Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Newsletter - May 2024

Newsletter Bridgend & NPT

I have loved reading the stories in this newsletter – it’s great to see what everyone is getting up to. I particularly loved reading about all the good things going on in your local communities – everything from volunteering to taking part in activities that are meaningful to you.

I also enjoyed attending the most recent Better Together events. It has been lovely to see staff and the people we support socialising and having fun - but just as importantly, to hear from you about what you are happy with and what you think needs to improve.

I am thrilled that we have recently welcomed Sara Davies, our new Director of Support Services – whom you may have met at a Better Together event. Sara, like me and the whole Director Management Team at Mirus, is committed to working to make our support the best it can be.

Kirsty Davies-Warner Chief Executive

Updates from your area

What is Better Together?

Better Together refers to the way in which Mirus gathers information. We gather information from everyone, so that we can be sure that we focus on improving the things are most important to people.

Updates from your area

Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot held a joint Better Together event at the Cwm Calon Day Centre in Maesteg on 19th March 2024.

At the event we enjoyed chatting and laughing with friends, playing bingo with Easter themed prizes, and pretending to be rockstars with inflatable guitars and microphones.

We also told you the most common themes from the latest feedback you have given us. We’ll use this feedback to make improvements to the things that are most important to you.

You said:

You like attending social activities and events

You like volunteering in your community

You want to work to improve your health and wellbeing

Public transport is unreliable, especially in Maesteg

Changing staff members can be unsettling

You said, we did Social activities

You told us that you love spending time being social and having fun with other people.

David’s 60th birthday party

In February, David turned 60 and had a big party to celebrate. David had the best night and loved dancing with his family and friends, including some who are supported by Mirus.

Staff organised a singer who was fantastic and sang all of David’s favourite songs, from Elvis Presley to Tom Jones, and even a little bit of Frankie Valli. He had everyone up dancing and singing with him.

David loves music and had a Tom Jonesinspired birthday cake, which he loved. The cake had pictures of Tom Jones, vinyls, music notes and a big 60. David enjoyed having people sing Happy Birthday to him and blowing out his candles.

The decorations were also music-related with inflatable microphones and musical instruments. David enjoyed singing into his microphone while others enjoyed playing with the guitars and saxophones.

David had an amazing time celebrating with all his friends and family and spent most of the night dancing to the DJ’s songs once the singer had finished.

Everyone enjoyed the party and David’s family said how pleased they were that he had a fabulous night celebrating. David’s sister commented on how wonderful it was to see David celebrating his birthday with all his friends.

David had a great time at his 60th birthday party.

Activities that promote independence

In Neath Port Talbot, Natalie has been doing more activities that help her become more independent and increase her self-esteem. She has been cooking meals alongside staff and has recently learned to play Jenga – staff say that she is very good and wins every game.

When the weather has been nice, Natalie has been going on walks and enjoying the fresh air. She has said that she would like to do this more during the summer months when it is warmer and sunnier.

Natalie has also recently requested a pamper night every Monday. At the pamper night, she does face masks and hand masks with staff and friends. This has been a nice way for Natalie to relax in the evening before bed.

Volunteering work

You said, we did

You told us that you want to get involved with, and give back to your communities through volunteering work and charity fundraising.

Volunteering has a lot of benefits to both people, and their community. It is a great way to learn and develop life skills, make you feel connected to your community, and improve your wellbeing.

Volunteering can help you to meet new people who share the same interests as you, and helping others can make you feel great about yourself and improve your wellbeing. If you volunteer your time to do something you’re interested in, you’ll be more likely to enjoy it and keep going back.

In Bridgend, Neil has been giving back to his community by helping at a local food pantry. A food pantry is a community-based project that provides food directly to those who need it most.

Neil wanted to help with the food pantry as he loves meeting new people and wanted to find something that also allows him to help people who are struggling.

He started volunteering in September at Bryncae Community Centre and his duties include; helping to set up tables, putting food donations out, and helping people pack their bags. He also helps count the cash tin at the end of his shift.

Neil is enjoying volunteering, and said:

“I love every minute.”

In fact, Neil loves volunteering so much that he has recently started another volunteering position helping the community at The Bridge.

The Bridge is a Bridgend-based charity that provides support for the community by helping to reduce poverty and unemployment, as well as promoting social inclusion and community participation.

David also enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community. This year David is going to be volunteering at Cancer Research’s Race for Life. He will be helping on the day by making sure everyone running or walking is safe and hydrated, by handing out water.

Neil loves his volunteering roles.

David is looking forward to volunteering in future.

You said, we did Health and wellbeing

You told us that you wanted to work on your health and wellbeing, through physical exercise, education and wellbeing exercises.

Learning how to become healthier Greg and Rhodri, who are supported in Bridgend, are on a journey to become healthier – both mentally and physically.

They have been attending the Community Learning Disability Nurse Team’s ‘12-month challenge’ sessions, to learn about becoming more active and keeping themselves healthy. The sessions take place once a month, and aim to help people with learning disabilities understand how to live a healthier lifestyle, and improve their mental health and wellbeing –something both Greg and Rhodri are passionate about doing.

The sessions taught Greg and Rhodri about the importance of men’s health, including why they should attend annual health checks and screening programmes for illnesses like cancer.

They learned about the importance of good oral hygiene and how this can affect a person’s eating, drinking, and relationships.

The sessions also include information about common illnesses, how they are spread, and how to prevent and treat them.

During one session they learned about how germs spread, and the importance of washing your hands to protect yourself and others.

Greg put hand lotion and glitter on his hands, and was then asked to pick up objects around

Greg learned how easily germs spread at one of the ‘12-month challenge’ sessions.

the room. The glitter represented germs, and the activity showed how easily they spread to other things when you touch them.

Greg has said he is enjoying the sessions and getting involved and enjoys meeting up socially with others. Rhodri has said he enjoys taking part, asking the nurses questions and learning from the answers he receives.

Greg and Rhodri are excited to receive their certificates at the end of the challenge.

Staff are appreciating each other Improving wellbeing is also important to our staff. In Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, compliment jars have been put in all houses. At one house, there is a jar in the office where team members can leave compliments for each other.

They write their name, the recipient’s name, and a short compliment or thank-you note on a piece of paper and add it to the jar.

The compliments are opened and read out during team meetings and wellbeing days.

Helen Brown, a Team Leader in Neath said:

“We found that having a compliment jar makes the team feel appreciated and creates a positive and supportive environment.”

Mirus Moments

Celebrating achievements

A Mirus Moment is when someone has done something extra special.

People supported by Mirus and Mirus staff members can both win prizes, when they are nominated by others for doing something great.

You can nominate people who you think deserve to be recognised for their achievements. We have made the online form even quicker and easier to complete, and we hope that even more people will nominate. www.bit.ly/mirusmoments

Each month Mirus Representatives select their favourite nominations to win a prize. Winners will then go forward to be in with a chance of winning a Mirus Star at our awards ceremony later in the year.

Your area’s Mirus Moments 2024 winners so far

Hayley Bates - NPT

Hayley’s reason for being nominated:

“Hayley goes out of her way to find and plan activities and is always making sure people feel heard and supported. Her dedication and passion make a real difference in our lives.

Her bubbly personality uplifts everyone around her. Hayley spoils everyone on their birthdays, making everyone feel special. She creates an inclusive and supportive environment and everyone feels proud to be part of the team.”

Michaela’s reason for being nominated:

“Michaela has gone above and beyond to support and encourage Adam to reach his full potential. As one of the local area reps, Adam has been an outstanding ambassador for Mirus values, and Michaela has played a significant role in this.

Michaela has supported Adam to travel across the country to deliver his message, always focusing on his strengths and abilities. She always looks for reasons why Adam CAN do something, and does everything she can to support him to make it happen. With her support, Adam has now secured paid employment.”

Nominate online!

You can nominate a person supported by Mirus or a Mirus staff member by filling out the form at the link below.

Each person nominated could win a Mirus Moment, and go on to be in with a chance of winning a Mirus Star.

www.bit.ly/mirusmoments

Michaela Adams - Bridgend

Updates from your area

Mirus staff members

Responsible Individual

Name: Nichola Jones

Email: NicholaJ@mirus-wales.org.uk

Area Manager

Name: Liz Thomas

Email: LizT@mirus-wales.org.uk

Mirus Reps For information and support People in your area

Mirus Rep

Name: Adam Bartle

Area: Bridgend & Maesteg

Mirus Rep

Name: Louise Garvey

Area: Neath Port Talbot

Welcome to Sara Davies our new Director of Support Services

Stay up to date

Stay up to date with what’s happening across Mirus by following us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or our website.

www.facebook.com/miruswales

www.twitter.com/miruswales

www.instagram.com/miruswales www.mirus-wales.org.uk

About Mirus Reps

Mirus Reps are volunteers who are supported by Mirus. They are the voice of people supported by Mirus in their area. Their role is to provide feedback and opinions from other people we support to Mirus.

Their goal is to make things better for people supported by Mirus, and help to make sure that people can do the things they love.

Updates from your area Get involved...

coming up in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot

The Big Lunch - afternoon tea

We are holding our ‘Big Lunch’ event as an afternoon tea at the start of June. More details to be confirmed. Contact: JaneT@mirus-wales.org.uk

Flower arranging and pottery classes

Coming soon! Details to be confirmed.

Coffee and catch up

Last Friday of the month at Geraint House 10:30am - 12:30pm.

Walking group

Last Thursday of every month at 2pm, flat routes around Geraint House, Margam

Contact: MelissaM@mirus-wales.org.uk

Aberavon beach wellbeing walk

4th May - Get in touch for more details

Contact: MelissaM@mirus-wales.org.uk

Mental Health awareness event

Geraint House in May. More details TBC. Contact: MelissaM@mirus-wales.org.uk

across Mirus

Mental Health Awareness Week

When: 13th - 19th May

Where: On our social media @MirusWales and events held across Mirus

What: Activities, information sharing and encouraging people to get involved with things that can improve mental health.

Learn more: www.bit.ly/mhawmay2024

Volunteers Week

When: 3rd - 9th June

Where: On our social media @MirusWales

What: Celebrating our volunteers and raising awareness of volunteering opportunities across Mirus.

Learn more: www.bit.ly/volunteersweek2024

Carers Week

When: 10th - 16th June

Where: On our social media @MirusWales and at our Respite house on Pantbach Avenue in Cardiff

What: Listening to and learning from the feedback from unpaid carers. Raising awareness of the challenges that carers face. Learn More: www.carersweek.org

Learning Disability Week

When: 17th - 23rd June

Where: On our social media @MirusWales and at All Wales People First’s Adfest

What: Sharing positive stories, and attending the All Wales People First conference, Adfest. People can also attend Adfest on 19th or 20th June. £30 for members, £45 for non-members. Learn more: www.bit.ly/adfestflyer2024