth Sullivan at the Mansion House, Swansea Extra money advice in Blaenymaes

During the Service Take-up campaign, the Social Inclusion Unit will be joining up with the Citizens Advice Bureau to pilot extra money advice services for residents of Blaenymaes, Portmead and Penplas.
This is only a short term pilot, but we hope to show:

· the effects of a joined up approach linking increased benefits awareness, initial advice and more specialist input
· a longer term case for increased resources for advice work in the area.
Stage 1 Signposting and referrals

Organisations in the area will be aware of the service (via this leaflet and the Services Directory) and can signpost or refer people to the service. Simply signpost people to attend the drop in sessions (see Stage 2 below). Some 16 people in organisations working in Blaenymaes have attended a one day “Introduction to Benefits” course run by the Unit, so hopefully will feel empowered to spot underclaiming and actively signpost people to the service!

Stage 2: an initial money advice check
Citizen’s Advice’s debt casework team will operate a financial and benefits check. Up to 6 people a session can be seen. The 104 team have agreed to book the appointment slots for this service. Sessions will be every Tuesday at Project 104 House, from 9.30 to 12.30 pm, beginning on Tuesday 13th May. Where follow up benefits work is needed, the person will be referred for a follow up appointment with a Welfare Rights Adviser from the Social Inclusion Unit.

Stage 3: follow up Benefits advice
The Unit will contact those people referred by CAB to book an appointment, usually at a separate Welfare Rights surgery at Project 104 House, but by home visit if needed. These will be longer and more in depth appointments (between 2 and 4 appointments per 3 hour session).
Debt advice The C.A.B. will assist those clients who need complex help with multiple debt. Ongoing appointments are likely to take place in the Bureau’s High Street offices although the more local venue could be explored should this prove problematic.

Stage 4: Additional casework and appeals
This will include complex casework and appeals representation. All cases referred to the Unit’s surgery will be taken on by the Unit until the matter is closed, including follow up appointments and appeals after the pilot has finished.

Carers Week Information Event

Thursday 12th June12.30- 4.00pm Dolphin Hotel

Its Carers Week June 9th – 15th This year the theme is ‘My life as a Carer’ If you look after a relative or friend with a mental or physical illnessor disability then come along, at any time in the afternoon,and find out what support and advice is available.

The event will include –

• Agencies that can provide support to Carers andthe people they look after

• Benefits advice• Health Checks and advice

• Training and Volunteering Opportunities

• Leisure opportunitiesIts Carers Week June 9th – 15th

HotelRefreshments will be available throughout the day.For further information please contact : Linda Williams 636773 Swansea's Draft Children and Young People Plan is out for consultation until 31st May 2008

The Welsh Assembly Government requires all local authority areas in Wales to produce a single strategic plan for children and young people, aged 0-19, by September 2008. Local partner agencies and organisations will deliver the plan through a multi-agency programme called 'Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People in Swansea'.

It is now time for you to have your say on the CYP Plan, which has been prepared by the Children and Young People's Partnership. We particularly want to hear the views of children and young people, as well as those who work with them and invite responses from organisations or individuals.

To fill out the questionnaire as an organisation, parent or a young child/person go to:http://www.cypswansea.co.uk/index.cfm?articleid=21186

Members of the public who submit a response to the CYP Plan Consultation will be entered into a prize draw. Winners will be announced by the end of June 2008.
You could win one of the following:

1 pair of tickets for Outdoor Shakespeare at Oystermouth Castle in August (x3)
1 pair of tickets for Grand Theatre (x2)
1 pair of tickets for the first home league fixture at Liberty Stadium
1 pair of tickets for the second home league fixture at Liberty Stadium
1 family pass (4 people) to LC, Swansea's new leisure centre
1 taster session (4 people) at Dynamic Rock, Clydach
£10 High Street Vouchers (x2)

Are you interested in having a say in your local community?

Then why not become a member of your local community partnership, the Blaenymaes, Portmead, Penplas Development Trust Limited.

The Trust is working to promote community regeneration through partnership and Community Participation. We are situated at The ARC on Broughton Avenue. The Benefits include:

For more information on becoming an individual member or group member, please do not hesitate to contact Bobby Grey on 01792 560907.
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