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
People in Powys held a joint Better Together event with Gwent at the Subud Hall in Brecon on 22nd March 2024.
At the event we enjoyed chatting with friends, an Easter themed bingo game with lots of prizes to be won, and a green, yellow and blue buffet.
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 doing activities that increase your independence and confidenc
You love socialising with friends, and get lots of opportunities to do so
You enjoy being part of your community, and want to meet more new people
You want to learn to look after your physical health
You want to work on communication, including learning Makaton
You said, we did Community activities
You told us that you enjoy being active in your communities, as it helps you to meet new people and feel like you belong.
At the beginning of the year, we worked with the Ystradgynlais Community Centre to set up a Foodbank. The foodbank runs from 10 am – 1 pm every Tuesday and Thursday, and provides people who are struggling financially with groceries. In April, First Choice Housing Association (FCHA) committed to funding a community café to run alongside the foodbank.
The community café is open to everyone – every customer gets a free bowl of soup, a bread roll and a tea or coffee thanks to the support of FCHA. Visitors can also choose to buy cooked meals at a reduced cost, including bacon baps, full cooked breakfasts or a burger and chips.
The main aim of the community café is to help feed people who are in need, as well as bring the community together and give back. The café has already received donations of unused bowls, tea towels and cutlery from local schools, and they are hoping to secure donations of unsold bread rolls from supermarkets on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Jade Flynn, Community Development & Volunteering Lead, said: “We are hoping the community café brings people together and reduce the burden that is the cost-of-living crisis –nobody should go hungry.
“Ystradgynlais is remote and there aren’t many transport links. The community centre is the central hub of the town, and the café offers a great opportunity to come together and help those in need.”
Jade said: “The café is starting to gain momentum which is great to see.”
The café runs alongside the foodbank and some of the people supported by Mirus volunteer there. Berian volunteers every Thursday and always makes sure he is there early to supply food to those in the community who are in need.
He volunteers as he likes to help those in his local community who may not be able to afford food for themselves or their families. Berian’s help has made a big difference to those he helps – which has made him feel like he is doing some good and making a difference in his community.
If you are in the area, feel free to visit the community café every Tuesday and Thursday at Ystradgynlais Community Centre.
Berian packing people’s shopping at the foodbank
Adrian enjoying a coffee at the community café
Socialising with friends
You said, we did
You told us that you love socialising with your friends and meeting new people. You are happy with the increase in opportunities to attend social events.
Being more social can be a huge positive as it can help to encourage healthy habits such as exercising, communication and relationship building.
The main benefit of being more social is that it can make you happier and boost your mood.
In Powys, we love a celebration! In Ystradgynlais, there have been many birthday parties including Adrian’s 65th birthday get together in April.
Adrian celebrated his birthday with a party attended by his family and friends, including some from day services that he hadn’t seen since Christmas.
The theme for his party was music as he is a big music fan. All the decorations related to the theme – there were inflatable keyboards, microphones and guitars on the tables. There were lots of different types of balloons around the venue, including a giant number 65 to represent his age, and balloons that looked like disco balls. There was also a happy birthday banner and bunting with music vinyls.
Adrian had a personalised birthday cake, with music note designs and disco balls that looked like the balloon decorations.
Adrian is a massive Elvis Presley fan and dressed up in Elvis’ iconic white jumpsuit for the party, along with a wig and sunglasses.
He also received some Elvis-inspired gifts such as an Elvis colouring book and an Elvis clock.
Adrian thoroughly enjoyed his party and was happy with all the decorations for his party - he especially loved the disco lights and dancing.
Adrian dressed as Elvis at his birthday party
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
Alyn’s reason for being nominated:
“Alyn has been working hard with the speech and language therapy team and his support staff to improve his speech. He has been using new technology and practicing daily.
Alyn has become more confident with his speech and is no longer hesitant to talk.”
Berian’s reason for being nominated:
“Berian volunteers at the Foodbank and Warm Space every week. His volunteering has made a big difference to the community, and people are very grateful. He loves making a difference in his community, and his cheerful attitude always puts a smile on people’s faces.”
R's reason for being nominated:
“R has grown in confidence, and has started doing more activities out in the community. They feel happier, healthier and their life has improved.”
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
Responsible Individual
Sara Davies
Sara.Davies@mirus-wales.org.uk
Sara is our new Director of Support Services, and will be Responsible Individual while Sally Bathurst is on maternity leave from mid May 2024.
Area Manager
Vickie Woodland
VickieW@mirus-wales.org.uk
Mirus Reps
Mirus Rep
Name: Craig Jones
Area: Ystradgynlais
Stay up to date with what’s happening across Mirus by following us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or our website.
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.
Area: Brecon Mirus Rep
Name: Beth Broad
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... What’s coming up in Powys
Ystradgynlais Community Cafe & Foodbank
Meet people in your community, with a free soup, drink and bread roll.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-1pm
Where: Ystradgynlais Community Centre
The Big Lunch
Meet up with existing friends, and make new ones. Bring a plate of food to share.
When: 2nd June 12pm - 3pm
Where: Ystradgynlais Community Centre
All events are open to people in Brecon and Ystradgynlais. Speak to staff to find out more.
Brecon fun day
Cake baking and games in the garden. Please bring hot dogs, burgers, cheese and buns and we’ll cook it for you! £3 entry fee.
When: 30th May 11am - 3pm.
Where: St John’s Family Centre, Brecon.
Brecon Community Garden
Re-opening soon! More information TBC. Contact: VickieW@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/adfestflyer202
