SUBSTANCE MISUSE & SELF HARM CONFERENCE  This is a joint conference hosted by the Valley of Hope project and the Church Army Amber project.  It will be taking place on Saturday October 18th at the new auditorium, Rhondda College, Llwynypia from 9am to 4pm.  There is no charge for the Conference but an opportunity on the day will be given to make a donation towards costs.  A £5 donation is suggested.

Substance misuse and self harm are big issues in the valleys and cities of Wales and both Projects bring immense experience to these subjects.  It is open to all with an interest in or concern about these problems.  If you would like to be included on the mailing list for further information please email rhonddavalleyofhope@yahoo.co.uk or ring our office 01685 873716.  A poster can be downloaded by following this link www.valleyofhope.co.uk/ConferencePoster.pdf and booking forms are also available to download:  www.valleyofhope.co.uk/ConferenceBookingform.pdf

 

The Welsh National Opera visited Aberdare recently to put on a concert for the clients of Valley of Hope. 

They were joined at St Elvan's Church by members of the Mothers' Union and people from the community.  Everyone enjoyed the concert and it was good to see the church almost full. 

The WNO would like to run workshops with our clients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETO is a Christian Community in Blackburn specialising in substance misuse rehabilitation.   A team visited the Project for a week at the beginning of July.  They worked on the streets and spoke to the Valley of Hope clients.  One person on the streets in Cardiff went back to Blackburn with

the team and two of the Valley of Hope clients are considering going there to live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A LIFE BACK ON TRACK  Kevin had his son taken from him three years ago.  This led to depression and was made worse by being on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour towards him within the community.  He was moved to new accommodation in the hope of a safer environment.  Kevin has a history of self harm and substance misuse problems.  He is now on a Methadone script and works closely with the Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT).  Since being on the Project Kevin's benefits are in place and day to day budgeting problems have been addressed.  Kevin has reached a stage where he can now cope with day to day life and feels safer knowing that if problems do arise Project staff are on hand to assist.

 FAITH INCLUSION PROJECT

Sadly  this work has come to an end as funding was not available to continue.  However an important outcome of this work was the Directory of Faith Groups in the Rhondda Fawr.  The launch of the Directory took place at the Heritage Centre Hotel at Trehafod at the end of April.  The Directory has already been hightly praised by Ron Davies of Valrac who has stated that it is a must for anybody involved with diversity. Among the guests were local MP, Chris Bryant and the Church Army Regional Manager, Edwin Bates.

The Directory is proving to be a valuable asset for many different individuals and organisations.  Copies can be obtained from our office (see contact details) or can be downloaded using this link www.valleyofhope.co.uk/Directory.doc  Since publication there have been some updates to the Directory and again this information can be obtained from our office (01685 873716) or by using the following link: www.valleyofhope.co.uk/Directoryupdate.doc 

 The Valley of Hope Project is looking for volunteers for a mentoring project with our client group.  Training is given and expenses will be paid.  If you are interested please call our office on 01685 873716 for more information or email rhonddavalleyofhope@yahoo.co.uk