Author: abersychanward.com

CaLOSH, is a remarkable group that has in the past provided invaluable support and a sense of community for individuals who find themselves in similar caregiving roles. 

Being a caregiver can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. The responsibilities and demands of caring for a loved one can take a toll on a person’s emotional well-being. 

Many caregivers often neglect their own mental health as they focus on the well-being of their loved ones. However, the Loved Ones Carers Hub has recognised the importance of addressing mental health and has made it a central focus of their support.

The group provides exceptional support by allowing members to express their feelings, discuss challenges, and find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. 

The power of connection and understanding cannot be understated, and the group has fostered an environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health and find the strength to face their daily responsibilities.

The support provided by the Garnsychan Partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the continued success and relaunch of the Loved Ones Carers Hub.

We meet every Thursday 11 until 1pm, at Victoria Village Community Hall in Abersychan and are fully constituted, but we are currently looking for funding opportunities and are wondering if you could assist us?

Funding would be used towards promoting the group and offering activities such as trips to garden centres and afternoon teas for carers and loved ones as a respite with the group support network. 

We understand that we are all in difficult times and funding is difficult to come by, so just a share of the attached poster to your networks would help if you can’t contribute in any other way. 

By supporting, it’s an opportunity to recognise the importance of mental health and the positive impact that the Loved Ones Carers Hub can have on the well-being of its members.

Kind regards 

Giles Davies
Treasurer – CaLOSH

You can also donate via gofund me

https://gofund.me/e61a2590

In a recent email from the Torfaen Executive Member for Environment, the Labour Controlled Council announced a decision to reduce the number of recycling hubs in the borough to four an earlier pre-pandemic count.

This move comes as a result of increased costs and lack of control over the distribution of recycling receptacles. However, this decision to me, raises concerns about the council’s ability going forward to meet the Welsh Government’s recycling targets and its potential repercussions.

One of the primary concerns with reducing the number of recycling hubs is the potential impact on the council’s ability to achieve the Welsh Government’s target of recycling 70 percent of waste by 2024/25.

Failure to meet this target could result in a significant fine imposed by the Labour Controlled Welsh Government.

For instance, if the council only achieves a recycling rate of 66 percent, a fine of £660,000 could be imposed. This financial burden highlights the importance of maintaining and improving recycling infrastructure.

By decreasing the number of hubs, the council risks making it more difficult for residents to recycle. When individuals’ recycling boxes are damaged or lost, they rely on nearby hubs to obtain replacements.

However, this reduction in the number of hubs means that residents will have to travel further to collect new recycling boxes, some of this could now end up in general waste going forward as a result.

For example, in the Abersychan ward, residents currently use Noddfa Church and Garnsychan Partnership as a hub, which also serves as a food bank and social interaction with users.

Asking residents to travel to Pontypool Civic Centre by bus or car is not practical for many and may deter them from recycling.

This inconvenience could potentially hinder the increase in the overall recycling percentage.

Maintaining a larger number of recycling hubs allows for better community engagement and local control over the recycling process.

Local ward members have diligently ensured that these collection points are located in the heart of the community, making it easier for residents to participate in recycling initiatives.

By reducing the number of hubs, the council is limiting the opportunities for community involvement and potentially diminishing the sense of ownership over recycling efforts.

Consulting with local ward members and seeking their input would have been a valuable step in making an informed decision.

In my opinion, to encourage and improve recycling rates, it is crucial to maintain a sufficient number of accessible collection points. Furthermore, involving local ward members in the decision-making process can lead to more effective and community-centric solutions.

I really hope that the council will reconsider this decision and explore alternatives that align with the goal of increasing recycling rates.

Here’s wishing all the best to Lois Kennedy, who has bravely embarked on a new venture by opening Beauty by Lois in Abersychan, located above the Barbershop.

Upon encountering her for the first time, I was utterly impressed by her professional demeanour and determination. I am entirely confident that her business undertaking will find success in the village.

The salon opened its doors on March 7th. During a conversation with Lois, she expressed her excitement about having just qualified in eyelash extensions and brow lamination, services that have now been added to her repertoire.

These, along with nail treatments, will be available for a few weeks as she expands her service offerings.

For your information, here are some of the services that Lois currently provides:

EYELASHES:

• Russian eyelash: £25
• Hybrid lashes: £20
• Classic lashes: £15

BROWS:

• Brow lamination: £15
• Brow wax and tint: £10
• Brow wax: £7

NAILS:

• Acrylic nails: £20
• Builder gel: £20
• Gel toes: £15
• Acrylic toes: £20

Lastly, it’s important to mention that Lois is greatly appreciative of all her clients, both old and new, for their support ever since she first set foot on this path.

As the Christmas season approaches, one of the most cherished traditions for many is attending a carol service. The sound of voices singing classic Christmas songs, the warmth of community, and the spirit of giving all come together to create a truly magical experience. But for some, this experience is not just about spreading Christmas cheer – it’s about saving lives.

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet with Pastor John from Noddfa Church. We spoke about the idea of Noddfa hosting a carol service for Christmas. We bounced around a few ideas, from hosting the event at Keepers Pond (which is actually not in Torfaen) to eventually settling on The Big Arch.
The Big Arch is a well-known landmark in the community, and we thought it would be the perfect location for a traditional carol service.

But as we discussed the logistics of the event, my colleague Gwyneira and I began to think about the bigger impact this carol service could have. We wanted to do something meaningful and give back to our community in a meaningful way. And that’s when we decided to make this event not just about spreading Christmas cheer, but also about raising funds for a local charity.

Last Sunday, December 17th 2023, the carols under The Big Arch took place again with over 500 people in attendance. It was a traditional community carol service with a local brass band providing beautiful music. But this year, it was more than just an event – it was also a fundraiser again for the Daniel Jones Charity (Torfaen Mind).

The Daniel Jones Charity provides free counselling services for those who have considered suicide. Mental health is often overlooked and stigmatised, but it is an incredibly important issue that affects so many people. We wanted to use this carol service as an opportunity to not only bring people together but also to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.

Every penny donated during the carol service goes directly towards providing free counselling services for those in need. And let me tell you, this event literally saves lives.

As with any event, there were some logistics to consider. We made sure to provide parking options for attendees, including reserved spots for Blue Badge holders near The Big Arch as we wanted to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
But the most important part of the evening was the gathering under The Big Arch. As always It was a sight to behold – hundreds of people coming together under this iconic landmark, singing carols and spreading joy. It was a true testament to the power of community and the spirit of giving within the Abersychan Ward.

If you haven’t been to a carol service under The Big Arch, I highly recommend it. Not only is it a beautiful and heartwarming experience, but it also supports a great cause. So mark your calendars for next year and join us in making a difference in our community!

The absence of a Christmas tree may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, but for the residents of Talywain, it represents a larger problem.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. But for the residents of Talywain, this Christmas is far from wonderful. In fact, it is quite disappointing.

For years, the community has eagerly awaited the arrival of the Christmas tree at their local square. It was a symbol of joy and unity, bringing neighbours’ together to celebrate the holiday season. However, this year, there is no tree to be found. And the reason behind it? Pontypool Community Council.

The Council, responsible for providing the trees to the village, had received a Precept of £715,987.00 for 2022/23 from Council Tax. And looking at their Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2023, they held reserves of a whopping £929,502.79 (Including a General Fund and Liabilities Total of £561,828.42).

With such large amounts of funds available, one would think that providing a Christmas tree for the residents of Talywain would be a no-brainer.

But it seems that the Council had other plans. And while they did mention a future project regarding trees in their minutes, it’s not enough to appease disappointed residents of Talywain.

In their defence, there was a minute referencing the future of trees – 15(ii) Cllr NW provided a verbal update on the live trees to be planted at the Christmas tree sites. The site visit had been postponed, and Mr Steve Williams, Torfaen’s Ecologist will investigate the sites for electrical cables etc first.

It seems like an ongoing project, but unfortunately, it has left Talywain without a Christmas tree this year.

It’s understandable that funding and planning are needed for such projects, but what about the pensioners living in the bungalows where the tree stood?

For them, this tree is more than just a symbol of the holiday season. It is a reminder that they are not alone, and that their community cared for them. And now, it’s gone.

But the disappointment doesn’t stop there. While the residents of Talywain go without a Christmas tree, the neighbouring town of Pontypool seems to have it all.

The Christmas Cavalcade was outstanding this year, and extra funds were even found for a Land Train. And let’s not forget about the Party in the Park and the Myfanwy Haycock Trail, both events geared towards Pontypool.

It’s clear that Pontypool Community Council has put their focus and resources on their own town, neglecting the needs and wants of smaller villages like Talywain. And while they may do a lot of great things for the community, this Christmas, they have let down the residents of Talywain.

The absence of a Christmas tree may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, but for the residents of Talywain, it represents a larger problem.

It’s a symbol of neglect and disparity within the community. How can we expect to call ourselves a united community when some are left without even the simplest joys during the holiday season?

It’s time for Pontypool Community Council to reassess their priorities and remember that they represent all members of their community, not just those in their own town.

The residents of Talywain deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met, especially during times like Christmas.

While we may never know the exact reasons behind the missing Christmas tree at Talywain this year, one thing is certain – the disappointment felt by its residents is valid.

As a community, we must come together to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone gets to experience the magic of Christmas.

And it’s up to our local community council to make this happen, not just for some, but for all.

Let’s hope this is an oversight and we will see a tree put in place over the next few days.

* I have contacted Pontypool Community Council for more information.

As a local councillor, my days are often filled with meetings, paperwork, and making decisions that affect the community. However, today was different. Today, I attended a group not as a councillor, but as a carer. I didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly found myself among a group of people who I could relate to on a personal level. It was a refreshing change of pace and one that left me feeling lighter and recharged.

The group called the Carers and Loved Ones Hub, held at the Victoria Village Hall, and it was open to all carers and their loved ones. I had heard about it through a friend and decided to check it out. I have been a carer for my mother for the past few years, and it can often be an isolating and overwhelming experience. So when I saw the flyer for this weekly group, I knew I had to attend.

Walking into the hall, I was greeted by James Rogers, the organiser of the group. He warmly welcomed me and introduced me to some of the other members. There were people of all ages and backgrounds, but we all shared one common bond – caring for a loved one. As we sat down with our coffees, James explained that the group was created as a safe space for carers to come together, chat, laugh, and offload any struggles or frustrations they may be facing.

I have to admit; I was a bit apprehensive at first. As a councillor, I am used to being in a position of authority and having to maintain a certain level of professionalism. But here, I was just another carer among many. It was a vulnerable position to be in, but as the conversation started flowing, I began to feel more at ease.

We talked about our experiences caring for our loved ones. We also shared moments of laughter as we recounted some of the humorous moments that come with being a carer. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t alone in this journey and that others understood the challenges and triumphs that come with caring for someone.

One thing that struck me was the sense of camaraderie within the group. We were all there to support and uplift each other, and there was no judgment or competition. We were simply a group of people coming together to share our stories and offer a listening ear to those who needed it.

As we talked, I couldn’t help but feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders. Sometimes, as a carer, I get so caught up in my responsibilities that I forget to take care of myself. But in this group, I was reminded that I am not just a carer; I am also a person with my own needs and struggles. And it’s essential to have a support system in place to take care of ourselves as well.

As the two hours flew by, I found myself feeling grateful for this little community that James had created. It’s not easy to open up about the challenges of being a carer, but here, I felt comfortable and understood. I left the group feeling lighter and more energised than when I had arrived.

I want to extend my thanks to James for creating this weekly group and providing a much-needed space for carers like me. It’s easy to get lost in our roles as carers, but coming together in these groups can be a powerful reminder that we are not alone. And I look forward to attending again next week and connecting with this wonderful group of people.

If you are a carer or have a loved one who requires care, I highly recommend checking out your local carers’ groups or support services. It can be daunting to put yourself out there, but the benefits of finding a supportive community are immeasurable. And if you happen to be in the Victoria Village area on a Thursday morning, do drop by the Carers and Loved Ones Hub for a coffee and a chat. Trust me; you won’t regret it.

For more information on the group, you can contact victoriahall.carers.hub@outlook.com. And remember, as carers, we may have many responsibilities, but it’s essential to take care of ourselves too. So don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others who can offer support and understanding on this journey.

The recent announcement by Torfaen Council Leader Anthony Hunt regarding a potential shortfall in funding for Welsh councils has sent shockwaves through the community.

With trade unions estimating that over 12,000 jobs may be at risk, it is a worrying time for both council employees and the residents who rely on their services.

As someone who has grown up in Wales and has witnessed the impact of budget cuts on local councils first-hand, this news is disheartening but not entirely unexpected.

The ongoing squeeze on public spending has been a topic of concern for several years now, with local authorities struggling to maintain essential services while facing increasing financial pressures.

But the reality of potentially losing thousands of jobs and seeing a rise in council tax to bridge the funding gap is a bitter pill to swallow.

The question is, how did we get here, and what does it mean for our communities?

To understand the gravity of this situation, we must first delve into the root causes of the funding shortfall.

According to Torfaen council, they are facing a £4.2 million deficit in the amount needed to maintain services next year. This is significant, considering the already tight budgets that councils have been working with.

One of the main reasons for this shortfall is the underfunding of local authorities by the central government.

Despite rising costs and increasing demands from the community for improved services, councils have been receiving reduced funding from Westminster and passed down from the Welsh Government.

This has forced them to make tough decisions on where to allocate their limited resources.

But it’s not just about money; it’s also about the impact on the lives of council employees. Many of the jobs at risk are administrative roles, these are the people who handle our enquiries, process our applications, and ensure that the daily operations of the council run smoothly.

The thought of 12,000 to 14,000 people losing their jobs in Wales is a daunting prospect, not just for them but for their families as well. It’s a human cost that cannot be measured in monetary terms.

These employees are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they are real people with livelihoods and families to support.

It’s easy to brush this off as long overdue cost-cutting measures, but we must remember that behind every job loss is a person who is feeling undervalued and uncertain about their future.

The stress and worry that they must be going through is unimaginable.

And what about the potential impact on the quality of services? With fewer staff, it’s inevitable that there will be delays in responding to enquiries and processing applications.

This could lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among residents who rely on these services for their daily needs.

The proposed council tax rise of 4.95 per cent has also sparked upset among residents. Some argue that this increase is necessary to bridge the funding gap and prevent further job losses, while others question why it was not raised earlier to prevent such a significant jump.

It’s a valid point to consider. A slightly higher council tax rate in previous years could have potentially prevented this current situation from escalating to such an extent.

But it’s also essential to acknowledge that raising taxes is a sensitive subject, and it’s not an easy decision for any council to make.

Furthermore, with local elections just behind us, it’s natural for questions to arise about why this issue was not raised or addressed sooner?

It’s vital for elected officials to be transparent and proactive in addressing potential challenges before they become full-blown crises.

As residents, we must also remember to show empathy towards the employees who are at risk of losing their jobs and support them through this difficult time.

It’s a challenging road ahead, but as a community, we must come together and work towards finding solutions that will not only bridge the funding gap but also prioritise the well-being of our fellow residents.

After all, it’s our community, our services, and our people that are at stake.

https://www.freepressseries.co.uk/news/23937801.warning-14-000-welsh-council-jobs-risk/?ref=ebmpn&nid=974&u=0ebb0898052175c64b312fdeebba96c4&date=221123

Lastnight, I had the pleasure of attending a charity concert at Garndiffaith Millennium Hall called “Songs from the Shows”.

The performances were delivered by the incredibly talented Bethan Searle, Paul Kaye, and Aled Thomas Davies. The concert was organised by former Councillor and dear friend, Mrs. Gwyneira Clark, with the purpose of raising funds for five-year-old Tyler who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

As I took my seat in the hall, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and community. Everyone in attendance was there to support a great cause and enjoy some fantastic music.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we eagerly waited for the show to begin.

The show opened with Paul Kaye, who wowed the audience with his rendition of classic show tunes. His energy on stage was infectious, It was clear that he was passionate about his craft and the audience couldn’t help but be swept up in his enthusiasm.

Following Paul we were treated to a heartwarming performance by Bethan Searle. Her powerful voice filled the hall as she sang some of the most beloved songs from popular musicals.

It was truly a treat to listen to her sing and I found myself captivated by her professional performance.

Aled Thomas Davies took the stage last, and he certainly did not disappoint. Each song he performed was delivered with such emotion and sincerity that it left a lasting impact on everyone in the audience.

As I looked around the hall, I could see that everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. Not only were we being entertained by incredible performances, but we were also coming together to support a meaningful cause. It was heartwarming to see so many people united by their desire to make a positive impact in Tyler’s life.

I was proud to hear that the concert had raised over £600. But the generosity didn’t stop there. It was announced that there were still more funds to be collected from ticket sales, which meant that the final amount raised would be even higher.

I was asked last minute to say a few words. And expressed my gratitude for being able to represent such a caring and close-knit community, emphasising how events like this truly highlight the spirit of togetherness and support that exists in Garndiffaith and throughout the Abersychan Ward.

I invited Tyler’s family on stage to give an update on his condition. As they stood before us, it was clear that they were overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for all the support they had received.

They shared some heartwarming news about Tyler’s progress and thanked everyone for their contributions towards his treatment.

Unfortunately due to work commitments I had to leave shortly afterwards, but couldn’t help but reflect on what a truly exceptional night it had been.

Not only did we get to enjoy some incredible performances, but we also came together as a community to make a positive impact in someone’s life.

It is moments like these that remind us of the power of humanity and how much we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.

I am grateful to Mrs. Gwyneira Clark for organising such a wonderful event and for bringing people together for such a meaningful purpose.

It is truly heartwarming to see individuals like her taking action and making a difference in their community.

Update – Final amount raised £918