28 December 2007

Tan y Maen Centre and NACRO to work in partnership to help local drug users

From the beginning of January the Tan y Maen Centre in Blaenau Ffestiniog will join forces with the NACRO led Drug Intervention Programme Wales (DIP) to provide an additional drop in session in the area for individuals struggling with drug related problems.

DIP currently provides a drop-in session every Thursday between 1 and 3pm at the Llywio’r Llwybr, Information Shop in the centre of Blaenau Ffestiniog and from January 10th an additional session between 11am and 1pm will be available at the Tan y Maen Centre, Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The DIP can provide practical support and assistance for those struggling with drug problems by providing access to; treatment, employment and training, housing and benefits, counselling and mentoring, advocacy and basic skills. The Tan y Maen Centre at Blaenau Ffestiniog provides a range of services and access to support and guidance for mental health sufferers, their families and carers throughout Meirionnydd. Tina Naylor, DIP North Wales Regional Manager, said “We recognise that there is a need for the services and support that we provide in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area and that is why we welcome this opportunity to extend our services in the town by providing an additional drop-in every Thursday morning between 11am and 1pm at the Tan y Maen Centre”. She added, “It is our hope that those visiting the DIP drop-in at Tan y Maen will take up the opportunity to access the range of other services, support and activities that are on offer at the Centre as part of their programme of rehabilitation”. Tan y Maen Centre Co-ordinator, Gwilym Euros Roberts said; “There has been a sharp increase in the number of drug users in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area over recent years, we fully support the work that DIP is doing in the area and we are pleased that we can support the programme by providing a place to meet at Tan y Maen. It is also our hope that some people accessing DIP support will join in the range of activities on offer at the Centre ranging from cookery and art classes, to music therapy to outdoor pursuits”.

30 November 2007

On Friday 30th November, users of the Tan y Maen Centre received a presentation from North Wales Fire Service Safety Officer, Gwyn Roberts regarding safety in the home as well as an introduction to a free service that the Fire Service provides to reduce the risk of fire at home by installing smoke alarms and other precautounary measures in your home. The presentation was well received and a number of those present have arrange dto have smoke alarms fitted at their home as a result of Gwyn's visit.

26 October 2007

Official Launch of Tan y Maen's new website.

This morning a number of local people and representatives from various organisations came to Tan y Maen to attend the official launch of the Centre's new website, www.tanymaen.co.uk by The National Assembly of Wales' Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas. The website which has been designed by volunteer, Gareth Vaughan Jones from Blaenau, is now online and it is hoped that it will act as a virtual door into Tan y Maen and the broad range of services and support that it has to offer. Here are a selection of photo's taken at the official launch.

22 October 2007

New Website aims to bring services closer to the community.

A brand new website that will be launched on Friday, October 26th aims to bring vital services and information closer to the community in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the wider Merionnydd area.

The Tan y Maen Centre at Blaenau Ffestiniog provides a range of services and access to support and guidance for mental health sufferers, their families and carers.

The website, tanymaen.co.uk which has been designed by volunteer, Gareth Vaughan Jones from Blaenau will be officially launched at the Centre by local Assembly Member, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas at 11am.
Those attending the launch will also be able to view an exhibition of arts and craft work prepared by centre users as well as hearing a few songs by the Centre's singing group.

Tan y Maen Centre Co-ordinator, Gwilym Euros Roberts said;
"Mental Health Care has been in the news a lot lately, with the Westminster Government announcing that they will be investing millions to combat depression and Assembly Shadow Health Minister, Jonathan Morgan AM calling for the adoption of new mental health laws in Wales".

He added, "Tan y Maen is a relatively small resource centre that provides important services and support in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the wider area of rural Meirionnydd, by developing the website, we hope to make those services and information regarding other agencies that use the Centre more accessible. Like our motto states, our aim is to "Open Doors" for people, so those suffering from a mental health illness, need not live in isolation as our door is always open, be that virtually via the web or in reality via our drop-in facility".

Anyone interested in using the facilities, services or support at Tan y Maen can contact the Centre on (01766) 830 203, email tanymaen@btinternet.com or visit www.tanymaen.co.uk

Potential volunteers are also welcome, for an informal chat about volunteering at Tan y Maen, please contact Annwen Price Jones on (01766) 830 203.