The North East Wales Adult Community Learning Partnership (NEWACL) was officially launched recently.
The Partnership is a joint venture between Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council with the aim of providing the very best adult learning opportunities and outcomes in our communities.
Funded by the Welsh Government, the Partnership provides a range of adult learning courses and provision, so all adults can access the courses and support available.
Wrexham Country Borough Council Lead Member for Education, Councillor Phil Wynn, said, “I have had the pleasure in contributing to the formation of this Partnership and fully support its aim to create a comprehensive offer of Adult Community education across both counties.
“I’ve been very impressed with how partners work together to listen to learners, education providers and employers and transform their feedback into a diverse curriculum offer for people, many of whom will be taking their first steps back into education but also for those who are looking to enhance their career prospects.
“I believe that it has something for everyone but if there is something missing, the partnership will do everything it can to respond to any gaps that emerge. I would encourage everyone to take a look at what is on offer and for those who might feel it is a bit daunting, there will be help and support for you to take that next important step.”
The Partnership is working with a group of lead providers to ensure that adult learning meets the needs of our communities, including:
Aura Leisure and Libraries
Caia Park Partnership
Coleg Cambria
Groundwork North Wales
Ty Calon – Deeside Community Trust
Flintshire’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Youth, Councillor Ian Roberts, said, “We’ll be working together to ensure the very best opportunities and outcomes for adult learners in North East Wales, from engagement courses from those looking for a new interest and would like to meet like-minded people to those who need a particular qualification to progress onto the next stage of their career.
“We are truly a partnership based in the community and are continually seeking ideas and feedback about what our community needs. Therefore, if you have any ideas about the types of courses you would like to see, please contact us.”
If you would like to find out more about the Partnership and the range of courses available including timetables for the autumn term, then please get in touch.
As the new school term gets underway, it’s also a new beginning for an inspirational woman who has started her dream job at a Wrexham high school after gaining her degree at the age of 51.
Having had many occupations in her career from factory work, fast-food restaurants, to appearing on television, Karen Morris landed her first role as a science technician at Ysgol Clywedog after graduating from Glyndŵr University with a first-class honour’s degree in forensic science.
Although Karen had always wanted to be a scientist, due to various circumstances, she didn’t go to university at 18. Instead, she focused on work and family, planning to finish her education at some point.
At the age of 47, Karen finally decided the time was right to go to university but feared she had left it too late. She said: “My family disagreed and encouraged me to at least apply for a course I liked. I have loved all aspects of science from a very young age, especially after reading about Marie Curie and her amazing life and career.
“Although I loved chemistry, I wanted a course in forensics as I wasn’t sure exactly what career I wanted at the end of it. After searching online, Glyndŵr University seemed to offer the best course for me; a BSc in forensic science with an additional foundation year as it had been decades since I had entered a classroom.
“Being at university was the most amazing four years of my life! The course was really interesting and varied with the tutors supporting me throughout.
“As the final term approached, I had to decide on what type of job to apply for. I knew I wanted to work in a laboratory, and it was important to me to work in a friendly environment.
“So, I typed into Google ‘Wrexham Laboratory Technician’ just to see what the results would be. The first result was a job opportunity in Ysgol Clywedog. I couldn’t believe my luck! It was the school my daughter had attended, so I already knew it was a friendly place to be and the job description was perfect.
“These types of jobs don’t appear very often, and this one was only due to the current technician retiring. I applied, interviewed, and was offered my dream job. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be here.
“Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. I am still getting lost going around the school, but I have the best job ever! I hope to bring some elements of my forensic knowledge to some of the lessons in the future, but at the moment I am enjoying the fact that I get to do chemistry every day.”
Matt Vickery, Headteacher at Ysgol Clywedog, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Karen to the school. Her enthusiasm for the new job shone through during the interview process and I know she will be a great asset to the science department. We all wish her a very happy and fulfilling career here at Ysgol Clywedog.”
With just 100 days to go until Christmas, HMRC is urging shoppers to ensure they don’t get caught out by unexpected charges when buying from overseas traders.
Changes introduced on 1 January this year mean that some UK consumers buying presents for family and friends from EU businesses may now need to pay customs charges when their goods are delivered.
In the same way that consumers have previously had to pay charges when buying certain items from non-EU sellers, the same rules now also apply to goods being bought from the EU.
Shoppers buying stocking fillers or small items don’t need to worry about the changes. Only those buying excise goods – tobacco or alcohol – or ordering luxury items or presents in consignments worth more than £135, before discounts are applied, should be affected.
VAT will still apply on purchases made in consignments worth less than £135 but should be charged by the seller at the point of sale.
But anyone buying a more expensive product from abroad may need to pay import VAT, customs duty and/or excise duty when they receive their order. The amount due will depend on a range of factors, so to avoid surprises consumers should check with their seller to ensure they don’t end up over budget this holiday season.
To help shoppers, HMRC has produced diagrams to explain the various scenarios when buying from the EU. The government has also published easy to follow guidance for consumers to help everyone to understand the changes and when, why and how charges will need to be paid.
Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said:
“With 100 days until Christmas, we want to remind shoppers of the changes introduced since 1 January so that their present buying experience is as smooth as possible, and that online shoppers don’t inadvertently get caught out by any unexpected charges.”
Find out more about the new rules by checking on GOV.UK for a simple guide to the possible charges as well as essential information on how to dispute a charge, return unwanted goods and to get a refund on the charges paid.
Consumers can also find guidance on what may be required when sending or receiving items from friends and family living abroad.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]CONTACT US ABOUT CARE JOBS[/button]
It’s no secret that communities across Wales are facing a shortage of care workers at the moment.
Maybe you’ve seen the national We Care Wales campaign, encouraging people to look at jobs and careers in the care sector?
Things are no different in Wrexham, and we need individuals with the right qualities to step forward and take on local roles.
Wrexham Council works with lots of employers to help provide care for people in their own homes and supported accommodation – helping to maintain their independence and quality of life.
It’s a career that literally changes lives, and can be hugely rewarding.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]CONTACT US ABOUT CARE JOBS[/button]
Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, says:
“The whole of Wales is facing a shortage in care workers at the moment, and we need people with the right qualities to fill roles in Wrexham right now.
“A job in social care can mean helping people in their own homes with day-to-day living tasks, taking people to day-centres or activities, or caring for individuals with complex health needs in residential homes or supported accommodation.
“There are many different roles, but they all make a huge difference to people’s lives.
“If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.
“Please get in touch, and we’ll help you learn more about local opportunities.
Available to all local residents with symptoms or anyone asked by our contact tracers to get a test…
A mobile testing unit has returned to Johnstown to make it easier for people living in the area to get a Covid-19 test.
The easy-access testing facility will be offering PCR tests at Johnstown Community Centre every Monday, starting from today (September 13).
This follows a successful period earlier this summer, and the facility will be based in the carpark opposite the community centre between 9:30am and 5pm every Monday until further notice.
Cases have been relatively high in the area compared to the rest of Wrexham County Borough in recent weeks, and it’s hoped that providing the testing facility every Monday will help slow any spread.
Following the change to self-isolation requirements for contacts of positive Covid-19 cases, eligible contacts who are not required to self-isolate are encouraged to undertake a PCR test by our contact tracers, who will promote the Johnstown facility along with other local options.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Public Protection says:
“The week before last, our TTP team identified 1,385 contacts of positive Covid-19 cases, and the additional facility will make it easier for eligible contacts to take a PCR test.
“If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.”
The work is being co-ordinated by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham Council and Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.
An Open Day this month offers the chance to find out more about an exciting archaeological dig uncovering the remains of the first ever Roman villa to be discovered in north-east Wales.
People are invited to the free Roman Rossett Dig Open Day, organised by Wrexham Museum and the University of Chester, on Saturday September 18.
Between 10am and 4pm, visitors can see what has been discovered during the excavation at the site in Burton, Rossett, Wrexham – as well as what it reveals about the villa and the people who lived there.
The event is designed for all the family, and all ages. Visitors can tour the site, meet archaeologists and see Roman re-enactors, with a range of further fun activities especially for children to enjoy.
People are urged to make the most of the opportunity to join the discovery as the site is not open to the public at other times without consent.
The overall project is a working partnership between Wrexham Museum and the University of Chester and has the potential to alter our understanding of Roman north-east Wales and north-west England.
A three-week excavation is taking place this month (September) with a team including volunteers and University of Chester students. It follows the recent discovery, through the co-operation of local metal detectorists, of Roman material at the site; this sparked a remote sensing survey which revealed clear evidence of a buried structure.
Fieldwalking at the site also yielded artefacts from the late 1st century to the early 4th century AD, suggesting that the villa was occupied for the majority of Roman rule in Britain.
The identification of a villa here would suggest that the pattern of Roman rural settlement is more typical of the rest of the Province than we previously thought. The excavation seeks to explore this, answering questions this remarkable find has raised about the character and intensity of Roman settlement in the region.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People at Wrexham Council and the local Member for the Rossett ward said: “Having visited the site myself, I encourage anyone with an interest in local history to take advantage of the open day. With this dig we are literally breaking new ground in our understanding of local life during the Roman period.”
Dr Caroline Pudney, who is leading the project with Stephen Grenter of Wrexham Museum said: “Join us to gain a glimpse into the area’s Roman past and be part of this remarkable discovery which is challenging current interpretations of history.”
The project has received funding from the Roman Research Trust and through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
To keep up to date with the dig, search for #RomanRossett and #yrOrseddRufeinig on social media.
Further information
History and Archaeology at the University of Chester:
A modern living space is helping people in Wrexham with profound learning difficulties enjoy a more independent life.
Heddwch was previously a four-bed residence for people with severe learning disabilities.
But with funding from Welsh Government and ClwydAlyn, it’s been redeveloped into four one-bedroom flats with staffed communal areas – giving residents more independence, while still making sure they get the help they need.
The construction work has been undertaken by North Wales firm Williams Homes, and the rejuvenated building welcomed its first residents earlier this year.
Suzanne Mazzone, Executive Director of Housing Services at ClwydAlyn, says:
“We’ve been able to redevelop Heddwch into a unique supported living facility to provide 24-hour care and support for residents, whilst also enabling independent living through safe and secure self-contained flats.
“The scheme has been made possible through strong partnership working between ClwydAlyn, Wrexham Council and Williams Homes, and we are delighted to have been able to work in collaboration to deliver high quality homes and support to enhance the lives of residents.”
Making a difference
More than 2% of adults in the UK are believed to have a learning disability, with different people affected in different ways.
For some, it can make it much harder to manage day-to-day things like household tasks, socialising or understanding complicated information.
But with enough help, they can overcome these challenges and feel safer and more confident in life.
Councillor David Bithell, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, says:
“Heddwch is an ideal supported-living facility, and it’s already making a difference to people’s lives.
“It provides the right balance between support and independence, and is just one example of how the council and its partners are working to help people with learning difficulties.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Heddwch. It’s wonderful to see these kinds of projects come to fruition – they make a huge difference to so many people and their families.”
Welsh Government has provided funding through its Integrated Care Fund, which supports health and social care projects across Wales.
Since Wales entered Alert Level 0 the numbers of people visiting and working in the town centre has increased rapidly.
Whilst this is excellent news for our town centre traders who have had a very difficult 18 months it’s not without a problem that’s becoming more and more noticeable and dangerous – the amount of drivers ignoring traffic regulations and parking restrictions.
This is causing concern due to the safety issues it raises and we’re asking everyone to please drive and park in and around the town centre safely and legally.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said, “I was recently shocked at the amount of drivers I saw going the wrong way in one way areas and also parking inconsiderately.
“There’s no excuse for this behaviour which is ultimately dangerous and could result in a serious accident. Please take care and take advantage of the free parking that is on offer after 11am in all council run town centre car parks except Tŷ Pawb.
“Our officers will be on the look out for offenders and I have approached the local police for their help with ensuring traffic regulations are observed by all drivers to ensure our town centre roads and pedestrian areas remain safe.”
The Great Big Green Week takes place between 18 and 26 September and will see communities across the country come together for the biggest UK event for climate and nature ever held in the UK.
Everyone’s invited to take part and show that we care and that we’re willing to do something to encourage action to combat climate change.
It’s really easy to take part – schools could hold a special assembly based around climate change, groups can organise events such as a community litter pick. Individuals can take part by doing something as small as planting an area of their garden with wildflowers or autumn planting schemes.
or take a look at the video below from the organisers – The Climate Coalition
(English Only)
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Recent events across the world bring home the impact climate change is having on our lives. From raging wildfires to huge floods and their effect on populations and the environment can be devastating.
“Here in Wrexham we had floods earlier in the year and we’ve seen for ourselves the effect these had in Bangor on Dee, Holt and of course the damage caused to the B5605 at Newbridge which is proving inconvenient to local communities.
“Now is the time to take action and I’d encourage groups, organisations and individuals across Wrexham to take part in the week and either hold an event or take part in one that’s being organised in your area.”
