Silk - as smooth as it sounds?

After more than two years of consultation and evidence gathering, the Silk Commission has now published two reports which focus on devolution in Wales. Part I, which focused primarily on tax powers, was released on 19 November 2012 and Part II, which focused on the powers of the Welsh Assembly, was released this week on 3 March 2014. Altogether, the Silk Commission has recommended significant constitutional changes that would provide the Assembly in Cardiff with more power - power that will be taken away from Westminster.

The Silk Commission was made up of voluntary members who researched how the Assembly works and how it could be improved. It was set up by the UK Government and its members comprised a representative from each of the four main parties in Wales as well as independents, so agreeing on its recommendations should be easy, right? Not quite. Part I, which was supposed to be the less controversial part, caused tensions between Westminster and Cardiff and brought about tensions within the parties themselves. The ‘lockstep’ on income tax powers (you can’t lower taxes for the poorest without doing so for the richest and vice-versa) was particularly problematic as the Welsh Conservatives found divisions within their own party and significant divisions with the UK party. Meanwhile, Labour appears to not support income tax powers at all and have been dubbed the ‘party of anti-devolution’.

Silk Part II has published 61 recommendations in all, including the devolution of policing, youth justice, energy projects and water. The report also says that the current ‘conferred powers model’ (being told what powers you do have) should be replaced with a ‘reserved powers model’ (being told what powers you don’t have, as in Scotland). Also, like every report before it, the report has called for more AMs to cope with the extra powers. This is a particularly sore topic for everyone involved, especially the electorate. What comes as a disappointment, though not as a surprise, is that the Commission has not called for the devolution of welfare which could have given the Welsh Government the chance to right the wrongs of the UK Government’s pernicious welfare changes (benefit cap, ‘bedroom tax’, Universal Credit) which disproportionately affect people in Wales.

Part II is set to be much more controversial as cross-party support in the Senedd is unlikely. Even more unlikely is any real cooperation between Cardiff and Westminster unless the 2015 General Election returns a UK Labour Government, giving them free reign to do what they wish in Wales. So why is Part II so controversial? It comes down to principles. Should the Assembly be more powerful? If so, how? Plaid Cymru have said that the recommendations do not go far enough, while the Welsh Conservatives have been hush-hush about it as of yet, no doubt because agreement between Conservatives seems difficult to achieve when it comes to Wales.

The Welsh Government hopes that the recommendations will be met in full and will be fully implemented by 2020/21, while the UK Government has all but confirmed that any major reforms will have to be carried out by the government elected in 2015. With tensions already high, talks on Part II are sure to split parties further while it is the people of Wales who suffer from a stunted devolution settlement, the victims of partisan politics and a long-lasting stranglehold of power.

Liam Townsend
Political and Administration Assistant

Cycle4Nik... it's almost time!

On 10 October 2013, I received an email from Gareth Cole, Head of Continuous Improvement at the Seren Group. He had an idea to raise funds for one of Seren’s former employees who has a very rare form of cancer. She is an amazing person with two young sons. Tragically, because of where she lives, she can’t access funding for treatment.

'Let’s cycle from North to South Wales and raise funds for her,' he suggested. And so Cycle4Nik was started! Little did we know then how much this ride would captivate, inspire, unite and bring together so many people from across the whole of Wales. We roped in Sean Davey from UES Energy as we knew he was an excellent cyclist who liked a drink and a laugh... all great qualities for a race planner.

We had our first planning meeting in November where we hoped that maybe we could attract 12 cyclists from within the housing sector to cycle the 200 or so miles from North to South Wales during St David’s Day weekend. We took a stab at wanting to raise £5k for Nik, her treatment and her family. However, this week we have planned the last minute arrangements and we amazingly have 16 full cyclists and 23 cyclists taking part in individual stages. We are already well over the £5k total and hope that money still continues to pour in after the ride.

The hotels have been booked, transport and logistics sorted, Tshirts all printed, and the team has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort training every weekend since the end of December through rain, sleet, snow, gales and yes... sometimes, some sun.

We have been so touched and moved by the response and support of the housing sector. Led by Community Housing Cymru, Seren Group and UES Energy, the team has also been helped on its way by:

North Wales Housing, CT Clwyd, Mid Wales HA, CT Eryri, RCT Homes, Taff HA, Newydd HA, Wales & West HA, Tai Calon and Melin Homes.

The journey to get here has been hard. It’s taken lots of man hours in planning the ride and the fantastic race night to generate more money for the fund, promoting and ensuring that everything is covered.

We’ve had falls, bikes falling apart, loads of punctures, tears, hangovers, tantrums and were all devastated when Tony Clark had to pull out after fracturing his ball joint in his hip with a very bad fall on black ice two weeks before we left. And only on Tuesday, Sean Davey had to pull out due to a serious medical condition. We are all devastated for him and wish him well over the next few months.

However, there have also been massive highs too...

Highlights for me so far include:

1. Receiving all the cyclist’s profiles and finding out what they were most (and least) looking forward to on the ride and why they were cycling for Nik... Truly moving.

2. Writing a personal intro to every one of the cyclists... what an honour.

3. Seeing the race night packed out and feeling the love and support in the room.

4. Training, bonding and being inspired by the other team members.

5. Seeing the money that has been donated online on our go fund me page which has been growing on a daily basis... http://www.gofundme.com/Hope4NikkiCycle

6. And just the feeling of knowing that very soon we are going to be a part of something very special and life changing.

So, as we set off on our journey today, I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of Cycle4Nik of thanking everyone who has made this possible. And to our fellow cyclists, whether you are doing the full route or just the one, you are doing an amazing thing and you are amazing people. Have fun, enjoy every mile, stay safe and whoever gets in first... gets the first round.

Phillipa Knowles
Director of Central Services, CHC Group 

Return of the magnificent seven

Cycling's a tough sport for tough dudes. But it's in the mountains when riders learn most about themselves. Do they have the character? Do they have the bottle? Last Sunday's training took the team up a notch. As befits a man known locally as 'King of the Alpen', Rich Snaith had again enjoyed a good hearty breakfast and was ready for the challenge. He knew he had the bottle. If only his team mates had kept up, he'd have been willing to share it with them.

Our intrepid band of heroes were once again the Magnificent Seven owing to the absence of Shelley. She'd arrived early in Rowen, rapidly becoming the team's spiritual home, and simply followed the crowd. She found herself in the third row of the Sunday Service and was too embarrassed to leave. It was only when the choirmaster asked her if she was part of a Supremes tribute act that she decided to leave, with her teammates long gone. Oh, how the people of Rowen long to see the day when the might of the Full Eight is unleashed on the local hills.

With the big day less than two weeks away, the route had been designed to stretch. And it did. On the uphill stretch towards Nebo Andrea's wheels were spinning but only just. As she reached deep into her dwindling reservoirs of energy to propel the bike onwards and upwards, Gethin, who had dismounted to walk uphill, comfortably kept pace alongside. Still, it's miles in the tank and that’s what counts. Those resources will be vital on the day, although it was several days before she could walk normally again.

This second training event saw the long awaited introduction of Phil the Farmacist, who made an impressive entrance by mounting a brand new bicycle. It so sparkled and gleamed in the Conwy Valley sunshine that mutterings were overheard that he might be better known as Phil 'The Power' Danson. That was until the hills. At one point he appeared to be cycling backwards as the whole team quietly passed him. In his defence, he hadn't been out on the bike since before Christmas. Which Christmas was the question on everyone's lips. He'll be better for the race practice and there'll be no rust next week.

It was important to ensure that there were no injuries on this run. So when Nathan started his jumping tricks Andrea was on it like a car bonnet. As for Andrea herself, apart from having to learn to walk again after the hill climb, she was merely left to rue the absence of sun tan cream. Indeed, on the run back to Rowen several vehicles pulled over when they saw her glowing face in the mirror, believing that it was the emergency services.

The dry, sunny conditions were a welcome change from the previous week's torrential downpour. Having layered up their clothing to contend with the colder temperatures at the top, they soon found that the effort required meant that those layers were peeled off at frequent intervals. The team are in good nick. Shelley actually cycled home from Plas Blodwel last Friday, all the way to Abergele, racking up a few more miles training. Gethin had been knee-capped playing hockey the day before but survived training to be confident of his form and fitness. Special mention must be made of Bill Greenwood, Clare's husband, who rode to support the team.

Cutting to the chase, they’re looking for your money. This is for Cycle4Nik and why would we not help? Colleagues from the housing sector, supported by Community Housing Cymru, are undertaking a cycling challenge from North to South Wales to raise funds for a former housing association member of staff who has two young children and a rare form of cancer. Nik needs financial support to receive specialist treatment and care. The cycling ride will take place from 28 February until 2 March. Our guys are riding the first leg, which takes place on 28 February, starting in Colwyn Bay and finishing in Dolgellau. To put in context the effort that people are putting in, one of the South Wales crew had an accident in training and broke his hip, requiring an urgent operation on Sunday night. We wish him well in his recovery. Clearly this is not an easy ride!

You can either collect all your donations or donate directly to the fundraising website: (http://www.gofundme.com/Hope4NikkiCycle).

You can follow the progress of the cycling team on the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cycle4nik

The Twitter hashtag for the cause is #cycle4nik.

Thanks for your support – they need the encouragement of seeing the donations rising!

FOOTNOTE: Phil ‘The Farmacist’ Danson wishes it to be made clear that his nickname reflects only his association with agricultural pursuits and does not in any way imply the use of illegal substances which may enhance performance (or in Phil’s case, for treating a cold). He did once read a book about Lance Armstrong though.


Paul Diggory
North Wales Housing

Warmer homes, better health

We may not want to admit it, but as we get older we face an increased risk of health problems. But how many of us recognise how important a warm home is to our health and wellbeing?

Indeed, research has shown that cold temperatures can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and risk of chest infections. Keeping the most used rooms in your home warm could help to prevent your health being adversely affected by the cold. The recommended temperatures are 21°C for the living room and 18°C for the bedroom, but can be higher depending on personal preference, your age and level of mobility.

At npower Health Through Warmth, we work closely with Care & Repair Cymru to help vulnerable older people stay warm at home by, for example, replacing broken boilers or installing heating systems and loft and cavity wall insulation.

That’s why we’re supporting Care and Repair Week and reminding people, both clients and caseworkers, that help from npower Health Through Warmth may be available to vulnerable homeowners who have a long term cold-related illness, a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully fund the work required. You do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.

To date, through our work with Care & Repair Cymru, more than 200 older people in Wales have been referred to us for help with heating and insulation. As a result we have levered more than £150,000 to help fund the work required, which includes £130,000 from the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

For more information, or to find out if you or someone you know could be eligible for help, contact your local Care & Repair Agency on 0300 111 3333.


Elaine Midwinter
Scheme Manager
npower Health Through Warmth
www.healththroughwarmth.com

Helping clients to surf the information superhighway

The aim of Care & Repair is to enable clients to remain safely and independently in their own homes. Part of the service we offer is for caseworkers to visit clients at home - many of whom are socially isolated, live in rural areas or where there is limited public transport. Some find it difficult to get out and about and rely on family and friends for support, and other clients’ families and friends live too far away to be able to offer the support needed. However, many of the things our clients find harder to do can all be done online - shopping, chatting to family and friends, sending and receiving photos.

Not everyone wants to be online! However, often people are unaware of the benefits or just need extra support to get online. Sometimes the cost of getting online can also be a major barrier.

It is important that we as caseworkers help clients to understand how the internet can be relevant in their everyday lives. One way we do this is by explaining how convenient the internet is. Like all my colleagues across Wales, I use an iPad for work as part of the Care & Repair myPad project. This means I can show clients the benefits of using digital technology and explain the importance of being ‘digitally included’. Once clients see how easy the tablets are to use, it breaks down one of the biggest barriers – the fear of using IT.

I explain how money can be saved by shopping online, as many items are cheaper and price comparison websites can help find the best deals. Some of my clients now order their prescriptions online, have shopping delivered, and speak with family and friends. Some have contact with their social and church groups (through Skype and face time), and use social networking sites to keep in touch and to learn new skills. One client is doing a degree course online, others download reading and audio books, some do their banking online and many enjoy games and puzzles.

The majority of these new skills also improve the client’s self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing, and ultimately help to reduce a feeling of social isolation.


Beverley Evans
Caseworker, Blaenau Gwent Care & Repair 


Watch our video for Care & Repair Week here. Helping nannies and grampies all over Wales!

Only the lonely...

On a wild windy day, only 50m from the crashing waves of Cardigan Bay, Sarah Rochira (Older People’s Commissioner) and her colleague Kelly came to visit Mrs Jones in Aberystwyth, whose terraced house nestles snugly against the castle walls.

We have been helping Mrs Jones to reduce her eye-watering £318 per month Direct Debit from Scottish Power. Mrs Jones had reached the end of her tether in trying to contact Scottish Power since August, when her payments went up to this incredible figure. We hit the same impenetrable brick wall, and only found a way through by using the Welsh language service. Having given the helpful Scottish Power officer the updated meter readings, we have reduced her Direct Debit to a still painful £192 per month. We are working with the client to tackle her inefficient heating scheme.

The Commissioner’s conversation with Mrs Jones, however, uncovered a wider and far more personal issue, common to far too many older people, even in close knit urban areas. Loneliness and isolation was her real heartache. 'I've always been such a sociable person, I loved going out... I've only been out of the house once in the past year, and that was only up the road to St Michael's Church for a funeral.'

The house is accessed via numerous steep, uneven, and varying height steps and, whilst a handrail has been fitted, Mrs Jones still sees the climb back up as an Everest too daunting to face.

Why doesn't she find a more suitable property? A flat or a sheltered scheme?

Herein lies the problem. This is not Mrs Jones's house, it is her home! Her home, which was bought nearly 50 years ago when she was newly married. 'We put in an offer on it and were worried sick all night, but it was the best thing we ever did.... We’ve raised our children and grandchildren here and my grandson still lives with me. I do not want to leave my home.'

The third sector, including us at Care & Repair, must continue to work together to help older people in all aspects that affect their ability to remain independent. That means far more than repairs and adaptations alone, it's all about the 'Care'.

Lesson relearned!


Dafydd Pugh-Jones
Rheolwr Gofal a Thrwsio / Care & Repair Manager

Why the Care & Repair Service is essential to Occupational Therapy intervention

Being discharged home from hospital can be an anxious and worrying time for some individuals. At times people are concerned that they may be unable to get around their home and care for themselves as they did previously, and individuals are often concerned about how they are going to meet the financial burden of not only maintaining their home but also for funding essential care services. The Care & Repair service has played an integral role in enabling occupational therapists to discharge people home from hospital efficiently and safely and in alleviating some of these concerns.

Care & Repair is a reliable and efficient service that, through the installation of small adaptations such as handrails and stair rails or through major building work such as adapted bathrooms, allows people to live in their own homes independently. The comprehensive service that Care & Repair provides enables smooth transition from hospital to home, reducing their length of stay in hospital and preventing readmissions.

Work is consistently completed to a high standard and in a timely manner by qualified technicians who understand the needs of the patient.

As well as providing practical assistance with repairs and adaptations, Care & Repair also provides advice and information regarding benefits, home safety and security.

Without the Care & Repair service, occupational therapists would be unable to address many of the concerns and needs of their client group.


Rachael Gdesis
Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Princess of Wales Hospital