Natural Resources Wales Resilient Community Grant

 

A fyddech cystal ag anfon hwn ymlaen a rhannu’r neges ymysg eich rhwydweithiau a phawb arall sydd â diddordeb   Mae’r e-bost hwn i rannu gwybodaeth am Grant y Rhaglen Cymunedau Gwydn newydd, ac i ddangos i ble y gallwch fynd i gael mwy o wybodaeth am y grant hwn.   Yn dilyn y weminar a gynhaliwyd ar 11 Gorffennaf mae’r recordiadau a’r sleidiau PowerPoint bellach ar gael i chi. Maent yn cynnwys gwybodaeth ddefnyddiol ar sut i wneud cais am grant Cymunedau Gwydn Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru.   Gweminarau Cymru: https://youtu.be/l-iT2zd-uNM De Ddwyrain: https://youtu.be/OI0loGIiVBE Canol De Cymru: https://youtu.be/ZbaJT8tnbIU De Orllewin: https://youtu.be/GJsOc7u9gvo Canolbarth: https://youtu.be/QmIYnc96SoE Gogledd Ddwyrain: https://youtu.be/1p9aV8d7FBU Gogledd Orllewin: https://youtu.be/IksJYZR4cbc Morol: https://youtu.be/1ytXufQLm18   Mae gan y Rhaglen Cymunedau Gwydn £2m o gyllid grant ar gael i helpu unigolion a sefydliadau i gynyddu cyfranogaeth cymunedau gyda byd natur i helpu i feithrin cymunedau gwydn.   Gwybodaeth allweddol: Grant cystadleuol gwerth £2m ar gael dros ddwy flynedd. Darparu hyd at fis Ionawr 2024. Hawliad terfynol erbyn mis Mawrth 2024. £10k yw’r isafswm sy’n gymwys (dros un i ddwy flynedd). £125k yw’r uchafswm os yw’n cael ei gyflwyno o fewn un Flwyddyn Ariannol neu £250k mewn dwy Flynedd Ariannol. I wneud cais am Gyllid, bydd angen i bartneriaid allanol wneud cais am hyn drwy gael rhif ffurflen gais ar wefan Grantiau Cymunedau Gwydn i gael mynediad at y ffurflen gais ar-lein Dyddiad cau ar gyfer gwneud cais: 19 Medi 2022 Ar agor i unrhyw ymgeisydd Gall ymgeiswyr wneud cais ar draws sawl lleoliad Byddwn yn edrych yn ffafriol ar geisiadau cydweithredol / ar y cyd Rhaid iddo fynd i’r afael â’r gweithgareddau sydd o fewn cwmpas  gan ddefnyddio’r ffynonellau tystiolaeth a awgrymir a chysylltu hyn â’r gweithgareddau rydym yn eu cefnogi; os gall ymgeiswyr ddangos yn glir eu bod yn mynd i’r afael â sawl thema, byddwn yn edrych ar hyn yn ffafriol Rhaid i geisiadau ddangos gwaith a/neu fuddion ar lefel gymunedol   Ffynonellau tystiolaeth defnyddiol: Datganiadau Ardal – Themâu Cymunedau Gwydn: De Ddwyrain -  Iach Heini Cysylltiedig Canol De Cymru – Cysylltu pobl â natur De Orllewin – Lleihau anghydraddoldebau iechyd Canolbarth – Ailgysylltu pobl a lleoedd Gogledd Ddwyrain – Datblygu a gwella seilwaith gwyrdd trefol a gwledig Gogledd Orllewin – Ailgysylltu pobl â natur Morol – Atebion sy’n seiliedig ar natur ac addasu ar yr arfordir Cynlluniau llesiant Byrddau Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus ·        Adroddiad ar Sefyllfa Adnoddau Naturiol   Yr hyn y byddwn yn ei Gefnogi gyda’r Cyllid: Amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant, yn enwedig ar gyfer cymunedau llai breintiedig sydd â llai o fynediad at fannau gwyrdd o ansawdd, sy’n aml yn byw mewn ardaloedd lle mae perygl llifogydd uchel a dwysedd poblogaeth uchel a allai gael eu heffeithio’n andwyol gan newid yn yr hinsawdd ac ansawdd aer gwael ac a allai ddefnyddio’r amgylchedd fel ased i ddod â chymunedau gwahanol at ei gilydd, mynd i’r afael ag unigrwydd ac allgau cymdeithasol ac fel modd o ddatblygu sgiliau. Ffyrdd creadigol o ailgysylltu pobl â natur a’u hamgylchedd lleol i wella iechyd corfforol a meddyliol, hyder, hunan-barch ac ‘ymddygiadau gwyrdd’. Hyrwyddo iechyd a llesiant a mynd i’r afael ag anghydraddoldebau iechyd. Atebion sy’n seiliedig ar natur sy’n helpu cymunedau i deimlo’n fwy diogel. Creu mwy o gyfleoedd i gael mynediad at fyd natur. Gwella ymwybyddiaeth a dealltwriaeth o, a chyfranogaeth a phrosesau penderfynu ar effeithiau’r hinsawdd ar raddfa gymunedol. Gweithio i sicrhau bod gan gymunedau ymdeimlad o gysylltiad a grym gyda’u hamgylchedd lleol a bod ganddynt rôl weithredol o ran sut y caiff ei reoli a’i wella. Creu cyfleoedd ar gyfer addysg a chymryd rhan mewn gwyddoniaeth dinasyddion.   Dylech gyfeirio camau’r broses ymgeisio a phob cwestiwn ynglŷn â’r grant at: grants.enquiries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk   Caniatewch 48 awr ar gyfer ymateb cychwynnol   Neu ffoniwch ymholiadau cyffredinol CNC ar:0300 065 300

Please forward and spread the word with your networks and other interested parties   This email is to share information about the new Resilient Communities Programme Grant, and shows where you can go to get further information about this grant.     The 11th of July webinar recordings and PowerPoint slides are now available for you to access. They contain useful information about how to apply for Natural Resources Wales Resilient Community Grant.   Webinars All Wales: https://youtu.be/VCPq2pTHtQ4 South East: https://youtu.be/3YQptW8kisw South Central: https://youtu.be/ff-oqhT9fzg South West: https://youtu.be/dog7vf0IBHI Mid: https://youtu.be/d8umJKqwhCU North East: https://youtu.be/UInQk9ik13Q North West: https://youtu.be/xhBq5drKGdQ  Marine: https://youtu.be/AUsQSth3fUo   The Resilient Communities Programme has £2m of grant funding available to help individuals and organisations increase community participation with nature to help build resilient communities.   Key information: £2m competitive grant available over 2 years. Delivery up to January 2024. Final claim by March 2024 Minimum eligible amount £10k (over 1 to 2 years). Maximum amount £125k if delivered in one Financial Year or £250k in two Financial Years To apply for Funding, External partners will need to request this via the Resilient Communities Grants Website application form number to Access the online application form Application deadline 19th September 2022 Open to any applicant Applicants may apply across multiple places Collaborative / joint applications will be looked upon favourably Must address the activities in scope using the suggested evidence sources and link this to the activities we are supporting, if applicants can clearly evidence they are addressing multiple themes this will be looked upon favourably Applications must demonstrate involvement and/or benefits at community level   Useful evidence sources: Area Statements – Resilient Communities Themes: South East - Healthy Active Connected South Central - Connecting people with nature South West - Reducing health inequalities Mid - Reconnecting people and places North East - Develop and improve urban and rural green infrastructure North West - Reconnecting people with nature Marine - Nature based solutions and adaptation at the coast Public Service Boards’ wellbeing plans State of Natural Resources Report   What we will Support with the Funding: Diversity and inclusion, particularly less advantaged communities that have less access to quality green spaces, often live in areas of flood risk and high population density which may be adversely affected by climate change and poor air quality and could use the environment as an asset to bring different communities together, tackle loneliness and exclusion and as a vehicle to develop skills. Creative ways to reconnect people with nature and their local environment to improve physical and mental health, confidence, self-esteem and ‘green behaviours’. Promoting health and wellbeing and tackle health inequalities. Nature-based solutions that help communities to feel safer and more secure. Creation of more opportunities for accessing nature. Improving awareness and understanding of, and involvement in decision making on, climate impacts at community scale. Work to ensure communities feel a sense of connection and empowerment with their natural environment and have an active role over how it is managed and improved. Creating opportunities for education and involvement in citizen science   All grant queries and application process should be directed to: grants.enquiries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk   Please allow 48 hours for an initial response   Or phone NRW general enquiries on: 0300 065 300

Sense Sensory Walks Training Workshops

 

Sense walks training workshop at Dowlais Community Centre

Monday 15th August.

To find out more and to book a place contact Lauren.Heath@sense.org.uk

Fantastic job opportunity !

 

Reconnect 50+ Project Manager

 

Location:       Merthyr Tydfil & Cynon

Hours:            20 hours per week (Flexibility is required)

Salary:            £12,698 per annum

Contract:        until 31/3/2023 – continuation subject to funding confirmation

 

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who is a team player. 

The successful applicant will have demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable individuals and knowledge of the issues affecting the 50+ population. You will also have experience of volunteer management and leading a team. 

Closing date for applications: 24^th August 2022

Interview Date is expected to take place w/c 29^th August 2022

 

To discuss the post further, please contact Julie Beck, Deputy CEO: jb@smt.org.uk 

 

Mental Health Online: Suicide Prevention

 

Join us on Zoom from 10am - 12pm to learn more about suicide prevention and increase the understanding of prevention techniques.

About this event

Join us on 8th September, two days before World Suicide Prevention Day, to learn more about ways you can support those feeling suicidal and save a life.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 each year to promote worldwide action to prevent suicides. Various events and activities are held during this occasion to raise awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.

Speakers to be confirmed very soon! If you feel your organisation could contribute to our monthly webinars please call 0222 400382 or email events@ajuda.org.uk

If you require any further information please contact events@ajuda.org.uk

Click here to book your place

Mental Health Online: Suicide Prevention Tickets, Thu 8 Sep 2022 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

St Davids Baby Bank Open Day, all welcome

 

Inform September 2022 - CALL FOR ARTICLES

 

 

The next edition of Inform, VAMT’s Newsletter will be circulated in early September.  It’s an ideal opportunity to let the wider third sector and others across the borough and beyond know what you’re doing.

It’s a chance for you to share successes, new activities or just let other people know what your group is up to.  There's also the ‘Focus on’ slot available which allows you to showcase the activities of your group. 

Articles of 300-400 words are welcomed, especially if accompanied by high resolution images, plus a jpeg logo if possible.

Inform has a wide circulation, so it's an ideal opportunity to show others what you do.  

If you would like to submit an article or would like further information, can you please email me, frances.barry@vamt.net

Deadline for articles is Monday 15^th August.

Third Sector COVID-19 Response Fund report released

 

An Audit Wales report on the delivery of COVID-19 relief funds for the voluntary sector has found that working with WCVA to deliver the funding helped get money to where it was most needed.

 Audit Wales have released a memorandum report focusing on the delivery of the Third Sector COVID-19 Response Fund, which included the Third Sector Resilience Fund (VSRF) and the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund (VSEF), both funds that were designed to help the Welsh Voluntary sector survive the effects of the pandemic and lockdown.

 A LOOK BACK AT THE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND

The report details a lot of the procedures and processes involved in ensuring that money got to groups who needed it most and explains some of the thinking behind working with WCVA to deliver it.

As a funder we have a long history and wide breadth of knowledge of the funding landscape for the Welsh voluntary sector, and we used our experience to make sure applications were processed as quickly as possible, to ensure urgent response, as the report notes:  ‘Welsh Government wanted to get the Third Sector COVID-19 Response Fund flowing quickly, so chose […] WCVA as an intermediary body for key elements of the Fund […] drawing-upon their grass-roots connections, knowledge and experience’

 CHALLENGES TO BE MET

At what was a uniquely challenging time for everyone, we’re also happy that the report found that our ongoing communication with Welsh Government was beneficial, finding that it ‘facilitated learning in real-time, which then informed improvements to processes and better targeting of funds.’ Being able to listen and respond to the needs of the sector, especially when it came to concerns that certain smaller groups had around eligibility, allowed us to adjust the application process, enabling more organisations to apply. When traditional fundraising sources had dried up and income across the board was facing a squeeze, this was especially important.

As a body that’s also familiar with how to monitor and report on what recipients were doing with their funding, we’re pleased with that the report also found the information we sent back to Welsh Government helped ‘identify demand, uptake, gaps in existing funding and potential funding shortfalls, and informed decisions about allocating further funding and targeting needs’.

 LESSONS LEARNED

The pandemic posed a number of huge changes and challenges for us and the wider voluntary sector, but we welcome the lessons we were able to learn from it, and will use this experience to help make the sector more resilient to changes in the future. You can read the memorandum report in full online.

WCVA Charity financial management – Financial safeguards Training

 

27 September & 11 October 2022 | 10 am – 1 pm via ZOOM

Delivered through the medium of English

How confident are you that your financial controls and policies are thorough, robust, and appropriate? Over the past few years, charities have received extensive media coverage for their financial slip-ups, but what can we learn from the mistakes of others?

What is the best way to protect your organisation from fraud, loss, or misuse of funds? Learn how to defend yourselves against poor financial practise on our financial safeguards course.

All charities require effective financial policies and procedures to enable staff and volunteers to work safely and effectively and reduce the risk of mismanagement or misuse of funds. 

 

This course will give you the opportunity to learn what can and has gone wrong elsewhere so you can review your current practices and establish good practice.

This course will be beneficial to any trustee, director, or finance worker of a voluntary organisation.

WCVA / WCVA Members    £96.00   

Voluntary & Community          £120.00

Please click on link for further information and booking details

Charity financial management - Financial safeguards - WCVA

Innovation strategy for Wales

 

Welsh Government are seeking your views on the draft innovation strategy for Wales.

There are 3 ways to respond – via the online form; by post; or by downloading the response form and emailing it to innovationstrategy@gov.wales

 

Please see links below to the consultation:

https://gov.wales/innovation-strategy-wales

The online survey is here:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/23Z5NQ/

 

If you would like to contribute your views in person, why not come along to one of our consultation events? Email InnovationStrategy@gov.wales to register your interest.

 

WCVA joins a coalition of eleven charities calling on the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to increase the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) for volunteer drivers.

The cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on communities, voluntary organisations and volunteers alike. In light of record high fuel prices, we are asking Nadhim Zahawi MP, the newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, to increase the maximum level at which volunteer drivers can be reimbursed in his Autumn Budget.

 

Volunteer drivers are currently being reimbursed in accordance with an Approved Milage Allowance Payment (AMAP) at maximum of 45p per mile – a rate last reviewed in 2012. This rate no longer fully covers the expenses incurred by volunteer drivers, putting them, voluntary organisations, and service users in a difficult position.

 

IMPLICATIONS

Failure to increase the AMAP rate to match current fuel prices means organisations will continue to have very limited options to address the discrepancy. While they can reimburse volunteer drivers at a higher rate, this involves additional paperwork and has tax as well as benefits entitlement implications for the volunteer. These implications, in effect, will impact the same volunteers who most likely will stop volunteering due to financial pressures.

 

Volunteering becoming out of reach for any individual is a terrible outcome and a source of great concern in the sector. Aside from the issues of accessibility and fairness, we will also see a knock-on effect on the capacity and reach of charities relying on volunteer drivers, which will be felt by service users. An issue, which will be felt strongly in Wales.

 

Judith Stone, Assistant Director of Volunteering at WCVA, said:

‘At a time of great hardship for many, we are deeply concerned seeing outdated AMAP rates creating a barrier to volunteering. 

‘Volunteer drivers offer their time and skill for free, often creating a lifeline for the most vulnerable, especially in geographically isolated and rural communities. Rising fuel costs should be covered by a revised AMAP rate which ensures volunteers are not out of pocket.’

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Our campaign partners at Community Transport Association (CTA) have written a blog outlining the different ways you can support this campaign. We encourage you to:

• complete CTA’s impact survey
• reach out to Members of Westminster Parliament
• share why this change is important to you on social media