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What do DART do?

Offer free confidential, practical and emotional support to all victims and survivors of domestic abuse aged 16+ regardless of gender or sexuality.

DART work with survivors to formulate individual safety and support plans tailored to the risks they are facing and the needs they wish to address.

DART provides information and advocacy to assist survivors in making positive changes for themselves and their family.

Domestic Abuse is any kind of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who have been intimate partners or by family members. Domestic Abuse is a form of gender based violence affecting women disproportionately to men and can include:

Financial

Sexual

Emotional

Physical

Psychological

Coercive & Controlling Behaviour

Harassment & Stalking

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and the fear of abuse.

Contact:

07539 170396 | 01685 388444 | 0800 389 7552

teulu.mac@smt.org.uk

Safer Merthyr Tydfil – Registered charity (no. 1062150) and company limited by guarantee (3361902) in England and Wales (smt.org.uk)

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A service within the Local Authority that provide free, impartial help, support and advice on a range of services.

What information can they offer?

Childcare and help with the costs

Health care

Education and training

Leisure services

Finances

How can you contact them?

Phone - 01685 727400 (Mon-Fri; 8:30am-5pm)

Email - FIS@merthyr.gov.uk

Facebook - Merthyr Tydfil Family Information Services

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The Family Information Service maintains a database of all CSSIW* registered childcare in Merthyr Tydfil, including:

Childminders

Day Nurseries

Pre-Schools

Clych Meithrin

Holiday Childcare Clubs

Before & After School Clubs

*Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.

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The Childcare Offer for Wales helps with childcare costs for eligible parents of 3 to 4 year olds.

The government-funded childcare scheme aims to lessen the burden of childcare costs.

This means 30 hours of early education and childcare for 48 weeks of the year. This is broken down to 12.5 hours of school and 17.5 hours of childcare, per week. With the full entitlement of 30 hours during the school holidays to be used on childcare.

To be eligible for this funded scheme you must be employed and working, earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week of minimum wage. Or, training on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course which is at least 10 weeks in length.

For more information: Childcare Offer for Wales | Help With Childcare Costs Wales | GOV.WALES

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Tax-Free Childcare in Wales is an initiative where if eligible you can get up to £500 every 3 months for each of your children (up to 11 years old) to help with the costs of childcare.

For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your childcare provider.

You can use the Tax-Free Childcare alongside the Childcare Offer for Wales if you are eligible for both.

Your eligibility for the Tax-Free Childcare depends on:

Employment status

Your income

Childs age and circumstances

Your immigration status

For more information: Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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If you pay for childcare while you go to work, Universal Credit can pay some of your childcare costs. This includes holiday clubs, after-school clubs and breakfast clubs. If you live with a partner, you both need to be working, unless your partner cannot look after your children.

How does it work?

You have to pay for your childcare costs yourself. Then you report them to Universal Credit, and Universal Credit pays some of the money back.

You will only get the money back with Universal Credit after the childcare actually happens.

If you pay for childcare after it’s been provided, we pay back your costs in the same month that you report them.

You can claim back up to 3 months of past childcare costs at a time - but if you’re claiming for more than one month you might not get all the money back.

You may be able to claim back 85% of childcare costs through Universal Credit.

For more information: Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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The Good Things Foundation has launched a major national campaign that draws attention to digital exclusion - and the incredible way people's lives change when they become digitally included.

At the Compass Community Hub is a Databank Hub and can provide the support that you may need. We can provide participants who are eligible with a free sim card that contains 20GB of data plus free calls and texts for 30 days.

To find out if you are eligible, contact the Compass Community Hub now.

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Do you or someone you know have a long-term emotional or physical health problem?

WISE is a four-month wellness programme to improve patient symptoms & long-term health conditions.

The service is rooted in Lifestyle Medicine; evidence based care for sleep improvement, physical movement, healthy eating, mental well-being, minimising harmful substances and social connection.

WISE offers:

13 weeks of intensive coaching with highly trained Wellness Coaches

Face to face or online coaches

Work alongside other health professionals and courses that are part of your health management prescription

Open access - no diagnosis required

Email CTM.WISE@wales.nhs.uk or call 01685 351451 for more information.

WISE CTM - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (nhs.wales)

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INFORM Cwm Taf Morgannwg is a service user led organisation which aims to support people with their health and wellbeing in various different ways.

INVOLVE . INFLUENCE . INSPIRE

INFORM offer:

Support & Resources

Co-Production & Engagement

Training Services

Self Development/Management

Workshop Facilitation

Awareness & Participation

Research & Development

INFORM now offer a membership to their services were you can access various different services. When you've become a member, you can:

Sign up to the newsletter

Take part in focus group influence services

Attend events

Access to community support

Any complaints regarding mental health services, INFORM can raise the matter & feedback to the services

Email informctm@yahoo.com or call 07341 989937 for more information.

Home | INFORM CTM

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Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

There are many reasons why you might need a safe space to talk:

Life could have taken an unexpected turn, or problems might have built up over time

It could be about something specific, or just something you can't put your finger on

Whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life's done to you, you can talk about it

Contact: 116 123 (FREE helpline)

Contact: 0808 164 0123 (FREE Welsh language helpline)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

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Age Cymru is the leading charity for older people in Wales. They campaign, research and fundraise to ensure that a better life can be built for the older generation. Age Cymru provides advice and information for people aged 50+ and living in Wales.

Age Cymru:

Provide information and advice

Provide a friend in need

Deliver wellbeing programmes

Provide independent advocacy

Support carers

Campaign and research

Work with local partners

Age Cymru's advice line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

Contact: 0300 303 4498

Email: advice@agecymru.org.uk

Age Cymru | We are the national charity for older people in Wales. (ageuk.org.uk

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CLEAR: Change that Lasts Early Awareness Raising

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CLEAR: Change that Lasts Early Awareness Raising

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CLEAR is an integral part of the Change That Lasts model and is the early perpetrator response which was developed by Respect in partnership with Welsh Women’s Aid.

CLEAR is a free, short awareness raising course for men who would like to have healthier relationships. It aims to meet the needs of men who have identified that their behaviour is causing concern and are motivated to do something about it, but are not yet disclosing or taking responsibility for their abuse.

CLEAR is for men aged 18+ who would like to have healthier relationships, explore their individual needs and understand how to address problematic behaviours towards women.

The course focuses on:

Raising awareness of violence against women and girls

Identifying the impact of abusive behaviour on others

Gendered inequalities

Abusive tactics – identifying these behaviours within their own relationships

Tools to promote healthier relationships – e.g. Time out

Goal setting – to promote wellbeing and healthier relationships

If you need more information or want to sign up, please contact the CLEAR team on:

07535 434166 | ctmreferrals@smt.org.uk

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Clare's Law: The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme 

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Clare's Law: The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme 

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The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) also known as Clare's Law is a scheme that was implemented across the Police Forces within Wales & England in 2014 which enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner or ex partner's previous abusive or violent offending.

The scheme has two elements: the Right to Ask and the Right to Know. Under this scheme an individual or relevant third party, e.g. family member can ask the police to check whether a current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past. This is the Right to Ask and should there be records, police will consider disclosing the information. The Right to Know enables police to make a disclosure on their own initiative if they receive the information about the violent or abusive behaviour of a person that may impact on someones current safety.

How to make an application:

Visit a police station

Phone 101

Email publicservicecentre@southwales.pnn.police.uk

Support Networks:

999 in an emergency | 101 in a non-emergency

Live Fear Free Helpline | 0808 801 0800 | info@livefearfreehelpline.gov.uk

Stalking Helpline | 0808 802 0300 | www.stalkinghelpline.org

Paladin - National Stalking Advocacy Service | 020 3866 4107 | info.mailbox@paladin.cjsm.net

The Dyn Project | 0808 801 0321 | support@dynwales.org

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline | 0800 999 5428 | help@galop.org.uk

Respect - Information and Advice Line | 0808 802 4040 | info@respectphoneline.org.uk

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1. What are we going to do?

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS, also known as "Clare's Law") enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending.

We will put the guidance on which the DVDS is based into statute. This will place a duty on the police to have regard to the guidance and will strengthen the visibility and consistent operation of the scheme.

We endorse the Government's decision to place the guidance to the police on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's law, on a statutory footing. We believe this will increase awareness of the DVDS among the general public and so those who could benefit from it.

Report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill, June 2019

2. How are we going to do it?

The Bill requires the Home Secretary to issue guidance to chief officers of police about the disclosure of information by police forces for the purposes of preventing domestic abuse.

The Bill does not change the legal basis under which the police can make a disclosure but places a duty on the police to have regard to the guidance about the DVDS.

This will make sure that the scheme is used and applied consistently across all police forces and will help increase the number of applications.

3. Background

The DVDS, often referred to as "Clare's Law", was implemented across all police forces in England and Wales in March 2014.

The scheme has two elements: the "Right to Ask" and the "Right to Know". Under the scheme an individual or relevant third party (for example, a family member) can ask the police to check whether a current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past. This is the "Right to Ask". If records show that an individual may be at risk of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, the police will consider disclosing the information.

The "Right to Know" enables the police to make a disclosure on their own initiative if they receive information about the violent or abusive behaviour of a person that may impact on the safety of that person's current or ex-partner. This could be information arising from a criminal investigation, through statutory or third sector agency involvement, or from another source of police intelligence.

A disclosure can be made lawfully by the police under the scheme if the disclosure is based on the police's common law powers to disclose information where it is necessary to prevent crime, and if the disclosure also complies with established case law, as well as data protection and human rights legislation. It must be reasonable and proportionate for the police to make the disclosure, based on a credible risk of violence or harm.

4. Why do we need the DVDS when the police already have common law powers to make a disclosure?

It is true that the police already have common law powers to disclose information relating to an individual's previous convictions or charges, where there is a pressing need for such a disclosure in order to prevent further crime.

The DVDS provides the police with a clear framework, with recognised and consistent processes, for the exercise of these powers in the context of domestic abuse.

5. Doesn't the DVDS put people at greater risk following disclosure?

We recognise that one of the most dangerous times can be the point at when someone seeks to leave a relationship. However, we believe that potential victims should be empowered to make informed choices about whether to continue their relationships.

The guidance on the scheme is clear that all disclosures must be accompanied by a robust safety plan, tailored to the needs of the victim or potential victim and based on all relevant information available.

6. Isn't the DVDS an infringement on civil liberties?

The police must satisfy several tests before a decision to disclose is made under the scheme - that the disclosure is necessary to protect the person from being the victim of a crime, that there is a pressing need for the disclosure, and that the interference with the perpetrator's rights is necessary and proportionate for the prevention of crime.

Any decision to disclose under the scheme will be made based on the facts of each individual case, and the police will seek legal advice where necessary.

7. Wouldn't it be better to have a national "register" of domestic abuse perpetrators?

The police already maintain a number of databases which will hold details of domestic abuse perpetrators, for example the Police National Computer, Police National Database and the ViSOR Dangerous Persons Database. We want to improve how these existing systems are used to record and share information about domestic abuse perpetrators rather than create new ones. We are also committed to improving how agencies identify, risk assess and manage perpetrators, for example through better use of the DVDS and multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA).

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders under the Bill will provide an additional tool for managing the risk posed by perpetrators, by enabling courts to impose a range of conditions including notification requirements, positive requirements and electronic monitoring.

In the year ending March 2019, 55% of the 7,252 "right to know" applications made resulted in a disclosure (4,008) (data from 36 forces).

In the year ending March 2019, 40% of the 6,496 "right to ask" applications made resulted in a disclosure (2,575) (data from 39 forces).

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Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme factsheet

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The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS, also known as "Clare's Law") enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending. We will put the guidance on which the DVDS is based into statute.

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Healthy Start, Healthy Weight in Wales

Merthyr PIPYN aims to support children, aged 3-7 years and their families to achieve a healthy weight.

The project hopes to help as many young children and families in the Merthyr area to access free support around building healthy family habits. PIPYN includes topics such as eating healthier on a budget, meal planning, affordable food, good shopping habits, healthy recipes, screen time, active play, family play and much more!

Merthyr PIPYN families will be offered a package of interactive, fun family sessions tailored to your needs.

Contact 01685 351295 or email CTM.PIPYN@wales.nhs.uk for more information.

Merthyr PIPYN - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (nhs.wales)

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Are you looking to develop your cooking skills or try new recipes? If so Get Cooking may be ideal for you..

Get Cooking is an 8 week programme to develop cooking and nutrition skills. It's a fun and friendly way to gain confidence in creating healthy meals.

During this programme, you will cover:

12 affordable, family friendly recipes

Key nutrition and cooking skills

Food Safety & Hygiene

New healthy recipes - including family favourites

Free recipe book

A fun and friendly way to get cooking.

For more information, contact 01685 351293 or email CTT_dietetics_public-health@wales.nhs.uk

Get Cooking - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (nhs.wales)

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If you would like to learn more about how to lose weight the healthy way, become more active and to find support & ideas to help you change your eating habits then Foodwise for Life may be for you.

Foodwise for Life is an 8 week programme designed to help you manage your weight the healthy way.

The programme is delivered by trained Dietetic Assistant Practitioners over the 8 weeks with fun, friendly sessions covering a range of topics:

Preparing to change for life

The Eatwell Guide

Portion sizes and you

Up and about

Food labels

Focus on your food

Food and drink swaps

Changing for life

For more information, contact 01685 351293 or email CTT_dietetics_public-health@wales.nhs.uk

Foodwise for Life - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (nhs.wales)

Foodwise in Pregnancy - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (nhs.wales)

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Young people often reach out to adults that they can trust - those that don't judge, do listen and are consistent. Reaching out is often the hardest step for a young person, so if they have reached out it shows a level of trust and openness to support.

If a young person has reached out to you, it is important to know that there are various ways that you can help them.

Young Minds have a text line that your young person (or you) can use if you are struggling to cope. Text YM to 85258.

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

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The Mix is a digital charity for under 25s to help whatever issue a young person may be facing.

What we do: The Mix is here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that people under 25 have in order to give them the best support through our digital and phone services.

Our Vision is that all young people should be able to make informed choices about their physical and mental wellbeing so that they can live better lives.

Our Mission is to become the first point of contact for any young person seeking help or information on any subject wherever and whenever they need it.

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The Mix is the UK's leading digital charity for under 25s, reaching over 6 million young people each year. Whatever issue a young person is facing, The Mix is always there for them - via our website, over the phone or via social media. Our support is free, confidential and anonymous and can be accessed wherever young people are.

We connect young people to experts and their peers to talk about everything from money to mental health, homelessness to jobs, break-ups to drugs and more. No topic is out of bounds, and we are completely non-judgemental.

The Mix's mission is to empower every young person to make an informed choice about their wellbeing; whether that's through our peer-led and moderated community, multi-channel helpline, counselling service, crisis support messenger or our range of support content.

We aim to put young people at the centre of everything we do; we use our service data and collaborate with under 25s to inform every aspect of our services and our wider work. We use youth voice work to share a platform with young people and put their views and experiences at the centre of the conversation.

What we do: The Mix is here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don't-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that people under 25 have in order to give them the best support through our digital and phone services.

Our Vision is that all young people should be able to make informed choices about their physical and mental wellbeing so that they can live better lives.

Our Mission is to become the first point of contact for any young person seeking help or information on any subject wherever and whenever they need it.
Values:

Empowering - we lead, we train & support, we respect, we give space to grow, we give power to chose

Brave - we innovate, we pioneer, we take risks, we tell it how it is

Supportive - we listen, we encourage, we care, we're understanding, we are empathetic

Collaborative - we are open & transparent, we co-create, we respect experience & expertise

Proactive - we create situations, we make things happen, we get things done

Non-judgemental - we do not judge, we do not criticise, we do not blame

Charity Registration Number: 1048995

Company Registration Number: 3031098 (England and Wales)

Registered Office: 209-211 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN

VAT Registration Number: 766 1469 03

Inland Revenue Number (Gift Aid): XR10652

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Find out about The Mix, the UK's advice and support service for under 25s.

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Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. They believe that no young person should have to struggle along with the thoughts of suicide.

Papyrus exists to reduce the number of young people wo take their own lives, by shattering the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress.

The Hopeline247 is a 24/7 freephone helpline available to any young person with suicidal thoughts - 0800 068 4141

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If you, a family member, a friend or someone you are concerned about how experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free advice and support or to talk through your options.

Get in touch with Live Fear Free advisors - FREE of charge.

Call: 0808 80 10 800

Text: 07860 077333

Email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales

Live chat service via website.

Live Fear Free helpline | GOV.WALES

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What is Shout?

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258. Trained SHOUT volunteers are there to listen to any time of the day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.

There are five steps:

1. Text

2. Connect

3. Char

4. Plan

5. Calm

The service provides immediate support for all types of mental health challenges, taking people who are struggling to cope to a place of calm every day of the week. This should not be confused with therapy.

The trained volunteers provide texters with empathetic support and techniques to handle future problems, as well as directing them towards longer-term support and/or therapy for their particular concerns. It’s not a one way process: you won’t be told what to do. Shout is a volunteer-driven, de-escalation service. The volunteers may not be able to provide you with the kind of service you might need, if you are looking for continuous regular support.

Shout Volunteers work with you to address your moment of challenge and look to move forward.

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24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

Free

It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

Get involved

Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

Find out more

Get help

Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

Shout texter

GET HELP

Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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An unpaid carer is an individual who cares for anyone who requires support due to being unable to care for themselves. Within Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, there is an unpaid carers support service and designated carer support coordinator. They believe that it is vitally important for any individuals have access to the correct information that may assist them to fulfil their carer responsibilities.

Caitlin Matthews

07762 408368

caitlin.matthews@merthyr.gov.uk

Merthyr Tydfil Carers | Facebook

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Care for a Cuppa is an online zoom meeting with unpaid carers to share their experiences, get advice and meet other carers by joining the online chat.

Upcoming Dates...

Thursday 11th April | 7:30pm-8:30pm

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Monday 15th April | 3pm-4pm

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Monday 22nd April | 3pm-4pm

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Thursday 25th April | 7:30pm-8:30pm

Meeting Registration - Zoom

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THE CARE COLLECTIVE

Offers general advice for unpaid carers in the local area

Website:             https://thecarecollective.wales/cwm-taf-morgannwg/

DEWIS WALES

Offers a dementia support by telephone or email while their website carries information about events and courses in the local area

Telephone:        0333 150 3456

Email:                  dementiasupportline@alzheimers.org.uk

Website:             https://thecarecollective.wales/cwm-taf-morgannwg/

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Offers online support, information and an online community

Website:             www.alzheimers.org.uk/

BARNARDOS

Offers support for young carers across the UK by organising outings and activities, giving them support online and offering counselling sessions

Website:             www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/young-carers

CARERS WALES

Offers support online such as which technology can help you with the roles of caring, wellbeing and mental health

Website:             www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/

HONEYPOT

Works to enhance the lives of young carers by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support

Website:             www.honeypot.org.uk/about-us

GOV.WALES

Information on the legal rights of being a unpaid carer in Wales which is updated regularly

Website:             www.gov.wales/charter-unpaid-carers-html

CWM TAFF MORGANNWG

Online support with information about being a carer as well as a podcast about other carers telling their stories

Website:        https://ctmregionalpartnershipboard.co.uk/carerssupportandinformation/

HEALTH WATCH UK

A great starting point as an unpaid carer, offering basic guidelines for carers and with online links to meet with other carers for a ‘cuppa’ via zoom

Website:             www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2023-06-07/what-support-can-i-get-carer

CARERS FIRST

A wide range of advice and information, such as what a carer’s assessment is, looking after yourself, financial and legal advice etc

Website:             www.carersfirst.org.uk

NICE

A website offering a quick guide for supporting others who are unpaid carers, a basic breakdown of peer support, skills development & emotional support

Website:             www.nice.org.uk

CARE AND REPAIR TEAM

Provides a free support and advice service for older and/or disabled people living in their own homes, whether they are homeowners or renting privately. To allow them to remain in their own homes with greater independence, warmth, security and safety

Telephone:        (01443) 755696

Email:                  enquiries@cwmtafcr.org.uk

Website:             NEED WEBSITE!

MERTHYR TYDFIL CARERS

A private facebook group that aims to support unpaid carers in the Merthyr area

Website:             www.facebook.com/groups/merthyrtydfilcarers/

CITIZENS ADVICE WALES

Website:             Carers: help and support - Citizens Advice

CARERS TRUST

Offer a variety of online support such as chats online to carers, carers assessment, caring for someone with a specific condition etc

Website:             What we do - Carers Trust

DEAFBLIND.UK

Offers online support and advice for individuals living with sight and hearing loss.

Website:             Click HERE

COMPASSION IN DYING

Compassion In Dying have online and phone call service for getting help for end-of-life care, for the person you are caring for.  Giving them and you the right knowledge, skills and confidence to fight for the right care and treatment.

Website:             Click HERE

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Clean Sheet are a registered charity with one simple purpose - to offer people with convictions the hope of a better future sustainable employment. Clean Sheet work is about helping people with convictions to find jobs, start rebuilding their lives and as a result, reduce reoffending.

Clean Sheet supports people to find work for themselves (rather than placing people into work). They provide support in the following ways:

Giving access to their national online Employers Directory with over 100 employers committed to assessing someone based on their merit and their skill rather than their convictions.

Individual job search support from their Employment Advisors. The Clean Support team supports members all the way as they begin their journey to a 'Clean Sheet' - a fresh start, new hope and a second chance.

Keep in touch over the first year in work as they settle into working life.

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"A fair and inclusive society where people with criminal records can move on positively in their lives."

Unlock is a charity founded by a group of former prisoners who wanted to use their experience so that people with convictions would have better opportunities to move on in their lives.

Unlock support those who have desisted from crime to live a law-abiding life, believing that people want to live a positive life and with the right opportunities can contribute in the best possible way.

Unlock focus on the long-term advantage of convictions that impact on individuals, their families, communities and society.

Unlock's mission is to advocate for people with criminal records to be able to move on positively in their lives:

Support people with criminal records to navigate their way through challenging times

Research and raise awareness of the systemic issues that people are facing

Campaign for changes to legislation, policies and practices of government, employers and others.

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Every day Nacro helps thousands of people build the independence and resilience they need to look forward to their futures.

We offer:

Practical help: Our education, housing, justice, and health and wellbeing services support people to put in place the things they need to move forwards and build positive futures. We work collaboratively with other services and providers.

Personalised support and advice: Our practical provision is successful because our approach is one of personalised, individual support for the people we help and their families. Nacro staff are allies of the people we support, standing by their side and fighting their corner.

Campaigning, policy and research: We know that our success is often achieved despite the systems we are working within. So we use our front-line experience, combined with sound research, to campaign for policy and systems change.

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We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, a chance to be heard, and the chance to start again.

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The Cruse National Helpline is 0808 808 1677 -  they operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 5pm and Tuesdays 1pm – 8pm.  This service is run by dedicated volunteers.

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We're here to help you no matter how long you've been grieving. Learn more about our different bereavement support services here.

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https://letstalkaboutloss.org/contact-us/

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Welcome to Let's Talk About Loss, a safe space to talk through taboos and address the reality of losing someone close to you when you are young.

A 2018 survey by Co-op Funeralcare found that 16 to 29-year-olds are the age group most likely to bottle up their grief and not talk about it, with 24% saying they "kept it to themselves" when suffering a bereavement. We're passionate about starting conversations and ending that taboo.

We run peer-led meet up groups in cities across the UK for young people aged 18 to 35 who have been bereaved at any stage. We believe that by meeting other young people who have experienced loss, we can share our stories and our struggles without fear, judgement or awkward silences. We'd love you to join us - find your local meet up group here!

In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, our meet ups are all virtual. We still have our blog, and you can submit your story by emailing blog@letstalkaboutloss.org. Thanks for visiting our website, we hope you find comfort and support here.

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Welcome to Let's Talk About Loss, a safe space to talk through taboos and address the reality of losing someone close to you when you are young. A 2018 survey by Co-op Funeralcare found that 16 to 29-year-olds are the age group most likely to bottle up their grief and not talk about it, with 24% saying they "kept it to themselves" when suffering a bereavement.

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https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/nhswales/

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Partnering with organizations to break down barriers to care and empower lives

Amwell® is the leading global provider of evidence-based wellbeing and behavioral health solutions, delivered digitally and at scale. With nearly two decades of clinical research on effective digital delivery of mental and behavioral health interventions, we've created, and provide, an easy-to-use, measurable and modern platform to improve access and outcomes for populations across Health Systems, Health Plans, Corporate Employers, and Education.

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On Demand Virtual Mental Health Platform | SilverCloud® by Amwell®

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Amwell® is the leading global provider of evidence-based wellbeing and behavioral health solutions, delivered digitally and at scale. With nearly two decades of clinical research on effective digital delivery of mental and behavioral health interventions, we've created, and provide, an easy-to-use, measurable and modern platform to improve access and outcomes for populations across Health Systems, Health Plans, Corporate Employers, and Education.

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https://www.strongmen.org.uk/

0800 915 0400

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Our aim is to support men following bereavement. Grief can cause severe emotional and physical health conditions which are often overlooked and even ignored, especially in men.

It is with personal experience in these issues that the team behind StrongMen has created incredible services to help men going through the toughest of times.

Please take a look at our services, register for support and our e-News and why not fundraise for us too? Or become a corporate partner?

Enjoy looking around our website and contact us at Hello@StrongMen.org.uk should you wish to know more about this amazing, innovative, life changing charity.

Get involved

Find out more about our 'I Remember' campaign

Read more

Let StrongMen help you

From peer to peer support, to amazing weekenders - just reach out - we can help you.

Man2Man

Man2Man is our telephone based peer support service from a trained StrongMen volunteer with first-hand experience of losing a loved one.

Read more

Weekenders

The StrongMen ‘Weekender Retreat’ is our unique premier service, where groups of men have the opportunity to relax and enjoy beautiful remote surroundings whilst engaging in conversation and physical activities in a safe, secure environment with other men with shared experiences.

Read more

Our Network

Our Network is an online platform designed as a social network for health matters.

Read more

Talks

"The feedback we had was staggering. So much positivity and support.... People genuinely feeling like their lives have been changed by the talk"

Read more

Sign up for our newsletter

Enter your details below to make sure you are the first to know about any StrongMen developments.

Other ways you can help

Help us to help others by supporting StrongMen. Every donation, large or small will make a huge difference. Thank you.

We have a Just Giving page which you can use for your events.

Read more

Visit our Crowdfunder page, which operates with 0% fees

Read more

Amazon donates 0.5% of purchases of eligible purchases to StrongMen.

Read more

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Our aim is to support men following bereavement. Grief can cause severe emotional and physical health conditions which are often overlooked and even ignored, especially in men.

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Support. Understanding. Friendship.

WAY is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday - married or not, with or without children, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender, race and religion.
Donate via JustGiving
+

Join hundreds of others who get what you're going through.

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WAY Widowed & Young - Bereavement support UK

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WAY is the only national charity in the UK for men and women aged 50 or under when their partner died.

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https://way-up.co.uk/

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https://www.bluecross.org.uk/how-we-help

0800 096 66 06

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Based in the U.K., we’re an animal charity who have been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. We also offer online support around many animal issues.

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Mental Health Support for the Unemployed

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Mental Health Support for the Unemployed

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The Cwm Taf Integrated Autism Service (IAS) is a multi-professional specialist autism service to support autistic adults, parents/carers and professionals in Cwm Taf. Adults, their parents/carers and professionals can refer in to the Integrated Autism Service.

The IAS is based in Keir Hardie Health Park, Merthyr Tydfil. The team include:

Team Leader

Clinical Psychologist

Occupational Therapist

Social Worker

Speech & Language Therapist

Specialist ASD Practitioner

2 Community Support Workers

Team Administrator

The IAS provides the following...

Adults who think they may have autism:

Can request an assessment for autism if they do not have a learning disability or secondary mental health need.

Autistic adults who would like support with their autism can access:

Courses focused on understanding autism and developing daily living skills

Short-term direct support e.g. help with accessing employment, education, health, functional and recreational activities.

Professional and other services can contact the IAS for:

Provision of consultation, advice, training and support for other agencies working with people with ASD.

The service do not provide the following:

Direct work with children

Direct treatment of mental health issues e.g. anxiety

Prescription/monitoring of medication

Emergency or crisis intervention

Respite care

Rapid response

Diagnostic assessment for people under 18 years of age

Long-term input or care management

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Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

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This page is currently under development.

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Connecting People, Homes & Opportunities

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Goleudy are a housing related support service which offers supports of a 'preventative' or 'low level' nature to vulnerable people.

The support is to help people live more independently in their homes or prevent homelessness by assisting to:

Manage debts and money, such as rent arrears, claiming benefits, budgeting on a low income.

Set up a home or resettlement assistance.

Access employment, education, training, volunteer, social or leisure opportunities.

Develop life and social skills.

Feel/stay safe at home.

Access other services such as health, social care or other agencies.

Support workers will help you to develop skills and the confidence to enable you to do things for yourself and maintain your home.

Phone: 01792 646071

Email: merthyrfs@goleudy.org

Goleudy | We are a housing charity based in South Wales

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ARA: Addiction Recovery Agency - Recovery for All

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ARA: Addiction Recovery Agency - Recovery for All

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ARA are a free, confidential, non-judgemental gambling help service across Wales and the South West.

There are many different ways that they can help. So get in touch now!

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SHINE - Schools In-Reach Emotional Wellbeing Service 

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SHINE - Schools In-Reach Emotional Wellbeing Service 

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A new initiative working collaboratively with Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), schools and other multi-agencies. This initiative has been inspired by the Children's Commissioners 'no wrong door' report and in-line with the NEST framework.

The 'nip-it-in-the-bud' service aims to embed the whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board cluster.

The service has three mental health nurses with a wealth of knowledge, with each nurse being assigned an area within the Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board. Each area is also assigned a team of Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners who a variety of skills and placed within the local schools in the area.

The objectives:

Support with early identification of emotional difficulties

Promote emotional and mental health wellbeing

Identify clear and effective pathways for accessing information for child, young people, staff and families

Provide timely access to evidence-based early interventions

The aims:

Offer school-based psychoeducation for children and young people, school staff and parents/carers

Increase confidence in promoting and addressing emotional health issues

Assist with identifying vulnerable groups or factors that may influence vulnerability of our children and young people

Offer training for school staff to build confidence as trusted adults

Provide access for both individual and group based sessions within schools

Support school staff to discuss and raise safeguarding issues

Offer advice requests to school

If your child is struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing, let your school know!! There is a SHINE practitioner for every school who will be able to help.

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What is Multiply Merthyr Tydfil?

Multiply Merthyr Tydfil is a program designed to boost your confidence in dealing with numbers while linking to everyday life skills. The program introduces new skills in a fun and engaging way, making learning enjoyable.

Who can Multiply Merthyr Tydfil support?

If you are a resident of Merthyr Tydfil and want to improve your numeracy knowledge, Multiply Merthyr Tydfil are here to help.

What do Multiply Merthyr Tydfil offer?

Multiply Merthyr Tydfil offers a range of short courses to get you comfortable with numeracy. These courses can help you apply with your newfound knowledge to areas of your daily life, such as daily budgeting, paying bills, and supporting your child with homework. On completion of any short course, there are options for you to join any of our other courses and apprenticeship schemes.

For further information, please contact:

multiplyacl@merthyr.gov.uk

01685 752000

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Quit Smoking with free NHS support - choose smokefree.

Help Me Quit are with you every step of the way on your smokefree journey.

Support is available in:

Meetings with other smokers (the best way to stop smoking)

1:2:1 appointments, face to face or over the telephone

Community venues

Hospitals

Pharmacies

Increase your chance of success by 300% with help from the NHS compared to quitting on your own. Help Me Quit understand how hard it can be to quit. The team are friendly and are not there to judge you. You will be offered confidential support each week, talking about:

The steps involved in quitting

How to se a quit date that works

How to use stop smoking medication

Every year Help Me Quit supports over 15,000 smokers in Wales. Did you know that if you use the Help Me Quit service you will receive stop smoking medication worth around £250 for free.

Take the first step to become smokefree and contact Help Me Quit to find the support that's right for you.

Call: 0800 085 2219

Text*: HMQ to 80818

Visit: Help Me Quit | Stop Smoking Services In Wales

*standard text message rate.

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Help Me Quit | Stop Smoking Services In Wales

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Start your quit journey, with Help Me Quit free NHS support. Contact us today for a smoke free tomorrow.

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What is the National Exercise Referral Scheme?

The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) aim is to reduce the inequalities in ill health by providing access to tailored and supervised physical activity. The target population is aged 16+ who are not used to being regularly physically active and are at risk of or currently experiencing a long term or chronic health condition.

The scheme is designed to provide opportunities to exercise that are fun, rewarding and that can be incorporated into everyday life.

What does the NERS consist of?

There are a wide range of activities both gym based and class based to choose from for patients that have been through rehabilitation programmes. You will be able to access a wide range of opportunities and these will be available between 4 and 48 weeks of the programme (depending on medical condition).

Activities* across Wales consist of:

Gym Sessions

Swimming

Yoga

Walking

COPD Classes

Strength & Balance

Gentle Exercise Classes

Zumba

Aerobics

Pilates

Cardiac Classes

Aquafit

*Local provision varies.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of being more active are:

Weight management

Reduce blood pressure

Reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes

Reduce the risk of some cancers

Reduce stress and anxiety

Improve mental and social wellbeing

Increase energy

Improve strength, mobility, coordination and balance

Improved health & wellbeing

How do you access the NERS?

If you feel that you would benefit from the scheme, are 16 & over and are suitable to join then you need to speak to your GP/practice nurse/health professional about being referred. Your GP or practice nurse will complete a referral form and provide you with a copy.

Your responsibility with on the NERS

Update your Exercise Professional of any changes in your health status or medications

Adhere to the activity programme advised by your Exercise Professional

Attend a minimum of two activity sessions per week and complete the 16 week programme

Individuals are unable to be re-referred to the NERS for 2 years to allow others the opportunity to participate

www.wgla.wales

Wales National Exercise Referral Scheme - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)

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bigmoose is on a mission to support people through therapy and early intervention.

Their goals are to:

1. Help people with their mental health

2. Prevent suicide

3. Reduce homelessness

bigmoose aim to provide therapy to people who need it. In Wales, there is a 36 week waiting list to get mental health therapy - bigmoose you are seen within a week.

Every client is treated as an individual and are referred to the best suited therapist based on their needs and bigmoose therapists' specialities.

If you or someone you know needs support then please reach out to bigmoose. Click the link & fill out the contact form - they will respond to you within 24 hours.

can we help? - bigmoose

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the approach all of our therapists have is called human givens and it is about answering the question, ‘what does it take to make a person well?’ and they work in such an incredible way that sometimes people only need a couple of sessions.

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At Signposted Cymru we specialise in Initial and immediate intervention for individuals struggling, suffering and needing support with mental health and well-being issues by offering responsive, tailored support for people and communities to build brighter futures helping to Acknowledge, Strive and Succeed.

We will travel throughout Wales making sure every adult has the mental health support and help they need. We turn no one away!!!

Signposted Cymru is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. You can contact Signposted Cymru in various ways:

Call: 07958 449283

Email: talktome@signpostedcymru.com

Chat: Talk to Me Button via Wesbite

https://www.signpostedcymru.com/

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men's mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK

#ThatOneMan is our promise to you, our volunteers, our attendees and our supporters, that no matter how quickly we grow, how many awards we win, how many partnerships we strike up or how many clubs we open, we will always remain true to our original goal. To be able to provide support to #ThatOneMan in his time of need, and help him see that his tomorrow can be better than his today.

You can contact us about anything and we’ll do our upmost to help you any way we can. Please note, we’re not a 24/7 service and we are unable to make phone calls to people in need of support.

info@andysmanclub.co.uk

Andy's Man Club meet at Merthyr Town FC, Penydarren Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RF on Mondays at 7pm.

Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

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Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union has been serving members for more than 20 years. Together they found a way to prevent the community becoming victims of loan sharks (unlicensed lenders) and established Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union (MTBCU). Unlike banks, we're owned and controlled by our members and encourage all members to have their say on how the Credit Union should be run.

Who can join? Our services are available to those living and working within the boroughs of Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taf. There is a branch in Merthyr Tydfil at 139 High Street, which is currently open Monday to Friday 9:30am-2:30pm.

Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union | Home (mtbcu.org.uk)

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Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union members can do all business from home, but we also have credit union offices throughout Ireland

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Time to Change Wales is a national campaign to end the stigma faced by people with mental health problems.

The Time to Change Wales campaign is delivered by a partnership of two leading Welsh mental health charities.

Mind Cymru is Mind's force for change in Wales. Informed in everything they do by people with direct experience of emotional distress they campaign vigorously to create a society that promotes good mental health and that challenges mental health stigma.

Adferiad Recovery provides support for vulnerable people in Wales and their families and carers. They have a particular focus on people with mental health problems, substance misuse problems and those who co-occurring & complex needs.

Time to Change Wales

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Anxiety and me: Leo's mental health story

For as long as I remember, anxiety has been a constant feature in my life, waxing and waning throughout the years. From anxiety about body image, to the state of my health, anxiety has a habit of focusing on various parts of our lives and can be...

Find out more

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For as long as I remember, anxiety has been a constant feature in my life, waxing and waning throughout the years. From anxiety about body image, to the state of my health, anxiety has a habit of focusing on various parts of our lives and can be... Find out more

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National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru

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National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru

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The National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS) Cymru provides a free and confidential support service and is available to individuals and families of all ages who live in Wales and can be provided via phone, in person or by video call.

Our specially trained team can offer a safe and empathetic space to talk and be heard. They will help you navigate the many and complex emotions felt after a suicide. The initial shock can be devastating and overwhelming but remember you are not alone.

Our team can support you in the days or weeks immediately following a suicide on in the months, or even years, after your loss. We can also support with practical things like the inquest, financial issues, the police or supporting others that you know have been affected. We can even help you to organise a funeral.

The impact of suicide reaches far and wide, affecting more than just immediate family. You can also access our service if you are a friend, colleague, neighbour or witness.

Reach out to get help!

Call: 0800 048 7742

Email: support@nals.cymru

Referral Form: Contact Us - National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru (nals.cymru)

Home - National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru (nals.cymru)

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National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru

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Discover National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS) Cymru, a free and confidential service in Wales offering support for anyone affected by suicide.

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Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil is an organisation that provides practical and emotional support for cancer patients, and their families, during and after diagnosis. The range of services focuses on providing support, free at the point of use for all residents of Merthyr Tydfil whose lives have been touched by cancer.

The approach is to look at practical and emotional aspects of a patients cancer journey. By providing door to door hospital transport, counselling, complementary therapy, acupuncture, support groups and information and advice. They do not, under any circumstances offer medical advice or alternative therapies. The aim is to ensure every patient has appropriate access to a personal, confidential and safe form of transport to all cancer related hospital appointments throughout the country.

The Cancer Centre of Excellence is located in Dowlais and is open for information and advice is open from 9:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday. During that time, patients can drop in, access information, have a cup of tea, and register to access all the services on offer.

Contact Information

Phone: 01685 379633

Email: info@canceraidmerthyr.co.uk

Address: Upper Union Street, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3LE

Cancer Aid Merthyr

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The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

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By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

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South Wales Victim Focus is a local service run by the national and independent charity, Victim Support. They provide help and support to anyone in South Wales affected by crime.

They are not part of the police, the courts or any other criminal justice agency. The services are free, confidential and available whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.

Whether you have been directly affected by crime, know someone who has or have witnessed something, South Wales Victim Focus are there for you.

They can help m various ways:

Emotional support

Practical support

Help for parents to support child victims

Help to report crime and speaking to the police

Information on the criminal justice process and going to court

Referrals to other agencies for specialist support

Support formASB victims

Help to access Restorative Justice services

www.southwalesvictimfocus.org.uk

0300 303 0161

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INFORM

Samaritans

MIND: Self-Esteem & Confidence

MIND: Wellbeing

Mental Health Support for the Unemployed

Big Moose Charity

Signposted Cymru

Andy's Man Club

Time to Change Wales

National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru

New Horizons

Recovery Colleges

Stephens & George Counselling Service

Adferiad: Cwm Taf Morgannwg Hubs

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New Horizons is a mental health & emotional wellbeing charity based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr & Bridgend (Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board).

They can provide you with all the help and advice you need on your journey to recovery. The free recovery courses cover topics including:

Managing Anxiety

Anger Management

Mental Health Awareness

Resilience Skills

New Horizons also provide a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities, including:

Self Harm Peer Supprot

Walking Groups

Men's Group

Creative Writing Groups

Arts & Craft Boxes

They also have Befriending and Signposting services that are available by phone or online.

https://newhorizons-mentalhealth.org.uk/

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New Horizons - Improving Mental Health Locally

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New Horizons projects the positive image of people suffering mental health problems through challenging discrimination by means of education, outreach work, information and support services.

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Goleudy

Healthy People, Healthy Homes

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Healthy Homes, Healthy People across Wales supporting people to have:

Warmer Homes

Safer Homes

Healthier Homes

Apply for the following support via referral form on the 'Get Support' page of the website.

Energy: help and advice with understanding energy bills, smart meters, savings and discounts.

Water: information, advice and support with tariff reductions and water meters.

Heating: support with applications to schemes providing replacement boilers and home heating measure to qualifying households.

Income Maximisation: support and signposting for benefit checks and council tax reduction applications.

Energy Awareness Sessions: offer a range of sessions for groups including understanding your energy bills, understanding tariffs, energy saving tips and how to keep your home warm.

Priority Service Register: free registration with gas, electricity and water providers for qualifying households.

Home Safety Measures: carbon monoxide awareness, smoke alarms and locking cooker values.

Tackling Fuel Poverty in Wales Together - Warm Wales

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What is a Recovery College?

Mental health, physical health and wellbeing courses/workshops

FREE to all

Self-referral & sign up to any course

Open-minded, respectful & non-judgemental environment for mutual learning

Building meaningful connections, hope, control and opportunities.

For dates & how to book - scan the QR code.

CTM.MHLD.ServiceEngagement@wales.nhs.uk

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QRCode for _Recovery College Survey _ Questionnaire

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DART: Domestic Abuse Resource Team

CLEAR: Change that Lasts Early Awareness Raising

Clare's Law

South Wales Victim Focus

My Support Space App

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Say hello to the My Support Space app - designed by the leading victims’ charity, Victim Support, the My Support Space app is a free online support tool. It is tailored to the needs of victims and survivors of crime or traumatic events aged 16 and over.

The app has easy to find help and information in three key areas:

Information about specific crimes

Support with your rights and entitlements

Ideas to improve your mental health and wellbeing

The app has helpful animations on many topics and short articles written in jargon-free plain English.

You can choose to create a free account if you want to save articles you’ve found helpful. And if you need to talk to someone you can start a live chat in the app, day or night.

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Clean Sheet

Unlock

Nacro

Disclosure Calculator

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It’s a really useful tool for individuals to use to calculate whether they need to disclose convictions to potential employers.

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Disclosure Calculator | Disclosure Toolkit

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Use our free, instant, and private Disclosure Calculator to find out if a conviction is spent or unspent.

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Virtual Reality at New Horizons - Autumn 2025

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It was wonderful to see several of our volunteers at the Carers UK Awards celebration event held last week as part of our 60th anniversary programme. We were delighted that two of our volunteers were among the winners - you can find out who below!

We were also very grateful to volunteer Matthew McKenzie for delivering a fantastic session on what Black History Month means to him at a special Care for a Cuppa session last week.

We are all looking forward to Carers Rights Day on 20 November and in this newsletter, we provide several opportunities for you to get involved.

This month, we also recognise two volunteers who have recently received awards from Room to Reward for all they have achieved for Carers UK, plus others who have been volunteering with us for over 10 years. We also share news of a team volunteering event with the Bank of England, some university volunteering fairs we have attended recently, and an exciting training opportunity with the Eden Project.

Alison is based in Somerset, where she became a key advocate for carers' rights and needs as part of Somerset Council's Commitment to Carers 2024 Plan, to develop relevant services that meet the needs of carers in the county. She also works on the Adult Social Care Board to develop carers' services. Her lived experience and support for carers who are accessing services puts her in a valuable place to be able to help ASC understand how their services are received and how they can be improved, including ironing out issues with out-of-hours services. Alison has offered continuous service to the carers' community in a variety of ways since her husband, who she was caring for, passed away.

Alison said, "With so many wonderful Carers UK volunteers out there, doing such a marvellous job, I was surprised and honoured to even be shortlisted for the Community Volunteer award. I was even more surprised to win. When I started volunteering, it was because I wanted to try to provide the emotional support, the encouragement, and the listening ear, especially out of hours, that I so needed when I was an unpaid carer myself.

We'll be holding an online event for our volunteers on Wednesday 19 November. We will have an interactive discussion about our volunteering programme which will help to inform and steer volunteer activity in the future.

We will also be joined by a member of the Carers UK Policy Team, who will talk about how we can ensure more carers are aware of their rights and feel empowered to use them. Please register here.

We look forward to seeing you for what promises to be an interesting and fun day!

Here are three other suggestions for how you can get involved in this year's Carers Rights Day:

Tell us about your caring experiences to help more carers understand their rights and feel empowered to use them

Order some Carers UK resources from membership@carersuk.org to run your own Carers Rights Day event or attend a local event

Raise awareness of Carers Rights Day online.

See here for further information on all three of these suggested activities.

Michael (Mike) discovered Carers UK in 2012 and became a volunteer in 2014, raising awareness of caring in his local community in Manchester as a volunteer Ambassador/Community Connector and Insight Volunteer. He has helped to raise awareness of caring by sharing his personal experience of caring and collaborating with local and national organisations to ensure that carers are identified and supported. Mike is also a Public Governor for the Christie NHS Foundation Trust for cancer treatment. He works with universities to improve the lives of carers with research initiatives.

Matthew Mackenzie has been volunteering with Carers UK since 2013; he raises awareness of caring with local communities in South London. Matthew cares for both of his brothers, who are autistic, and is a former mental health carer.

Matthew voluntarily runs many carer groups aimed at getting engagement from health and social care services. He is also an author and poet who has written 12 books to raise awareness of caring.

In April 2024, Matthew received a BEM (British Empire Medal) at a special ceremony at the Tower of London in recognition of his outstanding support to unpaid carers.

Matthew has a YouTube channel with incredible videos about caring called A Caring Mind, and has written books about mental health carers such as A caring mind and Race, caring and mental health. He developed an insightful video for Carers Week 2025, which you can watch here.

A huge thank you to Matthew Mackenzie for delivering an inspirational session on Monday 13 October celebrating Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride.

One of our volunteers said of the meeting that it's "really good hearing about other people's experience and different ways they contribute - catching up with what is happening nationally with Carers UK."

Our next meeting will be taking place on Tuesday 28 October from 4.30 to 5.30 pm.

You can register here.

Mary Webster Lecture in Wales

On Tuesday 23 September, we were thrilled to welcome unpaid carers, volunteers, and professionals to our very first Mary Webster Lecture in Wales, held at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff.

This was one of a series of events marking the 60th anniversary of Carers UK and was kindly hosted by Katie Fenton, Health Correspondent at ITV Wales. We heard an opening address from Helen Walker, CEO of Carers UK, followed by an insightful lecture on unpaid carers in Wales delivered by Dr Dan Burrows, Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences.

Most importantly, we thank the unpaid carers who travelled to the event and contributed to the panel conversation.

T he theme 'W ho cares?' is inspired by lived experiences and reflects how people feel about being an unpaid carer, as well as their visions for the future of care.

The response has been incredible - we've received over 100 submissions! However, if you intended to submit an entry and haven't managed to send it yet, then fear not, you still have time!

Exhibition launch on Friday 24 October

All of the entries will be showcased at an exhibition at Cardiff Central Library, which runs until Friday 14 November 2025.

We are hosting a launch event at Central Library on 24 October and we'd love for you to join us at the launch. You can register your attendance here.

Rediscover You: starts 9 January 2026

Ready to rediscover your confidence, explore new opportunities, and take the next step in your life?

Whether you're thinking about returning to work, starting a volunteering role, launching your own business, or simply setting fresh goals for the future, Rediscover You is here to help you get there.

This empowering nine-week course is designed especially for current and former unpaid carers, giving you the tools, mindset, and confidence to create the future you want.

Together, we'll explore:

Boosting your confidence and motivation

Becoming more assertive and self-assured

Understanding your personal strengths

Building resilience in everyday life

Rediscovering your identity beyond your caring role.

You'll be guided by award-winning author Simon Phillips, The Change Man, who has helped thousands of people uncover their skills and step boldly into new opportunities.

We're running a New Year's workshop from Friday 9 January to Friday 6 March 2026.

Final applications will be needed by Monday 1 December.

Each course is limited to just 15 places, so participation is by application only. This helps us create learning groups where everyone's goals and interests align, making the experience more supportive and rewarding for all. Because each week builds on the last, participants must be able to attend every session.

For more information email employers@carerswales.org or click here to apply by 1 December 2025.

Care for a Cuppa

Meet other carers and share experiences at our weekly online Care for a Cuppa sessions. Care for a Cuppa takes place on Mondays 3-4pm, or 11am-12pm on the first Monday of the month. And if daytime doesn't work for you, we hold evening sessions once or twice a month on a Thursday.

Upcoming Share and Learn sessions

We're running a series of online sessions where you can do something you enjoy or try something new.

Here is a sample of what we have coming up:
Tuesday 4 November, 2-3pm: Information session with Brain and Spine Foundation | Book here. Thursday 6 November, 4-5pm: Yoga for all with Sangeeta Bhandari | Book here. Thursday 13 November, 2-3pm: Creating Optimal Sleep with Dr Nerina | Book here.
Thursday 20 November, 10-10:45am: An introduction to T.I.M.E. (Together In Musical Expression) | Book here.
Find all sessions on our website and sign up.

Me Time sessions

We have a variety of sessions coming up and to find our more and to register for free on any of our Me Time sessions, please follow this link.

Please be aware these sessions are run by Carers Wales and information sessions are based on Welsh legislation.

Thursday 30 October, 11am-12pm: Smart support for carers - a guide to Jointly with Carers UK | Book here.
Monday 3 November, 2-3pm: Book Club | Book here. Thursday 6 November, 1-2pm: Gambling awareness with Adferiad | Book here. Wednesday 19 November, 11am-12pm: De-clutter with Jane Breeze | Book here. Find all sessions on our website and sign up.

You are receiving this email because you have signed up to be a volunteer of Carers UK. We believe that you should be able to choose to hear about the things that are of most interest to you.

Unsubscribing below will remove you from ALL newsletter/group emails and CANCEL your volunteering role. If you wish to change your contact preferences or have any questions please contact volunteering@carersuk.org

Unsubscribe from all Carers UK and volunteering emails and cancel your volunteering role.

© Copyright Carers UK. Registered charity number 246329 (England and Wales) and SC039307 (Scotland). You are receiving this email because you are a Carers UK Volunteer.

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It was wonderful to see several of our volunteers at the Carers UK Awards celebration event held last week as part of our 60th anniversary programme. We were delighted that two of our volunteers were among the winners - you can find out who below!

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This service supports people over the age of 18 with mental health and related issues within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board area:

Pentre - Ty Harrington

Merthyr Tydfil - Gellideg Wellbeing Centre

Pontypridd - YMA

Hirwaun - YMCA

The service offers:

Therapeutic & Educational activities

Community building workshops

Person-centered support sessions

Contact:

07760 667 619

07815 565 533

cwmtaf@adferiad.org

Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Mental Health Hubs

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Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Mental Health Hubs

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The service operates across Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr to provide support for people experiencing mental health issues.

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Credit Union

My Money Matters

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The online platform for tailored financial education, support and services; from AVCs to budgeting, to insurance - we've got you covered.

Your platform for prosperity:

Tel: 01252 959 779

Email: support@my-money-matters.co.uk

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Home | For all your financial wellbeing needs | My Money Matters

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My Money Matters is a comprehensive financial wellbeing platform designed to enhance employees’ financial security. With a focus on financial education and overall wellbeing, this platform provides tools and resources to help employees improve their financial situation and takes them on the journey to achieving long-term financial security.

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... any updates from the partners listed through this page will be posted here if they are time sensitive and will be updated regularly.

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Multiply

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Cruse

Lets Talk About Loss

SilverCloud Health

Strong Men

Widowed & Young

The Way Up!

Blue Cross

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MTCBC Unpaid Carers

Carers UK

Online Support Helplines

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Young Minds

The Mix

Papyrus: Prevention of Young Suicide

LiveFearFree

SHOUT

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National Digital Inclusion Network

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WISE

Age Cymru

Integrated Autism Service

ARA: Addiction Recovery Agency - Recovery for All

Help Me Quit

Cancer Aid Merthyr

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PIPYN

Get Cooking

Foodwise for Life

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SHINE - Schools In-Reach Emotional Wellbeing Services

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Family Information Service

Registered Childcare

Childcare Offer for Wales

Tax-Free Childcare

Universal Credit & Childcare Costs