Monthly Archives: December 2011

Christmas Quiz

Posted on December 22nd, 2011

Round 1 – Festive Facts

1. On average how much will Welsh people spend on food, drink and entertainment this festive season?

a)    £166.44         b)    £186.44           c)    206.44

2. How many square kilometres…

Not just for Christmas…

Posted on December 21st, 2011

As we all prepare ourselves for Xmas and check our present lists, its got me thinking from a slightly different perspective than usual, about how we as a society provide for children’s play….

The Hidden Cost of Benefits

Posted on December 21st, 2011

Over the years, I have worked with many individuals in Housing Benefit systems – a system originally designed to help those unable to pay their rent, by giving them the means to do so.  Each time…

Nursing over the Festive Season

Posted on December 20th, 2011

Father Christmas and his reindeer aren’t the only ones who work over the Christmas period, healthcare professionals work tirelessly over the holidays to cope with such demands as emergency admissions, acute illness and injury and the day to day care of…

Winter Fuel Payment Cut or Not?

Posted on December 19th, 2011

A little-known Government cut is about to affect all of Wales’s over 60 year olds, as Winter Fuel Allowance is cut for the first time since it was introduced, making the difficulties many older people face heating their homes…

Mutual Respect

Posted on December 16th, 2011

It is my task to provide you with some good news at the end of a year filled with relentlessly depressing economic headlines.

Whilst shops have continued to close and tens of thousands have been made redundant, one sector…

From DLA to PIP – not just a new name

Posted on December 15th, 2011

It is proposed by government that DLA will become the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which is unfortunately not just a new name; it is an entirely new benefit with new rules and new implications. Arguably the current system discriminates…

The Recession and small business

Posted on December 14th, 2011

Some economists have jokingly define a recession as ‘If your neighbour gets laid off, it’s a recession. If you get laid off, it’s a depression’.

The impact on small business is in some ways similar to the impact experience…

A social enterprise in the community and of the community

Posted on December 13th, 2011

DOVE Workshop emerged in 1984 out of a very troubled and turbulent period in the history of the South Wales Valleys. Its purpose – to alleviate poverty through the provision of community based learning that would support people’s search…

Much to be Proud of – Food Hygiene in Wales

Posted on December 12th, 2011

There is much to be proud of when we reflect upon the progress that has been made in Wales in the past year to ensure consumers are protected from food related illnesses.

Since the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme started in…

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