Council scoop top social care award….TWICE

Two out of eight national social care awards for Wales have been picked up by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's care services have picked up two awards at the Wales Social Care Accolades 2007 - the only Welsh award scheme dedicated to social services.

A total of eighteen different projects from across Wales were shortlisted in eight different categories under this year's learning and development theme.

The Council's student learning and development service took top spot in the 'Investing in the Workforce' section, for its commitment to giving local people new skills and qualifications.

The 'growing your own' project sees the Council supporting employee students through a three-year social work degree course, with a commitment to providing practice-learning opportunities for them. Key partners in this process include a link up with the University of Glamorgan and independent sector partners.

In an industry that has major concerns over the amount of available qualified social work staff, the project's success is already highlighted through its 100% success rate in retaining 41 employees trained through the service.

Designed to develop and mature over a ten-year timescale, the project has a vision to stabilise the local social care workforce, giving extra piece of mind to local people in need of care, and eventually expanding its work to encourage social care as a career among our school leavers.

The second initiative to scoop first place is the 'Care Leavers Employment Scheme'. This project been established over the past eighteen months to offer employment opportunities within the Council to six young people each year.

The scheme is the first in Wales to offer employment opportunities with a local authority to young people, aged 16-24, leaving care.

A further six young people leaving care will be employed under this project by the Council every year.

Councillor John David, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, commented: "Winning two of the awards is really quite something. Certainly no other Council matched us this year.

"It's always pleasing when you get recognised nationally by your peers, especially at the national awards ceremony for the social care sector.

"Social care is an extremely important part of the Council's work and I must congratulate our staff for the work they've done to make these projects such a success.

"I'm delighted for all the students whose success means building the foundations of a rewarding career in social work and a vital contribution to the lives of people living in the borough.

"It's important for a care provider to recruit and retain the best staff available - something that our clients deserve."

Councillor Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Equality, said, "The care leavers scheme is another commitment by us towards looked after children.

"It somehow seems right that young people who have received care themselves can benefit from the opportunities of working for Council for the benefit of the community

"We are committed to providing opportunities for personal career developments as a key tool in supporting a happy and highly skilled workforce."

More to 'fit' in

Older people can now stay a bit fitter thanks to a new chair-based exercise programme.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has trained 10 physical activity staff to take classes, as well as invested £3,700 on new exercise equipment, to extend the Support to Access Recreation Scheme (STARS).

The chair-based exercise sessions are aimed at people over the age of 60 or people with limited mobility.

The chair-based exercise aims to improve posture and circulation, increase the range of movement in joints, motivate participants and increase interaction with others.

Studies show that even moderate exercise by older people can help cut the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

There are now 30 classes per week taking place across the borough. Of these, 28 are in residential care, sheltered housing and day centres and two are open access - Cwrt Alun Lewis Sheltered Housing Complex (Cynon Taf Housing Association), Cwmaman, Thursday, 10:30-11:30 and St Mair's Day Centre, Aberdare, Thurs 1:30-2:30.

"Most importantly exercise should be enjoyable and by carrying out sessions in this way we can help make sure this is the case," said Councillor John David, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services.

"We encourage people to take responsibility for their own health, but it is also important that they have the help and resources to help them keep fit.

"Even a small decline in physical fitness for older people can mean that everyday tasks become impossible so these activities may be crucial for independence and quality of life."

The equipment was funded by the Strategy for Older People in Wales through the Welsh Assembly Government.