ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING THEME GROUP


Committee ~ Meetings ~ Minutes of the Last Meeting ~ Achievements ~ Image Bank

LATEST INFORMATION:

Health Theme Group Elections
Please be aware that all members that have attended three Health and Well-Being Theme Group meetings and qualify as an official rep can now put themselves forward for nomination for the following: Health Board Rep for the Health Theme Group and Health Theme Group Chair.

If you wish to nominate yourselves for one of these positions please write a maximum of 250 words giving a brief background of why you wish to stand for election. All entries must be forwarded to Nicola at the CwmNi Office or emailed to Nicola on nicola@cwmni.org.uk

Walking the way to Health
The first meeting of this group has been held to progress the scheme. Countryside walks will be re-launched in mid-April in time for summer with some of the walks being themed to include interesting facts about the area. To become involved call Nicola at the CwmNi office on 01443-777536.

Carers Support Group
Supported by CwmNi, the most recent meeting of the Group was 19th March and are held every six weeks. It aims to assist carers by supporting and advising them on various topics such as welfare rights, respite service for carers and anything else that may be concerning them. Keep an eye out for the next meeting date or call the office for details and more information on 01443-777536.

TraVol
Operating since January 2004, this service offers free transportation for patients with mobility problems to 34 Bute Street, Treorchy and New Tynewydd surgeries as well as Royal Glamorgan, Llwynypia and Dewi Sant hospitals. If you are a patient of the surgeries mentioned above speak to the receptionist or call the CwmNi office and speak to Nicola on 01443-777536.

Your committee are:
To be announced.

MEETINGS .... Return to Top

Tuesday 12th October 2004, Noon at 156 Bute Street, Treherbert.

ACHIEVEMENTS .... Return to Top

Will appear here.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING .... Return to Top

2004: November 18, September 16, August 19, June 17.

Cwmni Health and Well-Being Theme Group Meeting November 18 2004 .... Return to Top

Present
David Brownnutt (Local resident & Partnership Board Rep.), Julie Spiller (Penyrenglyn Project), Russell Huish (Cwmni), Rhys Burton (RCT Mental Health Team), Claire Hughes (RCT Mental Health Team), Anthea Alexandra (Wales & West Housing Association), David Hughes (Local Resident), Neil Desmond (RCT Local Health Board and Chair & Notes)

In Attendance
Pat Grbr (TEDS) , Lyndsay Hagar (TEDS).

Apologies for Absence
Wesley Saunders (Calfaria Surgery), Lynda Corre (Age Concern), Anne Smithers (District Nurse), Sally Williams (Resident) , Nicola Gordon (CHDW Cwmni).

Welcome and introductions:
Representatives from TEDS were introduced to the group and group members introduced themselves.

Needle Exchange Proposal:
David Brownnutt & Neil Desmond provided the group with background to the proposal to establish a needle exchange scheme operating out of the Cwmni office.

TEDS provided group members with the rationale for the proposed establishment of the scheme; TEDS had initially approached Cwmni to explore the potential for the establishment of a needle exchange scheme following the identification of need in the locality. TEDS informed the group members of the potential benefits of the establishment of a scheme in the locality and provided assurances that appropriate approaches were to be used in the administration of the scheme should it be established. TEDS explained that they anticipated that the scheme if established would operate for two hours weekly on a Thursday afternoon.

Theme Group Members were invited to raise any questions that they had about the proposed scheme. David Brownnutt put forward a number of questions relating to; The availability, provision and adequacy of existing local services. TEDS informed the group that the proposed scheme would compliment existing local provision and enable a wider community reach. Individuals accessing existing provision locally are often uncomfortable using existing premises and as a result the suitability of premises and needle exchange outlets was an important issue. The establishment of a needle exchange scheme could lead to a perception that there was ‘trouble’ in the community. TEDS informed the group that TEDS were already active in the area and that the perception of there being ‘trouble’ in the community was something that could be addressed through community education.

Issues around building security.
TEDS informed the group that it should not be assumed that opening the Cwmni offices to substance users to access the needle exchange scheme would lead to aquisitional crime.

Discussion took place re the questions raised and the answers provided by TEDS. The Chair stressed that group members should acknowledge that the proposed scheme was in line the both the local RCT Substance Misuse Strategy and the wider National Strategy for Wales and the UK and that it clearly aimed to compliment and enhance exiting local provision.

The Chair summarised the conclusions drawn from the discussion as follows:
· It was recognised that some Cwmni staff had concerns about the scheme and its operation from the Cwmni offices.
· There was need to address misconceptions about the needle exchange scheme and any community concerns that may arise.
· Alternative times / days for the operation of the scheme could be explored
· If the scheme is established there is a need for it to be monitored and reviewed.

Two offers of support were made by group members in relation to the proposed scheme;
· Julie Spiller offered the Penyrenglyn Community project Buildings as an alternative premises
· David Hughes offered to provide a copy of a Hepatitis C video to theme group members who wished to find out more about Hepatitis.

The group was asked for their opinion as to what the Health & Wellbeing theme group should recommend to the Partnership Board meeting of the 29th November.

It was agreed that the recommendation to the partnership Board should be that the proposal for the establishment of a needle exchange scheme delivered via the cwmni office be supported.

It was agreed that the Chair would draft a paper, on behalf of the Health & Wellbeing Theme Group, for the Partnership Board meeting reflecting the views of the group.

It was agreed that due to the short period of time between the Health & wellbeing Theme Group meeting and the meeting of the Partnership Board on the 29th November it would not be realistic to attempt to circulate a draft to theme group members for comment.

Action: It was therefore agreed that the Chair would draft the paper and forward to Partnership Board, circulating the paper to theme group members at a later date.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting:
The minutes of both the August and September meetings were accepted as an accurate record of proceedings. Julie Spiller asked for it to be noted that she had been in attendance at the September Meeting.

Matters Arising:
August Mins: No matters arising
September Mins: Concerns were expressed in relation to the transport scheme currently being piloted and the lack of take up of the service & the potential for the service being lost if it can not be shown to be viable.

Community Health Development Worker Update:
CHDW update circulated with September Minute for information.

Partnership Board Update
David Brownnutt updated the Group;
1. People in Work (PIW) Build it Scheme Presentation –
Feeling at the Partnership Board Mtg that the programme is not big enough and that more places are required. The PIW have asked Cwmni to pick this issue up.
Health & wellbeing group requested that they be kept informed of developments.
2. Community First Update –
David informed the Group that Rhys Burton had met with the Assembly and it now looked certain that none of the theme groups would receive a dedicated budget. The only way that funding could be secured for the progression of actions outlined in action plans would be via the submission of individual applications.

Communities First Update:
Chair reiterated points made by David Brownnutt stressing that there was now a need to look at our action plan to identify suitable projects to apply for money for.

Surgery Updates:
Calfaria surgery –
· The group was referred to a letter received from the Surgery. It conveyed its apologies for the meeting and informed the group that consultation continues between the WDA and the developers on the site of the new surgery, and they are at present trying to secure a site in the Ynyswen area. The letter also acknowledged the surgeries support for the transport scheme, which they had recently committed to participating in.
· CHDW to attend the next practice meeting (8th December) to provide a presentation on the Cwmni regeneration programme and the Health & Wellbeing Action Plan.
· Copies of the letter were circulated for information.

Tynewydd Surgery -
· The Local health Board had received from the Practice Manager confirmation that the new telephone system would be installed in four weeks time. The email from the practice re the systems’ installation was circulated for information.

Community Food Initiative:
In the absence of the CHDW the Chair provided an update on the initiative. The group was informed that the CHDW continued to provide the support to the development of the initiative in the absence of the Community Food Project Worker, but that the advert for a replacement Community Food project Worker would be appearing that week.

Progress to date reported included –
· The project working group continues to meet
· An appraisal of local venues as outlets for the initiative had been undertaken
· Potential funders for the initiative had been identified and a proposal was being drafted

Walking The Way To Health:
In the absence of the CHDW an update on the scheme was circulated and the group was informed that the CHDW was currently progressing the recommendations contained.

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Strategy:
The Chair provided a presentation of the second draft of the HSCWB Strategy to the Group. Due to limited time copies of the strategy were circulated to group members and they were asked to return the consultation proforma to either the CHDW or The Health & Wellbeing team at the Local Health Board.

It was agreed that copies of the strategy would be circulated for information / comment to all theme group members on the mailing list.

AOB:
It was agreed that the dates and times of future meetings would be discussed at the next meeting.

Local Health Board AGM – Theme group members were informed that the AGM had taken place and were provided with copies of the Annual Report.

Julie Spiller informed the group that a Treherbert & District Arts Society had recently been established following on from work undertaken with the Penyrenglyn project.

Russell Huish informed the Group that he would no longer be attending the as he was moving to a new role (Area Regeneration Co-ordinator) within the Local Authority.

The Chair informed the group that he would be meeting with the Practice manger of the Tynewydd Surgery on December 10th to discuss issues recently raised by the Tynewydd Forum. The group was asked if anyone wished to attend the meeting; David Brownnutt and Anthea Alexandra expressed an interest and were informed that the CHDW would be in touch prior to the meeting.

Theme group members were reminded of the need to let the Cwmni Offioce Konow if they wished to attend the Christmas meal.

Date and Time Of Next Meeting: December 16th at Cwmni Office

Cwmni Health and Well-Being Theme Group Meeting August 19 2004 .... Return to Top

Present:
Nicola Gordon, Cwmni
Anthea Alexandra, Scheme Manager
David Hughes, Local Resident
Reneè Jones, Mount Libanus Tenants & Residents
David Morris, Tynewydd Steering Group
Julie Spiller, Penyrenglyn Project
Sally Williams, Blaenrhondda Steering Group


Apologies for Absence:
David Brownnutt, Local Resident
Lynda Corre, Age Concern
Neil Desmond, RCT Health Promotion
Lorraine Swain, Health Visitor
Rhys Burton, Regeneration Project

Welcome and introductions:
All new members were introduced to the group. Minutes and matters arising of the previous meeting:

Page 2; Nicola to send out information about the TraVol scheme to Dave M and David B. Page 2: Nicola to send out a copy of the Health Register to Dave M, Renee J and David B. Page 2: There was a discussion surrounding the timings of the meetings. Nicola G explained that the response from the previous mail out showed that most people had indicated a preference for daytime meetings. There was some concern that some community members are unable to attend meetings held during the day due to work commitments. Nicola explained that this issue was highlighted in last months minutes and that we agreed to discuss the timing of the meetings after the Election is held in September.

Page 3: Reneè informed the group that the First Responders are able to use the Tennamts association as a base.
Nicola G confirmed that an article has been put in the Newsletter about the First Responders.

Page 4: The scheme refffered to as ‘Different Care Pathways’ is called ‘Elderly Care Pathways’.

Community Health Development Worker Update:
Nicola G updated the group of current work that is being carried out. Julie M expressed concerns of the lack of involvement that Tynewydd steering group have with the Patient Liaison Group that is in the process of being established. It was agreed that Nicola will meet with Neil and Rhys to discuss the most effective way that we can work together.

Some of the group informed Nicola that most people were unaware of the Free Surgery and Hospital Transport Scheme. Nicola will advertise the scheme more locally and at Llwnypia Hospital.

Treherbert Surgery Update:
Nicola G informed the group that there is no update to date. The group discussed possible locations for the surgery and expressed concerns of the lack of progress. Dave M was also concerned that the surgery will close before another will open.

Communities Food Initiative:
Nicola gave the group the End of Year 2 Report. Nicola informed the group that the results from Dynamix have been compiled. A summary of these will be sent out with the minutes. Nicola explained that now that the group has the results the Comunity Food Initiative working group can progress the development of an initiative. The most likely scheme will be a fruit and vegetable box scheme, supported at a later stage by the ‘Get Cooking’ scheme.

Walking the Way to Health:
Nicola explained to the group that she is in the process of writing out to all of the local community groups inviting them to come on a group walk. Nicola has also met with Terry Powell (Treherbert Pool Manager) who has offered the walkers a free initial swim at the pool as a group. Nicola is also enquiring about putting plaques with ‘points of interest’ (including local history, wildlife etc) to encourage people to walk. Julie S commented that people have been shooting targets where the routes are. It was suggested that next summer we launch a children and adults walk to encourage more interest.

Communities First Update:
Nicola G informed the group that to date there is no further news to report

Theme Group Election Process:
Nicola reminded the group that the election is being held in September’s meeting and if anyone wants to stand for election to contact her.

AOB:
Julie S asked Nicola if she is aware of any funding that could be used for the Aerobics sessions that have been held in Pen-yr-Englyn Project. Nicola will explore any possibilities and contact Julie. David M also expressed a concern with the lack of GP involvement in the group.

Date and Time Of Next Meeting: The next meeting date will be held on Thursday, 16th September at 1 pm, at the CwmNi Office.

Cwmni Health and Well-Being Theme Group Meeting June 17 2004 .... Return to Top

Present:
Nicola Gordon, Cwmni
David Brownnutt, Local Resident
Russell Huish, Rhondda Cynon Taff Council
Reneè Jones, Mount Libanus Tenants & Residents
Julie Spiller, Penyrenglyn Project
Anne Smithers, Community Nurse sister

Apologies for Absence:
Neil Desmond, Health Promotion Manager
Lynda Corre, Age Concern
Claire Hughes, Mental Health Resource
Wesley Saunders, Calfaria Surgery
Sarah Simpson, Calfaria Surgery

Minutes of the previous meeting:
It was noted that Reneè J’s apologies were not noted at last months meeting. Nicola G to amend last months minutes.

Matters arising from the minutes:
Nicola G received a letter from Stagecoach regarding the X9 bus service. Stagecoach commented that the service has been taken off previously and put back on due to public request. However, following this there was still poor uptake and therefore the service was cancelled. The letter confirmed that the X9 bus has been stopped due to the poor uptake of the service.

Reneè J mentioned that the bus service runs at times that may be inconvenient for people to use to access visiting time etc. David B suggested that the first action would be to find out what the actual need for the bus service is. If the need is to have transport to the hospital at visiting time is Julie S suggested pursuing another means of transport. It was suggested that Nicola G contacts the GP surgeries to explore the situation and what alternatives there are. Nicola mentioned that she is in the process of setting up Patients Liaison Groups with the doctors and this may be an issue that could be taken to the group. It was also suggested to explore the inappropriate use of ambulances.

Community Health Development Worker Update:
Nicola G updated the group of current work that is being carried out.

Treherbert Surgery Update:
Nicola G informed the group that there is no update to date.

Walking The Way To Health:
Nicola G updated the group on the scheme. Nicola G is in the process of liaising with the Forestry commission and Glyn Cornel regarding the uptake of the scheme.

Nicola met with Tania (from the Gilfach Goch WWTH scheme) to discuss the uptake of the scheme. Tania suggested that Nicola invites local agencies to become involved in the scheme and encourage uptake. Julie S queried whether burnt out cars on routes would affect the walks. Nicola G will contact the walk leaders to query this.

Julie S suggested bringing in more appealing incentives. Nicola was unsure as this is a National scheme but will contact Annie Petherick to find out whether this is possible.

Community Food Initiative Update:
Nicola gave the group a copy of the End of Year Report for the Community Food Project. Nicola commented that the Food Focus Groups went well. The working group is currently waiting on the results from Dynamix.

Nicola also updated the group that the 3 volunteers have now completed the ‘Get Cooking’ course and their Food Hygiene Certificates. Nicola is currently looking for a fourth volunteer.

Reneè mentioned that she has spoken to a number of people who are all in agreement of opening a Co-operative Shop in Pen-yr-Englyn. Reneè is to meet with David Brooks (Community Business Development Worker) to discuss how to take this forward.

Julie S queried whether bruised fruit from shops could be given to schools or to Woman’s Aid. Nicola was unsure whether this was a possibility and will meet with Neil Desmond to discuss this further.

Theme Group Election Process:
Nicola G went through the election process with the group. Nicola explained that the to put yourself forward for election you must of attended 3 Health and Well-Being meetings. If you are putting yourself forward for election you must write a paragraph of no more than 250 words. The election will take place on September 16th, If you wish to vote but are unable to attend the meeting in September you are able to contact Nicola in advance for a postal vote.

The group decided that they want both a chair and a board member to be selected from the group.

David B noted that the group lacks in community representatives from the forums. Nicola commented that she was aware of this and has been discussing this with Neil Desmond and Rhys Burton. David B commented that there may be a larger uptake of the group if the times of the meetings are changed.

AOB:
Nicola G informed the group that she has met with New Tynewydd Surgery Practice Manager, Susan Williams to progress a Patient Liaison Group. She is currently in the process of making dates for the other local surgeries.

Date and Time Of Next Meeting:
The next meeting date will be held on Thursday, 22nd July at 1 pm, at the CwmNi Office.

Cwmni Health and Well-Being Theme Group Meeting September 16 2004 .... Return to Top

Present:
David Brownnutt, Local Resident
Rhys Burton, CwmNi
Linda Corre, Age Concern
Renee Jones, Mt. Libanus Tenants & Residents Association
Annie Petherick, RCT Health Promotion
Anne Smithers, Community Health Office
Julie Spiller, Pen-yr-Englyn Project
Sally Williams, Blaenrhondda Steering Group

Apologies:
Neil Desmond, RCT Health Promotion
Nicola Gordon, CwmNi
Dr Saunders, Calvaria Surgery
Sarah Simpson, Calvaria Surgery

Chair:
Rhys Burton (RB) reported that he had been asked to Chair the meeting in the absence of Neil Desmond.

Minutes of the Last Meeting:
RB informed the group that these would not be discussed at today’s meeting since neither Neil Desmond (ND) or Nicola Gordon (NG) were present. Instead the August minutes would be discussed at the October meeting and asked for approval at that meeting along with the notes from today.

Treherbert Surgery Update:
The group noted that nobody from the surgery was present to discuss this item and that nothing was otherwise known by group members. RB reported that he was aware that a meeting had taken place between the surgery and their architects around preferred sites for the new surgery, but that nothing had been shared with him or other members of CwmNi.

Community Food Initiative:
RB reported that Lesley Shannon has now left her post within RCT Health Promotion and that a replacement is being sought.

Communities First Update:
RB reported that a letter has now arrived from the Welsh Assembly Government indicating the funding award offered to CwmNi. The funding offer is disappointing in that it does not provide any money for project activity or project delivery within any of the CwmNi Theme Groups. However, the offer does offer staff salaries and office costs for a 3 year period (2004 – 2007) which at least means that officers’ continued employment is now more secure.

The group discussed the implications of lack of funding within the Theme Group and the impact funding shortfalls have on project delivery and community participation and confidence. It was noted that Theme Group member numbers had declined during recent months and members felt that this was linked to funding problems which had prevented project activity.

Members discussed other funding options for works and it was reported that CwmNi has submitted funding applications to other funding bodies for project works and that other funders would be considered when looking to secure money for health initiatives within the area.

Theme Group Election:
It was reported that one nomination had been received for the position of CwmNi Board Member – this coming from David Brownnutt (DB). An invitation was extended for other nominations to be put forward, but group members were pleased to support DB’s nomination. A paper was circulated at the meeting which detailed DB’s candidacy for election to the CwmNi Board. DB was elected unanimously by group members for a 1 year period.

A paper was circulated at the meeting which detailed Neil Desmond’s (ND) candidacy for Chair of the group. An invitation was extended for other nominations to be put forward for this role, but group members felt that ND had done a good job over past years and wished to endorse his nomination. ND was elected unanimously for a 1 year period.

Other Business:
Travol scheme:
Members felt that additional promotion of the scheme is necessary. It was reported that local pharmacists are unaware of the scheme and that there is a lack of posters and public information encouraging the take-up of this service. Group members felt that contact should be made with pharmacist’s to explain the project and encourage their support. Similarly, posters and information should be available at the local library and Post Offices. Also, it was noted that GP’s surgeries are not displaying posters and that this should be corrected. Lynda Corre (LC) advised that she would be able to publicise the project among her client group within the Treherbert Ward if information was sent to her. Similarly DB noted that he was willing to distribute posters and leaflets among the churches within the Ward if he was supplied with the required posters and literature.

Group members discussed the eligibility of people to access this service and it was noted that some disabilities did not require an adapted vehicle to convey them to the surgeries or hospitals. RB noted that the purpose of the project is to offer adapted transport to those with mobility needs. Where there are other needs for support to travel to GP’s surgeries and hospitals (e.g. people who are blind) it was suggested that these matters could be further explored via the Carers Support Groups.

Sally Williams (SW) noted that difficulty exists with transport to hospital appointments for all members of the community who rely on public transport. It was noted that a 9am appointment at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital would require a local resident to leave their home at around 7am if they were to be able to keep the appointment. SW suggested that it was likely that this problem contributes to the number of missed appointments at the hospital. Similarly, the journey time home would take a number of hours on public transport – with the outcome that a hospital appointment results in a full day’s commitment of the patient’s time. This was felt to be unfair and unreasonable. SW and DB noted that early morning hospital appointments should be considered on the basis of the distance the patient is from the hospital. Residents within the CwmNi area should be offered later appointment times – so that they had sufficient time to attend the appointment. RB noted that a 1st meeting of the Rhondda Health Forum is to be arranged by the Local Health Board before Christmas and that these issues should be put forward at this meeting.

Action: NG to follow up Travol publicity with pharmacists, post offices, the library and GP’s surgeries. DB to receive information from NG and distribute to local churches. LC to receive information from NG and to promote among Age Concern client group and contacts in the CwmNi area.

RB / ND to advise theme group members of the details of the Rhondda Health Forum meeting.

Primary Care Collaborative – Masterclass:
RB read an invitation for a community member to participate in a one day introduction to the Healthy Communities Collaborative at Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday 6th October. It was reported that the local Primary Care Development Team (PCDT) had been invited to send a delegation party of 10 people and that this included GP’s, pharmacists, representatives from the PCDT and others.

It was agreed that Julie Spiller (SP) attend the delegation as the community representative for the theme group.
Action: JS to attend the event on 6th October.

Walking the Way to Health Update:
Annie Petherick (AP) led this discussion based on questions previously circulated with the minutes and paperwork for the meeting. A discussion took place on the impact of the initiative to date and lessons to be learned from the way it has been run and used by community members. Issues covered in the discussion included:
The marking of routes and of public awareness of the way around each of the routes
The varying difficulty of routes and their suitability for which type of walker (e.g. beginner or experienced)
The variety of walking routes – to include walking opportunities in other areas (both arranged within Communities First areas and also in other areas within close reach e.g. Brecon)
The need for additional incentives for people to participate in walks (e.g. time banking people, refreshments at the end of a walk, trips to another area for shopping or for general interest, trips to other areas which also required walking – perhaps St Fagans, rewards which offered access to other leisure facilities such as swimming or sports activities etc.)
The option to encourage and promote specific themed walks such as biodiversity, local history and local geology.
The option to encourage key groups or organisations to lead a walk (e.g. faith groups uniting for an Easter walk or a ‘pilgrimage’ visit to other significant areas)
The need to reassure people of the ease of some of the walk routes and to recognise that some people are apprehensive of their own fitness levels or physical ability to complete courses
See enclosed notes – How can the Walking the Way to Health Scheme be improved?

AP thanked the group for their contribution and noted that she would be feeding the comments and suggestions back to NG for her to follow up.
Action: AP to feedback information and findings to NG. NG to assess and follow up.

Any Other Business:
RB noted that the Local Health Board would be holding its Annual General Meeting at the Muni in Pontypridd on 29th September between 2pm – 4pm. All were invited to attend this meeting as the meeting is open to all members of the public.

The date of the next Theme Group meeting will be on Thursday 21st October at the CwmNi office at 1pm.