Welcome to the latest entry of our Joint Working Journal! Today we’re focusing on Steering and Advisory Board 2 (SAB2), which met on 20th February. We also have another digital story to share and an update on a recent ministerial visit.

Steering and Advisory Board 2 (SAB2)

SAB2 covers two regional programmes of work – ‘Emotional Well-being and Mental Health’ and ‘Well-being and Learning Disability’. Here are some key updates:

• Work is now underway to plan for the implementation of the West Glamorgan Emotional and Mental Well-being Strategy. If you’d like to have your say on the priorities for the next financial year, we’re holding a drop-in session titled ‘Turning Vision into Action’ on Friday 8th March (10am – 12.30pm) in Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum.
• The Regional Learning Disability Strategy (2024-2029) was approved by the Regional Partnership Board earlier this year. We’re now in the delivery phase and a plan has been developed. Progress and outcomes will be monitored and reported back via SAB2. There’ll be a separate strategy for Children and Young People with a Learning Disability – we’re currently devising an engagement plan to inform the new Strategy.
• We’re in the process of arranging a workshop to explore the challenges people with a Learning Disability face in terms of transport. The session will be co-designed with members of the ‘Your Say’ forum.

‘Active 18′ Project Shines!

SAB2 members were treated to an inspiring video highlighting the work of one of the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) funded projects.

Discovery is a student volunteering service based in Swansea University which provides their students with the opportunity to be involved in various projects in the community. Their ‘Active 18’ project gives students the chance to connect with and arrange fun activities for local adults with learning disabilities.

Our team went along to the project’s annual Halloween party to catch a glimpse of ‘Active 18’ in action and the positive impact on the lives of participants:

Deputy Minister Visits Early Help Hub

The fantastic work of the Llansamlet-based Valley Early Help Hub was highlighted earlier this month during a visit from the Deputy Minister for Well-being and Mental Health, Lynne Neagle.

Valley Early Help Hub is one of five Hubs in Swansea designed ensure that children and families in need of support have access to the right help at the right time based on what really matters to them. Grant funding has been awarded via the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF), administered via the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership.

The Deputy Minister took the time to meet those delivering this valuable service and to find out more about the implementation of the national NYTH/NEST Framework, which places mental health and wellbeing considerations at the forefront of service planning for babies, children, young people and families.

You’ll find more about the visit and other West Glam updates in our Newsletter – February’s edition is out now!