news.wrexham.gov.uk

Author: Beth Rogers

  • Seven care homes across Wrexham win awards for using reminiscence software

    Seven care homes across Wrexham win awards for using reminiscence software

    Seven care homes in Wrexham have recently won awards for the work they are doing with RITA, a reminiscence, rehabilitation and interactive therapy software.

    RITA is an all-in-one touch screen solution which offers digital reminiscence therapy which is a relatively new tool in the fields of nursing and healthcare. It encompasses the use of user-friendly interactive screens and tablets to blend entertainment with therapy and to assist patients (particularly with memory impairments) in recalling and sharing events from their past through listening to music, watching news reports of significant historical events, listening to war-time speeches, playing games and karaoke and watching films.

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    My Improvement network recently held an award ceremony to celebrate those who use the device across the country and to present awards to those who have demonstrated the benefits of the device. Seven care settings within Wrexham were successful in winning awards:

    • Gold Award: Best use of RITA for learning disabilities: Dolywern, Leonard Cheshire

    • Gold Award: Best use of RITA for reducing medication use: Pen Y Garth Care Home Wrexham                                                                                        
    • Silver Award: Best use of RITA for group activities – Chirk Court
    • Silver Award: Best use of RITA for 1-1 care – Primary Health Liaison Team Wrexham
    • Bronze Award: Best use of RITA for group activities: Bodlondeb
    • Bronze Award: Best use of RITA involving families: Elm Villa

    Cllr John Pritchard, Lead Member for Adult Social Care said, “RITA is a fantastic piece of software and it’s great to see the recognition that care homes in Wrexham are getting for using it. Congratulations to all winners. I’m excited about the recent developments in the software and look forward to seeing how they are used across the county in the future.”

    RITA has recently undergone some exciting developments including updates from Wrexham Football club with the inclusion of historic match programmes and early archive footage. The Church of Wales have also allowed filming at several of their services in Cardiff including Lent, Easter and Christmas in both English and Welsh.

    The RITA interface is also now available in the Welsh language.

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  • Crown Buildings refurbishment wins national award

    Crown Buildings refurbishment wins national award

    The newly refurbished Crown Buildings on Chester Street, Wrexham, has won an Ystadau Cymru Award. The annual Ystadau Cymru awards are a celebration of the successful collaborative asset management across the Welsh public sector.

    The scheme has won the coveted award specifically for the environmental sustainability of the project as well as being awarded Overall Winners, too!

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    The refurbishment of Crown Buildings was a 2 stage design and build project for the refurbishment and extension of the councils existing 4-storey 1960’s building. It is now a base for all social care and education staff, delivering seamless children and adults’ services with the creation of a new Wellbeing Hub to the ground floor of the building.

    The project was completed on time and under budget. It has significantly improved the buildings energy performance from EPC D to EPC A, which helps to tackle the carbon crisis whilst extending the lifespan of the existing structure by over 50 additional years whilst also maximising the supply of renewable energy.

    Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said: “The Crown Buildings project stands out from the crowd in our dedication to our Net Zero ambition – transforming an outdated and inefficient 1960’s facility into a modern office. The refurbishment has helped to reduce the heating demand by 66% with a further 25% reduction in energy demand from the electrical installations. We would like to thank our designers, contractors and partners, it’s a fantastic project, and one in which we are very proud of as a council. I would also like to thank all Officers involved in the project from the start”.

    A spokesperson from Alex Read Construction said: “Read are proud to have been involved in the Crown Building Scheme which demonstrates a truly collaborative team effort, focusing on the decarbonisation of one of Wrexham’s major existing assets. With two thirds of 2030’s built assets, already existing today, tackling the carbon crisis through refit / refurbishment is the biggest challenge the industry faces in reaching Net Zero. Having embraced the challenge, we are proud to have supported Wrexham in beginning to address the challenge and sharing their experiences for the benefit of other portfolio managers.”

    The Well Being Hub, based on the ground floor of the building provides integrated health, social care, third sector and community services; improving access to information and advice and delivering preventative and alternative solutions to care and support in a safe environment, with accessible facilities for all ages and abilities. For more information about the Wellbeing Hub visit our website.

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  • Free family swimming is back this Christmas

    Free family swimming is back this Christmas

    This year free swimming returns over the Christmas break at Chirk and Gwyn Evans leisure and activity centres and Waterworld.

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    Free swimming is for all during the times below:

    Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre 

    Tuesday, January 3: 1pm – 2pm

    Friday, January 6: 12:30pm – 1:30pm

    Gwyn Evans Leisure and Activity Centre 

    Tuesday, January 3: 2:30pm – 3:15pm

    Thursday, January 5: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

    Waterworld 

    Tuesday, December 27: 10am – 11am

    Thursday, December 29: 1pm – 2pm

    Tuesday, January 3: 10am – 11am

    Thursday, January 5: 1pm-2pm

    Richard Milne, Area Manager (North Wales): “We are all looking forward to welcoming our local community to our centres in Wrexham including Waterworld with our rapids, bubble pool and 65 metre slide!  Swimming is a healthy, fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of any age and ability and all our opening hours over Christmas and New Year can be found on our website and social media”

    For more information and opening hours over Christmas please visit the Freedom Leisure website

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • It’s a goal! Foster Wales Wrexham joins UK wide campaign to recruit more foster carers during the World Cup

    It’s a goal! Foster Wales Wrexham joins UK wide campaign to recruit more foster carers during the World Cup

    Foster Wales Wrexham is joining up with local authorities from across the UK to form a new virtual team for the World Cup with the aim of achieving just one goal – to recruit more foster carers.

    Twenty seven local authorities from across the UK have joined Local Councils United – a new virtual team – to share clips for each day of the World Cup and unique reasons why people should foster with their local council.

    Each day of the football tournament a council shares a video with the “Help a young person achieve their goal” message.

    The campaign brings together a united fostering community, to share with everyone why people should foster with your local authority.

    Football teams, carers, young people and families will all be featured in the clips during the World Cup campaign with the hashtag #FosterWithYourCouncil2022

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    Rosemarie – Wrexham foster carer

    “I didn’t hesitate when asked to be part of the campaign to help recruit new foster carers to make a difference in a young person’s life, it can be so rewarding both for you and the young person.”

    Gary – Wrexham foster carer

    “We’re really happy to be part of this campaign to bring to light the huge impact a great foster carer can have on a child’s life. When we were approached to take part in the film we didn’t need to give it a second thought to in join in and share the message “Foster with your local authority”

    Lisa –Wrexham foster carer

    “Being a part of the recruitment campaign was a bit of light relief for a morning, and enabled us to put out there how dedicated foster carers are much needed, always.”

    Cllr. Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services said:

    “Football has the unique ability to bring the residents of our communities together. Fostering is exactly the same. It creates a sense of shared community and togetherness. We at Wrexham County Borough Council are proud to join forces with local councils across the UK to celebrate fostering and promote its wider benefits for everyone. We are looking for people who can help a child in care. To help them feel they belong, help them play a positive role in our communities. By joining the fostering team here at Wrexham County Borough Council you will be making a difference to local children. Let`s unite as a fostering community and send out the message why you should foster here in Wrexham.”

    Rhian Thomas – Senior Head of Service for Children’s Social Care said:

    “We are proud to join forces with local councils across the UK to raise the importance of fostering. Fostering and football brings people and communities from all walks of life together for a common purpose. And so local authorities are coming together as a united fostering community, to share why you should foster with your local authority.”

    Kicking off the campaign on 21 November will be Northumberland County Council with Medway Council providing the final video on Day 27.

    Wrexham will be featured on 12th December and will include a video with some of Wrexham’s amazing foster carers at Brickfield Rangers one of our local football clubs and the Foster Wales team there’s even a few glimpses of Wrob & Wryan.

    Foster Wales will share each of the council’s campaigns every day on Twitter so please follow @foster_wales

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Big success for information and recruitment event with over 100 people attending

    Big success for information and recruitment event with over 100 people attending

    A special information and recruitment event took place in Tŷ Pawb this week. The Local Health Board event, in partnership with Communities for Work Plus, Job Centre Plus and Wrexham County Borough Council enabled people to find out more information about the facilities teams at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the career opportunities that are available.

    With more than 100 people attending to find out more information, the event enabled Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s facilities team to share more about the work they do to help hospital services to function.

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    A fantastic partnership brought this event into fruition and enabled 40 referrals into the scheme.

    Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “This event was a huge success and it will hopefully be the first of many more similar events in the future. Events like this can make it easier and simpler for people to apply for jobs and in turn can also make it easier for employers to recruit. It’s great to see such a successful example of partnership working that has already lead to the health board recruiting some excellent candidates.”

    Gwen Scotson Facilities Manager, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “We were very pleased indeed with the fantastic turnout to our first Facilitates Information/Recruitment event and grateful to the many excellent applicants who came to find out more about the posts we have on offer. We have already made provisional permanent job offers to a number of successful applicants and will be making further offers in the coming days. Working in collaboration with Communities for Work Plus and the council was a new experience for me, and I’m grateful that they gave me the confidence to go ahead with such an event.”

    The Health Board offers excellent working conditions including a generous entitlement of paid holiday (starting at 28 days a year plus bank holidays for staff who work 5 days a week), staff uniform, an opportunity to join the pension scheme and enhanced pay for weekend and night working. For more information about the current job opportunities at Wrexham Maelor Hospital please visit the BCUHB website

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  • Community Garden projects of Wrexham! We want to hear from you!

    Community Garden projects of Wrexham! We want to hear from you!

    As part of our upcoming project we are keen to connect with community gardens and growing projects in Wrexham County.

    Horizon Garden will be an exhibition exploring community and alternative growing, in arts and non-arts settings, as responses to shared urgencies such as climate change, food poverty, social isolation and loneliness.

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    If you are part of a community garden or growing project and would like to be involved, please get in touch.

    Email the name of your project and your contact details to
    typawb@wrexham.gov.uk

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • We are looking for a Panel Chair for our Fostering Panel, could it be you?

    We are looking for a Panel Chair for our Fostering Panel, could it be you?

    The Fostering Panel is looking for a new Chair.

    Wrexham Council’s Social Care Service is seeking to engage a new Fostering Panel Chair and Vice Chair to support the council in delivering its effective foster care service.

    The Council runs a number of panels each month, which can be variable subject to the number of assessments to be undertaken. This fee paid work can be undertaken from home as the panels are carried out on a virtual basis.

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    The type of things our Chair or Vice Chair will carry out include:

    • Preparation for panel meetings, identifying key issues and alerting the panel adviser whether the case is adequate for submission to panel.
    • Chairing of panel meetings and ensuring it operates in line with the relevant Regulations and Guidance and the policies and procedures of the agency.
    • Facilitating the active participation of all panel members as to ensure full consideration takes place and providing clear and well evidenced recommendations, with clear and accurate minutes provided that also record any serious reservations
    • Working with the panel and the panel adviser to ensure that key decisions are reached, such as whether a case is adequate for submission to panel, deciding on the attendance of observers or the participation of a panel member who declares an interest of a case and whether an extra panel may be necessary.
    • Ensuring that senior managers are aware of issues of concern, in relation both to individual cases and to more general matters and safeguarding confidentiality of all panel discussions
    • To support the recruitment of new panel members, review with the panel adviser the performance of panel members and in any consideration about terminating the appointment of a panel member.
    • The preparation of an annual report on the panel’s work.

    The Chair or Vice Chair will need to have an enhanced DBS check and have previous experience either personally or professionally of the placement of children with foster carers and the experience and skills to chair complex meetings to ensure full participation of panel members and collective decision making, in line with relevant legislation/ regulations governing children social care and fostering. This will require strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as appreciation of the impact on children and a commitment to keeping children within their own family or community where this is possible where this appears to be in the child’s best interest.

    For further enquiries about these opportunities please contact: fostering@wrexham.gov.uk

    The Council welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious belief or age.

    The Council is committed to developing its bilingual workforce and delivery of services in Welsh and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Are you a parent or carer and want to share your knowledge to help others?

    Are you a parent or carer and want to share your knowledge to help others?

    We are looking for volunteer Parent Champions to promote the vast array of services available for families in their local area.

    The idea is to empower parents to share their positive experiences of local family services in order to encourage early uptake of services, including childcare, and to break down barriers.

    We’re looking for parents who have accessed and benefited from services within Wrexham and who recognise how these services help and support other parents in their local area. We are aware that parents relate best to the voice of other parents, who have faced the same challenges and know what they are going through.

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    Cllr Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “Parent champions have been successful in other parts of the UK and it’s great to see that we are starting the programme here in Wrexham. The role of a parent champion is very adaptable and could help parents to develop confidence before returning to the world of work or taking on a more in depth voluntary role with a different charity/organisation. More importantly the knowledge that parents and carers have of our services makes them the ideal people to spread the word and help other parents looking for information and services.”

    The role of a parent champion is to meet and speak to parents about local services in their communities. They can share experiences and signpost to services. Their positive experiences can help others take the step to access a service that they may have been unsure of previously. Full training will be given. The parent champion will be working closely with Wrexham Family Information Service, who provide parents, carers and professionals with information, advice and guidance.

    So, are you a parent or carer who has used local children’s and young people’s services? This could include; education, parenting support or support for children with additional needs, to name just a few services. If so, this could be the ideal volunteering role for you. The role should be able to easily slot into your daily life and would be a way in which to give back to your local community as well as to share your knowledge of local services with other parents.

    Training sessions will be taking place on the 14/15 November 9.30am-12.30pm. Booking is essential.

    If you’re interested and would like some more information about our next training sessions, please contact parentchampion@wrexham.gov.uk

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • National Adoption Week: Could you provide a loving forever home?

    National Adoption Week: Could you provide a loving forever home?

    National Adoption Week takes place from the 17th – 23rd October.

    During National Adoption Week, we are aiming to raise awareness of adoption in Wrexham and North Wales.

    Lead Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rob Walsh, said: “If you’ve ever thought about adopting a child or children, there is a wealth of knowledge in our Adoption Team and dedicated social workers who all work together with local families and local schools to build better futures for local children. If you need any more information or would like to take the next step in your adoption journey, please contact the team. They are extremely knowledgeable and more than happy to help with any questions or information you may need.”

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    If you have room in your heart and home, then there’s every chance that you can adopt. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of relationship status, sexuality, beliefs or ethnicity. If you have the flexibility and resilience to give a child – or children – a happy home, we’d love to hear from you.

    As a starting point for adoption, you must:
    • Be able to provide a safe and stable home for a child
    • Be at least 21 years old – but there’s no upper age limit
    • Be a resident of the UK
    • Have no cautions or convictions against a child (the same applies to any other members of your household)
    • Have finished fertility treatment more than 6 months ago
    • Have a strong, stable and enduring relationship if you are with a partner

    Question and Answer Sessions

    Are you thinking of adopting or do you want some more information? We are holding three question and answer sessions on Microsoft Teams during National Adoption Week. The details are below:

    Session 1:    Time: October 18, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM London

    Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

    Click here to join the meeting

    Meeting ID: 351 202 009 733
    Passcode: RbDpmA

    Session 2:    Time: October 20, 2022 07:00 – 8.00 PM London

    Join the ZOOM Meeting here

    https://zoom.us/j/96495509796

    Meeting ID: 964 9550 9796

    Passcode: 50903654

    Session 3:    Time: October 21, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM London

    Click here to join the meeting

    Meeting ID: 372 637 463 852
    Passcode: 28sNhM

    The North Adoption Service promotes and supports best practice in adoption across Wales.

    For more information about adoption and the processes involved, please contact the North Wales Adoption Service: 08000850774 / 01978295311

    www.mabwysiadugogleddcymru.co.uk

    www.northwalesadoption.gov.uk

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  • Wrexham’s Wellbeing Hub Officially Opens

    Wrexham’s Wellbeing Hub Officially Opens

    A NEW state of the art town centre Community Health and Well-being Area, known as the “Wellbeing Hub” has officially opened its doors.

    The Wellbeing Hub, located on Chester Street, is a new multi-agency space that provides integrated community, health, social care and third sector preventative activities and alternative solutions to care and support in a safe environment, with accessible facilities, for all ages and abilities. It compliments existing service provision, covering physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

    The Wellbeing Hub is a partnership between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, AVOW and Wrexham Council and will provide easy access to information and advice to help people live healthier, happier lives.

    Officially opening the Hub The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Brian Cameron said: “The Wellbeing Hub is a great example of partnership working. People can find the information and help they need in one, easily accessible place. Not only does the hub provide this great service but it also is the home to some state of the art facilities that can be used by local community groups. I encourage everyone to come and take a look at what the hub can offer you.”

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    The Minister for Climate Change, Julie James added: “I am delighted to learn that with support from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund, the local community in Wrexham will have access to a wellbeing hub, providing them with advice and support when they need it most. A fantastic example of partnership working at its best.”

    Andrea Hughes, Integrated Health Community Director of Nursing (East), said: “This new hub will be a great benefit to the community, offering easy access to information and support for anyone who needs it. We are looking forward to seeing people face-to-face and would like to encourage anyone who might be concerned or have questions about their wellbeing to come in and speak with us to ensure they receive the right support for them. By working in partnership with other organisations under one roof we can offer a real holistic approach to help those that come in or signpost them to the right place.”

    Dawn Roberts-McCabe, Chief Officer of AVOW said: “AVOW is delighted to be working in partnership with WCBC and BCUHB on this ground-breaking Health and Wellbeing Hub which will benefit our Wrexham community.  We will encourage third sector organisations of all sizes to make use of this modern, flexible, welcoming space”.

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Finance, said: “The wellbeing hub will provide an important service for the people of Wrexham, and I’m delighted the facility is now open.

    “I would like to thank Welsh Government for working with us on this project, as well as partners and councillors for supporting the initiative.”

    Lead member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Pritchard said: “The Wellbeing Hub is a welcome addition to Wrexham city centre. It will help to promote good health and wellbeing and aid local people to age well.”

    The official plaque was unveiled by the Standards of Wrexham’s Services (SWS) group. The SWS group is a group of residents who have been referred to, and work with, Wrexham Council’s adult social care department to improve the lives of those living with disabilities in Wrexham.

    The hub aims to make it quicker and easier for people to access the information, support and advice they need. With easy access to information and advice as well as accessible spaces and facilities, the Wellbeing Hub is perfect for a range of community groups to use.

    Wellbeing Hub Advisors will be on hand to provide information on a range of services such as befriending, fuel poverty and digital inclusion. There will be regular drop in sessions from services such as Wrexham Family Information Service, Department of Work and Pensions, Wrexham Community for Work, Family Friends and Warm Wales. There will be a varied programme of activities such as exercise sessions, healthy eating and cookery, parent support, confidence building and children’s activities.

    For more information about the Wellbeing Hub and the services it has to offer please visit our website or search for Wellbeing Hub Wrexham on Facebook.

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