Galon Uchaf and Penydarren Community Association

At Galon Uchaf and Penydarren Community Association, our aim is to become 

a one-stop multi-service hub for the surrounding community.

Based at the Galon Uchaf Community Centre on 9th Avenue, we are here to improve the services and facilities offered to our residents, therefore enhancing their social lives whilst supporting any educational or development requirements they may have.

Catering for all ages, from carer and toddler groups through to services for our more mature residents, we are truly a fully inclusive organisation.

  

Additionally, we are able to cater for private and corporate rentals. Whether you need a venue for your child's birthday party, business meeting or training course, we can help.

We value your opinion and would like you to share your ideas as to what YOU would like to see going on at the centre.

Please feel free to like our Facebook page (Galon Uchaf and Penydarren Community Association) and give your feedback there, or e-mail us with your ideas, or for any other queries at galonpencomassociation@gmail.com. 

Cwm Taf University Health Board - Public Meetings

The Health Board forthcoming public meetings are as follows:

TAFF ELY PUBLIC FORUM

29 January 2016 (Friday)

9:30 am to 12 pm (9:15 registration)

Llantrisant Leisure Centre, Southgate Park, Llantrisant CF72 8DJ

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RHONDDA VALLEYS PUBLIC FORUM

12 February 2016 (Friday)

12:30 pm to 3 pm (12:15 pm registration)

Rhondda Sports Centre, Gelligaled Road, Ystrad CF41 7SY

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MERTHYR TYDFIL PUBLIC FORUM

16 February 2016 (Tuesday)

9:30 am to 12 pm (9:15 registration)

Canolfan Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8UB

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CYNON VALLEY PUBLIC FORUM

26 February 2016 (Friday)

12:30 pm to 3 pm (12:15 pm registration)

Michael Sobell Sports Centre, The Ynys, Aberdare CF44 7RP

 

NB:  Anyone wishing to attend one or all of the forums must register their contact details with Sharon Jeynes (sharon.jeynes@wales.nhs.uk /01443 744839) at the earliest opportunity.  When registering, please indicate whether you require Welsh language translation.

 

YMCA Restoration and Projects

The restoration of the YMCA is the second project by the Trust and Charity, CHRT, who have recently completed the conservation of Llanelly House in Llanelli. Follow us through the drama of the restoration which will help revitalise the Pontmorlais area of Merthyr Tydfil.

LATEST NEWS

After securing our Stage 1 project approval from the Heritage Lottery Fund we have been working hard appointing our Project Team.  The team is led by Davies Sutton Architects supported by Mann Williams Engineers and Mildred Howell Quantity Surveyors.     You should start to see some activity on site again soon.  We are so excited to be getting really started on the project now with a very big thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Merthyr Tydfil CBC for all their support.

COMMUNITY ART

CHRT has undertaken a number of community art projects since it was founded in 2003.  Our Big Picture Project works with children who receive additional support at school to produce art work associated with their local historic environment.  We are hoping to begin “BIG PICTURE MERTHYR TYDFIL” early in 2016.  You can learn more about our current BIG PICTURE PROJECT at http://bigpicturellanellyhouse.org.uk/.  If you work at a school and think your pupils would benefit for taking part in BIG PICTURE MERTHYR TYDFIL, 

Please contact us by emailing: cheryl.kitt@chrt.org.uk

WE NEED YOUR HELP:  YMCA MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

We are hoping to collect memories about the YMCA during its restoration – did you, your parents or grandparents ever work or use the building?  Did they visit the gym go to dances?  If you have any memories we can record or photographs of the building we would love to record them.  

Please contact Joanna Jones on 01554 772857 or joanna.jones@chrt.org.uk

New Trustees Wanted

The CAMBRIAN HERITAGE REGENERATION TRUST NEED YOUR HELP-

 CALL FOR NEW TRUSTEES

The YMCA is now owned by the CAMBRIAN HERITAGE REGENERAITON TRUST, which is a registered Charity and a Limited Company.  We are Wales based trust and are recruiting for new Trustees in the Merthyr area.  If you think you would be interested in being involved with the YMCA and our other projects and being on our board please contact:

 Claire Deacon on 01554 772857 or email: claire.deacon@chrt.org.uk . 

We are looking for individuals with a particular interest or experience in: education, business development, history and historic buildings, a legal or accounting background – the ability to speak Welsh would be an advantage.

The restoration of the YMCA is the second project by the Trust and Charity, CHRT, who have recently completed the conservation of Llanelly House in Llanelli. Follow us through the drama of the restoration which will help revitalise the Pontmorlais area of Merthyr Tydfil.

Facebook: YMCA Merthyr Tydfil

Twitter: YMCA-Merthyr Tydfil @YMCAMerthyr

Instagram: cambrianheritageregeneration

Online Today - helping people with sensory loss get online

 Online Today helping people with sensory loss get online

Technology can make life easier if you have hearing or sight problems, but knowing where to start isn't always easy – we’re here to help.

We’re here to support everyone with sensory loss to get online and feel confident using technology in their everyday lives.

Our team of staff and volunteers will help you find out how to get the most out of being online – from browsing websites and sending emails, to keeping in touch with family and friends and up to date with news and leisure interests.

Online Today is here to ensure you have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

We can give you the information and knowledge to realise and enjoy the benefits of being online, understand how it can assist your everyday living and importantly, how to stay safe online.

Working with you, we can advise on how being online can help you, whether it is using Skype to talk to family far away or getting your regular sports or weather updates.

Through one to one sessions at home, group sessions and demonstrations of products such as laptops, tablets, smart phones and ereaders, you will find how easy it is to gain the basic skills and confidence to use technology.

Online Today is for you if you have little or no experience of being online, if your skills need updating, or if you have recently acquired sensory loss and need to learn new ways to get and stay online.

Start your online journey now:  

call us on 02920 828 518

email onlinetodaycymru@rnib.org.uk

or visit rnib.org.uk/onlinetoday

 

 

 

New Year 2016: Third Sector Representative opportunities on the following committees/panels.

We have new opportunities for third sector representatives on the following committees or panels.

We hope to fill the vacancies as early as possible into the New Year, with a view to establishing training and support for the representatives soon afterwards.   

MTCBC Scrutiny Committees:

·       Governance, Performance, Business Change and Corporate Services

·       Regeneration, Planning and Countryside

·       Learning and LAESCYP (Local Authority Education Services for Children and Young People)

Health

·       Cwm Taf University Health Board IPFR (Individual Patient Funding Requests)  Panel

·       Cwm Taf Community Health Council

If you would like more information or to be considered for any of the above opportunities please contact:

Scrutiny: Alison Harris  alison.harris@vamt.net 

Health: Sharon Richards  sharon.richards@vamt.net 

Inform - January 2016

Just a reminder that the deadline for the first Inform of 2016 is Thursday 7 January.  Contributions are welcome from all third sector organisations, so whether you want to share a success, or just want to let others know what you are up to, just email your text, good quality jpeg photo(s) and a logo to hilary.edwards@vamt.net
Many thanks

People's Health Trust

People's Health Trust closes tomorrow at 1pm - it might be still do-able

Applying for funding 

Quick guide
To apply for a grant from People's Health Trust's Active Communities funding programme you must first check whether your area is open for funding. If you meet our criteria for Active Communities, you can begin the application process by submitting a quick Stage 1 application form.

Who can apply for funding?
You can only apply for Active Communities if:

• You are non-profit
• Your income is less than £350,000 a year, or an average of £350,000 over two years
• You have less than six months’ annual running costs in savings (with no restrictions on the money) after you have deducted the grant you wish to request from us
• Your organisation is constituted and is more than three months old

We run a two stage application process over a five week period. There is a possibility that we will close stage one applications early in the five week period if we are oversubscribed. You are strongly advised to call us if you are just starting to apply. Decisions are made 12 weeks after the closing date.
Call us on 020 7697 4021 or email us if you would like any help and support.

Map version

• Text only version

• People's Health Trust <Peoples.Health.Trust@cmp.dotmailer.co.uk>

news from the Trust 10 Dec 2015 If this email is not displayed correctly please view it online

Postcode Community Trust - Community Grants 2016 Guidelines Available (GB)

The Postcode Community Trust's Community Grant Scheme opens on 5 January 2016 for applications from registered charities and community groups in England, Scotland and Wales who are seeking funding for projects that advance community development. Unlike previous years, groups from across England can apply.
The funding will be available for projects that help to regenerate communities by improving social cohesion, economic infrastructure and provide or improve community-based facilities. This includes projects that:

• Promote community development projects including:
• Support for older people relieving isolation.
• Support for young carers and their families and/or support for families caring for disabled children or relatives, enabling them to engage more fully in their local area.
• Projects which enhance or enable volunteering opportunities which help to regenerate communities.
• Support community cohesion by:
• Enhancing facilities which benefit a wide segment of a community.
• Increasing public participation in sports especially for those at a disadvantage due to disability, age, financial hardship or gender.
• Utilising sports to enhance the skills and life chances of disadvantaged groups.
• Providing recreational facilities, or the organising of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for those utilising the facilities/activities.
• Promoting inter-generational cohesion.
• Promoting a community's social history.

Grassroots organisations, local charities and non-profit community businesses that are seeking to effect positive change within their local area in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible to apply.
Grants range from £500 to £20,000 for those in Scotland and England and up to £10,000 for those in Wales.
There will be two funding rounds in 2016.
Applications will be accepted from 5 to 28 January 2016 and 1 May to 31 May 2016.

Click to view further information about this newsflash

NEW Tesco Community Scheme - Grants for Open Spaces

To read more on this new initiative click here.  Please be aware, this is a 3 year programme with funding opportunities to apply for every 6 months until April/May 2018.

OPENING OF THE RURAL ACTION CWM TAF LEADER FUND

The Rural Cwm Taf Local Action Group is inviting Expressions of Interest for projects within specific geographical locations in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil which will promote social inclusion, reduce poverty and develop and sustain our rural village communities.

Projects will need to be community led, respond to community need and be able to sustain themselves long term, after funding intervention has ceased.

We would welcome project ideas which will fit into one or more of the following themes:

·         Exploration of Digital Technology

·         Renewable Energy at a community level

·         Adding Value to Local Identity & Natural & Cultural Resources

·         Exploring new ways of providing non statutory services

·         Facilitating pre commercial development, business partnerships and short supply chains

This fund is for revenue costs only. We are able to fund up to 80% of the overall cost of your project.  This 80% is capped at £80,000 (overall project worth £100,000).

 For further information, guidance and the Expression of Interest form please see www.merthyr.gov.uk/rdp or contact ruralaction@merthyr.gov.uk  01685 727089.

This programme has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Good Practice recognised by Wales Audit Office

Community Co-ordinators show how the #volsec help to integrate health and social care. Follow this link:  youtu.be/Mdhy11zvFxI

Listening to Older People Project - book now!

Festive Fun Day - Tuesday 8th December

Important Exhibition

The original 1990 plans for dualing the Heads of the Valleys road involved closing off the majority of junctions along A465 between Dowlais and Hirwaun.  This includes turns to/from Cefn  as well as Pant Industrial Estate and the top of Swansea Road  - the Cefn Coed roundabout is to remain. Your opportunity to have your say and shape any improvements will be at the planned exhibitions. 
See poster below for more information... 

Governing your Organisation - Last Chance to book your place

Just a reminder that there are still places available on our "Governing your Organisation" training session on 8 December - costs just £10 and takes place at the Voluntary Action Centre between 12:30 - 5:00.
To book email enquiries@vamt.net

I am a Volunteer - Marking International Volunteer Day

Please see below from Dr Lesley Hodgson, from Focal Point:

 

December 5th is International Volunteer Day and Focal Point is putting together a poster campaign to show off the depth and breadth of volunteering activities in Merthyr, the type of people who volunteer and also to promote the value of volunteering. The posters will be on display on the window at Focal Point, 145 High Street, (Opposite the Crown) and inside (if we have loads).

 A good quality photo of you from the waist up against a plain background or one of you actually volunteering (if there are other people in the photo and you can see their faces you would need to get written permission to use them) or a group photo of your volunteers.

Your name / or organisation name if sending in a group shot
Where you volunteer or what you do
One line saying what you get from volunteering or what you like most about it.

I'll do the rest. The deadline is Wednesday December 3rd and the photos will be on display from 5th December for two weeks.
Lesley can be contacted on:       lesley.pcva@gmail.com  or  07903 281908

Latest News from Big Lottery Fund

Dyma'r newyddion diweddaraf gan y Gronfa Loteri Fawr yng Nghymru    Here is the latest news from the Big Lottery Fund in Wales       Canllaw dechreuwyr i ymgeisio am grant: Oes angen ariannu arnoch ond heb wybod ble i ddechrau? Dyma'n canllaw i gael grant.   A beginner's guide to applying for a grant: Need funding but don't know where to start? Here's our guide to getting a grant.                                                 Codi ymwybyddiaeth o blant sydd â chlefydau anghyffredin Darllen am sut mae prosiect ffotograffiaeth yn dangos safbwynt gwahanol.   Raising awareness of children with rare diseases: Read how a photography project is showing a different perspective.       "Byddwn i ar y strydoedd heblaw am y lle 'ma": Cael gwybod mwy am brosiect ym Môn sy'n rhoi gobaith i bobl ifanc sy'n ddigartref.   "If I didn't have this place I'd be on the streets": Learn more about a project in Anglesey which is giving hope to young homeless people.     Cofrestru i dderbyn ein efwletin misol / Sign up to receive our monthly ebulletin           Llinell gymorth/Advice line 0300 123 0735   Ebost/Email  ymholiadau.cymru@cronfaloterifawr.org.uk enquiries.wales@biglotteryfund.org.uk   Llun-Gwener/Mon-Fri 9am-5pm   Gwefan/Website https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/welsh https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/wales   Trafferth darllen yr e-bost hwn? Gweld e ar-lein Having trouble reading this email? View it online Dad-danysgrifio/Unsubscribe

Up and Coming Training from NewLink Wales

To view Newlink Wales' current training programme, please click here