Welcome to the fifth entry of the West Glamorgan Joint Working Journal! Despite the constant drizzle and chilly winds, we hope everyone had the opportunity to rest and recharge over the bank holiday weekend and is raring to get back to regional working 😊

This edition gives a rundown of the most recent Steering and Advisory Board meeting, as well as an update on a visit from Welsh Government to a Swansea-based project which has benefitted from Regional Integration Fund (RIF) investment…

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Steering and Advisory Board 1 (SAB1)

SAB1 met on Tuesday 2nd April and members received an update on the Carers Programme. A key outcome that’s made a real difference is the short breaks scheme, which was introduced last year following feedback from Carers who felt having the ability to apply for funding for a short break from their caring role would be hugely valuable. Grant funding was made available for both adults and Young Carers, who had the opportunity to apply for a funded short break tailored specifically to them and their personal needs and interests. This funding is due to be renewed for another year, and options on how it could be allocated are being explored.

The topic of communications and engagement with Carers was also raised at SAB1, and plans are underway to arrange an annual event for Carers, along with a separate dedicated event for young Carers. A radio campaign to highlight the vital work of unpaid Carers is also in the pipeline, so please keep an eye (or ear!) out for that.

SAB1 members also received an update on the new Communities and Older People programme. Plans to co-produce a new regional strategy are taking shape, with a series of engagement activities due to take place in the coming months.

This programme has agreed the development of a number of workstreams, including ‘prevention and early intervention’, ‘falls prevention’ and the implementation of the regional Volunteering Strategy (click here for more information). Planned reviews of Intermediate Care and the Joint Equipment Store also form part of this work, and SAB1 will continue to monitor the progress of projects funded via the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF).

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Congolese Development Project Visit

On Wednesday 3rd April, members of the West Glamorgan team were joined by officers from Welsh Government to visit the Congolese Development Project based in the Elysium Gallery in Swansea’s City Centre. This fantastic project receives funding via the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) to provide emotional support and networking opportunities for people arriving in the United Kingdom from overseas, many of whom are seeking asylum.

The project also helps participants with personal admin and IT tasks. Other activities on offer include music classes, peer support sessions and fun day trips.

We had a wonderful time meeting and hearing from staff members, volunteers and project participants. Keep an eye out in a future journal entry for our digital story celebrating the project and its impact, our Communications colleagues are busy editing it right now!

That’s all for this edition – we’ll see you after the next SAB!