Portal Press
Press Winter 2023 Edition
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Welcome to the
Newsletter...
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Letter from the Editor 5
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Dates for your Diary
News, Updates & Pointers 6 8
Feedback Findings Business Development Update
10 Cornel Cymraeg 14 Your Wellness 14
Benefits of UK Healthcare
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UK Healthcare Scheme
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My Healthy Advantage App
18 Staff Updates
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Letter from this issue’s Editor... As we head off on on our welldeserved festive break, saying hwyl fawr, au revoir and ciao to 2023, it’s hard to believe how swiftly the last 12 months have slipped through our fingers! Can you relate, or is it just me pondering who pressed the fast forward button? I am however ready to embrace all the adventures, challenges, and unexpected surprises 2024 has in store for us - bring it on - well excluding those New Year resolutions; who needs that kind of pressure?
Helen Hallam Marketing, Design & Commmunications Manager
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the Winter edition of Portal Press, where we not only discover invaluable learner feedback, but also shine a spotlight on the various wellbeing initiatives available to all Portolians. Let’s also extend a warm CROESO to the latest additions to our evergrowing fabulous family, while discovering a little bit more about one or two of you. All that’s left is for me to wish you all a fabulously festive break, filled with love and laughter. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Dates for your diary! 20
Christmas Shutdown th
Our last working day will be the 20th December and we will return on the 8th January
Good Friday 29th March
Easter Monday 1st April Early bank holiday 6th May
Spring bank holiday 27th May Portal Press
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Feedback findings! Throughout the year, Portal gathers learner feedback to improve our service. It helps us to identify what’s going great and where we can step it up!
The learner feedback is gathered through end-of-course questionnaires and learner voice surveys (issued by Cambrian and ACT). We incorporate these responses as evidence in our annual Self-Evaluation Report (SER) and Quality Development Plan (QDP), which are then shared with lead contractors and partner networks.
Our learners said... 100%
of learners felt safe, respected and treated fairly
82%
felt that digital communication methods were used ‘very well’
70%
of learners felt that the e-portfolio was used ‘very well’
great feedback! View SER View QDP View full LVW results
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78%
felt that staff supported their needs ‘very well’
75%
felt that staff ran their sessions ‘very well’
All mentors and tutors have been superb in supporting my development and guiding me through the completion of the course.
Portal Press
Areas for improvement I would like to thank both my assessors for all their assistance and patience throughout the course. My gratitude to you both for all you have done which I will never forget, I truly appreciated your time and enjoyed every minute of it.
Embedding of the cross-cutting themes of Welsh, RESPECT, PREVENT and wellbeing – these were all downward trends on last year The learners being able to see the relevance of the qualifications to their roles The amount of learners feeling they are making good progress Giving feedback to learners on how they can improve
My ILM Mentor is brilliant. I cannot praise her highly enough; she is so friendly and positive and helps me reach my potential.
Feedback that supports areas of improvement Was told end date was open ended and finish at own pace. I have asked for help. But just been sent a bunch of information across with no verbal explanation.
My assessor has been amazing!
My tutor offers excellent support and is very accommodating around my workplace schedule. I have experienced training days through Portal which have been a great benefit towards my learning.
My assessor/mentor was fantastic! Diolch Portal!
Course objectives/trajectory was not made clear at the beginning of the course. Tasks have previously been set with little explanation. I feel like more work could be done to give learners more of an idea of where they are heading and what they will be learning, it has felt like more of a tick box exercise, do this task this way, onto the next. I think it would be nice however, to be given an overview of the course so I can see the different modules that need completing. It is very difficult to see the relevance of a large majority of the course to my specific role. Little consideration was given to my prior learning and experience.
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Business Development update...
Picture Challenge Anneka (without the figure-hugging jumpsuit), her trusty cameraman Dave, and a squat team of ninja helpers. Well that’s been me and the Business Development team for the past few months. Together, we have been on an epic mission of direct sales, brand awareness and customer engagement and retention. Jade, Phil, Sean the new kid on the block Jo, and myself have been here, there, and everywhere (minus the helicopter and beach buggy) attending a huge amount of events. From Business Beats Cancer to the Newport Business Club Breakfast Events and the Welsh Business Shows, we’ve been raising the Portal profile and engaging with as many new leads as possible.
Making and nurturing connections We’ve had very positive conversations with Torfaen Borough Council regarding our Aspiring Managers programmes, with further discussions scheduled for January. The Vale Hotel have shown an interest in our Level 4 and 5 Management Development programmes, while Shawn has been bowling
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Welsh Cricket over with our offering, all while securing a contract to become Legacy Leisure’s main provider! While our partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd continues to grow, We’ve been meeting with Directors at Coleg Gwent, to see if there’s any scope for partnership synergy. After years of walking the beat, we’ve finally secured a meeting with South Wales Police, while the seriously stylish Celtic Manor Resort has opened its 5-star doors to us to deliver Level 4 Project Management apprenticeships to their staff, as part of our Cambrian offer. We’ve also been flexing our muscles with the team over at Leisure Activity Training (LA Training) and as a result, they’ve signed a SLA with us. As Wales’ No.1 provider of high-
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quality training and learning experiences for the leisure industry, they will work with us to offer the Level 2 Activity Leadership qualification. We are currently jointly promoting this qualification and partnership via socila media and our digital marketing channels.
Team update With Jade leaving us this month, there will be some restructuring with the Business Development team. Phil, Shawn and Jo will start new lead roles when we return after the festive break. Phil will lead on the Business sector, Shawn on the Sports and Charity sector, while Jo will use her experience of the Education sector to nurture existing relationships and develop new connections. We are currently recruiting for a Relations Lead to join us and drive forward our FE contracts, which we’re looking to expand and develop over the next couple of years.
New year goals! Jumping ahead to 2024, we will be looking at more possible sports pathways, possibly with LA Training and partnership working. We want to sustain the great work that we’re doing, but we’re also looking to achieve bigger corporate contracts. Contracts with leisure trusts, gym chains, hotels and resorts. To be chosen as their approved provider would be the ultimate goal!
Partnership working and collaboration is a key aspect of our business and a vital part of my role is forming and nurturing those relationships and connections.
x e r a Cl )
(AKA Anneka Rice
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Cornel Cymraeg Introducing a new addition to our newsletter, where we will be diving headfirst into the rich tapestry of Welsh culture, language, and identity.
You can expect a beautiful blend of traditional Welsh recipes to tickle your taste buds, essential dates to mark in your calendar, and handy hints and tips for embracing our beautiful language. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting to dip your toes into Welsh wonders, Cornel Cymraeg is here to add a dash of Welsh magic to your day.
Festive Events Nos Galan Road Races
Nos Galan Road Races celebrates the life and achievements of Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. Founded in 1958 by local runner Bernard Baldwin, it is run over the 5km around Mountain Ash Town Centre every New Years Eve. Last year, George North was the mystery runner... who will it be this year?
Mari Lwyd
Mari Lwyd means Grey Mare and it’s an ancient pagan tradition that’s still going strong in parts of South Wales. A horse’s skull on a pole is decorated with bells and colourful ribbons and carried through the streets. At each house the Mari and her followers chant rhymes at the door. The homeowners chant back. Eventually the Mari is allowed inside as it brings good luck for the coming year. Mari Lwyd is usually seen in December but can be in January too.
between three and six o’clock in the morning, traditionally on Christmas morning. Many people visit pubs on Christmas Eve and/or attend midnight carol services at churches, referencing the Welsh tradition of Plygain.
Festive Season Swims
Taking a mid-winter dip has become an increasingly popular ritual during the festive period in Wales. Porthcawl has hosted a Christmas morning swim for over 50 years, while Boxing Day is the day for chattering teeth and icy limbs in Tenby’s North Beach and Cefn Sidan in Pembrey. Meanwhile, Abersoch, Barry Island, Whitesands, Morfa Nefyn and Saundersfoot host swims on New Years’ Day. See the Visit Wales site for a list of festive swims in Wales.
Plygain
Plygain is a traditional Welsh Christmas service, which takes place in a church
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Picture: Swimmers taking part in the Porthcawl Christmas Day Swim
Portal Press
recipie...
Cawl: A perfect winter warmer There are many cawl recipes, they are often handed down through the family and they can vary from town to town throughout Wales. But here is a tried and tested recipe by our very own Marketing Manager! Ingredients: • 650g Lamb shoulder or neck, diced • Sprigs of fresh thyme • Seasoning • 2 litres of vegetable stock • 1 tbsp oil • 1 large onion, roughly chopped • 3 whole leeks, washed, trimmed, and sliced • 4 large carrots, peeled and diced • 1/2 swede and/or 2 parsnips, peeled and diced • 4 large potatoes or 12 small potatoes, scrubbed and diced
Method: • In a large saucepan, fry the lamb until brown • Add the onion and leeks, and cook until soft • Add the meat, onions and leeks to a large pan containing the vegetable stock and simmer for 1 hour • Add the remaining ingredients • Continue to simmer on a low heat with the lid on until the lamb is tender, which will take approximately another 2 hours Best served with crusty bread, topped with salted butter and mature Welsh cheddar cheese.
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JANUARY | IONAWR Dydd Santes Dwynwen
Maybe it’s the views of soaring mountains that do it, but we’re a romantic bunch here! Forget Valentine’s Day, 25 January is the most romantic day of the year in Wales. We give romantic gifts to loved ones to remember St Dwynwen a love-struck lass who became a nun after being forbidden by her father from marrying the man she loved.
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Crempog Welsh pancakes
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FEBRUARY | CHWEFROR
Traditional crempog are thick pancakes, thicker than a crepe and bigger than a pikelet.
Dydd Miwsig Cymru
Every February Dydd 9 Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day) celebrates Welsh language music of all forms, in all genres! The country is taken over with pop-up gigs and performances in all sorts of venues. Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover. th
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in the Cuisine. This recipe is © Aaron Broster
Method: • Stir the butter into the warmed buttermilk until melted. Gradually pour the milk and butter into the the flour and beat well. Leave the mixture to stand for at least 30 minutes (or a few hours if possible) before stirring in the sugar, bicarbonate of soda, salt and vinegar into the beaten eggs. • Pour this mixture into the flour and milk mixture and beat well to form a smooth batter. Heavily grease a griddle or hotstone and heat, then drop the batter, a tablespoon at a time onto the heated griddle and cook over a moderate heat until golden brown on both sides. Keep the crempogau warm and continue this method until all the batter is used up.
Recipe based on ‘petites crêpes galloises’ by Steph
Ingredients: • 2 oz/55g butter • 15 fl oz/450 ml warm buttermilk • 10 oz/275g all purpose/plain flour • 3 oz/75g sugar • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 2 free range eggs, well beaten
app alert! As mentioned during our last L&D Day, Ap Geiriaduron has been downloaded onto all work phones. Ap Geiriaduron allows you to translate from Welsh to English and vice versa.
Portal Press
dates for your diary... Diwrnod Crempog
Held on the eve of the Christian fasting period of Lent, Diwrnod Crempog (Pancake Day) sees people making and tucking into pancakes of all shapes and sizes.
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MAY | MAI Six Nations Rugby
The men’s 2024 Championship will kick off on Friday 2nd February with France hosting Ireland. Wales will play three games at home in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, hosting Scotland, France and Italy.
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The 2024 TikTok Women’s Six Nations will kick off slightly later on 23rd March, with five rounds of fixtures, concluding with a Super Saturday of games on 27th April.
Dylan Thomas Day
If there’s one writer people associate with Wales more than anyone it’s the lyrical, romantic, hellraiser poet and raconteur, Dylan Thomas. Dylan was born in Swansea and wrote most of his famous works here in Wales. Dylan Day is celebrated on 14 May - both in Wales and many other places. It’s the date his most famous work Under Milk Wood was first read on stage in New York in 1953.
The ap gives you offline access to thousands of words from multiple dictionary sources.
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‘Drill down’ feature to find more detailed information on specific words
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Wildcard Welsh searches; e.g. use it as a rhyming dictionary by searching for ‘*ant’ to find all words ending in ‘ant’
Features include: •
Realtime, responsive and adaptive searching
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Contains the Cysgair Dictionary with over 25,000 Welsh and 25,000 English words
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Offline dictionary for anytime searches
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Universal Application (iPad and iPhone) with Retina Display Graphics
Contains ‘Y Termiadur Addysg’ dictionary; funded by the Welsh Government as the dictionary for Educational terms
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English and Welsh user interface languages
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Provides a gateway to the National Terminology Portal at termau.org for expanded searches
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Demutate and deconjugate Welsh words to show their original form
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Automatic updating of dictionaries as new words and terms are added
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Portal Press
The benefits of our UK healthcare scheme: My experience... Since having the benefit of the Health Care plan provided by Portal, I have utilised it in a number of ways including physiotherapy, optical, chiropody and dental appointments. In 2022 I decided to book myself in for a full health screener. At this time I thought I was reasonably healthy and in-tune with my overall physical and mental wellness and was interested to find out how well my body was functioning. Following some online research, I decided to use Bluecrest Wellness, as they seemed to offer the best value for money, offering a comprehensive check for £149. The full health screener covered a variety of specific blood tests that measured the functions of the liver, kidneys and thyroid and also looked at other various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and proteins. There were also tests carried out to check the heart which included an ECG, blood pressure and cholesterol test. An overall risk factor was provided for heart disease, stroke and Diabetes. The provider I used also gave me access to a 24/7 GP helpline to discuss my findings.
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Following my screener, I received a report that was broken down into a detailed analysis that explained each test in detail, giving every result a green, amber or red flag. This helped me identify any areas of concern and included suggestions of how I could improve on the results and those that needed to be followed up for discussion with my GP. For me personally, seeing those results on paper made me re-consider my lifestyle choices as I am embarrassed to say at this point that it indicated a red risk of me having a heart attack or stroke. This was very concerning and was definitely the key trigger to re-evaluate my whole diet, exercise and my approach to my mental health.
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I embarked on a new exercise regime and started intermittent fasting, following the advice and guidance of a podcast that I am a regular listener of – Feel Better, Live More by Dr Rangeen Chatterjee. He is a strong advocate of everyone being the architect of their own health and not relying on the NHS to solve your problems. Fast forward to 2023, I have shaved 13 years off my metabolic age, which last year was 47. I am proud to say that I now have a body of a 33 year old. My heart attack and stroke risk is now green. I am exercising through choice and as a by-product, have lost 2 stone in the process. I am feeling much more focussed, positive, and generally well rather than flat and frumpy. I have made a pledge to myself of having the screener completed on an annual basis for me to monitor my health.
The cost of the screener (which will vary depending on provider. I used Bluecrest however there are many more out there) was £149. Within 48 hours of my claim to UK Health Care I was re-imbursed £100 under my level of health care cover. I was able to claim this after the screener was conducted. For anyone considering a health screener or wondering where to begin with improving their health, I strongly recommend having a health MOT. My new moto in life is prevention is definitely better than cure. Andrea Matthews Rheolwr DSaW /WBL Manager
The ultimate benefit has been how much fitter and healthier I feel and I was very proud to have won the most improved club runner of the year in our annual awards ceremony which was voted for by the club members themselves.
podcast pick Feel Better, Live More is the #1 health podcast in the UK & Europe. A new episode is released every Wednesday and a shorter bite-sized episode is released every Friday.
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Healthcare scheme... Your Corporate Benefits Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Employee Monthly Premium
Company Funded
£7.67
£16.67
£25.67
£40.67
Partner Monthly Premium
£5.50
£12
£21
£30
£45
Payback
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
100%
£60
£110
£150
£200
£275
100%
£200
£400
£600
£800
£1,000
100%
£60
£110
£150
£200
£275
100%
£100
£130
£150
£200
£300
100%
£200
£260
£300
£400
£600
100%
£150
£280
£370
£500
£750
100%
£50
£100
£150
£200
£250
100%
£20
£50
£100
£150
£200
Up to 28 nts
£10
£15
£20
£30
£50
Up to 10 vsts
£10
£15
£20
£30
£50
Up to 28 nts
£10
£15
£20
£30
£50
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Benefit Dental Includes check-ups, fillings, hygienist fees, X-Rays and dentures
Dental Accidents For dental injury as a direct result of accidental impact
Optical Includes eye tests, glasses, contact lenses, repairs and laser eye surgery
Health Screening Includes well man/woman screening and all screening that helps prevent an illness
Specialist Consultation Covers diagnostic consultations and tests as recommended by your GP
Wellbeing (Physiotherapy/Osteopathy/Chiropractic/Acupuncture) Covers treatment by a registered practitioner
Complementary Therapies (Homeopathy/Reflexology/Aromatherapy/Remedial Massage) Covers treatment by a registered practitioner following GP referral
Chiropody Covers treatment by a chiropodist or podiatrist
Hospital In-Patient A nightly allowance for any NHS or private hospital admission
Day Case A daily allowance for day case admissions
Hospital Parental Stay A nightly allowance for one parent accompanying a child covered by the policy
Prescriptions The number of standard prescription items that can be claimed (excludes annual prescriptions)
Discounted Gym / Spa Membership
Access to special membership rates
Services provided by Incorpore Ltd
Savings on holidays, theme parks, retail discounts and attractions Services provided by Incorpore Ltd
Anytime support for legal issues, medical problems, counselling and ID theft
Confidential Counselling Helplines Helpline services provided by Health Assured Limited
Worldwide Cover
Up to 28 days
Immediate cover provided. Pre-existing conditions included. Benefit levels are annual sums. Dependent children up to age 24 are covered free.
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Access to special discounted rates
Cash plan benefits extend to trips abroad
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My Healthy Advantage... Life’s a juggling act, and sometimes it feels like we’re spinning one too many plates. But help and support are just a touch away with Health Assured: My Healthy Advantage. This app is like your wellness wingman, offering a range of great features across wellness, wellbeing, engagement, and recognition. The app has been pre-downloaded onto all work mobiles, waiting to be your partner in positivity. Once you’ve passed your probation period, it’s all yours to explore!
Gym discounts... Did you know, all staff can access discounted Gym rates as part of the UK Healthcare scheme? Just follow the instructions below to view participating gyms in your area!
Go to: www.mygymdiscount.co.uk Enter passcode: ukh Enter your postcode See participating gyms and select one near to you!
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Portal Press
Staff updates! Since our last newsletter was published, we have welcomed some fab new editions to our Portal family, 12 to be exact!
Arieann Borstal
Management Assessor
Jo Smith
Ed Fellowes
Curriculum Lead
Lynsey Tansey
Schools Relations Lead
ILM Assessor
Dan Lawson
Nicola Thomas
Management Assessor
ILM Assessor
Emma Riley
Kim Darkin
Management Assessor
Sophie Gibson John
Amy Edwards
People & Development Administrator
ILM Internal Quality Assurer
Helen Hallam
Hana Davies
Marketing, Design and Communications Manager
Management Assessor
ILM Assessor
fun facts! I love baking cheese straws, but my family never get chance to taste them as I’ve normally eaten them before they get home. The only time they got to taste them was when I put a tablespoon of salt in instead of a teaspoon. Arieann Borstal Management Assessor
I love walking and hiking, all things hills and mountains. I’ve just walked the Camino Primitivo and climbed Mount Triglav in the Julian Alps. I love a good waterproof and a view. If I’m not up a mountain, or planning a new adventure, you’ll find me baking a crusty sourdough loaf or eating it! Jo Smith Schools Relations Lead
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My main hobby is producing ambient and downtempo electronica music... I love to experiment by creating unique soundscapes with synthesizers and combine them with field samples of nature and other interesting samples. All unreleased material at this stage and is purely experimental; I find it to be rather therapeutic! Dan Lawson Management Assessor
My husband and I got married 15 years ago on the edge of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii with close family and best friends. We then honeymooned around America for 3 months in a RV visiting 17 states. Our life goal is to visit all states! Hana Davies Management Assessor
My family is featured in a book called ‘Black Poppies’ by Stephen Bourne, about Britain’s Black Community and the Great War. Sophie Gibson John People & Development Administrator
I once appeared on the Weakest Link. I was voted off fairly early, when I confused Ash Wednesday with Shrove Tuesday! Helen Hallam Marketing, Design & Communications Manager
I once went to Tenerife with family, we all decided to go on a Camel ride. Halfway around I decided to fall off the camel, everyone in our large group thought it was highly hysterical! Needless to say I had a little bit of a tantrum and refused to get back on him! Emma Riley Management Assessor
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