July 2011
Summer Playschemes in Torfaen
The Torfaen Play Service will be running Free Summer Playschemes throughout August. For information on the dates, times and venues, download a copy of the Summer Playschemes Poster|.
New Reward Points with the Torfaen Leisure Card
From 1st July every time you swipe your Torfaen Leisure Card you will earn points which could win you a prize up to the value of £150.
The Torfaen Leisure Card (TLC) is available to Torfaen residents and visitors who wish to access a selection of discounted activities and services from Torfaen Leisure Facilities. Whether you’re a regular or casual visitor to our leisure centres make sure you register for your free Torfaen Leisure Card today. Every three months adult users and under 16 users will win health related prizes that include everything from heart rate monitors to quarterly fitness membership.
For more information contact the Leisure Card Team on
01633 627123
New Ballroom Dancing Classes
Calling all budding Ballroom Dancers. Now’s your chance to learn some fancy footwork. The classes are for all ages and abilities and are being held at the Pontypool Active Living Centre. For more information, download a copy of the Ballroom Dancing Classes Poster|.
The Cwmbran Big Event - 9th-16th July 2011
The ‘Cwmbran Big Event’ aims to be the biggest celebration of physical and cultural activity in Torfaen. Most of the events are free and designed to be fun for the whole family.
The event will culminate with the Big Event ‘Finale’ at the Boating Lake on Saturday, July 16 and will include raft & paddle boat races on the boating lake, sporting competitions, kiddies fair rides, craft and food stalls and a large covered stage for a wide variety of musical acts.
Follow the link to the Cwmbran Big Event |section of the website for more information on the events and activites taking place throughout the week.
New Summer Pack from Change4Life
Change for Life have produced a summer pack which is full of great ideas on sugar swaps and snack checks. The sugar swap booklet has lots of information on lowering the amount of sugar the family eats and great ideas for lunchboxes and breakfast. The snack swapper, which is included in the pack, is an easy way for parents to choose healthy alternatives for their children.
You can take part in the Change4Life programme by simply completing a questionnaire online, they will then send you an action plan with handy hints for you and your family. For more information on the free resources available, visit the Change4Life website|.
June 2011
Have Your Say Forum
Would you like to share your good and bad experiences of health and social care with Torfaen Council and the Aneurin Bevan Health Board?
Would you like to work with the Council and Health Board and become part of the formal planning process influencing the priorities and decisions of future health and social care services?
If the answer is yes, you may want to join the Have Your Say Forum which meets bi monthly in Cwmbran and Pontypool.
Download a copy of the flier| for more information.
Bloke Noise App
A new health app for the iPhone called Bloke Noises has been launched to encourage men to take a greater interest in their health.
Bloke Noises allows you to create fun health profiles for you and your friends based on simple lifestyle choices. Explore your health profile to trigger the Bloke Noises and reveal potential health issues;
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Select your lifestyle choices
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Take a picture of yourself or friends
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Explore your potential health issues
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Share your health profiles
Get trusted medical advice via links to the Men’s Health Forum website
You can download the free app through;
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bloke-noises/id440680963?mt| or www.malehealth.co.uk|
Man MOT - part of Men's Health Week
Ever wanted to talk to a doctor online? Now you have the chance as the Mens Health Forum is backing a new scheme which means every Monday night men will be able to chat to a health professional anonymously and in confidence without leaving your computer.
Log on Monday at www.manmot.co.uk| for your own MOT or 'Monday Opportunity to Talk' - No appointment necessary.
Surgeries will run every Monday between 6pm and 11pm until at least summer 2011.
March 2011
Outdoor Adventure Saturday Morning Cub
A new outdoor adventure Saturday Morning Club is being run for Primary and Secondary School age groups. The club is being run by the Torfaen Sports Development team and will start on 30th April 2011. For more information on the club, download a copy of the outdoor adventure club poster| here.
February 2011
Half Term Activities
Check out what’s on offer to keep the kids happy this half term.
Seedoos, Inflatable Fun, Street Dancin’, Trampolining, Skiing,
Badminton & Squash Coaching…. and more!
If you want to develop existing skills or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone. Look out for bookable courses and sign up early to avoid disappointment.
Plus don’t forget free swimming for young people under 17 in Torfaen during the holidays with a Torfaen Leisure Card.
Download a copy of the Torfaen February Half Term Programme| for further details.
Fitness Membership Offer
Join Torfaen's Leisure Centre's Direct Debit Membership at Cwmbran or Pontypool Fitness Suites before 15th February
and qualify for a half price first payment and a free Induction.
(subject to taking out a 6 month contract)
OR
Join the newly refurbished/upgraded Fairwater Fitness Suite* by the 28th February and qualify for a free Induction. Monthly Memberships start from as low as £20
* Fairwater Fitness Suite reopened 17th January 2011
For further information contact Cwmbran Fitness Suite
on 01633 627100 or Pontypool Fitness Suite on 01495 742222
December 2010
No Smoking Day 9th March 2011
The national no smoking day charity have launched the theme for national no smoking day which takes place on 9th March 2011. The 2011 theme was developed with smokers and recognises that most smokers would really like to stop, but find it hard to. For many the day that their smoke-free life begins never seems to arrive and so the charity aims to encourage smokers to think ahead and with the help of No Smoking Day make that day Wednesday, 9 March 2011.
For more information on No Smoking Day and information on how to organise your own event for No Smoking Day, visit the No Smoking Day website|.
If you are thinking about quitting and would like further information on support that is available locally, visit the Stop Smoking Wales website |or call the freephone no. 0800 085 2219.
Energy Factsheet for Consumers
Ofgem have published a helpful factsheet twhich giving consumers advice on how to get the best out of the energy market.
Download a copy of the Ofgem Energy Factsheet| here.
October 2010
Fitness Membership Offer!
At Pontypool Active Living Centre & Cwmbran Stadium Fitness Suites
Join before 31st October and get:
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December FREE!
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FREE Induction!!
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No DD payments taken until January 2011!!!
For further information & contact details click here|
South Wales Mini Olympics Aquatic Festival on 28th October 2010 9.40am - 4.00pm at Pontypool Active Living Centre
Torfaen is hosting this year's Mini Olympics Aquatic Festival. This year's theme is fun and participation for all, and incorporates a variety of activities suitable for any level of swimmer. Teams from Torfaen, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taff will be participating. Spectators are welcome !!
For more information on the event, download a copy of the Aquatic Festival 2010| poster here.
Have your say on living in Torfaen
The Public Services Support Unit is undertaking a consultation on the four main strategies which help to improve the lives of the residents of Torfaen.
The Unit invites you to contribute to the public consultation on the four draft strategies which have been prepared - covering health, social care and well-being; community safety; children and young people; and the wider Torfaen Council community plan.
You can read each of the four plans on the
My Say Consultations| ares of the TCBC website .
Alternatively, you can attend one of the three
public consultation events| which are taking place in Pontypool, Blaenavon and Cwmbran.
September 2010
Coach Development workshops
The Sports Development Team in Torfaen County Borough Council are holding development sessions for coaches. For more information on the training available view the Sports Coach Development Poster| here.
August 2010
Bike4Life
Cycling is a great way for parents and children to get active whilst enjoying the great Welsh outdoors together. This August, Change4Life are launching a range of materials to encourage families to get out and about on their bikes.
Leaflets are availble for families to download which cover subjects on bike maintenance, safety and making cycling fun. For more information on the leaflets available visit the change 4 life| website.
Summer Activities at your local Torfaen Leisure Centre
There are a number of activities taking place this summer in our local leisure centre. View the Summer Activities 2010 poster| to find out what's on.
Cwmbran Festival celebration on 28th August
Cwmbran Festival kicks off with a range of events organised and run by local community groups in various venues throughout Cwmbran. Look out for an event in or around your area with wide variety to suit all ages. The festival ends with a celebration for all the family providing a range of free activities including sport, arts and craft, dance tasters, face painting, walking entertainment, inflatables and much more. For more information view the Cwmbran Festival 2010 poster|.
June 2010
New Business rates at Torfaen Fitness Suite Leisure Centres.
Torfaen Council have introduced new rates to buisness in their Leisure Centres. Click here for more information|.
New Exercise Class in Garndiffaith
From Thursday 24th June, a new gentle exercise class will be run from the Garnsychan Partnership Centre. More information can be viewed here|.
Pontypool Carnival to be held on Saturday 10th July
Pontypool carnival strives to be the biggest and best yet with a new youth and children's field full of fun activities.
The theme this year is 'Green, Gorgeous and Groovy' so get some creativity going, dress up and join in the procession which will meet at The Riverfront car park at 13.30. Celebrations will start at Pontypool town centre with music and carnival arts from 12.00 -15.00.
For more infromation, download a copy of the Pontypool Carnival| poster.
Free Family Fun Sports Day on 8th August
Torfaen Council's Sport Development Team are holding a Free Family Fun Sporting Event on 8th August; activities will include golf, climbing, football and much more. For more information click on the link below.
Family Fun Sports Day|
Gwent teenagers urged to Get Protected
A booklet and poster has been launched by Public Health Wales and Aneurin Bevan Health Board, urging Gwent teenagers to "get protected" with vaccinations against potentially fatal diseases.
Many teenagers are not aware they require additional vaccinations in their adolescence and Gwent has a particularly low uptake for the ‘teenage booster’ vaccination that is given to young people to top up their protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Our rates are considerably worse than those in the rest of Wales, meaning that teenagers are exposed to potentially life threatening diseases.
The pocket-sized Get Protected booklet will be circulated to hundreds of young people in Gwent, reminding them of the importance of the 3 in 1 teenage booster vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
All three diseases can have serious consequences but uptake of the vaccine in 16-year-olds living in Gwent for the year ending 30 September 2009 was only 14.8%.
The campaign has been organised by the partnership group STRIVE (Strategy to Raise Immunisations and Vaccinations for Everyone).
STRIVE is made up of Public Health Wales and Aneurin Bevan Health Board representatives and aims to ensure that parents and youngsters living in Gwent are aware of the importance of scheduled vaccinations.
To view the booklets in English and Welsh click on the links below:
Get Protected (English Version)| or Get Protected (Welsh Version)|
Disabled Person's Sailing and Kayaking Fun Day on 26th June
In Partnership with Powys County Council & Disability Sports Wales, Llangorse Sailing Club is playing host to a kayak, fishing & sailing day.
All activities are free of charge & will cater for all abilities. For more information, download a copy of the Sailing & Kayaking Fun Day| poster.
Communities Facilities and Activities Programme - Grant Available to not-for-profit Voluntary and Community Groups
TVA has been successful in securing funding from the National Assembly for Wales under the Community Facilities and Activities (CFAP) programme to distribute, by way of grants, a sum of approximately £50,000 to voluntary/Third Sector groups in Torfaen.
This grant scheme is designed to provide not-for-profit voluntary and community groups with a new source of funding to develop community facilities and activities. Organisations who are currently not members of TVA will be offered the opportunity to join.
Applications will be considered by a grants panel, representative of Voluntary/Third Sector organisations within the county . The grant scheme will be run over two rounds. The first round will be for £25,000.00 closing on the 30th June 2010 and the second round closing on the 14th December 2010. Bearing this in mind, applicants are advised to complete and submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be assessed by the panel in the early part of July 2010 and January 2011 respectively and all applicants will be advised of the outcome accordingly.
To download a copy of the application, click on the link: Communities and Facilities Activities Programme.|
Half Term Activities in the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Children of all ages can take part in a variety of craft activities being run at the World Heritage Centre in Blaenavon this half term (Monday 31st May- Friday 4th June). Booking is not necessary as all activities are free.
Link to Poster: Half Term Activities|
May 2010
Change4Life Action Plans hit doormats
Across Wales, personalised action plans to help families Change4Life are hitting door mats. The Change4Life campaign helps families eat well, move more and live longer by providing fun, practical ideas to address their eating and exercise habits.
Parents can get a questionnaire by calling the Change4Life contact centre on 0800 100 900 or they can complete it on-line on the Change 4Life website|
LifeStation opens in Folly Road, Trevethin
The purpose built facility brings together services provided by Torfaen Adult and Community Learning, Flying Start, Health Advisors, Customer Services and Voluntary Organisations to focus on a range of community instigated activities. The centre will be open to the public on Wednesday 19th and Saturday 22nd May. For more information on the centre, download a copy of the Life Station Flyer| here.
April 2010
Sure Start Classes at the Woodlands Field
From 29th April Sure Start classes will be held at the Woodlands Field for children aged between 0-4 years. For more information, download a copy of the Sure Start at Woodlands Field| poster.
March 2010
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer kills one man every hour in the UK and despite the fact that it is the most common cancer in men, hardly anyone talks about. It is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in March and the Prostate Cancer Charity are getting people involved in a number of activities across the UK.
For free and confidential advice, contact the helpline on 0800 074 8383
For more information on the Charity, visit the Prostate Cancer Charity Website|
February 2010
Launch of the Blaenavon Community Gym
The Official opening ceremony of the Blaenavon Community Gym in St. Pauls Hall will be taking place on Sunday 14th February 2010 between 12.00pm & 2pm. The gym will be opened by Former Welsh International Rugby Player John Perkins. Tours and refreshments will be available. The gym will be available for use from Monday 15th February between 6.00pm & 8.00pm.
For further information on the Community Gym contact the Communities First Co-ordinator, Mike Howell on 01495 742864.
Half Term Fun
There are a number of activties that children and families can get involved in this February half term. See the links below for details on the various activties taking place within Torfaen.
The Leisure centres will also be running half term activities. To find out more, visit the Torfaen website|
Expert Patient Programme to commence in March
An NHS based self-management course will be taking place in March & June in two areas of Torfaen. The course aims to help people that have Long Term Conditions manage their conditions. For more information, please see the link.
Expert Patient Programme|
To book onto the course, contact Michelle Morgan, Expert Patient
Co-ordinator. Tel: 01291 672352
Sustrans run Cycling & Walking Activities
Sustrans, Co-ordinator of the National Cycling Network have organised a range of cycling and walking activities.
For more information on the locations, follow the link to the poster: Sustrans Poster|
National No Smoking Day 2010
Wednesday 10 March 2010 is No Smoking day and the theme this year is ‘break free!’
There have been some really dramatic shifts in how smokers view their habit in the years since smoke-free legislation. Focus groups have made it clear that they feel stigmatised and left out in the cold and that the world has moved on and left them behind. Pressed harder and it becomes obvious that the problem is not what they believe others think of their smoking – it’s what they think of themselves.
Many smokers want to quit. They see smoking as an unattractive habit, but they think they are weak willed because they can’t break it. So they feel worse about themselves …and so they smoke.
It’s a vicious circle and millions of people feel trapped within it! But people can break out. Many smokers break out every year, with the help of the people whom they come into contact with who support them in their quit attempt. No Smoking Day is here to help inspire smokers who want to quit, to re-motivate them, and to empower them with the belief that they really can succeed.
Look out for the publicity materials which will be supporting No Smoking day. There will be lots going on in the borough within Community First areas, Youth Forums, School settings and early years. If you have an idea of promoting No Smoking day in your area of work and would like support or a limited amount of budget to support your No Smoking day initiative, please contact Deyolden Stroud on 01495 746412 or email Deyolden.stroud@torfaen.gov.uk.
If you would like to find out more about the No Smoking day campaign log on to the No Smoking Day website| or telephone 0800 169 0 169.
Stop Smoking Wales provides information about stopping smoking and how to get free support locally if you, or someone you know, wants to stop smoking. Please call freephone 0800 085 2219 or take a look at the website for more information www.stopsmokingwales.com|
Visit the Smoking Section| of our website.
Age Concern Monthly Newsletter
What's on at Widdershins? Age Concern Torfaen's monthly newsletter |can be downloaded here.
January 2010
MEND Project Expands
From January 2010 the 10-week MEND course will be run in 21 venues accross Wales. MEND -Mind, Exercise, Nutrition.. Do it! is a programme that teaches children aged seven to 13 and their families about healthier eating and encourages them to become more active to help combat obesity.
For more information, visit the MEND website|
Visit the Physical Activity Section| of our website.
Stop Smoking Wales can Help You Kick the Habit
New Figures show that over 15,000 people contacted Stop Smoking Wales for advice on quitting smoking last year and over 50% of thost that took part in the treatmnet have been successful in giving up.
If you would like advice or information on giving up smoking, contact Stop Smoking Wales free of charge on 0800 085 2219 or visit www.stopsmokingwales.com| for more information.
Visit the Smoking Section| of our website.
Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
A Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme booklet has been published which provides mothers with a network of venues where they can confidently breastfeed their babies.
For a full list of venues follow the link.
Breast Feeding Welcome Scheme |
Visit the Breastfeeding Section| of our website
Health at Work Advice Line Wales
Free, confidential, occupational health advice is now available for small businesses in Wales free of charge. The Welsh pilot is one of 9 pilot sites across the UK. The pilot will run for sixteen months between December 2009 and March 2010.
Call 0800 107 0900 to get advice to support your staff, and to reduce the impact of sickness absence on your business.
December 2009
Investment in Valleys Cycling Network
The Minister fro the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones announced on 9th September that there will be an extra £7.6 million investment in the cyclying and walking network of the South Wales Valleys.
The money will fund 100 miles of new walking and cycling routes as part of the Valleys Cycle Network. This will enhance more than 250 miles (410km) of existing routes in the Vallets. The project will be led by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.
Special Membership Offers with Torfaen Fitness Suites
Looking to improve your fitness? Thinking about joining the gym? Torfaen Fitness suites are currently running a special membership offers for new members.
Annual Membership Offer|
Get Active Flyer|
For further information contact Pontypool Fitness Suite on 01495 742230
or Cwmbran Stadium Fitness Suite on 01633 627109
November 2009
It's a Man Thing!
Fitness class for Men| every Wednesday from 1.30pm - 3.00pm at
Age Concern Torfaen, Widdershins Centre, Sebastopol.
Why not come along and try out these informal sessions and get yourself fit and healthy. Why not bring a friend too! Just turn up or call for details!
£2.50 per session
Suitable for any man including cardiac rehab, respiratory support or stroke sufferers etc.
For further information contact Richard Bidmead, Extend Teacher & Course Director on 01633 251224.
Visit the Physical Activity Section|
August 2009
Apply for a Health Challenge Torfaen Small Grant
If you or your organisation are involved in projects that benefit the citizens of Torfaen you can bid for a Health & Wellbeing Small Grant from Health Challenge Torfaen.
Bids must fall under one of the themes of Health Challenge Torfaen and contribute to at least one of the outcome statements of Torfaen Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy . Details of these can be found in the application form|.
Last year's Health and Well-being Small Grant scheme supported 10 initiatives across Torfaen, ranging from support for enhancing mental well-being to developing health awareness, nutrition and physical activities in the community.
Organisations can send in the application form at any time and applications are considered throughout the financial year. Applicants who successfully bid for funding in 2008-09 may be considered for further funding for a different activity or scheme.
To apply, download an application form|, and return it via email to : healthandwellbeing@torfaen.gov.uk| or send to Torfaen County Borough Council, Floor 5, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon, Friday 29 January 2010.
Welsh Assembly Government - Small Workplace Health Award
The Small Workplace Health Award is the national mark of quality for health and well-being aimed at organisations employing fewer than 50 people. The award was launched in March and WAG plan to add a website to help organisations obtain the award.
It is a developmental process, based on good practice and improvement and it can be used to support the creation of activities that promote the health and well-being of employees. The award has been developed to target the key preventable ill-health issues in your workplace, which will also help to increase organisational performance and productivity.
Three levels of award can be achieved, reflecting the range of actions that an organisation is taking to promote the health and well-being of its staff. The modules that make up each level are stand-alone and it is recommended that organisations view them as a developmental award to be achieved over time.
The goal of the attached resource pack| is to help you discover and put in place effective ways of promoting the health and well-being of your most valuable resource - your staff.
For further information visit the Healthy Working Wales| website.
National Cycle Network
Sustrans| is the co-ordinator of the hugely popular National Cycle Network. Offering over 12,000 miles of walking and cycle routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and traffic-calmed roads, there is now 75% of the UK population living within two miles of a route! The Network is well signed. It connects towns and villages, countryside and coast throughout the UK.
So if you're looking to walk or cycle to work, the shops, school, railway station or just spend some much needed leisure time walking or cycling then why not discover your nearest National Cycle Network route?
Sustrans have also developed a new website Bike Belles| that is aimed at women who want to get out and about on two wheels.
Visit the Physical Activity Section|