15th March Brighter Journeys Support Group - 11.00am - 1.00pm Cwmtwrch Farm, Carmarthen

Self help group for people affected by depression Feeling stressed or anxious. Why not pop along to our relaxed and informal self-help group, for a cuppa and a cake with people who have similar experiences Please contact Amy on 01443 671927 or Karen on 01443 675220

12th March Pontypridd Boys & Girls AFC 7.30pm - 8.30pm Hawthorn High School

Football for all ages we have teams for boys and girls no matter what age. Mini kickers boys & girls between 3-8yrs old - Thursday 6-7pm Now indoors at Pontypridd High School Gym. £1Under 10 & Under 12 Girls - Thursday 6-7pm Hawthorn Astro we also need girls aged 12 to 16 for new teams £2.50 for more information please call 07828432059

9th March The Bon Jovi Experience 7.30pm - 10.00pm The Muni Arts Centre Pontypridd

The Bon Jovi Experience is an outstanding tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time - they are also the only Bon Jovi tribute band in the world to have played live with Jon Bon Jovi himself! Recreating Bon Jovi Live in Concert, The Bon Jovi Experience perform all the great hits: Livin’ On a Prayer, Keep the Faith, Bad Medicine, You Give Love a Bad Name and many more. Costs: £16.50

MAM Charm Bracelet - New - Ideal for Mother's Day -100% to Charity

The Arts & Craft Group in New Horizons are now making jewellery. check out the latest  charm bracelet, gorgeous present for Mothers Day 


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120873078285?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_912wt_1059

5th March 11.00am - 3.00pm Rhondda Listening friends St. John’s Church Hall, Ton Pentre

Are you depressed. lonely need someone to talk to. Then why not drop in to see us every monday. We are a self-help group of people who understand what it’s like to have depression. Anything discussed will be treated in confidence.You can join the group at anytime during the opening hours and stay for as long as it
suits you. Tea and coffee will be available.

Friday 2nd March Songs of Wales Concert 7.30pm - 10.30pm Penrhiwceiber Hall

Featuring all your favourite Welsh Songs, Hymns and a special tribute to Ivor Novello Charity Concert on behalf of Penrhiwceiber Hall. Performances by Daniel and Laura Curtis and Cor Meibion Dowlais.Ticket price £5 Concession £4 Family Ticket Price £15  For more information please call 01443 47973

27th February Rhondda Listening Friends 11.00 -3.00pm St. John’s Church Hall, Ton Pentre

Are you depressed lonely need someone to talk to. Then why not drop in to see us. We are a self-help group of people who understand what it’s like to have depression. Anything discussed will be treated in confidence.You can join the group at anytime during the opening hours and stay for as long as it suits you. Tea and coffee will be available

25th February 11.00am - 4.00pm National Nest Box Week Ynysangharad Park

Come along and paint your very own bird box, before taking it home with you (All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult) £6 per box places are limited and must be booked in advance call: 01443 404699

21st February 7.30pm - 8.30pm Kettlebell Classes One To One Gym Main Avenue Treforest Ind Estate Pontypridd

"Kettlebell workouts will deliver strength, power, endurance, stamina and all the benefits that you would get from traditional cardio, but without the time needed to do it!" (Personal trainer at one to one gym) One To One Gym are officially Wales most recommended Health and Fitness Centre and come highly recommended on the bestof Pontypridd and Rhondda. only £3.50 www.onetoonegym​.co.uk/class-ke​ttlebell.php

New Horizons Blog: The New You Group

New Horizons Blog: The New You Group: In New Horizons on Monday the 20th February the New You Group celebrated the National Heart Month by wearing red for the day and raising f...

Sat 18th February 19:00 – 23:00 Dylans Cafe, Bar and Restaurant, Porth

Every Friday and Saturday evening you can expect live entertainment to accompany your food and drink. Every week we see rising stars from both male and female vocalists taking the stage at probably the most trendy independant Cafe, Bar and Restaurant in Rhondda Cynon Taff more information call 01443 629224

BENZODIAZEPINES: SO RELAXING AND SOOTHING; SO ADDICTIVE AND DAMAGING

What do you picture in your mind when you think of a “drug addict”? Some dark figure who lurks menacingly round a street corner at night, waiting to rob people coming out of the pubs? The unkempt occupant of a squalid flat who lives on benefits and frightens away police and social workers?

Read More>>

Pancake Day 21st February

Don't forget Pancake Day, is the  21st February 

Making pancakes is quick and easy, make sure you make plenty, they are always very popular.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8oz/230g all purpose/plain flour
• Pinch salt
• 2 eggs
• 2½ cups/600ml milk
• 2 tsp melted butter plus melted butter for cooking

Preparation:

Makes 12 pancakes

• Sieve the flour into a large baking bowl, add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs and beat well until smooth and lump free.
• Add half the milk and the 2 tsp of butter, beat well. Add the remaining milk and stir.
• Leave the batter to rest for 15 minutes.
• Lightly grease a pancake pan or frying pan with a little melted butter, heat until very hot and add a ladle of batter to evenly and thinly coat the base of the pan. Cook until set and lightly golden. Flip over (if you are really brave try tossing the pancake in the air, great fun) and cook on the other side for approx 30 seconds.
• Remove the pancake from the pan, place on a sheet of kitchen paper and keep warm. Continue as above until all the batter is used up.

To Serve

On Pancake Day, pancakes are traditionally eaten sprinkled with sugar and a squeeze of lemon. However, serve as you like with jam, Golden Syrup, honey, choclate spread; whatever takes your fancy.

Llandudno named 'happiest' town in Wales in Rightmove survey

A survey has named Llandudno as the happiest place to live in Wales, and the sixth happiest in the UK.

Estate agents Rightmove surveyed 25,000 homeowners for their Happy at Home index.

It took into account people's feelings of safety and neighbourliness as well as the quality of their own home.

Hotelier David Williams, chairman of the Llandudno Hospitality Association, said: "To be the best place in Wales is a real gift."

"So many people come to live here and work in the big stores from other parts of Wales, England and Scotland, and refuse promotion and stay here and retire here," he told BBC Radio Wales.

'Caring' town

"Many of our guests tell us it's very safe - they feel they can walk out at night without any problem unlike perhaps where they live," he added.

Read more >>

13th February 7.30pm – 10:00pm The Rock band Young Guns Muni Arts Centrte, Pontypridd

Young Guns are an English alternative rock band from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire​. On 22nd June 2009 they released their debut EP Mirrors, and their debut album All Our Kings Are Dead was released a year later on 12th July 2010, peaking at #43 in the UK Albums Chart, and #3 in both the UK Rock and Indie album charts. The success of the album and its singles to date has resulted in magazine covers, the band playing sell-out headline tours, as well as landing high profile support slots with Bon Jovi and Lostprophets. They have also played at many festivals (in both the UK and Europe), culminating in an appearance on the main stage at the Reading Festival, where the band shared a stage with the likes of Guns N' Roses and Queens of the Stone Age. Tickets In advance - £10 On the door - £13

11th February,Peter Pan 2:00pm – 5:00pm Congress Theatre 50 Gwent Square Cwmbran NP44 1PL

Come along and enjoy a great show Owen Money and many other Welsh stars appear in this traditional pantomime about the boy who never wants to grow up.  Prices: £14 adults / £10 concessions www.congressthe​atrecwmbran.co.​uk







                        

Welsh Government | Apprenticeships in Wales

Welsh Government | Apprenticeships in Wales

Apprenticeships in Wales help to inspire success in the individual and bring huge benefits to the workplace. We currently offer a number of initiatives to encourage employers to recruit more apprentices. One of the most popular is the Young Recruits Programme. This is an all Wales programme that provides funding to employers offering high quality apprenticeship programmes who recruit and train additional young apprentices (16-24 yrs old).

Employers: Can You Make Someone Great?

Come and join the 81% of business that say employing apprentices makes their workplace more productive. By becoming involved in Apprenticeships in Wales, you are creating a more responsive, motivated workforce with the key skills and experience you need.

Apprentices can do great things for their employers. But they need the chance to work and train. The Welsh Government pays the external training costs, leaving you to pay only for the wage of the trainee.

Apprentices: Make yourself a great career – Take an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a great way for you to gain recognised qualifications and essential skills while earning a wage.

The workplace experience that you will gain during your apprenticeship will stay with you for life, and it has never been a better time to have marketable skills. You`ll share your learning between college or a training provider and working in your employer’s business, so you`ll gain both qualifications and the experience to back them up.

Apprenticeships in Wales are open to everyone, whether you are a young learner, or want to change your career pathway. You can learn on the job and get extra skills from a training provider.

What Next? Read more >>

Gwenda Thomas sets out Welsh Government proposals on social services - Health News - News from @walesonline

Gwenda Thomas sets out Welsh Government proposals on social services - Health News - News from @walesonline

Charities warn disabled people may be at greater risk of hate crimes - Health News - News from @walesonline

Charities warn disabled people may be at greater risk of hate crimes - Health News - News from @walesonline

Nine month surgery waiting times rise again in Wales - bolstering Tory criticisms of Welsh Government - Health News - News from @walesonline

Nine month surgery waiting times rise again in Wales - bolstering Tory criticisms of Welsh Government - Health News - News from @walesonline

GAD! I can’t stand it anymore!

“If things go wrong, don’t go with them.” (Roger Babson, 1875-1967)

When does a person begin to realise that worrying is about to kill him? When he first notices that he has worn the skin off his knuckles from excessive hand-wringing, perhaps; maybe he examines his fingernails before dinner and discovers he has ripped out what is left of his hair; or friends and family have announced they are getting fed up by the constant doom-and-gloom atmosphere that follows the worrier everywhere he goes, like a bad smell. Never mind that nothing really terrible ever happens, or at least hasn’t happened yet, or hasn’t for a very long time. It is the worrying itself that is, well…worrying!

All joviality aside, excessive worry can indicate a serious, sometimes crippling, mental health condition. Anyone who finds himself or herself in this frightful predicament is probably suffering from excessive anxiety. Ordering your worried friend or loved one to put on a stiff upper lip is not the magic cure; such a person needs professional help. Good news to the worn-out worrier and those in his or her vicinity: help is available.

Read more >> http://mentalhealthdiscussed.blogspot.com/

The New You Group

The New You Group - meets at New Horizons every Monday 1.30pm - 3pm, Come and join our friendly group. Learn about fashion & have a chat. Speakers once a month, Days out, Meals out, Meals in...
All new ideas are welcome. Come and have fun. For more info please call 01685 881113

Fri, 3 February, 20:00 – 22:30 The Outside Track The Muni Arts Centre Pontypridd

A stunning synthesis of virtuosity and energy, The Outside Track's marriage of Canadian, Scottish and Irish music and song has been rapturously received around the world. Hailing from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and Vancouver, its five members are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new music on its foundation. Using fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, flute, step-dance and vocals these five virtuosos blend boundless energy with unmistakable joie de vivre.To book your tickets: http://muni.rct-arts.org/en/whats-on/view/the-outside-track/

New Horizons’ Arts and Craft Re-Cycling project:

Members of New Horizons Mental Health Resource Centre in Aberdare have recently started an exciting new arts and crafts project that aims to use recycled materials, where possible, to create beautiful new products such as jewellery and winter woollies - hats and scarves.

Through participation in the group members of New Horizons are developing new skills for example knitting as well as IT skills through selling the products on ebay.

The products are being sold at New Horizons in Aberdare as well as on line on ebay (seller: new_horizons_aberdare). All monies raised through selling the items enable New Horizons to maintain and develop a wide range of services for people experiencing mental health issues living in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

If you would like to find out more about the products that the group are making or would like to donate materials or unwanted gifts please contact -01685 881113 

READING & WRITING BASIC SKILLS COURSE:

Reading and Writing Basic Skills course starting soon at our outreach in DInas. For more information and to book a place please contact Apple Tree Stores on 01443 681881.

Abs Blast Tue, 31st January, 17:30 – 18:00 One To One Gym, Trefforest Ind Est, rct

An instructor led class, this 30 minute session will give you a full core conditioning and works well as part of a cardiovascular program. http://www.onet/​oonegym.co.uk/c​lass-absblast.p​hp £3.50

"Think about this..."

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”

(Mohandas K. Gandhi, ‘Mahatma’)

Imagine a small leak in the roof of a house. Drip, drip, drip... Over months, perhaps years, a few drops of harmless rain water collect to form a great pool of many gallons, gradually filling the loft to flood stage, rotting away the supporting joists, straining the floor boards to breaking point. The problem is recognized and acknowledged only when the ceiling caves in and the living room is destroyed.  The house owner asks himself, as he goes over the wreckage and begins to assess the damage: ‘How could I not have noticed that? How could I let a terrible thing like this happen, and be so blind to it?’

Imagine that this small leak in the roof is the drip, drip, drip of emotional abuse, the most subtle of cruelties. Emotional abuse begins insidiously, often gradually. The effects, which can last a lifetime, may not become apparent for months, perhaps decades, until a crisis ensues. If and when the victim recognizes what has been happening all along, he or she is likely to ask, ‘How could I have let this happen? Why didn’t I stop it before it went this far?’

Persons who are the victims, or indeed the perpetrators, of emotional abuse, often do not recognize the abuse for what it is.

There is no widely-agreed, concrete definition for emotional abuse. People offend each other every day with harsh words, wrong deeds and awkward comments. In healthy circumstances, apologies are made, restitution offered, and forgiveness obtained. It is, rather, chronic patterns of abusive behaviour, and the acceptance of abusive behaviour as normal, that create emotionally abusive environments.

How does abusive behaviour go unnoticed? Why does it ever become acceptable?

Take, for example, a little child who grows up in an emotionally abusive environment . Such a child will form a distorted view of love and relationships. He (or she) will not understand normal kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. He or she will grow up to believe that abusive adults are normal, and that their hostility, threats, control tactics and manipulations are acceptable. The child’s personality and behaviour will develop accordingly. Such a child is likely to go through life unwittingly seeking abusive relationships, as either victim or perpetrator, wondering why things never seem to work out. Such a person will continually ask, ‘Why am I always so unhappy? Why do all my relationships go wrong? ‘

Contrast this with the child who is raised in an emotionally supportive home. He (or she) learns to love and respect both self and others. He or she learns forgiveness, tolerance, self-discipline, compassion and flexibility. When this child grows up, he or she will look for, and almost certainly find, relationships with those who are loving and kind, and reject those who behave abusively.

Try this little quiz to help you determine whether you might be the victim of emotional abuse. Before you begin, it is important to understand that both men and women can be the victims, and the perpetrators, of emotional abuse.

The quiz can be found on its original page here:

Do you:

Feel afraid of your partner much of the time?

Avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?

Feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?

Believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?

Wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?

Feel emotionally numb or helpless? 

Does your partner:

Humiliate or yell at you?

Criticize you and put you down?

Treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?

Ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?

Blame you for their own abusive behavior?

See you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

Act excessively jealous and possessive?

Control where you go or what you do?

Keep you from seeing your friends or family?

Limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?

Constantly check up on you?

Now try switching the headings ‘Do you’ and ‘Does your partner’. Could you be the abuser?

Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions, with the headings in either position, is reason to suspect you are involved in an emotionally abusive relationship. The more you answer ‘yes’, the worse the situation is likely to be.

If you think you might be a victim of emotional abuse, you can heal  and learn to seek happier relationships.

If you suspect you might be the abuser, consider learning a new way to live. 

20th January Positive Steps Group Support 1.00pm -3.00pm The Darren Las Community Building

Health,Relation​ships,Money, Family, these are some of the things that can effect our mental wellbeing at any time in our lives if you or someone you know are experiencing problems with mental ill heath then come along to Positive Steps Group for information and support you will be able to share experiences with others who have similar issues in a friendly and confidential setting for more information call Jill on 01443 479713 or 07795391852

Body Combat Classes Thu, 19 January, 18:30 – 19:00 TP5 Main Avenue Treforest Ind Estate Pontypridd Rhondda

Combat is a non-contact mixed martial arts choreographed workout that will burn some serious calories and leave you feeling Empowered." (personal trainer, one to one gym) Class £3.50 www.onetoonegym.co.uk/class-bodycombat.php

Rule Out Abuse

Together, we can Rule Out Abuse

Age Cymru believes no adult should have to endure abuse, and together we can “Rule it out”.

Did you know there is currently no duty on local authorities to investigate cases of abuse or potential abuse?

Age Cymru believe this must change and that a new law is needed to support and protect adults who are at risk of abuse.

A new law is just one of the tools that need to be used to protect adults from abuse, and there is a lot more that we can do together to Rule Out Abuse.

A new law is one of the actions in our Rule Out Abuse charter, which we have developed to set out actions the Welsh Government can take to strengthen adult protection processes.

The Rule Out Abuse charter

The Rule Out Abuse charter calls on the Welsh Government to commit to three principles which should underpin all work to protect adults at risk of abuse:

• Prioritise safety

• Protect from harm and respect choices

• Promote the right to dignity and respect

Read more>> 

18th January Quiz Night 8.00–10.00pm Club 19 Pontypridd Golf Club Ty Gwyn Road Pontypridd

Make every wednesday night your quiz night at Pontypridd Gold Club - All are welcome and entry is only £1!! Club 19 Restaurant & Bar The chef team at the Clubhouse are well experienced in fulfilling your culinary expectations With a range of home cooked foods to choose from you can take advantage of the warm, inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Call Pontypridd Golf Club on 01443 409904 To book your events

Tuesday 17th January Uganda Fundraising Evening Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad

7.30pm - 10.30pm Tonypandy School are holding a Fundraising evening for their link school in Mumbale, Uganda. The Spectacular Evening will include a 3 Course Meal, Auction, Disco and Performance from Sophie Evans - the 'Over the Rainbow' star.tickets £20 If you would like more information or to reserve a ticket, please call Kim Davies on 07989241157 or call the Community Team on 01443 436171 ext 218.

15th January Aladdin 3D 7pm - 11pm Swansea Grand Theatre

Swansea Grand Theatre will be transformed into Old Peking for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. The pantomime will feature an array of ground-breaking 3D special effects.The cast (to be announced very soon) will share the stage alongside a very special and unusual co-star as the Genie of the Lamp comes to life in amazing 3D!Wearing 3D glasses at certain points throughout the show the audience can rub the magic lamp as it appears in front of their nose, summon the magical Genie from his lamp and join Aladdin on a superb magic carpet ride!The cast features Jimmy Osmond and Zoe George. Prices: Call the box office on 01792 475715. http://www.swanseagrand.co.uk/

13th January Beauty And The Beast Porth The Factory

Stardreams Musical Theatre Company are proud to present one of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. £8 Adults £5 Children and Senior Citizens Family Tickets (2 adult and 2 children) £20 www.stardreams.co.uk|  Call the Box Office on 01443 439466 6 

10th January 11am - 3pm Rhondda Listening Friends St. John’s Church Hall, Ton Pentre

We are a self-help group of people who understand what it’s like to have depression. Anything discussed will be treated in confidence.You can join the group at anytime during the opening hours and stay for as long as it suits you. Tea and coffee will be available

7th January 16:00 – 18:30 Penrhiwceiber Cinema Penrhiwcieber Institute Hall

For film listings please contact Michelle on 01443 473711 Every Saturday doors open at 4pm with feature presentation starting at 4:30. Film listings available on request. Cost Adults £3.00 Children/O.A.P. £2.00

6th January Hirwaun Outreach 13:00 – 16:00 St Lleurwg’s Church Hall

We offer Activities which include Arts & Crafts Short Walks. Please email Tracy or Natalie or contact them on T: 01685 881113 for more information about the Cynon projects.

Little Shadow Puppet

Just added the poem called 'Little Shadow Puppet' by Ben Gray

Little Shadow Puppet describes the feeling of being made invisible, silenced and little more than a puppet in modern society and the mental healthcare system. The poem tries to communicate the feeling of being made to dance like a puppet to a tune that is not your own, that suppresses individuality, creativity, freedom of expression and real dialogue between people. The shadow puppet is also a metaphor and can easily be pictured in the imagination. The poem suggests that the experience of hearing voices or being labelled with ‘mental illness’ can make people feel like ‘a shadow of your former self’. The shadow is also a metaphor or image for the dark and perhaps destructive experience of hearing voices that other people cannot or will refuse to hear. The poem was inspired by Wayang Kulit, a theatre of the shadow puppet from Indonesia.

View the poem here > http://www.mentalhealthsupport.co.uk/poetry.html

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

The WEA’s Engagement  Gateway project can help you on your way to achieving your goals!....

Be confident, be assertive, be positive! We can show you how in a one day session packed full of hints and tips to help boost your confidence.

It’s your future so sign up today!

When:        January 20th and January 27th 2012

Where:       New Horizons, Aberdare

What time: 10:00 – 3pm with lunch break

Contact:     Tracy Thomas, New Horizons  01443 881113

When:        February 1st and February 8th 2012

Where:       New Horizons Dinas Outreach

What time: 10:00 – 3pm with lunch break

Contact:     Alison Williams, New Horizons  01443 681881

visit:http://www.newhorizons-mentalhealth.co.uk/activities.html

Fri, 23rd December 13:00 – 16:00 Hirwaun Outreach St Lleurwg’s Church Hall

We offer Activities which include: Arts & Crafts Short Walks Please email Tracy or Natalie or contact them on T: 01685 881113 for more information about the Cynon projects










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20th December 11 - 3.00pm Rhondda Listening Friends St. John’s Church Hall Ton Pentre

Are you depressed Lonely and need somone to talk to Then why not drop in to see us every Tuesday
We are a self-help group of people who understand what it’s like to have depression. Anything discussed will be treated in confidence.

Our Arts and Crafts group are now selling on Ebay - All proceeds come back to New Horizons

Check out our lovely hand crafted baby bonnets on Ebay, vey cute...all proceeds go to support New Horizons.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120824186253?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_852wt_1059

Fri, 2 December, 13:00 – 16:00 Hirwaun Out Reach St Lleurwg’s Church Hall

We offer Activities which include: Arts & Crafts Short Walks Please email Tracy or Natalie or contact them on T: 01685 881113 for more information about the Cynon Projects

Support us - See our lovely hand knitted items on Ebay

Check out New Horizons gorgeous hand knitted beret/beanie for sale on Ebay, makes a lovely Xmas present. Hurry before they are all gone!!...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120809478298?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_846wt_1059

29th November Lee Miller Visiting Picasso Dylan Thomas Centre Swansea

Acclaimed photographer Lee Miller, and surrealist writer Roland Penrose, visited Picasso on many occasions, with Picasso travelling to their home in Sussex in 1950. Miller charted their remarkable friendship from 1937 to Picasso's death in 1973, and this exhibition – which includes images of other members of the international surrealist circle – offers a unique and intimate portrait of life close to Picasso.Telephone Number: 01792463980

Ed Bryne Sat, 26th November, 20:00 – 22:30 The Coliseum Theatre Aberdare

After the massive success of his last show, Different Class, master of observational comedy and star of Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, Ed Byrne is back with with his new show Crowd Pleaser. Exploring subjects and situations Ed finds frustratingly maddening Crowd Pleaser, is a hilarious insight into Ed’s life. Continuing his quest to turn into a grumpy old man, whether he is talking about his cat, cake, religion or potential fatherhood, Ed is always certain to deliver the laughs in abundance.Warning Adult Material - Over 18's Only. Tickets £20 Call 08000 147 111
http://www.rct-arts.co.uk/

Thu, 24 November 14:00 – 18:30 Aberdare Town Centre

Santa’s Grotto, street entertainers and funfair 2.00pm – 6.00pm Reindeer parade & Christmas lights switch on 6.30pm

Saturday 19th November Mike Doyle The Park & Dare Theatre Treorchy

Join us for a night of hilarious comedy with the amazing voice of Wales’ Premier Entertainer, Mike Doyle. The British Comedy award-winning comic, West End Star & BBC TV sensation delivers a night of pure musical excellence and belly aching laughter that will refresh parts you never knew you had!
Don’t miss his best show ever! Incredible!...received a 12 minute standing ovation, no wonder they call him the UK’s best all round entertainer” The Western Mail £12.00, Concessions £10.00
08000 111 147 www.rct-arts.co.uk

Thursday 17th November Auction 18:30 – 23:00 Cambrian Lodge NUM Social Club & Institute, Tonypandy

Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Jones, is hosting a Charity Christmas Auction at the Cambrian Lodge NUM Social Club & Institute,  Among the items up for grabs is an apron signed by celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo; a signed copy of his latest book Gino’s Pasta; 8 tickets to travel the Gwili Railway in Carmarthen; a horse riding lesson at Clyne Ffarm Centre, Swansea; a family day pass for the Cardiff International Pool; a family day out at Cardiff Castle; two tickets for Cine World, Cardiff; meal for two and drinks (to the value of £40) at the Grosvenor Casino, Swansea; and return rail travel for four people anywhere on the Arriva Trains networkAdmission to the event is FREE but those attending will be respectfully asked to make a minimum £1 donation to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal. Anyone not able to attend but wishing to make a sealed bid can do so by Emailing events@rctcbc.gov.For further details on the Mayor’s Charity Auction or to donate lot items call the Rhondda Cynon Taff events team on 01443 424123. To find out about all events coming up in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson

Wed, 16 November, 10:30 – 13:00 Leisurely cycle rides Aberdare Sports Centre

Where Leisurely cycle rides and cycling skills for learners in Aberdare area. (map) Every Wednesday, all year round! Guided rides leave at 10.30 but bikes are available for use in park between 10.30 - 1pm (except 1st Wednesday of the month). email: eleanor.rothwell@sustrans.org.uk

10th - 13th November Rallyfest extravaganza comes to streets of Cardiff!

Cardiff Castle *FREE EVENT! The countdown has started to the final round of this year's World Rally Championship hitting the streets of Cardiff and forests of mid and north Wales, where one of the most closely-contested finales for years will be decided. 2011 sees Wales Rally GB take place from 10th - 13th November, bringing with it the Rallyfest celebration to Cardiff. Coupled with an autograph signing session, big screen, driver interviews and the final podium ceremony for the event on Sunday afternoon, Cardiff city centre is set for a cracker... Access to the Rallyfest extravaganza will be free to all spectators, with the event taking place around the iconic Cardiff Castle - just a short distance away from High Street and St Mary Street. And, with the streets buzzing with the seasonal excitement of Christmas just around the corner, much of the rally action will coincide with late night shopping times. Attractions inside the castle will include a big screen to watch rally action and live times, Parc Fermé on Friday and Saturday nights and the finish ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Shoppers and rally fans will also be able to get up close to the drivers, with an autograph session set to take place on Saturday night, from 7-8pm, in the castle's Interpretation Centre. There will also be stalls and other attractions just outside the castle gates throughout the course of the event. On Saturday evening, following grueling action in the forests of north and mid Wales, the battle-weary crews and cars will arrive on St Mary Street, before entering High Street. Cars will head up High Street and turn in front of the castle for some great photo opportunities. They will then make their way to Parc Fermé - the technical area (where no work on the cars is allowed) for the cars to be left overnight - in the castle grounds. Finally, the podium celebrations for the event, the culmination of an extremely close World Rally Championship, will take place in the castle grounds from three o'clock (15.07) on Sunday afternoon. More info: www.walesrallygb.com

Art & Crafts - New Horizons mental health and emotional wellbeing resource centre

New Horizons Arts and Craft Group will demonstrate their skills, creating beautiful products from recycled materials from noon on Tuesday 15th November at Aberdare College.

You will have the chance to buy some of these items at reasonable prices. If you haven't yet managed to find that unique Christmas gift, don't miss this opportunity.

Mental Health Support.co.uk Promo Tour

The Mental Health Team want to spread the word so have decided to go on Tour.

The Mental Health Support.co.uk 'PROMO TOUR' will be visiting a New Horizons Outreach over the next couple of weeks.

The 'PROMO TOUR' kicks off on the following dates:

Monday 14th November 12pm - 2pm @ New Horizons, Aberdare

Thursday 17th November 11am - 1pm @ New Horizons, Apple Tree Stores

Friday 18th November 11am - 1pm @ New Horizons, LLantrisant

Friday 18th November 2pm - 4pm @ New Horizons, Hirwaun

Tuesday 22nd November 11am - 1pm @ New Horizons, Pentre House

We need you.......
The Mental Health Support.co.uk Promo Tour

We will be talking to you all about the mentalhealthsupport.co.uk website and what it means to you and what you can do for it.

There are many aspects to the site that you may not be aware of, there is a chatroom, a forum, a blog and a section on life stories, poems and artwork. There is also a Service Directory of Mental Health Organisations in the RCT area.

We want to highlight all the above and ask you if you would like to contribute to the site. You can become a contributor, a member of the focus group, a volunteer or a virtual volunteer.

So come along to one of our tour dates and see what its all about.

New Horizons Apple Tree Stores Outreach Centre in Dinas

Everyone is invited to try our new card-making classes at the New Horizons Apple Tree Stores Outreach Centre in Dinas. Classes will be held on Mondays from 11am - 3pm. Join us and add a little professional touch to your Christmas greeting cards this year.

Our Apple Tree Stores Centre is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am - 4pm. You will find the Centre in front of the Miner's Rescue building in Dinas.

Mental Health Outdoor Therapy.

Picture yourself getting a few days away from it all, indulging in outdoor therapeutic activities! 

Come to New Horizons in Aberdare on Wednesday 9th November at 10am and find out more about Mental Health Outdoor Therapy. 

NEW - Card Making Classes

NEW at New Horizons Apple Tree Stores Outreach Centre


Card Making Classes


Starting Monday November 7th November


Every Monday 11am – 3pm


“Get set for Christmas – come to our Card Making Classes and add the professional touch to your cards this Christmas”


All welcome


Apple Tree Avenue, Dinas, Porth, CF40 1JH


Tel: 01443 681881


http://www.newhorizons-mentalhealth.co.uk/