Links
| ACCESSIBLE WALES |
| A website aimed at bringing accessibility information to the disabled. |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.accessible-news.co.uk |
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| Action For Children |
| Action for Children is committed to helping the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full potential. |
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| Click the logo above to visit the Action For Children Website |
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| All Wales Child Protection Procedures |
| The All Wales Child Protection Proceedures are an essential part of the wider agenda of safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The common standards they provide guide and inform child protection practice in each of the 22 Local Safeguarding Children Boards across Wales. They outline the framework for determining how individual child protection referrals, actions and plans are made and carried out. They are based on the principle that the protection of children from harm is the responsibility of all individuals and agencies working with children and families, and with adults who may pose a risk to children. Partnership working and communication between agencies is identified as key in order to identify vulnerable children and to help keep them safe from harm and abuse |
| You can view the All Wales Child Protection Procedures at: http://www.awcpp.org.uk/ |
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| APPLE Childcare Vouchers |
| We offer employers, working parents and childcare providers an easy, flexible and efficient childcare voucher scheme. Childcare Vouchers are exempt from tax and National Insurance contributions enabling both employees and employers to make considerable savings. please click the logo below for more information |
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| Contact: Tel: 0845 6029459 Website: http://www.applechildcarevouchers.co.uk/ |
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| Barnado's |
| Whatever the issue from drug misuse to disability; youth crime to mental health; sexual abuse to domestic violence; poverty to homelessness; Barnardo’s believes we can bring out the best in every child. We run almost 400 projects around the UK: discover the work we do in your region. |
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| Head Office, Barnardo's, Tanner Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex, IG6 1QG Telephone: 020 8550 8822 Fax: 020 8551 6870 Visit their website at http://www.barnardos.org.uk/ |
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| Bridges Into Work |
| What is Bridges Into Work Bridges Into Work is a European funded project working across six areas of South Wales - Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, bridgend, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. The aim of the project is to support local people to gain skills and confidence to help them move towards employment. How will the project work If you live in the areas named above, are not in full time education and are unemployed the Bridges into Work Team will offer you guidance and supportto help you into employment. With the support of a Bridges into Work Case Manager, who will be based in your locality you will complete an Individual Learning action plan which will then lead you to a range of free courses which will enable you to gain the new skills and qualifications you need in order to progress. You can also benefit from basic skillsdvelopment and childcare provision. |
| for more information please contact Bridges into Work project on 01443 743 968 |
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| BULLIES OUT |
| An Anti Bullying Charity providing help, support and information to individuals, schools, youth and community settings affected by bullying. |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.bulliesout.com |
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| Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) |
| Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales encourages the improvement of social care, early years and social services by regulating, inspecting and reviewing, and by providing professional advice to Ministers and policy makers. Through our work, we aim to raise standards, improve quality, promote best practice and inform people about social care |
| visit the website at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/ |
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| Carers Telephone Counselling Service |
| The Carers Support Project offers a free confidential counselling service provided by a qualified counsellor. The service is available to carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf. To arrange an appointment the carer should simply telephone the Carers Support Project CarersLine Opening times: 9.00am to 1.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (answerphone at all other times) The counsellor is a trained listener who can help the carer to look at options, consider issues in a different way and make decisions about how to manage their life in a way that works for them. The aim is to help them find their own solutions to their problems and concerns, respecting them and their right to self-determination. The conversation with the counsellor will remain confidential. The only exception to this may be if the counsellor thinks there is a risk to the carer or to anyone else. This will be discussed with them at the time. Only the carer, the CarersLine staff and the counsellor will know that you have requested an appointment. Initially you will be offered up to 6 sessions of 45 to 50 minutes but you can discuss the frequency with the counsellor. |
| Freephone 0808 100 1801 |
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| Child Accident Prevention Trust |
| The Child Accident Prevention Trust is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents. We aim to provide independent, expert, practical information on preventing accidents to children and young people |
| visit our website at: http://www.capt.org.uk/ |
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| Child Benefit |
| Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit help to support families with children and working people on low incomes. Child Tax Credit supports families with children and young persons aged from 16 but under 20 years old. You can claim whether or not you are in work. All families with children, with income of up to £58,000 a year (or up to £66,000 a year if there is a child under one year old), can claim the credit in the same way. Working Tax Credit supports working people (whether employed or self-employed) on low incomes by topping up earnings. Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit do not affect Child Benefit payments, which we pay separately. |
| Visit the website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ |
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| Child Car Seats |
| The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child seat that is suitable for their weight and size. Even in a minor crash, an unrestrained child would be thrown about inside the vehicle, injuring themselves and others |
| Visit our Website at: http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ |
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| CHILDLINE |
| A telephone helpline for children and young people. If you're feeling upset or you've got a problem you can't sort out for yourself, or you just need someone to talk to: |
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| Contact: 0800 1111 visit our website at: http://www.childline.org.uk |
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| Child Poverty Solutions Wales |
| Reducing Child Poverty through Public Service delivery. |
| For further information visit their website at http://www.childpovertysolutions.org.uk |
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| Child Support Agency |
| The Child Support Agency (CSA) is part of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission Our role is to make sure that parents who live apart from their children contribute financially to their upkeep by paying child maintenance. The CSA will continue to operate and provide the statutory maintenance service |
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| visit our website at http://www.csa.gov.uk Telephone: 08457 133 133 Address: National Helpline, Po BOx 55, Brierly Hill, DY5 1YL |
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| Child Trust Fund |
| Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a savings and investment account for children. Children born on or after 1 September 2002 will receive a £250 voucher to start their account. The account belongs to the child and can't be touched until they turn 18, so that children have some money behind them to start their adult life. |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.childtrustfund.gov.uk/ |
| Factsheet_-_Child_Trust_Fund.pdf |
| CIRCLES NETWORK WALES |
| Provides person-centred support to disabled and/or disadvantaged parents through this project; which includes parents with physical and sensory impairments, learning difficulties and mental health or emotional differences. All work is based on the principles of the social model of disability and person centred planning. |
| Telephone: 02920 487575 http://www.circlesnetwork.org.uk |
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| COMMUNITY LEGAL ADVICE |
| A free and confidential advice service paid for by legal aid |
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| Telephone: 0845 3454 345 or visit our website at: http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/ |
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| Contact a Family |
| We are the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children. |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.cafamily.org.uk/ |
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| DIRECTGOV |
| The Official Government Website - gives information on Education & Learning Motoring Home & Community Employment Money, tax and benefits Health & well-being Travel & transport Environment and greener living Crime, justice and the law Government, citizens and rights Young people Parents Disabled people Over 50s Britons living abroad Caring for someone |
| Visit our website at: http://www.direct.gov.uk |
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| DRINK AWARE |
| Alcohol Information As wine glasses are getting bigger, alcohol content becoming stronger and prices coming down, no wonder 10 million adults exceed Government guidelines on alcohol each year. While drinking within the Government's suggested guidelines has minimal detrimental effect on health, there are several health risks associated with drinking too much alcohol. These include anxiety, sexual difficulties such as impotence, slowed breathing and heartbeat, impaired judgement leading to accidents and injuries, loss of consciousness, suffocation through choking on your own vomit and potentially fatal alcohol poisoning. Drinking heavily also increases your calorie intake, and it is frequently associated with obesity. There are 125 calories in a medium-sized (175ml) glass of wine and over 500 in a bottle, the same as in a large hamburger! Source: drinkaware |
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| http://www.drinkaware.co.uk |
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| DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES |
| Substance Misuse is a complex issue that not only impacts on the lives of those directly involved but also their children, parents or carers and the communities in which they live. For details of both local and national organisations offering substance misuse services for people who may wish to access their services, whilst also offering support for their families and friends, please visit the website at http://www.substancemisuserct.co.uk |
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| Eatwell |
| A healthy balanced diet contains a variety of foods including plenty of fruit and vegetables, plenty of starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice, some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils and some dairy foods. It should also be low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar. |
| Visit our website at: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/ |
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| Estyn |
| Estyn is the office of Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales. They are an independent inspection service, led by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales. |
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| http://www.estyn.gov.uk |
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| Got a Teenager |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.gotateenager.org.uk/ |
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| Health In Pregnancy Grant |
| From April 2009 you can claim a one-off, tax-free payment if you're a mum-to-be who is at least twenty-five weeks pregnant. The payment is called, 'Health in Pregnancy Grant' and is to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. Please follow the link below for more information. |
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| http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/ |
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| Health In Pregnancy Grant |
| From April 2009, you can claim a one-off, tax-free payment from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you're a mum-to-be who’s at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called “Health in Pregnancy Grant” and is to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. You due date needs to be on or after 6 April 2009 for you to make a claim. |
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| For more information on the Health in Pregnancy Grant, visit; http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/ |
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| Healthy Start |
| What is Healthy Start? With Healthy Start, you can get free vouchers every week which you swap for milk, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. Healthy Start replaces the Welfare Food Scheme. |
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| Visit our Website at: http://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/ |
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| HM Revenue & Customs Childcare Indicator - helping you choose |
| If your employer offers you help with your childcare costs in the form of childcare vouchers and you receive Working Tax Credit, this calculator will help you decide whether you are better off having childcare vouchers or the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. |
| visit the website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ |
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| I CAN - Helps Children Communicate |
| Being able to speak, use language and communicate with others is one of the basic necessities for happiness and success. I CAN works to support the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children with a special focus on those who find this hard: children with speech, language and communication needs. |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.ican.org.uk/ |
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| i-PAT Keeping Your Children Safe From Harm On The Internet |
| i-PAT (Internet Parental Awareness Training) works with primary and secondary schools to provide awareness training sessions so parents can learn how to keep their children safe on the internet. We also provide these courses through companies, clubs, societies and youth organisations. For further information on i-PAT and training courses in your area please click the image below |
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| Tel: 02920 090 178 e-mail: i-PAT (Internet Parental Awareness Training) 66 Cardiff Road Glan-y-Llan Taffs Well Cardiff CF15 7AF Contacts: Penny Steinhauer and Suzy Phillips |
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| Job Centre Plus |
| There is lots of practical support available for parents looking for work. If you're a lone parent additional help is available in your job search. We can also help when you start work. This extra help will complement the existing support that's out there. Find out how we can help when you start work. Jobcentre Plus can also provide advice and information on New Deal for Lone Parents. Work to suit your needs - You have lots of options to consider when you are ready to start work or to change your working pattern. If you haven't worked for a while, you might want to spend some time getting used to being back in a work environment. Or, you might want to find training to help you get the right job. Work doesn't have to mean full-time, there are other options which may suit you better when you're a parent. |
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| visit the website at: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/ |
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| LONE PARENTS HELPLINE |
| Free, confidential information for One Parent Families Telephone: 0800 018 5026 http://www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk |
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| Meic |
| Meic is a new helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. From finding out what's going on in your local area to help dealing with a tricky situation, Meic will listen when no-one else will. We'll give you quality information, useful advice and the support you need to make a change. |
| For information about Meic log on to http://www.meiccymru.org |
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| MEND - Fitter, healthier, happier families |
| MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!) is an organisation dedicated to reducing global overweight and obesity levels We are a social enterprise, working with local, regional, national and international partners to achieve our shared vision of fitter, healthier and happier families. please click on the image below for more information |
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| Contact: Free Phone: 0800 230 0263 Website: http://mendcentral.org/ |
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| Naidex 20-22 April 2010 NEC Birmingham |
| The UK's largest event for homecare disability and rehabilitation is back for its 36th year! Naidex is renowned for being the best plac to see new products in the homecare, disability and rehabilitation industry. With over 360 companies using Naidex as the official launch for their brand new products, it's an event not to be missed. Naidex 2010 will be full of interesting and informative features. Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to enhance your knowledge in a field, a trade visitor attending to network or a member of the public looking to meet others and receive valuable information. Naidex is the biggest and best opportunity to test, touch and compare the latest products and services to aid independent living. |
| For more information about the Naidex event log onto www.naidex.co.uk |
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| NIACE - Promoting Adult learning. |
| Niace provides information about adult learning. To find out what is available in your area follow the link below. |
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| http://www.niace.org.uk |
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| Ourbobby.com |
| This site provides information on your neighbourhood policing. There is information about work that is going on to tackle antisocial behaviour, crime and other problems in your area. Find your local contact and learn about PACT. |
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| http://www.ourbobby.com |
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| Parentline Plus |
| http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk http://www.parentlineplusforprofessionals.org.uk/ |
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| Parents Guide to Money |
| Whether you work with families or are starting your own, you will know that staying in control of your finances can be a challenge. On this site you will find lots of information, resources, leaflets and some fun extras for the kids http://www.fsa.gov.uk/ |
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| PEOPLE FIRST |
| Hi my name is Luke and I'm the new Project Worker for RCT Young People First. Young People First is offering one-to-one self advocacy support for young people in transition. We are trying to step in and support parents and teachers to enable and empower young people to tell us what they want for their futures and give them a voice. By supporting them in planning for their future, they are able to make the best of the opportunities available to them. The organisation accepts self-referrals and referrals from professionals. For more information on the project or to enquire about the one-to-one support available, please contact our offices on: |
| 01443 683037 and ask for Luke or Krysia. |
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| Play Strategy 2010 |
| To view the Draft Play Strategy 2010 please clck on the link below |
| Draft_Play_Strategy_v2.doc |
| Raising Kids |
| Raisingkids.co.uk is here to offer support, information, and friendship to everyone who's raising kids - whatever your circumstances or income |
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| visit our website at: http://www.raisingkids.co.uk/ |
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| Rhondda Cynon Taf Children and Young People's Plan |
| The Plan refers to all services for children and young people aged 0 – 25 and maternity services. It is the key document setting out how the well-being of all children and young people in the area will be improved. The Plan directs the work of the partners, in line with the United Nations Convention of Rights and 7 Rights to Action as set out by the Welsh Assembly Government. Click the image below to view the Children and Young People’s Plan |
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| For further information The Fframwaith Support Team can be contacted at: Tel: (01443) 744382 Fax: (01443) 744387 E-mail: Web: http://www.fframwaith.org |
| Children_and_Young_People's_Plan_2008-11[1].pdf |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council |
| Click on the RCT crest below to be connected to the Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC website were you can view a huge range of information and services available throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf |
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| Contact your Council RCT Headquarters Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council The Pavilions Cambrian Park Clydach Vale Tonypandy CF40 2XX General Enquiries - 01443 424000 Environmental Services - 01443 494700 Finance - Council Tax and Benefit Enquiries - 01443 681081 minicom 01443 680708 Finance - Other Enquiries - 01443 680500 Education Services - 01443 744000 Housing - Repairs enquiries - 0845 3014141 Email: . |
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| Sea Cadets Corps, Rhondda |
| The aim of the Sea Cadet Corps and in particular Rhondda Sea Cadet Unit, is to help young people towards responsible adulthood by encouraging valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct using a nautical theme, based on the customs of the Royal Navy. As a parent or guardian of one of our cadets, you will no doubt share our hope that their time with us will be an enjoyable experience that will provide them with valuable skills for the future, whist at the same time, having some ‘Serious Fun’. We carry out many activities from sailing and canoeing to football and computers. Whatever your interests, there is something for you at Rhondda Sea Cadets |
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| If you are aged between 10-18 then what are you waiting for? Come and visit us at the unit or call us on (01443) 440322 during our parade nights on a Tuesday and Thursday and we can get you joining in the fun! Visit our website at http://www.rhonddascc.org.uk Alternatively you can contact us via email on and we can send you more details |
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| Separated Dads |
| Separated Dads was formed to offer a unique reference point on being away from or separated from your children. We help you deal with child support payments, and how to communicate with your kids, with ideas for things to do when you're all together, which is the best time of all. We welcome your questions, which are answered by the same experts who write our articles, separated fathers themselves who understand the problems. We're on your side. |
| view their website at: http://www.separateddads.co.uk/ |
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| Services Available in Your Area |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf Doctors: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Dentists: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Opticians: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Pharmacies: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Please click the website links above to view a complete list of relevant services in your area. |
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| Smalltalk |
| The Newsletter for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Parent and Carer Network. Caring for children with disabilities and special needs aged 25 and under. Click image below to read newsletter |
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| Contact Us: Write To: Caroline Wells, Development Officer, Rhondda-Cynon-Taff Parent and Carer Network, Heddfan, Ilan Avenue, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd CF37 5PN Telephone: 01443 668839 Email: Website: http://www.earlyyearsrct.co.uk/ Register With Us: If you care for a child or young person who is aged 25 or under and has a disability or special need and you would like to receive future copies of this newsletter and information on our events then please contact us for further information. |
| Smalltalk_Jan_103.pdf |
| SNAP Cymru |
| SNAP Cymru is a Charity that offers information and support to families of children and young people who have special educational needs. These may be additional learning needs or disability. SNAP Cymru is the leading provider of Parent Partnership Services in Wales, giving thousands of families information, advice and support every year |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.snapcymru.org/ |
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| Sports, Clubs & Centres |
| Contains information on Clubs, Facilities, Grants, Leisure Passes and more. |
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| http://www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/ |
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| Sure Start Maternity Grant |
| If you're on a low income, the Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment to help towards costs of a new baby. The grant comes from the Social Fund and you don't have to repay it. |
| For further information click the following link the the Directgov website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/ |
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| Text Relay |
| Text Relay connects people using a textphone with people using a telephone or another textphone. It lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired people stay in touch with friends and family, and call businesses over the telephone For more information please click on the Text Relay link below. |
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| Contacting Text Relay: Telephone: 0800 7311 888 Email: Textphone: 18001 0800 7311 888 Fax: 0151 709 8119 Write to us at: Text Relay PO Box 284 Liverpool, L69 3UZ Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm Closed bank holidays. |
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| TURN2US to access benefits and grants - Part of the Elizabeth Finn Care Family |
| Turn2us exists to help people access the money available to them - through benefits, grants and other financial help. Their free, accessible website www.turn2us.org.uk has been designed to help people find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on their particular needs and circumstances. Features include: A Benefits Checker that helps people ensure that they are receiving all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. A Grants Search section containing the details of hundreds of grant-giving charities (national, regional and local) that may be able to provide financial support and other services. A confidential 'My Turn2us' account that can be used to make online enquiries and applications to grant-giving charities. Information and interactive tools covering a wide range of subjects on welfare benefits, grants and managing money. The service is: Free - Confidential - Based on highly credible sources - Comprehensive and reliable - All in one place - Secure. |
| The free confidential helpline is open 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday - Friday call 0808 802 2000 |
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| Volunteering Wales |
| Volunteering Wales will provide you with information and advice about getting involved in volunteering. You may be thinking about volunteering for the first time, you might have volunteered before and be looking to broaden your experiences or perhaps you work for an organisation that is involving volunteers. Click logo to be connected to the Volunteering Wales website |
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| Visit our website at: http://www.volunteering-wales.net/ |
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| Welsh Language Board |
| http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk |
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| Womens Aid |
| Women's Aid is the key national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. They support a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK. |
| http://www.womensaid.org.uk |
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| Working Families |
| Our name defines two of the most important parts of life: family and employment. These are often in conflict. We feel passionately that this is unnecessary, counter-productive and must change. Things ARE changing. By working with parents and carers and organisations alike, Working Families helps children, working parents and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work. By operating in the real world of pragmatic advice and practical solutions, we are making our vision a reality. |
| View their website at: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk |
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