Interlink brings people, communities and organisations together to develop local activities, services and facilities. This is built on people listening to and respecting each other. The better we understand, listen and work together; the better we can make a difference.

The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (FGA) is a ground breaking piece of legislation which will help transform the way we work.  This looks at working more sustainably through the 5 ways of working, which are:

• Planning for the long-term
• Acting earlier to prevent problems later on
• Looking at the whole picture and integrating things better
• Involving people
• Working together

The Cwm Taf Public Service Board (PSB) has a responsibility to make sure public bodies and the third sector to work together to plan and address important local issues to benefit local people and communities.  They work together on a shared Wellbeing Plan ADD LINK to identify how they will do this and Interlink helps to involve community and third sector organisations in shaping and delivering the Wellbeing Plan.

The PSB has developed the OUR CWM TAF  website where you can find more about who does what and find our more information.

Interlink and VAMT aim to work with the PSB to deliver the Wellbeing Plan and are currently working on priorities including tackling loneliness and isolation;  promoting volunteering and supporting people to be active in their community; and developing Community Zones.

Another unique bit of legislation has been the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act which helps to support people to have better health and social care, and this is outlined in the Area or Regional (SSWB) Plan, which is the responsibility of the Social Services and Wellbeing Partnership Board.   This is about involving people and communities and acting early to prevent problems getting worse.

Interlink and VAMT with all partners through the Cwm Taf Social Value Network, where we look at what support is needed to improve local activities, services and facilities.  We want to make sure this Network is able to bring things organisations together, including working with the Together for Mental Health Partnership Board and our area networks Stronger Rhondda, the Cynon Valley Forum and A Better Pontypridd

A key area of current work that will help us support the community is to develop Community Hubs and a model we call Stay Well  in Your Community.  This involves having a warm, welcoming and safe place for people and groups to work together in the community.  It acts as a place for people to meet, to socialise, take part in courses and have access to different activities and services.  This also involves a Community Coordinator role who makes sure people know here to come to for help and support; promote all the activities going on in the community and make sure services are available for those who need them.

There is so much going on and this is an exciting time in Cwm Taf, especially as we look to forge even better links with health colleagues in Bridgend County Borough as Cwm Taf University Health Board takes over health services in the area.

There is so much going on, it is hard to keep up, but if you want to know more or want to get involved, please join us at an event, become a member – it’s free! or contact Simon on sjames@interlinkrct.org.uk 01443 846200.