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Dear emma,
Welcome to the May edition of Welsh Women’s Aid’s monthly
newsletter, telling you about news from Welsh Women’s Aid, past and future events, information from our member groups and
much more.
The Violence Against Women and Girls consultation has now taken place with focus groups held across the country.
Domestic abuse remains high on the political agenda as the Minister for Social Justice launches a DA guide for Assembly Members,
and the Bridge Project run by Lliw Valley Women's Aid celebrates its first year anniversary with a visit to the Welsh Assembly Government.
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Welsh Women’s Aid want domestic abuse to be recognised as a gender based issue, with appropriate services and support to be available to women and children, resulting in the eradication of all forms of violence against women.
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Report back from the Violence Against
Women & Girls Strategy Focus Groups
With the last of the stakeholder and public focus groups taking place last Wednesday, WWA will now collate the information gathered and report back to the Home Office and the WAG.
WWA will be producing two reports, one based on feedback from the focus groups and one based on the views of our member groups.
The VaW questionnaire is still available to download (click here); if you have not yet completed or returned your questionnaires please do so by MAY 18th in order to ensure that your thoughts are included in our response to the Home Office and Welsh Assembly Government. Your views are important.
Please return all questionnaires or any further comments on the VaW and Girls strategy to Nesta Lloyd Jones.
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Minister Launches Domestic Abuse Guide
On May the 6th, Minister for Social Justice Dr Brian Gibbons was joined by politicians from each of the political parties in the National Assembly to launch a new guide that informs Assembly Members what they should do if they are approached by a constituent experiencing domestic abuse.
The guide is a valuable resource that will enable Assembly Members to help any of their constituents that may be suffering domestic abuse, and it also makes the point that domestic violence is a serious crime that should not be tolerated.
Dr Gibbons said ”Domestic violence blights the lives of thousands of people across Wales and it is important that we take pro-active steps to minimise it. The Welsh Assembly Government has already invested substantially in tackling the problem, increasing the budget this year to £3.7million and announcing an additional £1.5million of capital funding. But it is also important that the victims know where they can seek help. Assembly Members can help by giving people information about organisations who can assist them.
"The guide includes information about local and national domestic abuse organisations including the all Wales domestic abuse helpline 0808 801 0800 which victims can ring at any time...".
Joining the Minister at the launch were the social justice spokespersons from each political party – Joyce Watson AM, Labour; Nerys Evans AM, Plaid Cymru; Mark Isherwood AM, Conservative and Eleanor Burnham AM, Liberal Democrat.
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Google Street View and Women experiencing
Domestic Abuse
Concerns about Street View have recently been brought to our attention by a Welsh Assembly Member, as well as a woman who has experienced domestic abuse.
Launched in the UK in 2008 Google Street View is a facility within Google Maps / Google Earth which can provide panoramic views for streets throughout the World.
Although faces are automatically blurred out on Street View, many women are still anxious that perpetrators may be able to find them on the Street View website.
If you are worried about your image or home appearing on Street View, there are some steps that you can take to have your image removed from the site. If a user finds an image that they consider objectionable they can report it by clicking on ’Report a concern’ in the bottom left hand corner of the Street View image. Here there is an easily accessible link to report inappropriate imagery. Once the claim is verified, the image will be removed within 24 hours.
Please visit our website by clicking here to read more information about Street View.
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Record Keeping & Information Sharing
WWA would like to advise all groups to register their details with the information Commissioner’s Office.
All Women’s Aid groups are legally obliged to protect any personal information that they hold in regards to their employees and service users. Notification is a statutory requirement and every organisation that processes personal information must notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Failure to notify is a criminal offence.
Although Women's Aid groups may be charities which can mean exemption from registering, because they share information with other outside agencies they are not exempt.
Notification is the process by which a data controller informs the Information Commissioner of certain details about their processing of personal information. These details are used by the Information Commissioner to make an entry describing the processing in the register of data controllers that is available to the public for inspection. The principal purpose of having notification and the public register is transparency and openness.
There are currently three ways to make an application to notify.
- On the internet
- Request for a notification form
- By telephone
Further information can be found by clicking here and here.
There is a fee for notification of £35.
If you need any information in regards to the above please contact Nesta Lloyd Jones by email or phone (029 2039 0874).
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Rugby Star Terry becomes White Ribbon
Campaigner
Former international rugby player Terry Davies met with Joyce Watson AM, representatives from WWA and Terry's local women's aid group, Llanelli Women's Aid, to officially take on the role of an Ambassador supporting the fight against Domestic Violence.
Last year, Assembly Member Joyce Watson launched a Wales-wide campaign to recruit both current and former sportsmen to help make domestic abuse unacceptable.
Joyce, who represents Mid and West Wales, is delighted that Terry has signed up as the second sporting ambassador the campaign, along side another former rugby player Derwyn Jones. Derwyn has already attended a number of events to raise awareness of domestic abuse, including the White Ribbon day event held at Llandaff Cathedral.
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Credit crunch survival guide
The current economic downturn is affecting us all, but young women - especially those from deprived communities - are some of the most vulnerable.
Many face debt and long-term poverty. Some are at risk from unscrupulous lenders or have to depend on abusive partners. The YWCA credit crunch survival guide is packed full of tips and information and is designed to help young women get through these hard times.
Please click here to download the guide.
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16th Annual Telecare Alarm Group
Conference and Exhibition
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Wales & South West England
Toorak Hotel, Torquay
20th – 22nd May 2009
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Make a date in your diary. This event is essential for anyone involved with social alarms, control centres, health, social services, sheltered housing, primary care and supporting people.
The exciting interactive opening will be followed by a lively programme which will include a session from Richard Beevers, Customer Plus on marketing which is certain to inform and entertain. Other sessions include:
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- David Sinclair, Help the Aged
- From Unitary to Care - A Vantage Point from the Bay
- Torbay Project
- DH Care Networks (Telecare), Mike Clark
- Update from Dr Kevin Doughty
- How assertive are you?, Jan Bentley
- Esther Goulding and Samuel Judah
- Prof Giarchi
Plus a full evening social programme.
For further information contact Michelle on 02920 741131 or email wales.training@cih.org
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| CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICES |
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Children in Need
All groups should now be aware that Children in Need propose to withdraw their current funding for children’s workers in WA in Wales with effect from April next year.
This has come about because the Welsh Assembly Government has accepted the recommendations from the Culture and Communities Committee that Childwork should be core funded, and thus becomes the responsibility of the Government. The Head of BBC Children in Need Wales has stated that they are not permitted “…to award funding that substitutes for or duplicates that which is more appropriately acquired from statutory sources” Children-in-Need have said that they will honour funding arrangements up until April 2010.
Welsh Women’s Aid has spoken with Children in Need and are trying to get some clarification from the Minister’s office about the implications of this letter. We have also met with Helen Mary Jones AM, Head of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee in the National Assembly, to highlight the issue with the Government. We are asking groups to work with us to gather evidence that, on their own, the funding streams identified by the minister are insufficient to support children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
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Regional Child Worker Meetings
Don’t forget the Regional meetings held in your area in week commencing 18th May, check with you Regional Worker which day it is and where. These are good forums for catching up, exchanging good practice and finding out about national issues etc.
New Children’s Files
As a result of feedback from groups about the Assessment and Support Plans, we have now developed new files for children and young people. These will contain simplified assessment and support plans, together with lots of useful resources, such as risk assessment forms, referral forms, consent forms, etc. These will be available to all groups shortly from your Regional Worker and on the website.
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Child Protection Awareness Training
The Children Act 2004 states that ‘Safeguarding Children is Everyone’s Business’. This training is available from Welsh Women’s Aid for all staff, volunteers and management committees in groups and can be delivered in-house. The aim of the training is to enable Women’s Aid groups to understand their responsibilities under current legislation and guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government.
For further information, please contact Cheryl Martin on 02920 390874.
Play Therapist
If anyone would like to use the services of a qualified play therapist you can contact Sian Bundy. Sian has an MSc in Playwork and Therapeutic Play and is available to do one-to-one and groupwork with children and young people, in refuge or in the community. She can do individual one off sessions or a programme of play therapy.
To contact Sian:
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write to:
57 Ty-Mawr Road
Llandaff North
Cardiff
CF14 2FN
e-mail: sianbundy@hotmail.com
Tel: 029 2055 1783
Mobile: 079 7777 9812
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Training is available to Women's Aid groups and outside organisations.
Upcoming training:
New mental health training 'for everyone'
Delivered by Welsh Women's Aid
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This course is designed for anyone who would like more understanding of mental health issues. Front line workers in Wales often have to deal with people with experience of mental distress, but lack the skills and confidence to support them appropriately.
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With one in four of us affected by mental health problems each year, service providers across Wales are being offered a new short training course to deal more effectively with these challanges.
The 12 hour course does not train you to be a therapist, counsellor or mental health professional. But it will teach you to:
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Give initial help to someone experiencing a mental health problem
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Deal with a crisis situation or the first signs of someone developing mental ill health
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Guide people towards appropriate help
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The 12 hour course covers a number of topics including:
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What is meant by mental health / mental ill health
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The signs and symptoms of common mental health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis
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The range of effective interventions and treatments
how to access help and support.
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Course dates:
28th-29th May 2009 - Llanidloes
23rd-24th June 2009 - Cardiff
30th June-1st July 2009 - Llanrwst
£85+VAT
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Introduction to WWA and Domestic Abuse Awareness Training
This course is designed for those who are new to the field of domestic abuse.
2nd June 2009 - Conwy
4th June 2009 - Cardiff
Aims and Objectives:
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Be aware of the work of Welsh Women's Aid and the services they provide
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Define domestic abuse and look at the myths and stereotypes surrounding it
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Understand the effects of domestic abuse on women and children
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Be aware of the services provided by Women's Aid groups
£50 + VAT
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Stop it Now! Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training
This course is designed for anyone wishing to access information relating to protecting chilren from sexual abuse.
19th May 2009 - Cardiff
21st May 2009 - Carmarthen
9th June 2009 - Llanidloes
10th June 2009 - Llanrwst
£50 + VAT
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Website Workshop
This course is designed for anyone wishing to get more use out of WWA's Website.
18th May 2009 - S. Wales
3rd June 2009 - Llanrwst
£50 + VAT
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Record Keeping &
Information Sharing Training
This course is designed for anyone doing direct work with women and children.
27th May 2009 - N. Wales
£50 + VAT
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Feminism Workshop
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in what Feminism means today.
2nd July 2009 - Llanrwst
£50 + VAT
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Assertiveness Training
This course is designed for anyone wishing to learn assertiveness skills.
7th July 2009 - Carmarthen
9th July 2009 - Llanrwst
14th July 2009 - Aberystwyth
£50 + VAT
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''WWA is committed to delivering high quality training covering a range of subjects related to domestic abuse, both internally & externally''
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Individual course details will be sent out closer to advertised dates.
For further information or booking forms contact Becky Jones on 02920 390874 or log in to the members area of the WWA website.
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| WWA & DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE MEDIA |
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Home Office/ Foreign and Commonwealth Office Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) allocates £84,000 to its Domestic Programme fund for 2009-10.
(Theyworkforyou.com)
Next Step Housing Refuges for Men
(The Sun)
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SCVS Volunteer's Week 2009
Prospective and current volunteers are invited to attend an event at:
the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea
Tues 2nd June 2009
12 - 4pm
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Celebrate the contribution of the hundreds of volunteers in Swansea.
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Take part in the volunteers walk from 1pm (starting and finishing at the museum).
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Meet organisations from all over Swansea that are looking for enthusiastic volunteers.
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Meet volunteers from other organisations and find out about their experiences.
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Share in the acheivements of volunteers as they receive thanks and certificates for their contributions to the community of Swansea.
Visit the SCVS website for more info, or call SCVS on 01792 544000.
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| NEWS FROM WOMEN'S AID GROUPS |
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Bridge Project Anniversary Celebrations at the
Assembly
The Bridge Project, a cross boundary project for women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse, celebrated its first year anniversary with a visit to the Welsh Assembly Government.
Based in Pontardawe, the Bridge Project drop in, outreach and life skills centre forms part of Lliw Valley Women's Aid. The project, fully funded through The Big Lottery Stepping Stones progremme, aims to empower women who have been affected by domestic abuse to achieve their aspirations through training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
The event, sponsored by Janice Gregory AM, Chair of the Communities and Culture Committee gave the project team the opportunity to meet with many Assembly Members to raise the profile of the project.
For further information please ring The Bridge Project on 01792 869480.
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Assembly Members Peter Black, Janice Gregory, Rosemary Butler & Nerys Evans and members of The Bridge Project Team Charlotte Arthur, Gemma Hartnoll, Gemma Humphreys, Emma James & Rachel Barrett. |
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Barry Mayor's ball raises cash for Vale of Glamorgan Women's Aid
A ball organised and suported by Barry Town Mayor raised almost £1000 for two local charities through a charity auction.
Click here for full story.
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Volunteers are wanted by:
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Caerphilly WA
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Neath WA
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Newport WA
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Bangor WA
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Cardiff WA
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Torfaen WA
Click HERE for more info.
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Women's Aid groups please contact Emma Harris with any news you wish to be included in the WWA newsletter.
Welsh Women's Aid is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 No. 23753R. WWA is an Exempt Charity.
VAT Registration No. 922 7943 07
Welsh Women's Aid, 38-48 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NN | Phone: 029 2039 0874 | Fax: 029 2039 0878
Email: info@welshwomensaid.org.uk
Freephone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 80 10 800
To unsubscribe or change your details please click here.
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