Spread the Word - Literature and Arts Festival Merthyr Tydfil 2 March 2017

Spread the Word Literature and Arts Festival on

 Thursday March 2^nd 2017

The biggest event on World Book Day in Wales

On Thursday March 2^nd 2017, the Stephens and George Charitable Trust will host the biggest event on World Book Day ‘The Spread the Word Literature Festival, in Merthyr Tydfil. The event is being opened by the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, at 10am at St David’s Church, Merthyr Tydfil.

This year the festival will be held in even more venues within the town centre, with entertainment for children of all ages including stilt walkers, jugglers, Crazy Golf, Giant Chess boards and games, fairground rides, Falconry, human statues and lots more.

Every year the Festival is themed on a famous author or book. This year the theme is Harry Potter and with the support again from community service woodwork department in Cardiff, we will have fantastic magical Harry Potter Props including 10ft broom sticks and a Hogwarts Castle which the team have been creating for months to bring the festival to life.

There are over 200 workshops at the event, and authors, illustrators, actors and performers come from all over the UK to participate. Amongst them will be Tony De Saulles who illustrates the Award winning series Horrible Science. Dan Anthony who has worked as a scriptwriter on CBBC's Story of Tracy Beaker and S4C's The Baaas and as well writing the successful Rugby Zombie books for young readers.

Techniquest will bring the magic of Harry Potter to the festival through spell making sessions and ITV Wales journalist Hannah Thomas will be talking about her career and life as a journalist. Henning Lohlein, award winning illustrator and writer is running workshops. His book, Mr Fox, is amongst Julia Donaldson 10 favourite picture books.

Over 2500 children will be in attendance at the event dressed as characters from the Harry Potter books. The day will commence with over 1500 children parading through the Town Centre of Merthyr Tydfil. Music Workshops have been held prior to the event funded by The Big Music Project through Youth Cymru and run by Aber Arts. Young people have learnt to play instruments such as ukulele’s and recorders to enhance the Festival through music.

Helen Hughes The Charity Coordinator states “The event is part of the Stephens and George Charitable Trust’s aim to empower young people through literacy. Without good reading and writing skills young people will have limited life chances. At the event, each year we bring the magical world of books alive to enthuse and educate young people“

If you would like to volunteer at the event please contact the Trusts volunteer mentor Nerys Golding-Hann by emailing her on  Nerys.hann@stephensandgeorge.co.uk. There will be plenty of variable opportunities and volunteers ages range from 16 to 68 years of age. “The Festival is a great way of developing your experience and confidence as well as giving something back to your local community.” Nerys Golding- Hann.

The event is free of charge to attend and runs from 9am until 3pm on World Book Day. Further information can be obtained from helen.hughes@stephensandgeorge.co.uk 01685 375331

Community Art Exhibition at Llancaiach Fawr

Trelewis Community Art Club are holding an art exhibition at Llancaiach Fawr on Tuesday 21st February and Saturday 25th February 2017 between 10.00am and 4.00pm. 

Please come along and see some of our talented artists' work

Mae Clwb Celf Cymuned Trelewis yn cynnal Arddangosiad gelf yn Llancaiach Fawr o Ddydd Mawrth Chwefror 21ain hyd Ddydd Sadwrn Chwefror 25ain 2017 rhwng 10.00am a 4.00pm

Dewch draw, is teimlwch awydd i weld gwaith rhai o'r artistiaid talentog

Valleys Taskforce - Merthyr Tydfil event

Welsh Government have set up a Valleys Taskforce to look at what needs to be done to reinvigorate and regenerate our Valleys communities. 

The Taskforce is coming to the Redhouse in Merthyr Tydfil at 6pm on Monday 13th February to hear views of the local community.

To book click on https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trafod-y-cymoedd-talk-valleys-tickets-31750351155?aff=es2

Inform March 2017 - call for articles

As always, VAMT is looking to receive your contribution to our hard-copy magazine Inform which will be distributed in early March.

We welcome articles of interest to the wider third sector - if you'd like to let others know what you're up to, successes, new services, volunteering opportunities, then send them in to hilary.edwards@vamt.net by 14 February 2017.

Many thanks - look forward to hearing from you.

Fixed Term Job Vacancy with Communities First South Cluster

Communities First South Cluster

 Prosperous Lead Officer

NJC pay Scale Points SCP 28 - 31

 £24,717 – 27,394 (37 hours per week)

Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil are looking to recruit for this post on a fixed term contract, this post is currently funded until 30^th June 2017. The post holder will have overall responsibility for the planning, delivery, implementing, monitoring and maintenance of the Prosperous Communities Action Plan as part of the South Cluster Local Delivery Plan. The post holder will also be responsible for delivery of the clusters Community Career Clubs, providing advice on financial inclusion, employability and benefit issues.  Communities First is a Welsh Government Community Focused Tackling Poverty Programme. The programme supports the most disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas of Wales with the aim of contributing to alleviating persistent poverty.

For an application pack please visit www.vamt.net or e mail ken.long@vamt.net

 The closing date for applications is 10am on the 10^th February

 The interviews will be held on the morning of the 14^th February   

Registered Charity 1118403

Company Limited by Guarantee 6058360

Financial Management Training for Trustees from WCVA - bilingual posting

Gweld yr ebost hwn yn eich porwr View this email in your browser Dysgu WCVA WCVA Learning

Rheolaeth ariannol elusennau - eich rolau a'ch cyfrifoldebau  8 Mawrth 2017, Merthyr Tudful Ddiogelu eich mudiad rhag lladrata, camreoli arian a risgiau ariannol eraill   Ddarllen mwy yn Gymraeg Charity financial management - your roles and responsibilities 8 March 2017, Merthyr Tydfil Protect your organisation against theft, mismanagement of funds and other financial risks   Read more in English

Amcanion Mae’r cwrs hwn yn rhoi trosolwg o’r cyfrifoldebau sydd gan reolwyr neu ymddiriedolwyr sy’n ymwneud yn benodol â gweinyddu arian elusen. Cynnwys Gall elusennau a mudiadau gwirfoddol fod yn agored i ladrata, niweidio neu gamreoli eu harian, a risgiau ariannol eraill. Dysgwch sut i ddiogelu’ch mudiad a dangos cadernid gan felly gynyddu’r tebygolrwydd o sicrhau cyllid. Mae’r cwrs hwn yn rhoi trosolwg o’r cyfrifoldebau sydd gan reolwyr neu ymddiriedolwyr sy’n ymwneud yn benodol â gweinyddu arian elusen. Canlyniadau dysgu Erbyn diwedd y cwrs bydd cyfranogwyr yn gallu: Egluro’r gweithdrefnau angenrheidiol ar gyfer rheolaethau ariannol digonol a phriodol mewn elusennau. Rhoi enghreifftiau o arfer da o ran rheolaethau ariannol. Diffinio’r term “cronfeydd wrth gefn” fel y mae’n berthnasol i’r sector elusennol ac asesu priodoldeb eich polisi cronfeydd wrth gefn. Enwi’r polisïau a ddylai fod ar waith er mwyn rheoli arian elusen yn effeithiol. Egluro arwyddocâd y SORP Elusennau wrth baratoi cyfrifon a cheisiadau ariannol. Ar gyfer pwy mae'r cwrs Staff neu ymddiriedolwyr sy’n ymwneud yn benodol â gweinyddu arian elusen. Cael gwybod mwy a chadw lle Cymerwch olwg ar ein rhaglen cyrsiau llawn ar gyfer 2016-17 Aim This course provides an overview of the responsibilities held by managers or trustees with specific involvement in charity financial administration. Content Charities and voluntary organisations can be vulnerable to theft, damage to or mismanagement of funds, and other financial risks. Learn how to protect your organisation and demonstrate robustness thereby increasing the likelihood of gaining funding. This course provides an overview of the responsibilities held by managers or trustees with specific involvement in charity financial administration. Learning outcomes By the end of the course participants will be able to: Explain the procedures required for adequate and appropriate financial controls within charities. Provide examples of good practice in relation to financial controls. Define the term “reserves” as applicable to the charitable sector and assess the appropriateness of your reserves policy. State the policies that should be in place for effective financial management of a charity. Explain the significance of the Charities SORP for account preparation and fundraising applications. Who this course is for Staff or trustees with specific involvement in charity financial administration. Find out more and book a space Our courses are fun, participative and take place in a relaxed learning environment, they can provide you and your organisation with the skills needed to provide an excellent service. We recognise that people learn in different ways; in our new training programme you will find a variety of short courses, workshops, accredited learning, seminars and online learning opportunities. All of our training is led by experts in their field who are committed to the values of the third sector in Wales. Take a look at our full programme of courses for 2016-17 Forward Share Tweet +1 Pin Share

Job Vacancies with DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching an exciting opportunity to help shape the support for young people and those with mental health conditions in your area.

Young Persons Community Partner

The Young Persons Community Partner will act as a role model to inspire young people, deliver targeted support and support families through parents’ forums. You will work collaboratively with young disabled people, their parents, local support services and employers to develop a holistic employment plan and a tailored network of support. The Young Persons Community Partner will form part of a team of Community Partners, working collaboratively with the third sector in strengthening disability awareness within Jobcentre Plus across a range of specialisms. Roles are available across Scotland, England and Wales.

About you

You will have a lived experience or in-depth understanding of working with young disabled people, the barriers they face in everyday life and may encounter when seeking and sustaining long term employment. You may be interested in a fixed-term appointment opportunity or a secondment from your current organisation. Both fixed-term appointments and secondments are available for 12 months with a possible extension for a further 11 months. Organisations are also invited to offer secondment opportunities to their staff.

 To apply:

 Visit: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/

Reference: 1522942

Closing date 10 February 2017

Mental Health Community Partner

The Mental Health Community Partner will help shape the support people with mental health conditions receive, support the development of a national mentoring network and build relationships with organisations specialising in mental health in your area. You will work collaboratively with Jobcentre Plus staff, third sector organisations and employers to develop a holistic package of support for customers. Roles are available across Scotland, England and Wales.

About you

You will have a lived experience or in-depth understanding of mental health conditions, and the barriers people with mental health conditions face in everyday life and may encounter when seeking and sustaining long term employment. You may be interested in a fixed-term appointment opportunity or a secondment from your current organisation. Both fixed-term appointments and secondments are available for 12 months with a possible extension for a further 11 months. Organisations are also invited to offer secondment opportunities to their staff.

 To apply:

Visit: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/

Reference: 1522934

Closing date 10 February 2017

For more information about either role:

 Email: Community.Partners@dwp.gsi.gov.uk 

Call: 0207 867 3186 / 0774 747 2709                                                  

Salary:

£26,959 - £31,635 (National)

£30,886 - £35,694 (Inner London)