The Group took up this issue following responses to parliamentary questions, which revealed that implementation was the responsibility of individual NHS organisations and progress was not monitored centrally.

The Report’s Key Findings:

• Serious challenges to the delivery of psychological services, particularly CBT, to all service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, as called for by the Guideline
• Lack of focus on the requirements for more comprehensive services such as assistance with employment and partnerships with relevant local organisations
• Confusion and difficulties in providing improved physical health screening for service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia
• Inconsistency in the services provided across Trusts and the potential for sharing of good practice in areas such as monitoring adherence to medication

The report highlights the difficulties mental health service users face in accessing what should be basic treatment and the importance in maintaining the growth in funding for mental health services.   The report is based on responses from over half of the mental health trusts in England and Wales.

A copy of the report can be obtained at: www.appg-mentalhealth.org.uk/appgmh-news.html

The move comes ahead of the usual December announcement of inflationary price increases over the Severn Bridges for the following financial year.

Commenting, Jenny said:

“A toll price hike would be another body blow to businesses, commuters and visitors to Wales, at the very peak of the recession.

“It would be deeply unfair and hugely inconsistent if the government decided to resist increasing the cost of the Humber Bridge in England, only to whack up the toll price of the Severn Bridge into Wales.

“The Severn Bridge toll is a extortionate and really puts people off travelling into Wales, whether for business or leisure. At this time of recession, the government should be helping business and tourism, and should resist increasing the toll any further.”

Lunch!

Just one of many prizes to be won in the NSPCC’s Dream Auction 2 is lunch with model Jodie Kidd. Christmas shoppers in Cardiff will have the opportunity to bid online for a range of money can’t buy lots at the NSPCC’s Dream Auction 2 which runs from Tuesday 1 December until Saturday 12 December.

Celebrities including Jodie Kidd, Peter Andre, Amanda Holden and Hugh Grant are among the stars to donate lots to help raise funds for the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal. Bidding at www.dreamauction2.co.uk starts at 99p and there are lots to suit all budgets.

Those looking for a dream gift this Christmas can bid for tickets to the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party, a walk on part in Working Titles next romcom, a holiday on Richard Branson’s private Necker Island, two VIP tickets to the Spanish Grand Prix courtesy of Williams F1, and meet and greets with a host of celebrity stars. There are also a number of luxury hampers, must-have accessories and makeover experiences up for grabs.

Model Jodie Kidd said: “I’m always dreaming of exotic holidays, driving fast cars and parties. If you do as well, the good news is that all these prizes and more, including a lunch with me, are available in the NSPCC’s Dream Auction 2. Visit www.dreamauction2.co.uk and you’ll be helping to raise funds for the Child’s Voice Appeal.”

Former England cricketer and 2005 Strictly Come Dancing champion Darren Gough said: “If there’s one dream I have, it’s to do the foxtrot again, despite what the judges used to say about me. Make your dreams come true by visiting www.dreamauction2.co.uk.”

Nerys Sales, NSPCC community and corporate fundraising manager for South Wales said: “There are starting prices to suit everyone’s budget, and a fantastic range of must-have and money-can’t-buy lots. Dream Auction 2 is the perfect way to treat a loved one to a truly special gift this Christmas – and help us answer more children’s calls for help. The auction goes live on Tuesday 1 December so don’t miss out – and good luck!”

Dream Auction 2 is supported by eBay and organised by a committee of NSPCC supporters led by Dora Loewenstein, founder of event management company Dora Lowenstein Associates Ltd (DLA). The committee ran the first Dream Auction for the NSPCC in 2006. This year’s event is raising funds for the Child’s Voice Appeal, the NSPCC’s three-year appeal to raise £50 million to maintain and grow its helplines, text and online counselling services.

Celebrity lots:

• Two VIP tickets to the premiere of Hugh Grant’s new movie ‘Did You Hear About The Morgans’ and after show party.
• Meet and greet with Peter Andre and tickets to his Birmingham concert.
• VIP tickets and Meet and greet with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.
• VIP backstage tickets to the 2010 Strictly Come Dancing Live tour.
• Lunch with model Jodie Kidd.
• Join Jamie Callum on stage on his 2010 tour in a special performance.
• A recipe dedication in Sophie Dahl’s new cook book Miss Dahl’s Guide to All Things Lovely.
• Signed football and shirt from Manchester United star Michael Carrick.

About the Child’s Voice Appeal

The government has pledged £30m over four years towards the expansion of ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, but the NSPCC needs the support of the public to raise a further £50m through the Child’s Voice Appeal, to make its vision to answer many more cries for help a reality. Everyone can support the Child’s Voice Appeal at www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk. To date the appeal has raised £20.6m.

About the NSPCC

The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. The NSPCC helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.

About eBay

Founded in 1999, eBay.co.uk is the UKs largest online marketplace. There are currently 17 million live listings on the UK site and over 17m unique visitors per month (Nielsen / Netratings, June 2009) buying and selling brand new, unique and used items. eBay estimates that 178,000 people earn a primary or secondary living or run a business on the eBay.co.uk site.

David Lermon, Wales director of ICAEW

Confidence among business professionals in Wales has improved only marginally in the last three months, failing to keep pace with the rest of the UK, according to the latest ICAEW UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM).

A total of 70 senior business professionals in Wales were interviewed and the UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) from Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales recorded a Confidence Index score of 17.7, a rise of just 0.8 points from the third quarter of 2009. Wales is now nearly seven points below the UK average although year on year Wales’ Confidence Index score has increased more than the UK average.

The UK economy is undoubtedly in better shape: Michael Izza – Chief Executive of the ICAEW

Over the months of June, July and August more than a quarter of all UK job losses (24,000) occurred in Wales. However, firms in Wales are more optimistic about employment prospects over the coming year. They expect average number of employees to increase by 0.9% over the coming 12 months, in line with the UK average.

David Lermon, ICAEW director for Wales, said: “Results show clearly that while business confidence is improving, the speed of that improvement in Wales is slower than across many other parts of the UK.

“Job losses in Wales are running faster than other parts of the UK although the survey suggests that firms are optimistic that they will be taking on more employees during the next year.

“Although jobs are being lost there has been some good news with the opening of the £675m St David’s 2 shopping development in Cardiff, which has created considerable employment, and in North Wales Airbus is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in its business at Broughton.

“But public sector spending accounts for a higher proportion of overall economic output in Wales than the rest of the UK, so Wales is likely to be hit harder from the UK Government spending squeeze, imposed by Whitehall.”

Steep contractions in several key indicators of business health are expected to be followed by strong improvements over the next year. Having seen gross profits decline by 4.2% over the last 12 months – the steepest decline for any part of the UK – firms in Wales now expect surpluses to grow by 5.2% over the coming 12 months.

Sales volumes, which contracted by 4.7% over the last year – also the largest contraction in the UK – are now forecast to grow by 4.9%, the fastest regional growth rate forecast this quarter. If delivered, some of this expected increase will be the result of a strong rebound in trading following a particularly harsh decline. The positive outlook for sales is also reflected in the fact that the region’s Confidence Index score has increased by 70 points since Q4 2008, which is more than the UK average.

Welsh firms expect turnover to rise by 5.4% on average over the coming year, the strongest rate of growth forecast by any part of the UK this quarter.

Business professionals in Wales also expect capital investments by their own firms to pick up over the coming year. A 2.5% increase is forecast, reversing the 1.4% contraction seen year to date.

Reflecting the fact that output is currently operating close to 6.0% below capacity, firms in Wales expect price pressures to remain relatively weak. After seeing 0.7% growth over the last 12 months, Welsh businesses expect selling prices to rise by 0.9% over the coming year. For the first time, expected price growth is above expected growth in input prices for the coming year, which is at a record low rate of 0.4%.

Wales is likely to be disproportionately affected by an expected period of fiscal consolidation, as public spending accounts for roughly 67% of Welsh output, second only in the UK to Northern Ireland. The NHS – which employs around 90,000 staff in Wales, making it the largest single employer in the region – has already warned of cuts in jobs and services because of funding pressures.

Further, firms in Wales remain considerably more likely than in the rest of the UK to complain about the level of government support for business. Roughly one in seven firms (14%) report level of government support for their business to be a greater challenge to performance than a year ago, a larger proportion than any other part of the UK and compared to a UK average of 6%.

Michael Izza, Chief Executive of the ICAEW, said: “The UK economy is undoubtedly in better shape than this time last year and the improvement in confidence shows the relief businesses feel to have kept their heads above water. Although we are still on track for a return to economic growth, the recovery is very fragile and will take time. Tightening of fiscal policy, the return to the 17.5% VAT rate, continued difficulties accessing finance and a budget Christmas by consumers are all potential threats to this recovery.

“Businesses are backing the recovery but banks are not. Access to capital continues to be a problem despite government reassurances and a willingness to invest by companies. We cannot emphasise enough the fragility of the recovery. This month’s Queen’s Speech and the upcoming Pre-Budget Report are effectively the starting guns for next year’s General Election. Policy makers need to be careful that the measures they announce support the recovery rather than unintentionally threaten it.”

Jenny Randerson

Commenting on the publication of the Assembly Government’s Higher Education Strategy: For Our Future, Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Education Minister, Jenny Randerson AM said: “Higher Education does need to change and I welcome the intentions behind this strategy, but without real detail on improving research and development and exploiting this to build a better economy, we will never build a world class Higher Education system.

“I am also deeply concerned that the parting gift from Jane Hutt that will be remembered, will not be this announcement but will be the devastating financial cuts in the draft budget and the ever widening gap between funding for Welsh Universities compared to England.

“Next year, Labour and Plaid Cymru are slashing 5% from across the University budget when they should be freezing central administration budgets and investigating the misspending of money in the NHS.”

Ryan advises fans to pre-register for tickets

Over 13,500 people have taken the advice of Wales captain Ryan Jones and pre-registered for tickets to the 2010 RBS Six Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium – launched via the Welsh Rugby Union’s website on Saturday, 21 November.

Wales will play three games at the Millennium Stadium next year as they chase their third championship title in six seasons and fans from all over Wales have registered their support for the national squad via www.wru.co.uk and joined a priority list for access to any tickets the WRU has for release prior to public sale.

Last week Ryan Jones took time out of his gruelling schedule to encourage fans to sign up and get behind their national team for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship which brings Scotland to Wales (February 13), sees France arrive for the first championship Friday night fixture at the Millennium Stadium (February 26) and welcomes Italy for the 2010 championship final Saturday (March 20).

The build-up to the championship has been a healthy one with Wales boasting victories over Canada and the USA during the pre-season tour to North America and recent results at the home of Welsh rugby this Autumn closing the gap with New Zealand and defeating Samoa and Argentina respectively.

It means Wales have risen to sixth in the IRB world rankings – above England and Argentina – ahead of their clash on Saturday against third placed Australia.

A sell-out crowd will turn out at the iconic rugby venue this weekend when Wales take on the Wallabies and WRU Head of Group Compliance Julie Paterson urges fans that have missed out to pre-register now and be in with a chance to snap up tickets for Welsh rugby’s next enormous event.

She said: “Over the last three seasons we have looked at our ticketing strategies and tried to benefit the consistent fans out there who are not directly linked to a club. The pre-registration process allows fans to register their interest in the championship and get the first chance to buy any tickets that are unclaimed by our member clubs.

“We’ve had huge response since we launched on Saturday as the fans are now familiar with this system and understand that for the big games, when there is no general sale, the only tickets available are offered to fans who have signed up.”

Fans will be asked for their name and contact details only and will be given a passcode to access and pay for tickets to the games when they are released.

Julie added: “This system does not take your money at the point of registration and allows members the option to pay for any tickets that are unclaimed by our member clubs and debenture holders prior to the games.”

Ticket prices for the RBS Six Nations are £25, £45, £58, £63 and £68. Details of hospitality packages will be released on Saturday – to pre-register for this information please contact hospitality@wru.co.uk.

Fixture Schedule (GMT)

Week 1

• Saturday 6th February
• 14:30 – Ireland v Italy
• 17:00 – England v Wales

Sunday 7th February

• 15:00 – Scotland v France

Week 2

Saturday 13th February

• 14:00 – Wales v Scotland
• 16:30 (17:30 local) – France v Ireland

Sunday 14th February

• 14.30 (15:30 local) – Italy v England

Week 3

• 20/21 February – Rest Weekend

Week 4

Friday 26th February

• 20:00 – Wales v France

Saturday 27th February

• 13:30 (14:30 local) – Italy v Scotland
• 16:00 – England v Ireland

Week 5

• 6/7 March – Rest Weekend

Week 6

Saturday 13th March

• 14:30 – Ireland v Wales
• 17:00 – Scotland v England

Sunday 14th March

• 14:30 (15.30 local) – France v Italy

Week 7

Saturday 20th March

• 14:30 – Wales v Italy
• 17:00 – Ireland v Scotland
• 19:45 (20:45 local) – France v England

Some women are both say Cardiff Uni

A joint Cardiff University and NHS study designed to establish whether encouraging obese pregnant women to eat more healthily and take more exercise has a positive impact on both mother and child has received a £1M funding boost.

The Healthy Eating and Lifestyle in Pregnancy (HELP) project, funded by the National Prevention Research Initiative, will see researchers from Cardiff University’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health work alongside NHS midwives and ‘Slimming World’ consultants to help encourage obese pregnant women to moderate their weight gain during pregnancy and lose weight after the birth of their child by eating healthily and doing regular exercise.

Obesity in pregnancy remains a growing problem with an estimated 1 in 5 women in the UK attending antenatal care being defined as obese. Obesity is linked to increased risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth and, in some cases, can result in pregnancy-induced hypertension, induction of labour and caesarean section.

Being overweight or obese has also been identified as a factor in more than half of maternal deaths between 2003-2005 and antenatal care costs are higher in overweight and obese women.

Dr Sharon Simpson from Cardiff University’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health, who will lead the study, said: “Pregnancy is a key time of change in women’s lives, when intervening on diet and physical activity could have a long term impact on both mother and child. This study is a novel way of working, involving a partnership between the NHS and a commercial organisation, to deliver an intervention which we hope will help women to manage their weight.”

Karen Jewell, Consultant Midwife with Cardiff and Vale ULHB and advisor to the HELP study said: “Initial findings from a pilot study have been encouraging; we found that receiving this type of advice has helped pregnant women moderate their weight gain, whereas during previous pregnancies they’ve gained up to five stone. Not putting on additional weight has allowed them to enjoy a normal birth and given them more confidence.”

“Midwives and Obstetricians are keen to support women in addressing lifestyle changes in pregnancy as this is important, not just for pregnancy, but for their future family’s health. “

The study, which starts in January 2010, aims to recruit 570 women through 20 recruitment centres across England and Wales.

The results of the study will be published in 2013 and, if successful, it is hoped the project will be rolled-out to maternity units across England and Wales.

The HELP study will be supported by the South East Wales Trials Unit based in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine at the University Hospital of Wales.

Sir Tasker's daughter: Lady Mair Griffith-Williams unveiled the statue

A bronze statue of Sir Tasker Watkins, VC, has been unveiled today (Sunday 15 November) at the Millennium Stadium in the heart of Cardiff as a permanent memorial to one of the most accomplished Welshmen of the late 20th century.

It will stand in prominence on the elevated section of the main stadium entrance in Westgate Street where hundreds of thousands of visitors pass by throughout the year when major events and games are staged.

The bronze statue was unveiled today by his daughter, Lady Mair Griffith-Williams at a ceremony following a march past by troops and the band from the 2nd battalion of the Royal Welsh Regiment.

More than 150 VIPs attended the ceremony including the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, The Archbishop of Wales and Major General R J M Porter.

The Welsh Rugby Union was represented by President, Dennis Gethin, Chairman David Pickering and Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis.

Sir Tasker Watkins, who died in September 2007 aged 88, was widely regarded as one of the most influential Welshmen of the late 20th century and achieved global recognition for his achievements in several fields of individual endeavour.

Sir Tasker Watkins - one of Wales's greatest heroes

His rise to prominence in rugby administration and the law was achieved after his reputation was secured by a wartime act of bravery which earned him the Victoria Cross for exceptional valour.

He was President of the Welsh Rugby Union from 1993 until 2004 during 11 years which saw the game turn professional, the four Welsh Regions formed and the Millennium Stadium built.

As an accomplished barrister he rose through the judiciary to achieve one of the highest legal positions in the UK when he became the Deputy Chief Justice of England and Wales.

Throughout his life he retained a close and proud association and affinity with Glamorgan Wanderers RFC on the outskirts of Cardiff.

A military march began at Cardiff Castle today, through Westgate Street and to the Millennium Stadium where troops formed a guard of honour at the unveiling ceremony.

Lady Mair Griffith-Williams said: “”I am very proud that my father has been commemorated by this wonderful statue and particularly pleased it is here at the Millennium Stadium. The family is extremely grateful to everyone who has made this possible.”

The concept for a statue at the Millennium Stadium began when Cardiff based businessmen, Mr Stanley Thomas Senior and Sir Stanley Thomas, championed the idea which was then commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union, the Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff County Council.

WRU President, Dennis Gethin, said: “This statue is a fitting tribute to a Welshman who achieved such distinction through his involvement in the military, the law and rugby.

“His endeavours displayed astonishing courage, a remarkable intellect, profound wisdom and a sense of honour which earned him the respect of all who met him.

“This statue will serve as a signal to future generations that the dignity and humanity he always displayed are values all of us must strive to emulate throughout our lives.

“I am lucky to have counted Sir Tasker as a friend and, like everyone else who knew him, I was influenced by his example and humbled by his courtesy and caring nature.

“The impact he had on the professional, legal, sporting and cultural life of Wales cannot be underestimated and must be remembered by history.”

The First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, said: “Sir Tasker was a unique individual, and I stand by my belief that he was truly one of the outstanding Welshmen of the 20th century.

“The £25,000 funding from the Assembly Government towards his statue will ensure that Sir Tasker’s remarkable contribution to Welsh rugby and his services as a soldier and judge will never be forgotten, just as he never forgot his roots in the heart of the Welsh Valleys.

“When people visit the Millennium Stadium, they will look up to him as an iconic example of a man who was both gifted and determined, but at the same time, courageous and humble. Now Wales can continue to be inspired by his legacy for years to come.”

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “Sir Tasker’s lifetime of service to his country in so many different roles; war hero, lawyer, judge and sports administrator, is unparalleled.

“This statue, sited so closely to the national home of the game he loved, is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man.”

The bronze statue of Sir Tasker stands nine foot high on a concrete plinthe above the ramp at ground entrance three to the Millennium Stadium.

It was sculpted by the Llantwit Major based artist, Roger Andrews, who has built an international reputation as a sculptor of human figures and landmark buildings.

He said: “This is by far the most thrilling project I have ever been involved in.

“I am so pleased that this statue of such a famous and well respected Welshman will be permanently housed outside the home of rugby here in Wales.

“If I never completed another work I am certain this is the one sculpture I passionately wanted to create.

“In order to achieve a true likeness of the man I have spoken to many of his friends and family because I wanted to capture his character as well as his physical likeness.

“Everyone I have talked to has spoken in awe of Sir Tasker who was clearly a great Welshman and also a genuinely likeable individual.”

Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons has revealed there are still no “definitive proposals” to deal with the impact of rates revaluation

The Assembly Government has admitted it still does not have plans in place to help businesses with rising business rates.

Following exchanges with the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly today, Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons has revealed there are still no “definitive proposals” to deal with the impact of rates revaluation, which is due to come into effect from April.

Opposition leader Nick Bourne described the admission as “hopeless” and demanded leadership from ministers.

Last week Welsh Conservatives revealed that the UK Government issued plans to raise the business rate relief threshold on 30 September. So far the Assembly Government has failed to bring forward similar proposals in Wales.

Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly called on ministers to raise the threshold, delay revaluation until at least April 2011, and introduce a scheme to scrap or reduce rates for up to 90,000 businesses.

According to the Assembly Government’s own figures, as many as 40,000 Welsh businesses could see their rates rise next spring as a result of revaluation.

Commenting on the latest ministerial statement, Nick Bourne AM said: “The Assembly Government’s response to the plight of businesses across Wales as a result of rising rates is nothing short of hopeless.

“The UK Government took steps to offset the impact of revaluation in England weeks ago yet by their own admission ministers in Cardiff still have no plans on the table for Wales.

“The Assembly Government should be taking action now to help firms across Wales during the recession.

“Revaluation should not have come as a surprise given that it happens every five years.

“How much longer have Welsh businesses got to wait for this government to help them?

“They need to know now what support is on offer so they can plan budgets for the next financial year.

“The longer ministers delay, the greater the prospect of businesses laying off staff or closing down altogether.”