New funding for community green spaces – applications open 19 October

Groundwork in Wales

New funding for community green spaces – applications open 19 October

Do you know of a local community green space project that would benefit from funding? If so, then get ready a new community grant programme!

The first funding round of the programme opens for applications across England, Wales and Scotland on the 19th October and will close on 30 November.

This will be your first chance to submit an application for a grant of up to £12,000 to create better and happier places where you live, although there will be two funding rounds per year over the next three years.

 Groundwork - Grant guidance

http://www.groundwork.org.uk/

Few places still available - Listening to Older People Project

Venture Out - November Activity Programme

The first dementia-friendly village is on its way to Maerdy

Communities in Upper Rhondda Fach lead the way to becoming a dementia-friendly village

 Alzheimer’s Society in Upper Rhondda Fach is holding an event on Monday 2 November from 12 -2 at Teify House, Maerdy to showcase and launch the exciting work and opportunities for the local community to get involved in to make Maerdy the first dementia-friendly village in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Through the Community Capacity Fund, the charity, in collaboration with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC), is planning to set up services for people affected by dementia in the Upper Rhondda Fach area and will run each Tuesday from Teify House from 10 am to 2 pm until next April. Some of these services include:

 

• a Singing Group, called Singing for the Brain®, designed specifically for people with dementia
• a cafe group which will incorporate activities to help people with dementia to maintain a sense of well-being, independence and remain connected to their local community
• and specific programmes for those who care for people with dementia
• reminiscence activities for people with dementia
• Dementia Friends sessions – a raising awareness session for the community

If you’d like to come along or want more information please contact: Rhia Stankovic-Jones on 01685 -353919 or rhia.jones@alzheimers.org.uk

Your NHS - Choose Well Campaign

The Welsh Government launched a ‘Your NHS Wales - Choose Well’ campaign today (News article here). They are calling on the public to think carefully about how they use the NHS and find the right health services for their needs.  

The campaign highlights the importance of self care in dealing with many minor illnesses, which can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and advice. It also highlights the various free services available, from NHS Direct, GPs, pharmacies, opticians and minor injury units, ready and able to treat a range of health conditions.

It asks people to only call 999 or go to their local Accident & Emergency unit if they have a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention, such as severe chest pain, choking, blacking out, major blood loss or a suspected stroke.

Not sure what NHS service to use? Download the app: http://www.choosewellwales.org.uk/

The Welsh Ambulance are running a social media campaign throughout this week, and they would be grateful if you would share this information with your colleagues and networks. Tell them how you have chosen well by tweeting pictures and comments to @WelshAmbPIH with #YourNHSWales.

VAMT Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil will be held at 11am on Thursday 12th November in the Bessemer Hotel, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil.

The guest speakers will be Gerald Jones, MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and Jayne James, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. We will also be presenting the Nicola Park Award 2015 for “Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering in Merthyr Tydfil”. Agenda

A carvery lunch will be provided.

Please email the reply slip to Laura Johnson by 5th November.  

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Merthyr and the Valleys Mind have commissioned New Pathways to deliver Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and have 4 spare places on the course on 28th and 29th October.  The cost will be £125 per place.

If you would like to take up a place then contact:  Cathy Boyle, Operations Manager at Merthyr and the Valleys Mind on 01685 727 522 / 07957 187297 / Cathy.boyle@matvmind.org.uk 

Spread the Warmth Grant - deadline extended

Spread the Warmth Grant (Age Cymru)

We have made the decision to extend the application deadline for the Welsh Government funded ‘Spread the warmth’ grants.

Our Spread the Warmth grants are targeted at areas where there are high incidences of excess Winter deaths, as well as prioritising provision of information and winter support services to isolated and vulnerable older people.

We are looking for applications that can evidence continuous activity and meaningful interaction with older people during the winter months with a particular focus on health promotion and illness prevention.

For more information, visit our website or contact Angharad Phillips, Health Initiatives Officer on 02920 431556.

Gwanwyn Community Grant Scheme

The Gwanwyn Community Grant Scheme is now open!  The deadline for submission is Wednesday 9 December 2015.  For an application form and an information pack with details on how to apply please download from the Gwanwyn website or to request a pack by post please call Age Cymru on 029 20 431 555.

The Listening Project - come and find out more!

Launch of the Compact between the Police and Crime Commissioner, South Wales Police and the Third Sector

You are warmly invited to attend the Launch of the Compact between the Police and Crime Commissioner, South Wales Police and the Third Sector. The Compact is a partnership agreement between the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Chief Constable and the Third Sector as represented by the seven County Voluntary Councils in the South Wales Police area. Its shared objective is the maintaining of healthy and safe communities across South Wales through strong joint partnership working. The event will take place at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend on Thursday 22nd October 2015 starting at 1:30pm, we would very much like to have your involvement on the day.

Importantly, there will also be an opportunity for organisations to find out more about and influence the development of the next Police and Crime Reduction Plan.

Information will also be given on the nomination process for the Compact Review Group.

If you wish to attend please click here to register: https://pcccompactlaunch.eventbrite.co.

Quiz Night - on behalf of Merthyr Tydfil Community Trust

In order to boost the funds for the Merthyr Tydfil Community Trust, VAMT has organised a fundraising quiz night on Thursday 12th November at 7pm at Merthyr Rugby Club.

The Merthyr Tydfil Community Trust is a charitable trust that supports local voluntary and community groups. It makes small grants to small groups that make a big difference to them. Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil carries out all the administration of the scheme for free, makes an annual donation and has a representative on the Board of Trustees. 

Please take part in the evening by entering a team. Here's the booking form. 

Should be fun!

CLOSING DATE FAST APPROACHING: Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering - the Nicola Park award 2015/Cyfraniad Rhagorol i Wirfoddoli – Gwobr Nicola Park 2015

There are only 7 days left until nominations close for the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering Award - full details here.

Please get your nominations in as soon as possible - let's recognise Merthyr Tydfil's unsung heroes!

FREE ILM Training at Soar starts next week

If you live or work in Merthyr Tydfil, RCT, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly or Torfaen, and wish to improve your management skills, ACT and UHOVI working in partnership with the University of South Wales have the perfect opportunity for you.  Institute of Leadership and Management accredited at level 5, the sessions cover Becoming an Effective Leader, Leading Innovation and Change, Managing Stress and Conflict.

Sessions take place in Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil starting on 15 October.  For further details, please see here.

High Sheriff Of Mid Glamorgan Youth Community Awards

The High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Youth Community Awards were set up in 2008 when finance was pledged by local firms, organisations and individuals in the County to support young people who were volunteering.

The idea behind the scheme was to encourage community spirit and financially reward individuals and groups who have shown commitment and given of their time and effort; taking part in initiatives which stand out as being over and above what could normally be expected.

A special presentation evening is held annually in March where award winners are treated to a buffet supper and receive their prizes.

Since 2008, thousands of pounds have been distributed. The success of the Awards has led to additional sponsorship and for 2016 a new first prize of £1,000 will be made, together with other financial rewards and certificates (the overall group or individual winner also gets a cup - though like the FA Cup, you don’t get to keep it).

Past winners have said that not only are they delighted to receive their prizes but also how much they appreciate the recognition of their work for their communities.

The current round of applications is already open, though the formal launch takes place in September. The current High Sheriff Jayne James will also be attending the VAMT AGM in November to publicise the Awards.

For further details, see the attached leaflet and poster 

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Forum - new start time!

Please note that the start time for the Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Forum has changed to 9.30 am

The next meeting is on Wednesday 14th October at the Voluntary Action Centre

 

Contact sharon.richards@vamt.net for more info, or just turn up on the day

Outcome Focused Care Planning Training

Making Every Contact Count - FREE conference

Venture Out - October Activity Programme

World Mental Health Day Event - Merthyr Tydfil

World Mental Health Events in RCT

Merthyr Valleys Homes Grants and Sponsorship Fund

The CLOSING DATE for

Merthyr Valleys Homes Grants and Sponsorship Fund is 9^th October 2015.

Applications can be requested: by phone on 01685 727816, 

by email Community@mvhomes.org.uk 

or by calling in to 

Merthyr Valleys Homes, Riverside Court, Avenue de Clichy, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8LD