/tt/file_convert/568ca5d91a28ab186d8ec366/document.docx

Wales TUC CymruY Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence

No.15 October 2014 Hydref

Net NewsPlease do cut and paste relevant items for your own workplace newsletters. Diolch, thanks to all

who have contributed to this edition of Net News.

Last chance to register for theULR Conference

Dates: Thursday 20th and Friday 21st November 2014Venue: Village St David’s Hotel, Ewloe

To book your place go to this link: -Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WtucULR2014

This is a great opportunity to meet up with ULRs from across Wales. There are plenty of workshops to choose from and speakers to inspire! Always a popular conference there are just a few places left. Come along and enjoy learning new things to take back to your workplace, to your members and colleagues.

TUC Young Workers MonthNext month is TUC Young Workers Month. Held in November every year, the aim of young workers' month is to highlight the issues that young workers face, promote union campaigns and union membership amongst young people and increase union activity & representation amongst young workers.

Unions have organised events and TUC regions will be running joint activity to take place throughout the month. The National office have organised the Big TUC Youth Debate , a Young Leaders training weekend and a Young Workers recruitment video to be launched at the start of the month.

We will also be promoting #YWM14 via social media and would really appreciate if you could help show support for the month with the Young Workers Month twibbon.

1

MovemberThe leading global organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health.http://uk.movember.com/

2

Zero Carbon Powys Powys Transition & Low Carbon Communities network

Saturday 8 November 10 AM to 4 PMCentre for Alternative Technology MACHYNLLETH, £5* including lunch & refreshments * plus 95p non-refundable booking fee Advance booking essential Concessions & group bookings available

www.tinyurl.com/ZCPowys tel. 01982 553398 Supported by PAVO, BIG Lottery & RENEW Wales

Everyone will be most welcomeThis conference will discuss the latest Zero Carbon Britain report, which shows that it IS possible to protect our planet without hardship!The keynote speaker will be PAUL ALLEN the Zero Carbon Britain project leader, and our conference will be of great interest to everyone who is concerned with building sustainable and resilient communities anywhere in rural Britain.Please go to www.powystransition.org.uk for more information.

Venue The conference will be held in the Sheppard Theatre within the new Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) at the Centre for Alternative TechnologyFood & Accommodation A buffet lunch will be provided by one of the best whole-food restaurants in the country using vegetables grown on site, also refreshments with fair-trade organic hot drinks and home-made biscuits and cake. Directions Please see the CAT website for maps and travel advice. www.visitcat.org.uk Access, Dietary Requirements etc Please indicate any accessibility or dietary requirements when you book. Further Details and Bookings The ticket charge of £5 includes lunch and refreshments, and it is essential to book and pay in advance. There is an additional non-refundable booking fee of 95p. Please visit www.tinyurl.com/ZCPowys for further details and online bookings. Concessions and group discounts are also available. We want to make this conference affordable to all, so please contact PTLCC administrator Sally Owen to discuss your budget in confidence. Tel. 01982 553398 or email admin@powystransition.org.uk LEAFLET AVAILABLE IN WELSH, PLEASE ASK

Please promote this event in any/every way you can. Thanks and best wishesMikeChair Powys Transition & Low Carbon Communities Network (PTLCC)PS we are planning lift shares to get there so please let me know your needs or seats you can offer. Thanks

Anti-bullying week 17/11/2014 to 21/11/2014http://www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

3

WEA Cymru Workplace Learning – New Course – Now Recruiting For…Mental Health Awareness 1 Day Course - OCN accredited Venue: WEA Cymru Office 7 Coopers Yard Curran Road Cardiff CF10 5NBDay & times: Thursday 27th November 9am – 4pmThe course will look at:

Understand attitudes to mental health Understand the causes of mental ill health Recognise factors that promote mental well being Recognise support agencies

To enrol please contact: Rowena.Hooper@weacymru.org.uk tel: 01656 739405Course fees: £50 per person (this includes OCN certification)Teas / coffees available.

If your workplace is covered by a WULF project you may be eligible for help with course fees.

Polish up your Skills for Comms/PR This course will give you the theory, tips and techniques to produce PR/Comms material, newsletters and relevant online content with a professional touch.

Cost: £25 for Union Members in Wales.Maldron Hotel, Cardiff: 6 November 9:45am - 4.30pm

New dates for our

Mentoring and Coaching Programme. ILM Endorsement.26 January 2015 & 12 February 2015Cardiff Venue (tbc)Please email us to register your interest

Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) The VVP programme is aimed at helping individuals in Wrexham gain the skills and qualifications they need to help them into employment. There are information sessions available twice a month with a new group starting every four weeks. Each group runs two days per week from 9.30 am – 3.00 pm.

The Foundations (Basic Skills training) runs every four weeks and other qualifications on offer include: Childcare Level 1 & 2 Awards, Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety, Introductory Emergency First Aid at Work, Retail, Manual Handling, Warehousing and Storage, Support Work in School, CSCS Cards and Forklift Truck Licence.

For more information contact Amanda Evans or Janie Evans on 01978 292542.

4

Have you got members interested in growing/gardening?Mid WalesGo to the Tyfu Pobl blog to read the latest news from Mid Wales and to find out about the wide range of fantastic events in your area

North WalesGo to the Tyfu Pobl blog to read the latest news from North Wales and to find out about the wide range of fantastic events at community growing projects in your area

South East WalesGo to the Tyfu Pobl blog to read the latest news from South East Wales and to find out about the wide range of fantastic events at community growing projects in your area

South West WalesGo to the Tyfu Pobl blog to read the latest news from South West Wales and to find out about the wide range of fantastic events at community growing projects in your area

Welsh Energy Sector Training (WEST)HydrogenThe Fundamentals of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (online) - available (NEW!)

Large Scale Power Generation An Introduction to Combustion Science (online) An E-Learning Module for

distance learning. This fully funded online e-learning course is aimed at individuals working or interested in working in the field of combustion. The course introduces the underlying principles of combustion that ultimately dictate combustion efficiency and emissions. It is a 1 credit CPD accredited to level 4 (1st year degree level) of the CQFW. It is anticipated that the course should take less than 10 hours in total to complete, including materials delivery, practice sessions, assessments and optional additional reading.Date: Available: Ongoing From 2nd May 2014

Low Carbon Built Environment Welsh Timber in Building Construction: Myths and Facts (online) – available Low Carbon Building Principles (online) – This course will provide students with

an understanding of the key considerations, principles and concepts involved in Low Carbon Building through an integrative approach to the subject. Suitable for both practitioners that are new in the field as well as professionals that have a piecemeal approach to the subject and are willing to acquire a more successful and robust standpoint.

Energy Simulation Building & Urban Scale – coming soon!

Register for any of these courses here:

https://www.westproject.org.uk/content/participant-record-form

5

Free Level 2 'Women in Community Leadership' courses starting this November!

Our Level 2 courses are starting soon in Swansea and Cardiff and combine an academic qualification with a practical element, enabling you to bring about real change in your community. Covering units on decision making, time management, and action planning, you will be offered the skills and support to design a social action project and take up your position as a community leader.

Swansea - The course starts on Tuesday 11th November at Dyfatty and Greenhill Community Centre. It will run every Tuesday a week for 6 weeks from 11th November - 16th December from 9.30am to 2.30pm. (Free childcare places available in a local nursery, prior booking required)

Cardiff - This course starts on Wednesday 12th of November at Trinity Methodist Church on Newport Road. It will run one day a week for 6 weeks from 9.30am to 2.30pm from 12th November - 17th December. (Free crèche on site - prior booking required)

The whole programme is completely free!Please note that you do not need to have completed our Level 1 Woman for a Change course before taking part in Women in Community Leadership.

For more information or to book your place, check out our website

Closing date to apply for both courses - Monday 3rd NovemberFor more information or to book a place, contact Sophie:

Call: 02920 221965 Email: sophie@wmad.org.uk Visit: www.wmad.org.uk

The Ahh, um, and so, gameKick the “ah, um” “so” habit, avoid these words in natural conversation and have fun!You’ll need - List of topic ideas and a timer/watch.

How to Play The Ah, Um Game:1. Separate into groups of about three or four. A person must talk to their group about a certain topic for one full minute without saying the following taboo words: “Ah”, “Um”, “Like”, or “You Know”. If the person does not say the taboo words in the round, then the person can move to the second round. If they accidentally say a taboo word, then it'll be the next person's turn.2. Have one person in each group volunteer to be first. Use the timer/watch to track a minute and announce one of the topics listed below.3. Afterwards, have a different person from each team volunteer to go next and repeat the same exercise as above. The people who avoid saying the taboo words are the winners of the game. Topics : - Favourite film, favourite animal, best present, favourite TV Show, what did you do last week?, birthday party, what would you do with a million £’s? etc.-

See more at http://www.greatgroupgames.com/ It’s an American but you can adapt!

6

7

Basic Navigation Course2- day Entry Level Navigation Course for walkers, climbers, MTBers and bushcrafters held in North Wales. £85.00 per personThe navigation courses from Original Outdoors are tailor-made for people who want to learn the basic navigation skills that anybody heading out into the hills should know.

We cover basic map work, using a compass, grid references and a variety of techniques for getting from A to B. We also cover techniques for relocating yourself if you should become lost. It takes place on rolling moorland terrain and woodland in areas chosen to provide an achievable challenge for students.

You will be learning with one of our qualified Mountain Leaders, and you will get plenty of chance to practice your skills as you progress through the weekend. You won’t even need to take notes, as we will post or email information sheets to you after the course. The group sizes are kept small, usually 1:6 ratio. If we have larger groups we use a second instructor to reduce the ratio. You will not be forced to march vast distances over tough terrain, and the pace of the course will be dictated by the ability of the group. Each of our instructors learnt to navigate from scratch, and they understand what it is like to learn a new skill in the outdoors.

This entry-level navigation course takes place in North Wales, either in the Clwydian Range or the Snowdonia National Park. We will meet each morning at a pre-arranged location to suit the conditions and the group. The course is non-residential, but we can provide lists of local accommodation options if you are travelling from further afield.

(Click here to jump to booking information)More courses at http://originaloutdoors.co.uk/training_courses/

Excelsior PlusThere are still a few places available on our Excel Level 2 Workshop on Friday 14th November from 8:45 am to 12:00pm. This free hands on workshop covers a range of spreadsheet topics. For eligibility, a workshop outline or to book, e-mail:excelsiorplus@bridgend.ac.uk or call Liz Plenty on 07850 722099.

Further Learning with Excelsior Plus If you have an NVQ and would like to explore further learning or you would like to enrol on an NVQ for the very first time, please get in touch. Our Engage Training NVQ Assessors still have enrolment places on fully-funded NVQs to suit you. Depending on your job role, you could enrol on:

Business and Administration Customer Service Team Leading Management Advice and Guidance and more...

Liz PlentyBridgendTel: 01656 763235Mobile 07850 722099Email: excelsiorplus@bridgend.ac.uk

Helen LloydMerthyr TydfilTel: 01685 726058Mobile 07805 674672Email: h.lloyd@merthyr.ac.uk

Carolyn DoneganAberdareTel: 01443 663250Mobile 07815 315834Email: Carolyn.Donegan@cymoedd.ac.uk

8

Learning at work day in Wrexham.Wrexham Law Courts held a Learning at Work Day on 3rd September. This was the fifth Learning at Work event in recent years in the different courts in North Wales.

Each court has a low staff density, which makes it difficult to bring in outside organisations when events are set up. The aim was to combine learning, together with some fun, with a number of different organisations including charitable and voluntary ones. This helped to make the event lively, at times unpredictable, but above all, fresh and interesting for the staff.

Represented and promoting learning opportunities were, the PCS, ACT, Territorial Army, National Trust, Open University, WTUC Essential Skills and Coleg Cambria. A raffle raised £40 to support MacMillan cancer relief.

Chris had some reflections and the role that Learning and Development has played in both his and Laura’s lives. “We continue to try to think of ways to get staff interested in learning, training or development. We can see that colleagues who still want to learn are usually more motivated, keener and happier at work. For us, it is a matter of working out what spark of interest can we (re)ignite to regain that interest and passion for learning & education. And once started, who knows what's round the corner?”

Chris went on to say “I’ve gained so much from learning and appreciate the benefits that education has given me. Having got a degree in the 1980's, a diploma in magisterial law followed by a degree in law and completion of the Legal Practice course in 1999 enabled me to have a career as a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates Courts. I had missed out on learning to use a computer and I was intimidated when it became increasingly obvious that I had to use it within my job in the courtroom in the late 1990's. I went on a trade union "Beginners IT" course and from there I gained understanding and confidence and have never looked back.”

Laura, a mum of 5 children, had not been able to study full time and when she became an usher within the court service in 2004, she was keen to undertake all the training opportunities that came her way. This has included weekend GFTU trade union courses, online training modules and on the job NVQ training. Laura said: "There's always something new to learn and it makes work much more interesting to gain training or new skills that you can then apply in the workplace. I've been on First Aid, Health & Safety, public speaking, mental health awareness training, dealing with cancer and using the PC for things like Power point.”

Chris, Henry and Laura are all agreed that a good Learning at work event needs to have the right mix of formal education and lighter fun activities, which contribute to that inquisitiveness that makes people sit up and take notice or want to know more.

Twenty staff attended and the feedback forms provided excellent feedback on the usefulness of the event and very positive comments. The next event will be in either Llandudno or Mold and Chris and Laura will be involving local staff. Special thanks has to go to Chris and Laura for their hard work in putting the event together. Henry Coke, Capability Partner for Wales

9

FutureLearn NewsCourses just announcedIn the Night Sky: Orion, The Open UniversityIntroduction to Forensic Science, University of StrathclydeElements of Renewable Energies, The Open UniversityClimate Change: Challenges and Solutions, University of ExeterManaging People: Engaging Your Workforce, University of ReadingMake an Impact: Sustainability for Professionals, University of BathExploring English: Language and Culture, British CouncilWater for Liveable and Resilient Cities, Monash UniversityCourses starting this weekBegin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game, University of ReadingThe Secret Power of Brands, University of East AngliaFootball: More than a Game, The University of EdinburghInnovation and Enterprise, Loughborough UniversityWorld War 1: Aviation Comes of Age, University of BirminghamCourses starting next weekExploring Our Oceans, University of SouthamptonHow to Read Your Boss, The University of NottinghamLiver Disease: Looking After Your Liver, University of BirminghamStart Writing Fiction, The Open UniversityWorld War 1: Changing Faces of Heroism, University of Leeds

From the blog: a new way to find courses, plus a People’s Lovies updateYou can now browse courses by category - for example, Business & Management or Health & Psychology - making it easy to find the ones that interest you. Learn how it works. Last time, we asked you to vote for us in the People’s Lovies. Thank you so much if you did - you helped us win an award! Find out more.

How to share the gift of learning9 out of 10 people said that knowledge is a gift, in a recent survey. If you agree, you can now share the gift of learning with friends, family or colleagues through social media.We’ve created some inspirational images to encourage people to make a real change in their lives, and feel happier at home or work. Share the gift of learning now.

Our first birthday celebrations continueIt’s been 12 months since our first course began. To celebrate, we’re telling our story so far in numbers; discussing what lies ahead; and meeting more learners on the blog.Wishing you another happy year of learning,Lily and the FutureLearn teamP.S. How do brands make us buy things?

Futurelearn is a brilliant resource for ULRs to recommend to colleagues. Several TU members have told me that they have enjoyed and completed courses. Some have started and then decided it wasn’t for them (for a wide range of reasons) – but that’s ok, as they have learnt something and there is no cost!

10

World Book NightAutumn is upon us and we're deep in the midst of planning for World Book Night 2015! We want it to be the best one yet and can't wait to reveal our list of wonderful books to you all. At the moment we're curling up with as many of them as possible, and are preparing to open our volunteer applications in just a few weeks' time. We want lots of you to get involved as passionate champions of reading and we'll be in touch again in mid-November about how to apply.

We're designing a new website, which will be home to the latest World Book Night news, resources and stories, and we've refined our logo and brand colours to better match those of The Reading Agency.

Finally, we wanted to bring you a very special piece of news about an exciting event happening this autumn. We are delighted to announce that Russell Brand is the speaker for The Reading Agency's autumn lecture this year. He is going to deliver ‘a manifesto on reading’. He will be sharing his own experience of books and reading while growing up in the UK and his views on the status of reading and storytelling in our national culture; talking about why reading is important for young people – especially boys – in the UK today.

The lecture will take place on 25 November at Logan Hall, the Institute of Education and you can book your ticket now.

Quick ReadsRoddy Doyle is amongst the six authors announced as the names behind the 2015 Galaxy® Quick Reads titles. The books, which are sponsored by Galaxy® for the fifth year running, will be published on 5 February 2015:

Roddy Doyle – Dead Man Talking Jojo Moyes – Paris for One Sophie Hannah – Pictures Or It Didn’t Happen Fanny Blake – Red for Revenge Adèle Geras – Out of the Dark James Bowen – Street Cat Bob

In the most recent NIACE evaluation report, 98% of literacy practitioners report that using Quick Reads has been effective at raising learners’ confidence to read whilst 95% say that the books have been effective at improving readers’ literacy skills

Roddy comments on his involvement:'I’m delighted to be involved with Quick Reads as they are all about creating new readers and I’ve seen at first-hand how low levels of literacy have a negative effect on people's lives. Literacy is the key to opening doors for everyone. 'I started to write a story about a man who was pretending to be dead. But as I wrote, it changed and I realised I was writing about death. I wanted the story to be funny and a bit frightening because, while it’s often frightening, death is rarely funny - and I wanted the challenge.'

11

Equality RepsDuring some recent Wales TUC briefings, conferences and seminars a number of delegates have expressed an interest in finding out more about the Wales TUC Equality Representatives Network.

I wanted to introduce myself as Wales TUC Equality Network Project Officer responsible for developing and supporting a network of Equality Representatives within the workplace. The role also assists employers in recognising the benefits of having Equality Representatives and encourages union and worker participation in a range of initiatives to address inequality. Over the past 18 months Wales TUC have been developing "The All Wales Equality Representatives Network" who meet on a 1/4ly basis and is intended to inform and support union members across Wales on equality issues.

To attend you do not need to have completed specific equality rep training, just have an interest in promoting equality within the workplace.

In addition I also prepare a monthly Newsletter which gives details of future meetings and events, courses and information from our partners. Once you have joined the All Wales Equality network via the link below you will automatically receive the newsletter.

You can join the Wales TUC All Wales Equality Network here or you can send me an emailThe next All Wales Equality Network meetings are:

Swansea - Monday 26th January 2015 - Unite the Union building, 19 High Street, Swansea - time TBC

Aberystwyth - Thursday 29th January 2015 at 14:00 - Presidents Room, National Library of Wales

Wrexham - Friday 30th January 2015 at 10:00 - Erddig Room, Glyndwr University

Please let me know if you would like to attend any of the above network meetings.

You can also join one of our five equality forums covering: Disability, BME, Youth, LGBT and the Women's forum who all meet up regularly.  If you would like to join any of these please get in touch and I'll pass your details on to the relevant forum leader.

If you would like a chat or would like any further information please get in touch.NicolaWales TUC Equality Network Representative Project OfficerTel: 029 2034 7014 Email: nsavage@tuc.org.uk

Wales Learn With Your Union HubHave you had a look at our facebook page? Lots of information between newsletters is put onto the facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/WLWYUH?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

12

Stress is the UK’s top health and safety concern, say union workplace repsThe 11th biennial TUC survey of union health and safety reps, published during European Health and Safety at Work Week, finds the top-five cited hazards were stress, bullying and harassment, overwork, back strains and slips, and trips and falls on a level.

In top place was stress. Over two-thirds of safety reps (67 per cent) taking part in the survey said that stress, and the effect it is having on their colleagues, is one of the main concerns they have to deal with at work.

One in six of the workplace reps who completed the survey say their employers are failing to conduct risk assessments, which is a breach of health and safety law, says the TUC.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It’s shocking that so many employers are breaking the law and putting their staff at risk of illness and accidents by their sheer negligence. Not only does this put people in danger while doing their jobs, the consequences also carry a high cost for British businesses and public services because it results in lower productivity and more staff spending time off sick.

“Stress remains the top concern for health and safety workplace reps. It’s a particular problem in parts of the public sector like the NHS and local government that have been hit by cuts and top-down reorganisations. Sickness and absence from stress is one of the false economies of public sector austerity.”

NOTES The full report Focus on health and safety: Trade union trends survey, October 2014 can be found at https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/HealthandSafetySurvey2014.pdf

Postcode Lottery Small grants programmeOur Small Grants Programme exists to try to make the world a better place through short-term, project specific funding.

We are now open for applications. If you are thinking of applying for funding you will have until Friday 7th November at 5:30pm to apply.

All applications are made through our online application form. Please see the link below:Through this programme, we provide funding for projects of up to twelve months in length, ranging from £500 up to £20,000 (£5,000 for projects of up to six months in Wales) to registered charities, community and voluntary groups, community interest companies and other not-for-profit organisations.

Please read the guidance notes thoroughly before you consider applyinghttp://www.postcodetrust.org.uk/small-grants.htm

13

Consultation on Public Service Staff Commission Workforce matters are being put at the centre of the public service reform agenda as Welsh Labour’s Public Service Minister Leighton Andrews AM opened a consultation on the remit of a staff commission.

The Welsh Labour Government gave a clear commitment to the delivery of efficient, effective and accessible public services in its Programme for Government.

A Public Services Staff Commission will be able to advise Welsh Ministers and public service organisations on workforce issues. It will be able to identify and propose practical solutions to issues arising from reform.

The Welsh Government intends to establish a non-statutory Staff Commission by April 2015, in particular to support any Local Authority voluntary mergers.

The scope and remit of the Commission will be refined and developed in conjunction with key stakeholders and in response to views expressed through the consultation.

The consultation runs until 13 January 2015 and can be found here.

Views on radioactive waste disposal policy neededThe Welsh Government is asking for views on its policy for the disposal of higher activity radioactive waste.

Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant AM has published a consultation paper on the disposal of higher activity radioactive waste, and is seeking views on the review of current Welsh Government policy, its preferred options for policy in the future and on what other options it might consider.

The Welsh Government is required by the EU to report on its policy for the safe and responsible management of radioactive waste by summer 2015. Ahead of this date the Welsh Government is keen to ensure that its policy remains relevant and reflects changing circumstances.

The Welsh Government is now seeking views on its radioactive waste disposal policy to ensure it remains relevant and reflects changing circumstances. However the Minister for Natural Resources has emphasised that no final decision to change current Welsh Government policy has been made. He also stressed that any change in policy would not necessarily result in a disposal facility being built in Wales.

The Welsh Government has issued this consultation with preferred options of adopting a policy for the disposal of higher activity radioactive waste and for geological disposal to be the long term management route for HAW. The Welsh Government has taken no final decisions about these preferred options and is seeking views about these issues and about other options for the future management of HAW.

The consultation will be open until 22 January and can be found here.

14

5 reasons why icebreakers are useful as part of learning. 1. Social Introductions: Everyone needs to get to know each other. Even

members who’ve worked together for a long time need a chance to introduce themselves outside of the usual patterns of work. In a very real way, learners are “different people” than their working counterparts.

2. Building Energy: People tend to bring the minimum level of energy they think they need to start a particular activity, learning needs active engagement and concentration is needed to learn new skills. Icebreakers that include lots of physical activities build the required energy level, as do exercises that have a fun, recreational feel.

3. Creating a Positive Atmosphere: To succeed, ice breakers need to be fun and/or interesting. Work often takes place in a “neutral” atmosphere – not unpleasant, but not fun, either. Icebreakers can take participants beyond the ’neutral’ working mode to enthusiasm, to expect that learning will be enjoyable.

4. Overcoming Objections: there are often individuals who believe the process of an ice breaker is a waste of time, or just can’t see how it can apply to practical goals. Icebreakers can bypass objectionsFirst, fun, high energy games will often have enough momentum to commit objectors to the process without providing time to develop a negative response. Secondly, use icebreakers to introduce the idea that learners can benefit from learning as a team so that all understand that the benefits are real and that their involvement is vital to learning success.

5. Changing expectations: Icebreakers can take participants out of the usual expectations of the workplace to create a freer atmosphere where personal initiative and enthusiasm are standard procedure. Icebreakers can introduce learners to these expectations.

The term “icebreaker” comes from special ships called “icebreakers” that are designed to break up ice in the arctic regions. And just as these ships make it easier for other ships to travel, an icebreaker helps to clear the way for learning to occur by making the learners more comfortable by helping to bring about conversation.

Britain Needs a Pay Rise:Are you or your colleagues on one of these clips?

Time lapse! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPhPxTvbu1M

TU TV : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_pq_w6XD0U

GMB TUC March http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZJoRR3ABWA

RCN TUC March http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPh1sJbDzto

15

Desert Island – a fun icebreaker'You've been exiled to a deserted island for a year. In addition to theessentials, you may take

one piece of music, one book one luxury item you can carry with you, i.e. not a boat to leave the island!

What would you take and why?'

Allow a few minutes for people to draw up their list of three items, beforesharing their choices with the rest of the group. As with most icebreakers andrelationship building activities, it's good for the group leaders to join in too!

ConsequencesRemember this game from school? Could be a fun game to play with children this half term. Or, maybe during the lunch break…..The object of the game is to fill in a template story with your own characters, descriptions and actions. You do that by taking turns with one or more people to choose a word or phrase to complete the story. Fold over the paper after each word or phrase is written so nobody knows how the story is shaping up.

Although there are lots of variations on the story, it usually follows a pattern like this: Adjective for a person (tall, short) Name of a person Met (usually two characters meet

but you could use another verb) Adjective for a person Name of person Where they met

First person wore Second person wore First said to second Second replied The consequence was... (a

description of what happened after) What the world said

This, is a ULRULRs are enthusiasts for lifelong learning. Through their own love of learning they encourage and support others to participate in the wealth of opportunities offered by the trade union, employer and wider community. They are a vital part of the union branch and work with fellow activists on issues around learning.Thanks to Karen Fisher Unison for this great description of ULRs

If you are a ULR, union rep or union member interested in learning and you would like to be added to the list and/or send in a contribution to the newsletter then please contact: Bernice Waugh ebost/e-mail: bwaugh@tuc.org.uk Ffon/Tel: 07917 415601Same details when you need to unsubscribe. Diolch yn fawr, thankyou.

Bernice WaughSwyddog Prosiect/Project OfficerY Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of ExcellenceFfon/phone 07917 415601e-bost/email bwaugh@tuc.org.uk

Wales TUC Cymru 1 Cathedral Road/ 1 Heol yr Eglwys Gadeiriol Cardiff/ Caerdydd CF11 9SD

16