A Wellbeing Boost for Rural Merthyr Tydfil

 It is no secret that the more isolated communities within Merthyr Tydfil usually face challenges in accessing support. Valleys Steps has therefore sought and successfully secured funding to work in these areas. They have recently started to deliver a wellbeing project in partnership with Coed Lleol, with a focus on the regions of Vaynor, Cyfarthfa, Plymouth, Bedlinog, Merthyr Vale and Treharris. 

The project aims to enable community members to develop resilience and better manage their mental health and wellbeing via the provision of the following elements:

Six-week Stress Management and Mindfulness courses.
Shorter wellbeing focused workshops.
Woodland and nature-based programs of activity, with the intention of improving wellbeing via connection with the natural environment.
Volunteering opportunities, providing a stepping-stone into education and work.

On behalf of Coed Lleol, Ceri Williams (South Wales Co-ordinator) said ‘Coed Lleol are very excited to work in partnership with Valleys Steps. This Rural Action Cwm Taf funded project will give both organisations a fantastic learning opportunity to incorporate new elements into the programs delivered, thus enriching the experience of participants that engage with our services.’

Valleys Steps are keen to hear from individuals and groups interested in receiving support or getting involved. This may be an established organisation with a large number of beneficiaries, or simply something small and informal, such as a book club or walking group. If you are would like to know more, please get in touch with Wellbeing Course Facilitator Judith Parry on judith.parry@valleyssteps.org. Further information can also be found on the websites of Valleys Steps www.valleyssteps.org and Coed Lleol: www.coedlleol.org .
***

Due to the presence of Covid19 restrictions, much of the service will be delivered online initially, with Coed Lleol workshops taking place outdoors where possible. Restrictions are being reviewed regularly, with a view to wider community provision as soon is feasible, safely and in line with the latest advice.

Small Grants for 4 Environmental projects

 A.  The Great Escape - Small Experiments with Children Young People

Are you interested in developing a project to involve and work with children and young people to safely access the outdoors either physically or digitally? 

We want to support youth-led or intergenerational projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr that find out about how children and young people feel about, access and benefit from the outdoors. There is £1,000 available for 3 youth-led or intergenerational projects that take place between January 1^st and 31^st March 2021.

We are really interested in supporting projects that involve any children and young people who find it more difficult to access the outdoors, for example, children and young people:

• ·       with a disability
• ·       who care for someone
• ·       who feel isolated and are struggling to deal with Covid 19
• ·       groups where at least 50% are girls

Next Steps for those wishing to get involved

This programme is open to all and we can help guide you through the process. Please email grants@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200 for more information.  The deadline for approving projects is Friday 18^th December.  

 The Great Escape is supported by Cwm Taf Public Service Board and Interlink RCT and funded by Natural Resources Wales

 B.  The Great Escape – A Small Experiment with front-line Public Service Staff

Are you interested in developing a project to support people working in public services access the outdoors either physically or digitally? 

We want to support projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr that find out how front-line public service staff feel about, access and benefit from the outdoors. There is £1,000 available for a project that takes place between January 1^st and 31^st March 2021.

 We are really interested in supporting projects that involve a group of front-line staff who otherwise might find it difficult to access the outdoors at the current time, for example, for individuals or groups that:

• ·         have been unwell
• ·         care for someone
• ·         who feel isolated
• ·         are struggling to deal with the pressures of work due to Covid 19
• ·         involve people from different departments or organisations
• ·         want to connect with the environment and community in which they live

Next Steps for those wishing to get involved
This programme is open to all public service organisations and we can help guide you through the process. Please email grants@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 07772 464110 for more information.  The deadline for approving projects is Friday 18^th December.  

The Great Escape is supported by Cwm Taf Public Service Board and Interlink RCT and funded by Natural Resources Wales

  

Organisational Resilience - new opportunity

 Lloyds Bank Foundation is inviting organisations  in Merthyr Tydfil to join a short programme of three 1 – 1 ½ hour practical workshops exploring organisational resilience. These are interactive sessions where we identify what organisational resilience means for our own organisations and work together to explore how we can strengthen it to give us the best chance to navigate the uncertainties ahead.  These will be held via Zoom.

 The Organisational Resilience Programme is delivered by specialists experienced in leading and managing small charities.  The programme is delivered free of charge

 Start date: January 2021. Exact times and dates to be confirmed.

 If you are interested in hearing more about the programme, please come to an introductory session on the 15^th December 2020, from 2-3pm, hosted by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil.  This will also be via Zoom.

 We look forward to seeing you.  If you are interested in attending, please email training@vamt.net by 11 December.  Many thanks.

 

 

Cruse Bereavement Care need Volunteers Now!

 More information here  If you feel you can help a bereaved person, please take a look.

Feeding Communities Grants available from Asda Foundation

More information here

Training from Wales Neurological Alliance

Wales Neurological Alliance are delighted to announce that we have been awarded some vital funding from the National Lottery. The purpose of this funding is to help support those living with a neurological condition to use digital technology more effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with Digital Communities Wales (DCW) we are offering a number of training sessions from December 2020 to August 2021. The first session will be held on 07.12.20, please use the link provided below to register.

07.12.20, 2.00-4.00 pm
Title : Supporting people living with a neurological condition to use technology during the COVID 19 pandemic - Digital Carousel
Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItcu2oqD4pGtz-P1NAC8mraB5sbrFsyeFJ

Description

This session is aimed at staff, volunteers and professionals and will run for about 2 hours. Within that time you will be placed into a room with other member organisations of Wales Neurological Alliance and you will have the opportunity to look at five subjects: Keeping in touch, Keeping occupied, Accessibility, Wellbeing, Digital storytelling.

Free Toiletries for Charities and Community Groups via Toiletries Amnesty

Toiletries Amnesty is a a charitable organisation working to end hygiene poverty, which helped an estimated 250,000 people last year by connecting charities and community groups to local people with unwanted toiletries and cosmetics.

We have recently added categories for face masks, as we know not everyone can afford the face coverings required to access shops, cafes and public transport.

How it works

Toiletries Amnesty is a free to use directory, where each organisation can list the items they need, and specify whether they accept partly-used or opened products. You can amend your listing at any time – for example, to change your opening hours, the items you need, or the best place to drop off donations.

There are currently more than 200 organisations in the directory, including homeless shelters, refuges, food banks, hospices, refugee organisations, and NHS trusts.

The public can search the directory for local causes that will take their excess toiletries, cosmetics and hygiene products. This also makes them more aware of local causes and more involved in their community.

Why it’s different

Unlike other hygiene bank schemes, Toiletries Amnesty does not collect the goods as a middle man (for example, storing them in a warehouse); instead, you receive the goods straight away.

People are not asked buy new products just to donate; the idea is to be eco-friendly, responsible consumers, by passing on unwanted products that would otherwise go to waste. Toiletry and beauty brands can also donate their surplus products.

Like many of the organisations you support, Toiletries Amnesty is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to help fund its services, expand its team and continually improve the website.

If you have any questions about how Toiletries Amnesty works, or you need further information, please see the website (toiletriesamnesty.org) or email info@toiletriesamnesty.org

Welsh Women's Aid - Mobilising Communities

 My name is Sabiha, and I am the Community Engagement Officer for Welsh Women’s Aid. The purpose of my role is to identify opportunities to mobilise with communities across Wales to engage in Violence Against Women; Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence work.  

 We are holding a consultation next week to find out more about the barriers communities face to accessing support and accessing tools and resources that we offer. The event will be held on zoom on Thursday 26^th November with 2 time slots available.

English

Please register here for the session at 1pm on Thurs 26^th November https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129336652409

Please register here for the session at 5:30pm on Thurs 26^th November https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129460438657

Attendees will receive Time Credits!

 Welsh

Cofrestwch yma ar gyfer y sesiwn am 1pm ddydd Iau 26 Tachwedd https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129336652409

Cofrestwch yma ar gyfer y sesiwn am 5:30pm ddydd Iau 26 Tachwedd https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/129460438657

 This event is open to everyone across Wales – but targeted to community members.

Book a one to one session with WCVA re Active Inclusion Fund

 We’re inviting approved beneficiaries to an informal one-to-one funding chat with our Active Inclusion team.

 In the wake of Covid-19, WCVA’s Active Inclusion Fund is an important way for voluntary organisations to tackle unemployment in Wales.

 European funding for projects tackling unemployment is available until 2022, and though EU funds can be challenging WCVA’s expert team is here to help.

 This is a great opportunity to chat to our experts about running an employability project in the next round of funding. You can book a slot for a virtual one-to-one online using this link. One-to-ones will take place 30 November 2020 – 4 December 2020 and times slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 Unemployment is on the rise in Wales, but projects funded by WCVA’s Active Inclusion Fund are fighting back.

Whole Town Covid-19 Testing for Merthyr Tydfil

Everyone living or working in Merthyr Tydfil will be offered COVID-19 testing, whether they have symptoms or not - as part of the first mass testing of a whole area in Wales. 

All residents and workers will be offered repeat COVID-19 testing from this Saturday (21st November) even if asymptomatic, to help find more positive cases and break the chains of transmission. 

The move will be delivered through a partnership between the Welsh Government, UK Government, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the Ministry of Defence, with logistical support from Armed Forces personnel. 

The first site will open at Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre on Saturday 21st November with further sites due to open throughout the county borough later this month. Thousands of lateral flow tests will be available for residents and workers of Merthyr and citizens can find out how to access these tests by visiting www.merthyr.gov.uk/covidtesting

The mass testing programme will also see the use of Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) in Wales for the first time. Everyone who attends any of the asymptomatic test sites in Merthyr Tydfil will be given a test using the devices, which can turnaround results within around 20-30 minutes. 

If an individual tests positive via a LFD test, they will be asked to return home so they can self-isolate immediately. 

Those with symptoms will continue to be tested using PCR self-swabs at existing testing facilities. 

Building on the learnings from the first mass testing pilot in Liverpool, the whole town pilot in Merthyr will provide vital information to help inform further rollout of mass testing technology in future. 

We will be closely monitoring the number of positive results to help us better understand the spread of the virus which will in turn inform actions to prevent further transmission.

Link to the Frequently Asked Questions from MTCBC is here

What BulliesOut did with their Comic Relief Emergency Funding from VAMT . . .

 BulliesOut were thrilled to receive funding from Comic Relief, through Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, to fund some online training for young people and also their powerful Jar of Confidence Kits. 

The kits are part of a workshop that, using a combination of communication and a creative activity, encourages discussion on an exceedingly difficult topic. It explores the term ‘confidence’ in more detail, empowers young people to recognise their skills and abilities and identifies what makes you confident – inside and out. 

During Anti-Bullying Week, 200 Jar of Confidence Kits were issued to primary schools across the Merthyr area to enable children to take part in this empowering, creative activity. 

Carers Wales all Wales online Roadshow

 Join Carers Wales for our first all Wales online Roadshow

 In celebration of Carers Rights Day on 26th November, Carers Wales is hosting a series of online events. These events will be an opportunity to hear more about the work of Carers Wales, input into our work and access helpful information to help you in your caring role.

 On the 25th Nov, we will be running 3 identical events, so that as many carers are able to join us for each session across the day as possible..

Morning event: 10am to 12noon
Afternoon event: 2pm to 4pm
Evening event: 6pm to 8pm

Event timetable

 Welcome from Claire Morgan, Director including

• A re-cap and overview of Carers Wales key work areas, including an overview of our Lottery Project which is almost complete
• Carers Wales’ response during the pandemic
• Our work priorities for the year ahead

Session 1: A choice of:

• Your thoughts on Carers UK’s new Strategy 2025
• Self-Advocacy - Speaking up for yourself and who you care for
• Join us on a Welsh historical walk

Break

 Session 2: A choice of:

• Social enterprises and community co-ops – opportunities for carer-led services.
• Knowing your rights as a carer
• Music session with The Welsh National Opera

At the end all groups will re-join together. We will use the chat box to capture reflections, thoughts and questions. Wrap up and thank yous.

 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carers-wales-online-roadshow-tickets-124793750467

 'Me Time' is a chance for unpaid carers to do something for their own enjoyment. These online sessions, funded by the Welsh Government, are a place where carers can get involved in a range of activities and explore new opportunities that they may not be able to do normally. We will be doing all sorts of things ranging from group viewings of the great wonders of the world, to arts, music, physical exercise, relaxation and mindfulness and so much more.  Find out more here:  https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/me-time

 Our weekly Care for a Cuppa sessions, where unpaid carers are invited to join us for a chat with other carers and to hear from organisations across Wales about the ways they support carers and their loved ones.

Find out more here:  https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/care-for-a-cuppa-in-wales

Universal Children's Day 20 November

 Dewch i ymuno â ni yn nathliadau Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Plant

 Ddydd Gwener yma, yr 20fed o Dachwedd, mae’n Ddiwrnod Rhyngwladol y Plant. Fe hoffen ni chi i ymuno â ni ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol i ddathlu popeth sy’n wych am blant a phobl ifanc yng Nghymru!

 Ry’ ni’n gofyn i chi ymuno drwy rannu unrhyw lwyddiant yn eich hysgol chi eleni neu rywbeth mae plentyn neu pherson ifanc wedi gwneud sy’n gwneud chi’n falch. Dyma sut medrwch chi gymryd rhan:

• Tagiwch ni ar @childcomwales ar Twitter, Facebook neu Instagram mewn unrhyw negeseuon ry’ chi’n rannu ar y diwrnod, fel ein bod ni’n medru ail-rannu
• Defnyddiwch #FiYwFi lle bo’n bosibl

Ry’n ni’n mawr obeithio medrwch chi ymuno â ni ddydd Gwener yma i ddathlu’r hyn sy’n wych am ein plant a phobl ifanc.

JOIN US AND CELEBRATE UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY

 Friday 20^th November is the 31^st Universal Children’s Day. We would like you to join us on social media to celebrate all that’s great about children and young people in Wales!

 We are asking you to join us to share something you’re proud of achieving this year as a school or something a child or young person has done to make you feel proud. Here’s how you can take part:

• Tag @childcomwales on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram in any social posts that you post so we can re-share
• Use #HereIAm where possible

We hope you can all join us on Friday to celebrate what’s wonderful about our children and young people. 

Job Vacancy at Artis Community - Volunteer Manager

                                                                Volunteer Manager

Artis Community Cymuned

 Artis Community, based in Pontypridd, provides high quality community art experiences that are driven by social outcomes.  We believe in the transformational power of creativity to make a real difference to people’s quality of life and have provided high quality, professional art experiences with communities across the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff since 1987, creating opportunities with people most challenged by their circumstances.

 Artis Community has reached a very exciting time in its history with plans agreed for a move into what will be the redeveloped YMCA building in Pontypridd. The redevelopment project will become a centre for creativity, arts and culture that will amplify the energy and vitality of the South Wales Valleys. Ambitious plans will bring the historic local venue back into community use by mid 2021.

We are currently seeking to appoint a new Volunteer Manager. As we work towards the opening of the new building, the Volunteer Manager will support and motivate a team of Volunteer Creative Ambassadors; volunteers from the local community who will shape and feed into a new programme of activity and contribute to the development and launch events around the opening of the PYMCA building.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in recruiting and managing volunteers, and engaging with the community to support positive change.

This is an opportunity to work with an organisation in an exciting period of development, looking to make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of its community as well as supporting socio-economic prosperity.

Background Information            Role Description

Salary: £ 26k (pro rata) 

 Location: Flexible / JR House D6, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd

 Hours: 30 hours per week (we are open to flexible working and request for reduced hours)

 Contract Length: 6 months

 Closing Date: Sunday 29^th November 2020

 Interview date: week of Monday 7^th December 2020 Interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

 To apply for this role, please refer to the full job description before emailing a CV and covering letter to: samantha@artiscommunity.org.uk

We operate an Equal Opportunities Recruitment Policy and welcome applications from all sections of the community in Welsh or English. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and culturally diverse communities who are currently under-represented within our organisation.

Safeguarding Week 2020 launch of Borough Wide Youth Forum animation

 Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum have been working with the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding board on a project about Domestic Abuse and Violence by children and young people to parents/carers.  The animation they produced called ‘In My House’,  was released previously during the lockdown as the young people in the forum though it might be a useful resource for families coping with the new normal living arrangements.

 This week is the official launch of the animation and a workshop that can be used with the animation. For the animation please follow the link below, the animation is in English and Welsh and both animations are also subtitled.

link

The youth forum would like to thank all the people and organisations that supported them with this project.

 

Safeguarding Week 2020 - Talking Saves Lives

 Monday, 16th November will mark the beginning of Safeguarding Week 2020 and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board (CTMSB), along with all other Safeguarding Boards throughout Wales, is taking this opportunity to work with its partners to highlight safeguarding issues and promote safeguarding activities. 

This year has been like no other. With the lockdowns that have been enforced due to Covid-19, the country has experienced extreme disruption, with thousands of people feeling socially isolated, with no access to activities such as going to the gym or taking part in group activities, that they may normally rely on to help them with cope with the stresses of daily life. This has subsequently had a massive negative effect on the mental health and well-being of people of all ages and very sadly, in some circumstances, this has led to people taking their own lives.

In light of this, and in the knowledge that we are likely to be experiencing some form of continued lockdown over the winter months, the Safeguarding Board and its partners will be focussing this year’s Safeguarding Week on positive mental wellbeing and preventing suicide. This is even more important as we enter the winter period, which is already a time that is known to bring low moods for many, including those who may suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The emphasis will be on ‘Talking Saves Lives’ and the importance of people reaching out and talking whenever they may be struggling and feel that things are getting on top of them. 

• Suicide remains a leading cause of death in young people in the UK, and the number of deaths due to intentional injuries and self-harm have not declined in 30 years.
• The latest figures show that the number of suicides are the highest they have been since 2000. 
• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. In 2019, there were almost 6,000 registered suicides in England and Wales, with around ¾ of these being men.
• Two in five men aged 20-59 in England, Scotland and Wales don't seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems.

Throughout Safeguarding Week, there are a number of events taking place, which are aimed at children, young people, adults and professionals. These are focussing on suicide prevention and positive mental health and well-being. 

To view all the activities which are taking place during Safeguarding Week throughout RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend, please select this link

For information on more support services, apps and resources, please visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Board’s website – www.ctmsb.co.uk 

Need some help keeping your home clean and tidy? Channel 5 opportunity

 Channel 5’s and 5star’s hit transformational cleaning show is looking for people across the UK who are in need of some professional help keeping their homes clean and tidy. 

 Filming in December this year until February 2021, this series sees expert cleaners clean each home in just four days and then gives each of our participants tips to keep their home clean for good. For more information, please email cleaning@flyingsaucertv.com or fill in an application form here https://form.jotform.com/201614460158348. 

Safeguarding Community of Practice - What have we learned from COVID-19?

 Safeguarding Community of Practice – What have we learned from COVID-19?

 About this event:

 Date: Tuesday 17 November 2020

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Venue: Zoom

 WCVA’s Safeguarding Community of Practice provides a forum for people who have safeguarding responsibilities in voluntary organisations to come together, share good practice, learn from each other, and discuss topical issues for the sector.

 

Session type:

 This event will explore what we have learned about safeguarding from the COVID-19 crisis, especially in relation to groups of people who may be experiencing an increased risk of harm or abuse as a result of the pandemic.

 

You will hear from a range of speakers from organisations that support people who may be at risk of harm and abuse and how COVID-19 has impacted their work and the support they provide.

 

This event is exclusively for people who have safeguarding responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations, for example designated Safeguarding Officers or leads, safeguarding practitioners and trustees with responsibility for safeguarding.

 

Click here to register for this event

 

Please note: A joining link will be sent to you the morning of the event. Please use this to join on Tuesday 17 November at 2pm

Active Baby at Home

Early Years Wales will be running a 6-week virtual programme to new parents in the Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas starting on Wednesday 18^th November (1:30pm – 2:30pm). 

 Our Active Baby at Home programme is our new six week programme aimed at supporting new parents to understand the importance of movement through play in the first 1000 days. Our sessions are centred around a virtual coffee morning where parents can meet other parents, as well as gain new ideas to introduce playful activities that will support a baby’s physical development and well-being.  

 Active Baby at Home is part of our Welsh Active Early Years project, which is funded by The Healthy and Active Fund (HAF) – a partnership between Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Public Health Wales. More information on our Welsh Active Early Years project can be found on our website here: https://www.earlyyears.wales/en/welsh-active-early-years

More information here

"Our Police, Our Community" public survey

The South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner has now launched his ‘Our Police, Our Community’ public survey. The survey is aimed at people living in South Wales and aims to capture people’s feedback about the issues affecting and concerning them in their community and the service provided by South Wales Police. Feedback shared via the survey will help the Commissioner to inform his Police and Crime Plan and decide on the required amount to set the ‘precept level’ (the amount we contribute towards policing as part of our council tax) in South Wales.

 It’s important to the Commissioner that we encourage as many people as possible to share their views, so that he can understand the differing needs of our diverse communities. The Commissioner would really value your support in helping us to extend our reach and encourage participation.  I would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete this short survey.

 Our aim is to ensure that as many residents across South Wales have the opportunity to share their views with us and the Commissioner would really value your support in helping us achieve this.

 Links to the survey are available below:

English – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/OurPoliceOurCommunity/

Welsh - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WelshOPOC/

 Easy Read versions (easy read help people with learning disabilities understand information easily)

Easy Read (English) - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EROPOC/

Easy Read (Welsh) - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EREHEC/

 This survey closes on Tuesday 8^th December. 

Free Training from Barod - Basic Substance Misuse

Barod's Basic Substance Misuse training that runs from 10-12.30 via Zoom for all professionals working in Cwm Taf. The next session  is on the 18^th November and there are other sessions available up to March 2021.

 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/basic-substance-misuse-tickets-112581073020 

Basic Substance Misuse A free and fully digital introduction to substance misuse www.eventbrite.co.uk

Co-op Food Fund - in collaboration with Community Foundation in Wales - closing on 13th November

 Coop Food Fund - Click here to visit the webpage for the fund

Deadline for submitting an application – 12pm on the 13^th of November (This Friday).

Cultural Connections - place names tell a story

See below for Valleys Regional Park highlighting the recent Rural Development Programme project for Cwm Taf. 

Gwybodaeth Cymraeg yma

 English Information here

New! Advicelink service from CAB

The Advicelink project aimed at assisting those who have been a victim of domestic abuse or have been involved in a domestic abuse relationship. 

More information which can be shared here

Landfill Disposals Tax Community Scheme

 The LDTCS is now open for applications, please note that applicants will no longer need to use eTender Wales to apply – applications are now made via WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal (MAP).

 Main grants £5,000-£49,999 are available, there is also the opportunity to apply for the grant of national significance £50,000 - £250,000.

 For information about the scheme and guidance on how to register on MAP, please visit the webpage here - https://wcva.cymru/funding/landfill-disposals-tax-communities-scheme/

 The deadline for applications is January 18 at 23:59.

Job Vacancy at Sense - Community Support Worker Tonypandy

 Further information here

Age Cymru Focus Groups regarding Assembly elections

Age Cymru is holding  online focus groups, due to take place later this month. They aim to find out more about the issues older people believe are priorities for them, and which matters they feel Age Cymru should focus upon during the forthcoming Assembly elections. Sessions will be available in both English and Welsh, and booking details are shown on the attached poster.

Poster is here

 

 

BulliesOut - Christmas Abseil

 I'm not sure if you've seen it on our website, but as we've had to cancel so many events this year, we're holding a Christmas Abseil on Sunday, December 13th.

 The Abseil will take place from the Newport Transporter Bridge - an amazing 178ft! This would be an amazing Christmas team building exercise, especially if parties are cancelled. 

 Of course, this may be something you want to do individually.

 Registration is just £20 and the fundraising target is £50. We've kept it low to encourage more people to take part and this way, we'll hopefully raise funds to help keep BulliesOut going into 2021.

 Please take a look and if it's not for you, please share and help us get it out there.

 https://bulliesout.com/christmas-abseil/

#Power of Youth Festival

 

In the run up to #iwillWeek 2020, 16-20 November, the #iwill campaign in Wales will be asking you to…

INSPIRE and GET INSPIRED by sharing what you are doing (as a young person or an organisation) to involve young people in social action / LEARN from each other’s approaches and progress across different sectors and nations / EDUCATE and INNOVATE to CREATE awesome volunteering opportunities for young people (check out our Welsh Youth Volunteering and Social Action Charter) / CONNECT and COLLABORATE by building relationships with volunteer leaders that can help you to support the youth volunteering journey

In Wales, young people and partners from the Volunteering Wales Youth Network are bringing a uniquely Welsh contribution to the Power of Youth Festival.

These sessions are as follows:

16 Nov, 1 – 2pm: Making youth volunteering awesome in Wales! Registration will close 8am on the day. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-youth-volunteering-awesome-in-wales-tickets-127861652645

16 Nov, 6 – 7pm: How to start your journey to becoming a volunteer in Wales. Registration will close 10am on the day. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-start-your-journey-to-becoming-a-volunteer-in-wales-tickets-127856517285

20 Nov, 1 – 2pm: How can youth volunteering  and the voluntary sector contribute to the implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act? Registration will close at 8am on the day. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteering-and-the-well-being-of-future-generations-wales-act-tickets-127869275445

Trustees' Week 2020 - final day. Thank you to Merthyr Tydfil's Trustees

 As Volunteers' Week 2020 draws to a close, Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil would like to say an enormous "Thank You" to all those of you who volunteer as Trustees across all sorts of organisations in the County Borough.  Merthyr Tydfil would be lost without you all 👏👏👏

Temporary Coronavirus Testing Centre / Canolfan Brofi Dros Dro am y Coronafeirws, Merthyr Tudful

 

Trustees' Week 2020 - Use the Charity Governance Code to benchmark your charity's governance

 Why not take a look at the Code here    #Trustees'Week

Actif Woods - get involved . . .

 Information on identifying flora and fauna on line course

Gwybodaeth am gwrs ar-leing - arsylwi fflora a ffawna

Starting next week . . .

Cadw'n Iach yn y Coetir  gyda Valleys Steps ym Mharc Taf Bargoed

Keep well in the woodland with Valleys Steps at Parc Taf Bargoed

FNF-BPM - looking for volunteers

 Further information here

Trustees' Week event from WCVA - Tomorrow 2-3pm - why young trustees are so important #Trustees' Week

 Fresh thinking: why young trustees are so important

Thursday 5 November, 2-3 pm

We will have some wonderful younger people join us to talk about their experiences with trusteeship, followed by a quick panel discussion and an open Q&A with participants.

Book your place.

Job Vacancies at Twyn Community Hub

 WE ARE HIRING! 

Twyn Community Hub has two Community Mentor posts, fixed term until 31st March 2021.

For a job description and application pack, please contact Gemma at communication@twyncommunityhub.co.uk

Closing date: 13.11.2020 at 12pm     Interview date: 17.11.2020

For an informal chat on the post contact Louise on 01685 709430

NB: CV's will not be accepted; completed applications only.

Here's the advert

 

Meet the Funder - Garfield Weston Foundation. Thursday 12 November via Zoom

 Cwrdd â’r Cyllidwr: Garfield Weston Foundation

Mae’r Garfield Weston Foundation yn sefydliad teuluol sy’n creu grantiau elusennol. Mae’n cefnogi ystod eang o achosion ledled y DU, gan ddyrannu dros £88 miliwn bob blwyddyn. Fe’i sefydlwyd yn 1958 gan y teulu Weston ac mae’n un o’r sefydliadau elusennol mwyaf yn y DU sydd wedi rhoi cyfanswm o dros £1 biliwn o arian grant.

Mae’r Garfield Weston Foundation yn parhau ar agor ac yn gwbl weithredol wrth greu grantiau yn ystod y cyfnod hwn - ar gyfer ei Raglenni Grantiau Mawr a Grantiau Cyffredin fel ei gilydd. Os ydych chi’n elusen yn y DU gallwch ymgeisio am gyllid ar unrhyw adeg a byddwch yn derbyn penderfyniad ymhen 4 mis. Maent yn creu grantiau anghyfyngedig ar gyfer costau craidd a chostau prosiect ac yn cefnogi prosiectau ar draws: Y Celfyddydau, Addysg, Ieuenctid, Iechyd, Amgueddfeydd a Threftadaeth, Cymunedau, Yr Amgylchedd, Ffydd a Llesiant, yn enwedig i’r rheini sydd mewn angen mewn ardaloedd o anfantais economaidd.

Mae CGGC & TSSW yn falch o groesawu Flora (Pennaeth Grantiau) a Harriet (Rheolwr Grantiau) o dîm y Garfield Weston Foundation er mwyn cyflwyno’u prif gynghorion ar gyfer llunio cais ac yna i gymryd rhan mewn sesiwn holi ac ateb gyda’r mynychwyr.

Digwyddiad rhad ac am ddim.

Math o sesiwn:

Mae’r digwyddiad hwn yn fan i bobl ar draws y sector gwirfoddol a thu hwnt rannu eu profiadau a’u syniadau. Bydd hon yn sgwrs wedi’i hwyluso.

Caiff y sesiwn hon ei chyflwyno yn Saesneg.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwrdd-ar-cyllidwr-meet-the-funder-garfield-weston-foundation-tickets-126776839941.

_____

Meet the Funder: Garfield Weston Foundation

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded, charitable grant-making foundation, which supports a wide range of causes across the UK, donating over £88 million annually. It was established in 1958 by the Weston family and is one of the largest charitable institutions in the UK which has donated over £1 billion in total.

Garfield Weston Foundation remains fully open and active in making grants at this time, both for its Major Grants and Regular Grants Programmes. If you are a UK charity you can apply for funding at any time and will receive a decision in 4 months. They make unrestricted grants for core and project costs. They support projects across: Arts, Education, Youth, Health, Museums & Heritage, Community, Environment, Faith and Welfare, particularly to those in need, in regions of economic disadvantage.

WCVA & TSSW are pleased to host Flora (Head of Grants) and Harriet (Grants Manager) from the Garfield Weston Foundation team who will present their top tips for making an application and afterwards take part in a Q&A session with attendees.

Attendance is free.

Session type:

This event is a space for people from across the voluntary sector and beyond to share their experiences and ideas. It will be a facilitated conversation.

This session will be delivered in English.

 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwrdd-ar-cyllidwr-meet-the-funder-garfield-weston-foundation-tickets-126776839941.

 

Free from WCVA - Reviewing your Safeguarding Policy in the light of Covid-19

Please find below a link to a free WCVA Webinar taking place on 11 November 2020 between 10:00am-11:00am

Reviewing your Safeguarding Policy in the light of Covid-19

Trustees' Week 2020

Have you ever thought about becoming a Trustee?  What sort of Trustee would you make?  Take Trustees' Week quiz to find out more.

 http://trusteesweek.org/trustee-personality-quiz/

"Inform" - Call for Articles

 Why not let the third sector in Merthyr Tydfil and beyond know what you're up to!  We can't currently mail out a hard copy, but are working on an email version of Inform later this month.  Please let us have your articles by Friday 6 November by emailing hilary.edwards@vamt.net

Trustees Week 2020 - Starts today

To mark Trustees' Week 2020, the Charity Commission have launched 5 new "5 minute guides" covering the "core curriculum" for Trustees.   

Read more here