A service aimed at improving the lives of disabled children and their families is being re-launched.
Derwen is an integrated service for disabled children and children with an illness, which brings together the expertise of Gwynedd Council’s Social Services and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The service, formerly known as the Specialist Children’s Services, has been restructured, and the children and young people it serves have been the driving force in designing its new logo.
Iona Griffith, Derwen Service Manager for Gwynedd Council, said: “This is an exciting time for the service and is the culmination of many years of hard work by both partners.
“The professional teams have worked closely for many years, but now that this partnership has been formalised, we aim to improve the service for young people and their families.
“One of the essential areas of provision for disabled children and their families is our Support Services. We have around 80 support workers throughout Gwynedd, giving 600 hours per week to support 150 young people with disabilities.
“They help the children and young people to be more independent and confident by taking part in social and educational activities outside school or college. We also organise group activities and youth clubs.”
Iona Griffith added: “Young people who attend the Wednesday night youth club at Canolfan Tŷ Cegin in Bangor helped graphic designer Llŷr Pierce come up with the logo for the new service. The tree design goes well with the new name – Derwen in Welsh for oak – and is very colourful.”
Here’s what some of the members who attend the group at Canolfan Tŷ Cegin have to say about the activities organised by Derwen:
Mari, 14, said: “I’ve been coming to the club for ages. I like playing on the computer, playing football and trying new things here. I also like the staff.”
Rachel, 14, said: “I like coming to the club to make new friends and we get to play computer games. I enjoy doing arts and crafts here. I want to be an artist when I’m older.”
Steph, 15, said: “I enjoy coming to the club to see my friends. We all go to different schools so we meet here every week. I like listening to music here.”
The new Derwen service will be officially launched at a Celebrating Families Day for disabled children and their families, to be held at Caernarfon and Porthmadog on Saturday, 21 April.
Contact Derwen in your area:
Arfon – 01286 674686
Dwyfor – 01758 701000
Meirionnydd – 01341 424503
Or email [email protected]
