Age Connects Morgannwg (ACM) is often asked to support older people with transport and they would like to better understand the demand for this service as well as the barriers that exist to using existing transport provision.

ACM is primarily interested in learning more about the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Region (RCT, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil) but they are not limiting the distribution of the survey to that area and will use the ‘out of area’ findings to inform further potential research opportunities.

They are partnering with Aberystwyth University to do the research on this, and you can get involved by taking the survey and sharing it with your networks https://forms.office.com/e/KtCCxukiaX. 

The lead for this project is Bethan Shoemark-Spear. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with her at Bethan.Shoemark-Spear@ACMorgannwg.org.uk

The survey is only open through February, with a follow up ‘in person’ focus group planned on 1^st March at Cynon Linc, Aberdare.

If you know any older people who would like to come along to that event please let Bethan know.

Cwmpas Digital Communities Wales are running a zoom training event on Digital to support the cost-of-living 3^rd March 11am-12.

It’s primarily aimed at warm hubs or those working to support the hubs but happy for others to join on.

You can use the link to register prior to the training taking place:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscO2opzkoHNYjESrUBEUMexyRgaZLEDwu

Have you heard of the All Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards?

The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board (RPB) is soon to embark on a campaign to raise awareness of dementia care standards in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil.

At the heart of this campaign are those living with dementia, their carers and professionals working with people living with dementia. That is why the RPB needs you to help shape the future of dementia care in Wales.

To begin with, they are looking to better understand the current awareness levels of the All Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards through the short survey below.

https://ctmregionalpartnershipboard.engage-360.co.uk/surveys/59

If further information is required please contact Rebecca Goodhand – Rebecca.Goodhand@wales.nhs.uk

Treharris Male Voice Choir are available to help organisations raise funds by performing concerts at your events, whether they are formal concerts or corporate type events: awards presentations, conferences, opening ceremonies, flash mobs or any other type of event that would be enhanced by a male choir.

There are costs involved which generally include the cost of the professional Music Team and the cost of transport for the choir.

If you would like to explore this further they will do their best to fulfil your request based on the above.

To make an enquiry please contact their Secretary on: tmvc61sec@outlook.com or telephone 07808895121

This application process is open to public sector local authorities, local Health Board, third sector and registered social landlords within Cwm Taf Morgannwg.  The HCF Funding forms part of the wider Welsh Government policy ‘A Healthier Wales: Our plan for Health and Social care’ and sits under the Programme for Government, focussing capital investment into accommodation solutions for those people who need care and support.

The Housing for Care Funding Programme (HCF) (Objective 3) forms part of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board’s Capital Investment Plan.

This funding can be applied for, to invest into small scale capital projects and capital works that are expected to cost below the threshold of £100,000.  (Please note, this is not a revenue funding steam and cannot fund annual service running costs).

Target client groups include; older people, including those with dementia, people with learning disabilities or neuro-developmental conditions, people with emotional health and well-being needs,  children with complex needs and unpaid carers.

Before making an application, please read the Welsh Government ‘Housing with Care Guidance 2022-2023’ to ensure your application meets the relevant criteria.  The full guidance can be found in the following links:

https://gov.wales/housing-care-fund-hcf-guidance-2022-2023

https://llyw.cymru/y-gronfa-tai-gofal-ctg-canllaw-2022-i-2023

In summary, Housing with Care Funding can be invested into the following kinds of projects:

• repairs, refurbishments and improvements to existing housing with care or intermediate care settings;
• equipment and adaptations to existing homes which are not supported by other Welsh Government adaptations grants (such as provision of storage space for equipment and mobility vehicles or wheelchairs), including supplementing the cost of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) over the £36,000 statutory maximum;
• other smaller scale projects in support of HCF objectives e.g. community or third sector led; and
• digital aids, monitoring and assistive technologies

HCF Objective 3 may not be used for:

• purchase of vehicles
• conversion or improvement of analogue to digital technology infrastructure

Click here for application form

Application process will open from 8^th February 2023 to 31^st March 2023, please return your completed application forms by 31^st March 23 to Paul Ellis – Regional Compliance Officer

Email: Paul.J.Ellis@rctcbc.gov.uk