A charity that has been established for over 60 years, Sense has developed an unrivalled depth of knowledge, skills and expertise to help people with a broad range of complex disabilities, and those who are deafblind, learn to communicate and express themselves. We believe that no-one should be isolated or unable to fulfil their potential. We help people to develop the skills to enjoy everyday things like having a conversation, enjoying friendships and living independently.
The Virtual Buddying project is open to anyone with a disability aged 5 years and over that may be experiencing isolation or loneliness.
The project works by matching a disabled person with a virtual buddy for a weekly call online or over the phone. Some matches choose to keep their calls to a social chat whilst others like to build skills together such as cooking and playing instruments.
Virtual Buddying helps reduce isolation, improves self-esteem and confidence, helps improve communication, social and independent living skills and gives all our buddies something to look forward to every week!
For more information:
Get in touch:
Lauren Heath – Virtual Buddying Project Coordinator
Email: lauren.heath@sense.org.uk
Phone: 07876 870949
Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil are pleased to host an information session with Disclosure and Barring Service. The session will give greater understanding of getting the right checks done in a timely manner, with safer recruitment of volunteers and paid staff.
DBS Disclosure Workshop Presenter: Carol Eland – Regional Outreach Adviser – Wales
25th June 2pm to 4pm via Teams
DBS supports employers to make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing criminal record checks and by maintaining the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists.
To book your space contact karen.vowles@vamt.net
Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the lives of vulnerable people. Recruiting or bringing new people into the organisation, whether as volunteers or into paid roles, is an opportunity to take a preventative approach to check whether they are safe and suitable to join you.
This means organisations have to adopt sound practices to help minimise risk. Good recruitment and selection practices include the use of application forms and checking references and qualifications, which should be detailed in your organisation's policies and procedures.
The use of Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks plays a part in your overall approach to safeguarding and your organisation's safer recruitment policy. There are rules about when it is appropriate to use DBS checks and if you’re not sure whether to carry out a check, you can use the DBS eligibility tool.
The Disclosure & Barring Service offers ‘identity checking guidelines’ on:
We will be hosting an online ‘Safer Recruitment’ workshop with Carol Eland from the DBS Outreach Service on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at 1 pm, which is free to attend. If you are interested in attending this workshop please email safeguarding@wcva.cymru to register your interest.
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INFORMATION SESSION: Living with arthritis and weight management.
Thursday – 18th July 2024 Online via Teams 12pm – 1pm
Join us for a talk on Living with arthritis and weight management.. There will be an opportunity for questions. Everyone is welcome!
Register at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-with-arthritis-and-weight-management-tickets-919931368487
Room opens at 11.45am presentation starts at 12pm. Please be on time.
The session will be delivered by Rachael Smart, Clinical Lead, Cardiff and Vale Weight Management Services
During our online session we will be discussing arthritis and healthy eating using the Eat Well Guide, reasons why we may eat such as pain and discuss coping strategies. We will discuss realistic weight loss expectations and alternative diets including the Mediterranean diet.
