Support for people with mental health issues is on hand in Taff Ely through as part of a programme delivered by Mind practitioners.
The scheme, known as active monitoring, offers support for people with a range of mild to moderate mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteems, loneliness, anger and loss and grief. Active Monitoring is a guided self-help programme which is available through referral from a GP for those that live in the Taff area. Once referred, a dedicated mental health practitioner from MIND will contact you directly with the aim to work alongside you to help improve your wellbeing. The programme provides an initial 15 minute introduction to the service either online or on the telephone, followed by five weekly check in sessions. Participants can choose to explore on of the designated pathways such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, loneliness, anger or loss and grief. Each week the practitioner will discuss tips, tools and techniques and set goals to review progress. If you live in the Taff area, are over 16 years of age and think MIND may be a able to help, please contact your GP surgery.
If you are looking for advice on how to be more active whilst lockdown continues, a new facebook page is offering online sessions accessible from home. The Be Active RCT facebook page offers a variety of online health and wellbeing sessions and activities which existing and new participants are welcome to join in with. Anyone living in the RCT area is able to join. The Be Active project offers activities such as yoga sessions, walking groups and exercise classes from the comfrt and support of your armchair. Be Active can also offer a more personalised service to sipport people with physical and mental health and members of the public can get in touch directly if they would like to learn more about this service. If you want to get involved or know more then get in touch with RHA Wales by contacting steph.duffy@rhawales.com or sending a direct message on their facebook page. First Minister Mark Drakeford and NHS Wales are appealing to the Welsh public to download a new COVID Symptom Tracker app to help the NHS response to COVID-19 in Wales.
People across Wales are being asked to log their daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people. The app is for everyone, not just those who are experiencing symptoms. Developed by researchers at King’s College London and healthcare science company, ZOE, the COVID-19 Symptom Tracker is already being used by more than 38,000 people in Wales, and over 2 million across the UK. People are using the app to track their daily health and any potential COVID-19 symptoms. It is also being used by healthcare and hospital workers. Data from the COVID-19 Symptom Tracker app will be shared daily with the Welsh Government and NHS Wales. It will give early indications of where future hospital admissions are going to be. Scientists from Kings College London and the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank at Swansea University will work with the Welsh Government to analyse the data to inform modelling and understand and predict the developing situation of the disease in Wales First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: Having a range of evidence and data is crucial in helping us build a clear picture of how the virus is behaving and affecting everyone’s lives. Crucially this app can help us anticipate potential COVID hot spots and get our NHS services ready. I’m asking everyone in Wales to download the new COVID Symptom Tracker app, so you can help protect our workers and save lives. Together we can build the best scientific picture so we are better armed to fight this terrible disease. The research team at King’s College London and ZOE are analysing the data to generate new insights about the disease. An interactive map allowing anyone to see the distribution of COVID in their area is available at covid.joinzoe.com as well as frequent science updates. Lead researcher Professor Tim Spector from King’s College London, says: Accurate real-time data is essential if we are to beat this disease. Without accurate and wide spread testing it’s essential that we have much data as possible to help us predict where we are going to see the next spikes in demand so that resources can be effectively deployed ahead of time to meet the needs of the patients. The support of the Welsh Government and NHS Wales is an incredibly positive step in the right direction and we hope to see other NHS groups coming on board in the coming days. We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who is already participating, and would urge everyone else to download the app and check in every day, whether you are experiencing any symptoms or feeling fine. The app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play from the links at covid.joinzoe.com. Daily symptom maps and other content are available via https://covid.joinzoe.com/blog A social group in Pontypridd is working to combat loneliness during the COVID-19 outbreak by moving its presence online.
The Dewi Sant Men’s Shed, which was launched last year at Dewi Sant Health Park in Pontypridd is now operating on facebook, helping members to keep in touch at a time when many people feel lonely and isolated. Men’s Sheds’ are social groups set up in local communities for the benefit of people in the area. The Dewi Sant Men’s Shed is a new group, set up in September 2019 and was the initiative of the Taff Ely Primary Care Cluster and in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. The idea was to establish the community group as a way to promote good physical and mental health. Since its launch, the group has grown in membership and members have developed an action plan to provide activities such as gardening, walking rugby and armchair netball. However, since the COVID outbreak activities have obviously come to a halt. Now the group are working to create a digital presence, using a facebook group to enable members to communicate and offer support if needed. Paul Nagle, Shed Development Officer said: “Maintaining communication between our members is really important at this time when a lot of people might be experiencing loneliness. The detrimental effects of loneliness and social isolation have been likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, so it really is a major impact on a person’s health. Setting up an online presence thereby ensures that our group remains together, ready to meet again once the current health situation is resolved.” Members use the group to post videos activities such as gardening and share useful information. Dewi Sant Men's Shed secretary Dave Edwards said: "Because of the coronavirus outbreak we cannot hold our weekly meetings. However it is important that we all regularly keep in contact and Facebook enables us to do that. It gives members up to date info on what is happening and also the activities available while self-isolating." The idea for Men’s Sheds’ originated in Australia 11 years ago and was developed by a health board to tackle growing concerns of social isolation amongst their male population in particular. They identified that high numbers of men had time on their hands, due to retirement, unemployment or illness and this often manifested in boredom, men suffering in silence with declining mental health and in the worst cases suicide. Members of each individual shed decide activities that take place according to the skills and interests of the group. Activities might include art, amateur radio, model making or DIY. Despite its name, the Men’s Shed at Dewi Sant is open to anyone, male or female, over the age of 18. The group is continuing to take on new members at this time. To find out more search join the ‘Dewi Sant Men’s Shed’ group. Support is available in Taff Ely for those that need it during these difficult times. Our Wellbeing Coordinators are still on hand to provide support for people suffering from low mood, anxiety, depression, financial worries, housing or debt problems. Please contact your GP surgery by telephone if you wish to speak to a Wellbeing Coodinator or use the contact details below to book an appointment directly. They’ve also put together a list of helpful organisations that can help during this period. Organisations based in the Taff Ely cluster can be found below and a full list of support services across RCT can be found by following this link: http://www.interlinkrct.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Wellbeing-Bulletin-March-20.pdf Taff Ely Foodbank: Providing emergency support to those in crisis. Open at Bethel Baptist Church, Pontyclun. Monday - Friday, 9am-1pm. Offering deliveries of emergency food parcels to people self-isolating. Still accepting food donations (non-perishable) at local supermarkets and Bethel Baptist Church during opening hours. Contact Andrew Butcher on: 07900 557379. Pontypridd Foodbank: Providing emergency support to those in crisis. Open at St Luke's Church, Rhydyfelin, Monday & Friday 2-4pm and Wednesday 10am-12noon. Offering deliveries of emergency food parcels to people self-isolating. Please contact your housing officer, Citizens Advice or a member of your local wellbeing team if you need a voucher. Still accepting food donations (non-perishable) at Sainsbury’s, Ponytpridd and St Luke’s, Rhydyfelin during opening hours. Contact Mandy Haydon-Hall on 07562137392. Llanharan Drop-in Centre: Providing childcare (6 weeks to 12 years) for key working families only. MUST be registered through local authority emergency childcare scheme. Contact them on: 01443 229723 or email info@llanharandropin.org.uk. Salem Chapel, Tonteg: Team of local volunteers supporting those self-isolating or vulnerable with the following: picking up shopping, dog walks, calling for a chat, delivering foodbank packages for those in crisis, posting mail and any other essential support. Contact Emma on 07581888006 or Rev. Rosa on 07807893373. Liam’s Taxis: Based in Pontypridd, they are offering to assist with getting vulnerable people, NHS and key workers to supermarkets and to work. An 8-seater taxi but they will only take 4 from the same household at any time to abide by government regulations. Minimal fares will be charged to cover petrol costs. Call or text 07581006416 at any time. Glyncoch Support Group: Providing practical help such as shopping, prescription pick up and welfare calls via volunteers. Contact: 01443 540104, line open from 10am-4pm daily, leave a voicemail outside those times. Email keith.lewis@glyncoch.org.uk Tylagarw Community Support: Volunteer help with picking up shopping, urgent supplies, a friendly phone call and posting mail. Recruiting volunteers. Contact them on: 07395 157540 https://www.facebook.com/Tylagarwvillagehall/ Your Taff Ely Wellbeing Coordinators Hannah Furnish: 07730 431859 / hfurnish@interlink.org.uk Aminah Teague: 07515 166035 / ateague@interlink.org.uk We aware of a growing number of social media posts from non-credible sources that appear to give advice on Coronavirus/ COVID19. Be aware that this is not official advice. It is now more important than ever that you source accurate health information from official channels only. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are working with Public Health Wales to keep you up-to-date with all of the official advice on our Facebook and twitter pages. Please follow us @CwmTafMorgannwg
Patients who are at risk of developing diabetes are being encouraged to try out gentle exercise at a Health and Wellbeing morning being held in Pontyclun Rugby Club on Tuesday March 10. The free event, which is being led by Old School Surgery in Pontyclun and local housing group, RHA Wales, will include taster sessions on yoga, relaxation and exercise at a gentle pace. The morning, which will begin at 10am, is part of the BeActive programme which aims to improve health and increase active lifestyles by offering easy to access, fun activities throughout the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. Old School Surgery is hoping to refer pre-diabetic patients to the session as well as encourage others to attend to improve their general health. Pre-diabetes means a higher than normal blood sugar level but not high enough to be called as diabetes. According to Diabetes UK, around 7 million people in the UK are estimated to have pre-diabetes which if isn’t treated can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, pre-diabetes is reversible and lifestyle changes such as taking up exercise and diet can make a big difference. Dr Paula Varma, who works at Old School Surgery, said, “Diabetes is a growing problem affecting many people but a change to diet and taking regular exercise can help to prevent it developing in people who are showing signs of the condition. “In addition it is known that exercise is social and fun, it improves self-esteem, stress and depression as well as boosting energy and promoting good sleep. Weight control is an added bonus and we hope that this taster session will be the start of improved physical and mental health for our community.” The health and wellbeing taster session is open to all ages and abilities, and will also include the opportunity to sign up to free six week health and wellbeing courses in the community. Steph Duffy, Health and Wellbeing Officer at RHA, who is organising the taster session said, “There are so many benefits to taking up gentle exercise. We talk a lot about ‘health body, healthy mind’ and joining something like a yoga or relaxation class can really help to make a positive difference. “Not only does it help to build strength, fitness and balance, it’s really fun and you get to meet like-minded people in your community who are looking to try something new and improve their health.” Other activities are also currently available in the area to help anyone who wants to improve their health and wellbeing including;
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the range of professionals in the community who can help patients without the need to go to the GP. To join the Health and Wellbeing taster session on March 10 please contact Steph Duffy on 01443 424272. To find out more visit www.cwmtafmorgannwg.wales or follow #YourLocalTeam on social media. When Carys Spencer started working at her local Pharmacy as a teenager, little did she know she’d one day become the Community Pharmacist in the very same store.
Starting as a Saturday girl at 15 years old, Carys saw the impact the community pharmacist at Pontyclun Pharmacy had on people’s lives, and it was that that inspired her to take up the profession. 11 years later, after pursuing a degree in Pharmacy, Carys still works at the chemist, managing medications and looking after the community of Pontyclun. “I enjoy being a community pharmacist because you get to know the community and you are able to follow up progress,” says Carys. “I know my patients and I know their medications and I’m a familiar face for them in the community.” As a pharmacist Carys is able to help with a wide range of medical issues. From checking medications are safe and correct for a patient, to giving advice on minor illnesses and ailments, the service is a quick and easy way for local people to access professional advice. Carys, who has lived in Pontyclun all her life, said: “Pharmacists are well placed in the community to offer on the spot advice. You’re unlikely to wait more than a few minutes to speak to a qualified member of staff. “We always do our best to solve the problem you walk in with on the day. We’re able to give advice on anything you can think of, from colic to aches and pains and constipation. “Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and we are experts in medication. If you have questions about your prescription medicines, if you have questions about the side effects or how to use your medication, we’re able to talk to you about those as well as giving advice on any over the counter medicine you may wish to buy.” Carys loves her job, working as part of the local primary care team and says she finds it enormously rewarding: “The best part of being a pharmacist is being able to help people. I enjoy feeling like I make a difference to people’s lives and find it really rewarding to give people advice on medical conditions and lifestyle changes. It’s particularly rewarding to help people when they’re coming out of hospital to make sure they’re on the correct medication now that they’re back home and to support them to take that medication correctly.” Some pharmacies now offer specialist services such as stop smoking advice, emergency contraception, sore throat testing, and flu vaccines. Pharmacists are also able to provide free medications for certain conditions under the common ailments scheme. Carys added: “We know a little bit about everything and I’d feel confident giving advice to anyone who walks through the door. My advice to people is come and see us, give us a chance and you’ll get professional advice.” Pharmacists are just one of the primary care services available to people close to home. To find out more about service available to you through #YourLocalTeam visit cwmtafmorgannwg.wales or follow #YourLocalTeam on social media. A campaign highlighting the many healthcare services available in the local community has been launched across Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend.
The Your Local Team campaign, launched this week by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, focuses on the many different primary care professionals available to patients close to their home. While for a lot of patients the GP might be their first port of call when they pick up an illness or injury, the message from the health board is that it may not always be the most appropriate service to use. Alan Lawrie, Director of Primary, Community and Mental Health for Cwm Taf Morgannwg said: “Primary Care is constantly evolving and updating and we now have a range of healthcare professionals right on our doorsteps. “People have the choice of who they can see now. If you have a bad back, there may be a physiotherapist based in your surgery, if you are feeling down or suffering with anxiety, your local Well-Being Co-ordinator might be able to help. It’s about offering our patients choice and providing the best, most effective health care, close to home.” Carys Spencer is a Pharmacist living and working in Pontyclun. She says Pharmacists can help with a wider range of conditions than people realise: “We’re able to give advice on anything you can think of, from colic to aches and pains, and constipation, we’re likely to know the answer or refer you to the people who do. A pharmacist is part of the local community, we’re here to help.” A patient might often seek an appointment with their GP as a first port of call when, in fact, professionals like Optometrist, Adam Thomas might be better equipped to help. “The best way to be treated for eye issues is to contact the optometrist first,” said Adam, who works in a high street opticians in Talbot Green. “We’ve had further training in acute eye care. We can offer appointments typically within 24 hours and you can be seen by someone who is trained specifically and has the equipment to deal with eye problems.” Dentist Jennie Forss agrees. She treats routine and emergency patients at Porth Dental Teaching Unit. “The dentist is a really important part of the community. We work alongside the GP, as well as seeing our own regular patients to provide a well-rounded team approach to patients care and well-being. A healthy smile is so important to confidence and wellbeing. I enjoy working with patients to look after their oral health.” And it’s not just dentists and pharmacists on the local high street, there’s a whole host of new roles based in GP surgeries too. Julie Lomas is a Wellbeing Co-ordinator, based across five surgeries in Cynon. She works with people facing all kinds of wellbeing and social issues, from problems with housing and debt to stress, anxiety and loneliness. In her role Julie can take the time to chat to patients and work with them to find ways to help. “The reason I do this job is because I’ve always loved helping people and I’ve got a real interest in people’s stories. I just think if someone is suffering or they’re not feeling quite themselves and there’s something I can do to help that person, then that’s what I want to do”, says Julie GP, Dr Bik Choudhary added “By working as a multi-disciplinary team within practices and with our colleagues in Primary Care, we hope that GPs are then able to have more time to be able to deal with the more complex patients. It’s about providing a better, more timely service for all our patients.” For more information about the Your Local Team campaign visit www.cwmtafmorgannwg.wales Artwork created by people experiencing anxiety, stress and loneliness in Cwm Taf Morgannwg is on permanent display at a community church.
A beautiful mural and stained glass window-style paintings made by members of Breathing Space in Pontypridd are being exhibited at St Catherine’s Church in the town centre. The artwork can be seen in the church itself as well as in the entrance porch, along with the thoughts of the artists behind the work. The project was based on the understanding that anyone could contribute at any point, with no one piece of work belonging to an individual artist. Coordinator Nick Clements said: “The murals were a real team effort, with each piece being worked on by several people. “Sometimes people come along and then we don’t see them again for four or five weeks, but it was vital that they knew they could return whenever they wanted to and pick things up where they left off. The important thing for people is that their art will be on display permanently.” Launched two years ago as a joint initiative between Taff Ely Primary Care Cluster and Valley and Vale Community Arts, Breathing Space is held every Thursday afternoon in rooms above St Catherine’s. While some members are referred by their GP or other community organisations, anyone is welcome to drop into the free sessions, with no obligation to be there every week. Initially established as a 12-week project, Breathing Space has been so successful that it’s seen as a long-term solution in improving mental wellbeing and reducing isolation and loneliness in Cwm Taf Morgannwg. Partly funded by the health board and the Arts Council Wales, and with recent funding from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund through the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board, the group has become a lifeline for people managing anxiety, depression and chronic pain, with the ‘open’ nature of sessions enabling members to dip in and out as their health allows. “Breathing Space is often the one thing in the week that some participants look forward to,” added coordinator Katja Stiller. “Many of the people who come here are vulnerable and have a lot going on in their lives, but as Nick and I run the sessions together, one of us is always available if someone just needs a cup of tea and a chat in a quiet corner.” The weekly sessions are a mix of mindfulness, arts, crafts, creative writing and friendship. Breathing Space meets every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm in St Catherine’s Church, Gelliwastad Road. For more details, phone Katja on 01656 729246. |
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