Feel the Heat Awards 2016

          

Feel the Heat Awards 2016

Supported by SSE/SWALEC

Supporting community action to tackle fuel poverty in Wales

About the Awards 

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action Cymru, in partnership with SSE/SWALEC, is pleased to be launching the 2016 Feel the Heat Awards.   

 The aim of the Awards is to recognise and showcase best practice in tackling fuel poverty and championing local efforts to promote affordable warmth.    

Who can apply?
Entries are welcomed from all not-for-profit organisations undertaking work to tackle fuel poverty and promote affordable warmth to vulnerable households in Wales.  This includes local authorities, housing associations, health agencies, public and statutory organisations, charities and community groups.       

 Deadline

The closing date for entries is 1 February 2016

 What can you win?

One successful organisation or partnership will receive an award of £2,000 and two runners up will receive awards of £1,000 each to help deliver or develop their fuel poverty initiatives.

The winners will also be offered a FREE place at NEA Cymru’s 2016 Conference.

 How to enter 

The process is straightforward:-  

·         Step 1 – Download and fill in the short entry form from the website

·         http://www.nea.org.uk/nea-cymru/projects/feel-the-heat/

·         Step 2 - Submit the form by the deadline of 1^st February 2016 (You will receive a confirmation that your entry has been received.)

Rules

·         Following the closing date a judging panel will be convened to assess the bids received and decide which applications will be given an award.  The judging panel decision is final.  

·         You may enter your project for more than one category but each entry should be sent separately.

·         All sections of the application must be completed.  Any incomplete forms will be not be eligible for entry.     

·         NEA funded projects are ineligible to apply. 

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council - Strategic Quality Objectives 2016-2020

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is currently seeking views on its proposed Strategic Equality Objectives for 2016-2020, which aim to reduce inequalities and to improve the well-being of the County Borough.

Your views are very important, so please take a few minutes to complete a short questionnaire, which can be accessed by following the link below. I would also be grateful if you could please share this email with your forums, networks and contacts.

http://www.cwmtafhub.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?noip=1&strTab=PublicDMart&PageType=item&DMartId=105245

The closing date for the consultation is Sunday 7^th February 2016.

Wales Council for Deaf - looking for volunteers

Volunteering

Wales Council for Deaf people is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to give up their time to work with us on our many exciting projects and initiatives.

If you feel you have the time to spare and would like to work with us to develop and provide worthwhile services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across Wales then please contact us today. We will be happy to sit down with you for an informal chat and explain a little more about what we do whilst exploring ways in which we could work together to best utilise your skills.

We are soon to embark on setting up our first Charity Shop in South Wales and would love to hear from anyone interested in becoming involved with collection/preparation of stock and sales or helping us determine the location for our next shop.

Who else can help Wales Council?

-        Fundraisers to help us generate new future sources of funding and maximise our current income streams.

-        Consultants with experience in HR, accountancy, IT, marketing, research and PR  to provide support and specialist advice for the Council and our hard of hearing clubs across Wales.

-        People with experience of basic maintenance of hearing aids (re-tubing, basic repairs etc) to support our hard of hearing club members.

-        Local volunteers interesting in helping develop existing and planned support groups across Wales.

-        Volunteers to help staff our stalls at exhibitions, open days etc to provide information on our work at local events across Wales.

-        People with experience of website building to help maintain our existing website and generate new content.

There are also opportunities to become trustees, deliver training or work on some of our sub-committees campaigning to improve support for everyone with hearing loss.

We welcome people of all ages and abilities including people with hearing loss and provide regular opportunities to attend local training events and build on your existing skills base while volunteering with the Council.

Why not get in touch and arrange to pop in and see us, whether it be here in Pontypridd or at many of our Community Group meetings across Wales. We would love to meet you and discuss how we can work together to build a better, more inclusive, future for anyone with hearing loss.

Contact: 

Ann Murphy – Support Services Manager

Wales Council for Deaf People

Glenview House, Courthouse Street

Pontypridd    CF37 1JY

Tel: 01443 485687

Email: mail@wcdeaf.org.uk

Job vacancy - Muni Arts Centre

Development Manager 
We have an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial arts and business manager at the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd. This is a full time post with a starting salary of £25,000 per annum. The successful candidate will work with the Board of Directors to build a sustainable programme and business model to secure the future of the new Muni.

For more information, please email Wendy York at wendy@artiscommunity.org.uk, or call 01443 485934 if you would like to arrange an informal chat.

Rheolwr/wraig Datblygu

 Mae gennym gyfle cyffrous ar gyfer rheolwr/wraig celfyddydau a busnes entrepreneuraidd yng Nghanolfan Gelfyddydau y Muni ym Mhontypridd.  Mae hon yn swydd llawn amser gyda chyflog cychwynnol o £25,000 y flwyddyn.  Bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn gweithio gyda Bwrdd y Cyfarwyddwyr i adeiladu model fusnes cynaliadwy er mwyn sicrhau dyfodol y Muni newydd.

Am fanylion pellach, cysylltwch â Wendy York ar wendy@artiscommunity.org.uk, neu drwy ffonio 01443 485934 am sgwrs anffurfiol.

DEADLINE REMINDER - HIGH SHERIFF AWARDS

The 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. 

Each year, The High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan awards young people, aged between 11 & 21yrs, up to £1000 if they have helped anyone in their neighbourhood.

 The idea behind the awards scheme is to encourage community spirit, by financially rewarding individuals or groups who have shown commitment and given of their time and effort, doing over and above what would normally be expected, whether for an organisation, a family member or any other individual.  

The closing date for this year’s nominations is fast approaching – in fact, the 22nd of this month!

Please, if you know someone who you think deserves to be recognised for any good work that they have done, put in a nomination - it would be great to see a young person/group from Merthyr Tydfil being recognised in this year’s Awards presentation evening in March.

SEE BLOG ARCHIVE FOR APPLICATION DETAILS  >>>

Create Your Space Programme Launched by Big Lottery Fund Wales

The Create Your Space programme is administered and provided by the Big Lottery Fund Wales, and involves the joint investment of £8.8 million between the Big Lottery Fund (£6.4 million) and Dormant Accounts money (£2.4 million). The initiative is a seven year programme designed to help communities make positive and sustainable transformations to their local natural environment.
Formally constituted voluntary and community sector organisations, including charities, community groups, cooperatives and social enterprises are eligible to apply. All organisations must be working with the local community and local organisations either as formal or informal partners.
Applications will be accepted from organisations based anywhere in Wales, but projects must benefit communities in the following, existing local authority areas:

• Caerphilly.
• Conwy.
• Flintshire.
• Isle of Anglesey.
• Monmouthshire.
• Newport.
• Rhondda Cynon Taff
• Vale of Glamorgan.
• Wrexham.

Grants of between £50,000 and £2 million are available over a seven year period. Initially, the 16 projects taken forward to stage two will be awarded development funding of up to £20,000 to help cover the costs of developing the project further. Full awards of between £500,000 and £2,000,000 will later be awarded for up to eight projects.
The Big Lottery Fund wishes to fund projects that make a real difference to people and communities so that:

• People are fully involved in shaping the transformation of their local outdoor spaces.
• Strong and genuine partnerships are formed between local people and organisations.
• People are enabled to transform the way they view and use outdoor spaces in order to:
• have the confidence and ability to influence and get involved in decisions about their communities with more control over their local environment; and
• have a greater understanding and appreciation of the value of outdoor spaces, in particular their contribution to health and well-being, and the potential for creating sustainable business, jobs and leisure opportunities.

Funding should be used to bring about positive change, and grants can cover the costs of:

• Staff.
• Training.
• Volunteer expenses.
• Equipment.
• Premises costs.
• Evaluation.
• Overheads.

Interested applicants must initially contact BIG to discuss their project ideas. If considered suitable, a stage one application form will be sent out.
The deadline for applications to Stage One is 31 March 2016.
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MERTHYR TYDFIL - REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) are looking at the quality, efficiency and safety of the care and support provided for adults with learning disabilities in Wales. Merthyr Tydfil has been chosen as one of the areas to review. 
The inspection will consider how good local authority social services are at achieving outcomes that matter to people. It will also look at the factors that drive good outcomes for people as well as the barriers.

The Local Authority are therefore inviting parents/carers/families to attend a small focus group with the Merthyr Tydfil Inspectors on:

Wednesday 20th January 2016, 2.00pm – 3.00pm, 

Room 141 B, Unit 5, Pentrebach Offices, Merthyr Tydfil

If you would like to be part of this focus group, please click on the link  Invite to parents which explains how to book your place.

Following is a link to the All Wales Forum website about the meeting and the CSSIW review http://www.allwalesforum.org.uk/1497-2/#.Vpd2k5rnmUk

Public Health Outcomes Framework

You may be aware that a consultation is currently being held on the Public Health Outcomes Framework for Wales – this consultation will close on 28^th January 2016.

Public Health Outcomes Framework consultation events will be held from 3:00-4:30pm with simultaneous Welsh translation facilities available, provided by Cymen translation company, as well as drop in sessions for members of the public from 4:30-5:30pm as follows:

• Tuesday 12^th January 2016 – Lecture Theatre, Life Sciences Hub, 3 Assembly Square, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 4PL
• Monday 18^th January 2016 – St David’s Room, Venue Cymru, Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 1BB
• Tuesday 19^th January 2016 – Arts Centre Studio, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DE

You can register to attend any of these sessions via our online booking system.

 Further information on the Public Health Outcomes Framework is available on the Welsh Government webpage, and the Public Health Wales webpage.

Welsh web pages are also available Ymgynghori (Welsh Government) and www.iechydcyhoedduscymru.org/FCIC (Public Health Wales).

Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust Open to Applications (Wales)

The World Cup Legacy Round is open to applications.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for sports projects that will leave a legacy. The Trust is keen to support volunteer-based projects, particularly from ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. In addition, the Trust recognises the difference that coaching can make to the development of a sport and is keen to fund equipment and coaching costs if the need has been clearly identified.
Not-for-profit organisations in Wales are eligible to apply.
The deadline for applications is 11 April 2016 (12 noon).
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Job Vacancy - Part Time Youth Worker at the Fir Tree Centre, Quakers Yard

Part Time Youth Worker Position

You will be responsible for the youth work provision within Fir Tree Centre and the development of club sessions, issue based work and youth programmes for children and young people aged 8 - 15 years from Quakers Yard. You will be required to assist with planning and delivery of agreed youth programme and the planning and completion of monitoring and evaluation.

This post requires NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Children and Young People or equivalent and at least 1 year experience of planning and delivering a youth programme.

Job Type: Part-time 16 hours per week (3 year contract)
Salary: £8.50 /hour

Closing date for applications 3^rd February 2016. Interviews to take place on 11^th and 12^th February 2016.

Please contact Tanya@firtreecentre.co.uk for an application pack. Alternatively ring 01443 413408.

 

A Dimensions Cymru and Learning Disability Wales Event - Ask Your Question

Thursday 28th January 2016

Village Hotel, Swansea

Learning Disability Wales would like to invite you to a free event they are holding in partnership with Dimensions at the Village Hotel, Swansea on 28^th January.

Ask Your Question is an inclusive event aimed at giving people with a learning disability and autism the opportunity to ask a panel of experts questions about issues that matter to them.

Ask Your Question is based on the format of BBC Question Time, with specific amendments made to ensure that all audience members feel comfortable in participating. Some of the tools we will be using include graphic facilitators, timekeepers, one page profiles, and audience packs sent out beforehand.

Panel members include:

• Peter Black AM - Regional Assembly Member for South West Wales
• Sian James - Former MP for Swansea East
• Rosaleen Moriarty-Simmonds OBE - Campaigner and Artist
• Joe Powell - Director of All Wales People First

The event will be chaired by Rick Wilson from Community Lives Consortium.

Event Details:

Ask your Question

Village Hotel,

Swansea

SA1 8QY

Thursday 28th January 2016

6:00pm – 8:00pm

If you would like to attend this free event please contact 0300 303 9030 or email dimensionscymru@dimensions-uk.org.

Gofyn Eich Cwestiwn

Digwyddiad Dimensions Cymru ac Anabledd Dysgu Cymru

Dydd Iau 28 Ionawr 2016

Village Hotel, Abertawe

Hoffem eich gwahodd i ddigwyddiad am ddim yr ydym yn ei gynnal mewn partneriaeth gyda Dimensions yn y Gwesty Village yn Abertawe ar 28 Ionawr.

Mae Gofynnwch eich Cwestiynau yn ddigwyddiad cynhwysol gyda’r nod o roi cyfle i bobl ag anabledd dysgu ac awtistiaeth i holi panel o arbenigwyr am faterion sydd yn bwysig iddyn nhw.

Mae Gofynnwch eich Cwestiynau yn seiliedig ar fformat Question Time y BBC, gyda newidiadau penodol i sicrhau bod holl aelodau’r gynulleidfa yn teimlo’n gyfforddus i gymryd rhan. Fe fydd rhai o’r offer y byddwn yn eu defnyddio yn cynnwys hwyluswyr graffeg, ceidwaid amser, proffiliau un tudalen a phecynnau i’r gynulleidfa y byddwn wedi eu dosbarthu o flaen llaw.

Mae aelodaua’r panel yn cynnwys:

• Peter Black - AC Gorllewin De Cymru
• Sian James - Cyn AS Dwyrain Abertawe
• Rosaleen Moriarty-Simmonds OBE - Ymgyrchydd ac Artist
• Joe Powell - Cyfarwyddwr Pobl yn Gyntaf Cymru Gyfan

Cadeirydd y digwyddiad fydd Rick Wilson o Community Lives Consortium

Manylion y digwyddiad:

Gofynnwch eich Cwestiynau

Village Hotel

Abertawe

SA1 8QY

Dydd Iau 28 Ionawr 2016

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Os hoffech fynychu’r digwyddiad am ddim yma cysylltwch ni ar 0300 303 9030 neu e-bostiwch dimensionscymru@dimensions-uk.org.

Cofion/Kind Regards,

Kind Regards,

Harriett

Harriett Johnson Events & Sponsorship Co-ordinator Learning Disability Wales Direct Tel: 029 2068 1161 Reception: 029 2068 1160 My normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

Cydlynydd Digwyddiadau a Nawdd Anabledd Dysgu Cymru Ffôn Uniongyrchol: 029 2068 1161 Derbynfa: 029 2068 1160 Fy niwrnodau gwaith arferol yw Dydd Llun, Dydd Mawrth, Dydd Iau & Dydd Gwener

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 - How will this affect my care and support?

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014:

How will this affect my care and support?

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act is a new law that will give you more of a say in the care and support you receive.

 To support you to achieve well-being, you will make decisions about your care in partnership with professionals. To help you to do so, you will have easy access to information and advice about what is available in your area.

 Carers will have an equal right to be assessed for support, to those that they care for, and more people will be entitled to Direct Payments.  

 A new assessment process for care and support will be based on what matters to you as an individual. It will consider your personal strengths and the support available to you from your family, friends and others in the community. 

 The assessment will be simpler and can be carried out by one person on behalf of a range of organisations.

There will be more services to prevent problems getting worse, so the right help is available when you need it.

 Stronger powers to keep people safe from abuse or neglect will also be introduced.

 The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act comes into force in April 2016. You will take part in the new process at your next scheduled assessment date.

 For more information please see: http://gov.wales/topics/health/socialcare/act/?lang=en

'What matters to you - matters to us' is a short film explaining the new way that Councils and Care Services will work when the new Act becomes law in April 2016
http://www.ssiacymru.org.uk/home.php?page_id=8875

There is also an easy to read version of the new Act http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/141117acteasyen.pdf and a young person's summary http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/141117cypen.pdf

Deddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) 2014:

Sut y bydd hyn yn effeithio ar fy ngofal a'm cymorth?

 Mae Deddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) yn gyfraith newydd a fydd yn rhoi llawer mwy o lais i chi o ran y gofal a'r cymorth a gewch.

I'ch cefnogi i wella eich llesiant, byddwch yn gwneud penderfyniadau am eich gofal mewn partneriaeth â gweithwyr proffesiynol. I'ch helpu i wneud hynny, bydd gennych fynediad rhwydd at wybodaeth a chyngor am yr hyn sydd ar gael yn eich ardal chi.

Bydd gan ofalwyr yr un hawliau â'r rhai y maent yn gofalu amdanynt o ran cael asesiadau am gymorth, a bydd gan fwy o bobl yr hawl i gael Taliadau Uniongyrchol.

 Bydd proses asesu gofal a chymorth newydd yn seiliedig ar yr hyn sy'n bwysig i chi fel unigolyn. Bydd yn ystyried eich cryfderau personol a'r cymorth sydd ar gael i chi gan eich teulu, eich ffrindiau ac eraill yn y gymuned.

 Bydd yr asesiad yn fwy syml a bydd modd i unigolyn ei gynnal ar ran amrywiaeth o sefydliadau.

 Bydd mwy o wasanaethau er mwyn rhwystro problemau rhag gwaethygu, er mwyn i'r cymorth cywir fod ar gael pan mae ei angen arnoch chi.

 Bydd pwerau cryfach i gadw pobl yn ddiogel rhag cam-drin neu esgeulustod hefyd yn cael eu cyflwyno.

 Bydd Deddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) yn dod i rym ym mis Ebrill 2016. Byddwch yn dilyn y broses newydd yn eich asesiad nesaf.

 I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, ewch i http://gov.wales/topics/health/socialcare/act/?skip=1&lang=cy

Fully Funded Volunteer Management Training - Places still available

Just a reminder that there are still places available on our highly popular Volunteer Management training - 6 days which are fully funded by the Social Care Workforce Development Partnership.

13 and 14 Jan Introduction to Volunteering and Preparing for Volunteers (takes place at Interlink RCT)
27 & 28 Jan Volunteer Recruitment, Selection and Induction (takes place at VAMT)
2 and 3 February Getting the Best from your Volunteers. (takes place at Interlink RCT)

For full details visit www.vamt.net/training-eng.php
To book a place email training@vamt.net

POSTCODE LOCAL TRUST

Postcode Local Trust was established in 2015 to provide financial support for charities and good causes which help communities enhance their natural environment in a way that benefits the wider community.
Postcode Local Trust operates its own society lottery and receives all of its funding from players of People's Postcode Lottery.
In 2016, the Trust will invite applications that encourage lasting benefits by bringing people together to improve local ecology and habitats, encourage bio-diversity and benefit the wider environment.
Registered charities* in England, Scotland & Wales can apply from £500 - £20,000 (£10,000 in Wales) for projects meeting the above remit, whilst other organisations may apply for up to £2,000
*Please note that in order to apply for over £2,000 you must hold a current registration number with either the Charity Commission for England & Wales and/or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
The form will be open at the following times in 2016:

• 5th Jan – 29th Jan 2016
• 1st Sep – 30th Sep 2016

For more information, please visit the Grants page and thoroughly read the Guidance Notes before applying.
2016 PLT Guidance Notes
If you wish to apply for a project which does not meet the above criteria, please click here to find details of other trusts with grant programmes supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
http://www.postcodelocaltrust.org.uk/

High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Youth Community Awards - deadline is 22 January 2016

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. 
For further details, see the attached leaflet and poster 

Up Coming Training from Digital Communities Wales

It is increasingly important for people to be online to claim benefits, interact with Government services and to access the various money saving deals available by shopping online. It is often the most vulnerable and socially isolated in society that do not use the internet but could reap the most benefit. Digital Communities Wales, the Welsh Governments digital inclusion programme for Wales is providing training available for frontline staff and volunteers who help people to use online services as part of their everyday role, or would like to become digital champions for their organisation. The training is fully funded by Welsh Government so there is no cost the organisation or individual.

Please follow the links for course details and booking:-

·         Half day - Social Media, Participation & the Web 8^th March 2016  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-media-participation-involvement-the-web-tickets-19042736337
·         Half day - Health, Wellbeing & digital safety 8^th March 2016 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/health-wellbeing-digital-safety-tickets-19076615671  
·         1 Day Supporting People to Get Online17th March 2016 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-people-to-get-online-e3-tickets-19077785169 (Accreditation Available)
NB: The  1 day supporting people to get online training can be accredited through Agored Cymru if required.

For more information contact Stephanie Davies, Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator on 02920807152 or 0778834706

Email/ Ebost: stephanie.davies@wales.coop

Skype: stephanie.bond7

Twitter: @stephanieDCW

Web: http://www.digitalcommunities.wales/

Venture Out - January and February activities programme