Current News

Cartrefi Cymru wins WCVA Award for Best Communications

A magazine written and edited by its service users has won Cartrefi Cymru the award for best communications at this year’s WCVA Network Wales Awards. 

The award, sponsored by the Class Telecommunications, recognised the achievements of organisations that have an effective or innovative way of communicating with their members, service users or volunteers.

Cartrefi Cymru, which supports people with disabilities across the whole of Wales, was described as having a ‘person centred approach’ providing service users with the chance to expand their skills while enjoying themselves.

The People’s Pages is a quarterly magazine produced for and with Cartrefi Cymru service users.  Readers are actively encouraged to contribute articles and pictures, and the magazine is edited by three groups of service users, supported by participation officers.

The award was presented to Barbara Dando from Pyle, and Glynn Marsh & David Jones from Trealaw at a ceremony at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff. 

Commenting on the experience, Barbara said: “It was great to go to the hotel with everyone and collect the award on the stage.  I had a great night and would like to do it again!” 

(Photo courtesy of Andrew Jeffrey)

Barbara Dando & Liz Newton (Marketing & Communications Officer, Cartrefi Cymru) receive the award from WCVA Chair, Win Griffiths and Class Telecommunications Managing Director Julian Miller

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NEW WALES UNION LEARNING FUND (WULF) PROJECT – CONNECTING LEARNERS - LAUNCHED

Left to right: Kate Thomas (WCVA), Sandra Morton (Basic Skills Cymru), Mandy Williams (Connecting Learners project manager), John Griffiths AM (Deputy minister for Skills), Dawn Bowden (UNISON) Adrian Roper (Cartrefi Cymru)

On Thursday 2 October 2008 John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills, launched the  new Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project, Connecting Learners, as the Welsh Assembly Government increases funding available for future WULF projects.

The project is aimed at increasing workplace learning for employees within the Voluntary and Community sectors. It focuses primarily at the lower paid and lower skilled levels of employment and particularly around basic skills. In recognition of the success of many other WULF projects the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) has this year agreed to increase the funding available for this vital work.

In his speech, John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills said: “Connecting Learners will play a vital role in encouraging employees to unlock their potential and develop skills that will aid them both inside and outside of the workplace.  This partnership working between employers and employees will extend opportunities to learn, and raise skill levels, benefiting individuals, employers and the whole economy.”

Area Administrator becomes Chef and TV star, all in one sitting!

Wednesday 29th October at 8.25pm on S4C our very own Wendy Thomas (Area Administrator, Bangor) will be appearing in a 7 week series of the Cookery programme Casa Dudley.

The program will be televising regional heats and then the final 8 successful competitors going forward to compete to Ronda in Spain.  

Cartrefi Cymru’s Green IT Credentials Celebrated

Computing with a conscience website I.T. Footprint has recognised the benefit our video conferencing facilities have brought to the environment, as well as the purse strings.

Quoting ICT Manager Ken Lavender, the article notes:
‘Cartrefi Cymru's team is geographically diverse, but its expenses management certainly isn't 'all over the place'

To read the article, click here

Switched on to Politics

Cartrefi Cymru hosted the launch of the AWP1st project: ‘Switched on to Politics’ at the National Eisteddfod. 
                                  
Funded by the Electoral Commission, The project builds upon the All Wales People First Manifesto launched in September 2006 and the local and National Assembly election activities which were organised in April 2007.  Many people with learning disabilities feel powerless to change things. This new Project is intended to remedy this situation.

The launch was introduced by Helen Mary Jones which can be viewed by clicking below:

People with learning disabilities then spoke about their experiences, telling the audience how All Wales People First are:

• Switching people onto politics.

• Equipping them with the knowledge to give them power.

• Developing skills for confident communication.      

• Helping them to change from being service users to service leaders.

• Creating a movement for change.

Click below to listen to testimonies from the first group of leadership students, as well as see artwork and displays that bring the ideas to life.

Sustainability & Housing Related Support

Adrian Roper, Chief Executive of Cartrefi Cymru, in partnership with Barry Gallagher, CEO of DRIVE and Chair of Cymorth Cymru have written an article concerning Sustainability & Housing Related Support.

Supported by Cymorth Cymru, the article explains why we all need to start thinking globally and working together locally.

Please follow the link to read the article, from Welsh Housing Quarterly, Issue 70.

Minister Recognises Basic Skills Achievements

Cartrefi Cymru has received the Basic Skills Employer Pledge Award, at their Staff Development Centre in Bangor.  The charity which provides housing related support and life skills for people with social care needs has pledged to provide training and support to improve the Basic Skills of its 1000 employees.
                                                                  

The training Cartrefi Cymru provides helps employees to improve their ability to read, write and speak in English or Welsh and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress in work and life.

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