Annual report201415v2 by InterlinkRCT

Supporting and Developing a Vibrant Voluntary Sector

Annual Report 2014 - 2015

What We Do Interlink supports the third sector, which includes individuals, service users, communities, community and social enterprise, formal and informal community and voluntary organisations.

Contents 1

Vision, Principles and Aims

2-4

Summary of Achievements

5-6

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing

7-8

Volunteering

9-10 Young People’s Volunteering 11

Young People’s Participation/ Supporting Groups Working with Families

12-14 Enterprising Communities 15

Interlink Grants

Supporting Groups

Community Voice

Community Voice ‘Welcome to our Woods’

Plans for the Year were set out in the Strategic Delivery Plan 2014-15. The Plan was titled Building Stronger Communities ‘supporting and connecting people and communities in RCT.’ We believe that we can tackle poverty and improve wellbeing by working together and harnessing the huge amount of knowledge and skills held by individuals, communities and organisations in RCT. Interlink provides information, advice and support to individuals and community and voluntary groups in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Interlink is a charity with over 500 members and is called a County Voluntary Council.

Our three main areas of work are: Community Advice - ‘Giving communities all the information and support they need’ Community Volunteering - ‘Supporting volunteering to happen’ Community Voice - ‘Supporting people and communities to be involved’

19-20 Service User Involvement in Mental Health 21-22 Mental Health 23

South East Wales Community Economic Development Scheme (SEWCED)

Executive Committee Members

Staff Team

26-28 Accounts 29-30 Interlink Membership

OUR OUTCOMES

Individuals, communities and organisations • Promote wellbeing due to increased volunteering, community connectivity and community action. • Are resilient as a result of building social capital and strong and sustainable community and voluntary groups. • Have the information, advice, support and training to be effective. • Are well connected. • Contribution to local decision making is meaningful, recognised and valued.

Summary of Achievements What an incredible year!

We have had an incredible time working with all our amazing members over the year. There have been huge changes and challenges for Interlink and its members, with lots of new community organisations springing up to meet the needs of their communities from volunteer run community facilities such as Beddau and Ty Nant Community Library to Ynysybwl's Butcher’s Pool. What these have in common is the drive and commitment of a core group of local people able to jump over all the hurdles to get things done.

The Highlights

AMAZING Volunteer Mentors make a difference There was the amazing success of the new peer mentoring project where volunteers are recruited, help support people into volunteering and take part in training to become ‘peer mentors’. This has helped us to help lots of volunteers who need that extra bit of support to start volunteering.

Interlink has: • • • •

Supported over 250 groups every quarter Raised £1,751,845 (that we know of!) Placed 399 volunteers Run 54 courses with 669 learners over the year.

And that is just a small part of what we have achieved over the year. All the staff and volunteers at Interlink have worked incredibly hard to support our members and we have been supported by a Board of exceptional trustees recruited from our members.

#strongerrhondda an Alliance in the Rhondda

We have helped develop a ‘Rhondda Alliance’ project (now known as #stongerrhondda) working with third sector partners to develop the confidence of young people through identifying what they enjoy and what they are good at and match their interests with opportunities. The Rhondda Alliance is a group of organisations coming together to work and support young people with a wider range of exciting projects. Interlink’s role, as well as bring people together to connect and work together, is to look at what volunteer opportunities are being offered by Interlink members and the wider sector.

100 Students; 100 Successes

We have recruited over 100 volunteers from the University of South Wales, volunteering to build their skills as part of their University course.

THANK YOU to our Exceptional Volunteers We have had a range of exceptional volunteers to help us out at Interlink, helping with everything from finding out more about our volunteers, how to reduce energy use in community buildings to helping our members to develop new business plans.

With volunteer support, we know that on average our 399 volunteers completed around 90 hours. At the average wage that works out at £377,414! But in the end it is the community who have to put in the hours and work to make things happen and we are always humbled by the work of hundreds of people, especially all the different roles being undertaken by unpaid volunteers - and we think there are around 40,000 volunteers in RCT alone that means they give around £38,000,000 worth of volunteering every year. 2

Summary of Achievements Intermediate Care Fund (ICF) and Community Coordinators

The Intermediate Care Fund was innovative in Cwm Taf as it recognised and included the Third Sector from the outset and valued the importance of the Sector to support older people. It allowed the development of three key initiatives including: The employment of five Community Coordinators to find out all the activities and services available for older people and help people in the public sector make best use of them.

‘Actions Speak Louder than Words’

A massive effort went into planning the Community Voice Conference held at the Burberry Factory, Treorchy on 15 October 2014. It was a conference about doing and learning by doing, an interactive event facilitated by the Community Voice partners. It brought everyone together to plan, agree and be accountable for actions that would improve the meaningful involvement of people and communities in developing better services in RCT.

Five Ways to Wellbeing project delivered by Merthyr and the Valleys Mind, supporting volunteers to develop through delivering a whole host of wellbeing activities to older people. The Neighbourhood Capacity Grant Fund provided 13 third sector organisations with funding to pilot new and innovative ways of reducing loneliness and isolation among those aged 65 and over and their carers in Cwm Tâf.

Over 100 people took part were interested in seeking to improve listening, involvement and coproduction in RCT. The attendees were made up of individuals, communities and organisations interested and involved in improving services in RCT including service users, patients, community representatives, public service staff and managers and decision makers.

Isolation to Integration: Tackling Loneliness

We were lucky enough to receive funding through the Fund for a project in two parts to tackle isolation and loneliness. The first part was a research study and the second a listening project to collect the experiences of older people to action research and training to listen to older people to inform services for older people. We have completed the research report called ‘Isolation to Integration’ and services that are being commissioned for older people in RCT and informed by the stories from older people completed phase one of the Listening Project. 3

What did it achieve? • It allowed voices to be heard and listened to • It began a step change in the way services are delivered and developed

Connecting Communities

Connecting Community Events - three successful events took place in Taf Ely, Rhondda and the Cynon Valley helping groups to connect with the public sector in a ‘market place’ followed by workshops on working together.

Summary of Achievements Informing Coproduction in Wales - Involve to Evolve (Mental Health Service User Involvement)

Key finding were a need for: • People experiencing unemployment and in financial difficulty in areas that do not have services such as Work Clubs and Citizens Advice Bureau services • People experiencing isolation and loneliness and mental health issues • Support for volunteering • Community youth provision and support for the voice of young people • Support for key community facilities • Affordable and accessible transport

An ‘INFORM’ training group has coproduced an interactive training session which comprises digital stories, group activities and presentations to highlight common themes and demonstrate how simple changes to working practices can be extremely effective in supporting people. The training was piloted in April 2014 and has been delivered to four GP practices between July 2014 February 2015.

Communities struggle with DEADLINES

‘It is, of course, a commendable project. It is also a great example of the co-productive approach that we have supported in mental health service delivery’ Carwyn Jones, Oct 2014

There has been a huge learning curve for all of us in terms of how we best support groups looking to take on Council assets through Community Asset Transfer (CAT). Interlink supported a wide variety of groups alongside other partners and Council Officers. Community groups were under huge pressure to start and complete full business plans in just 12 weeks, often with little or no information on the state of the building and running costs. Many involved starting a completely new group.

RCT Together

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council listened and worked with partners to better support groups. A successful ‘RCT Challenge’ event was held in March 2015 under the banner of ‘RCT Together.’ This event looked at the opportunities available and launched a new ‘RCT Enabling Fund’ to give groups access to financial resources to help them through the process. Much better coordination with the local authority on the advice and support they give groups when they apply to transfer an asset has led to great results. It is still not easy, but it is 100% improved.

Jean Harrington Chair, Interlink

Pioneering a New Approach in Mental Health for Deaf or Hard of Hearing People

Funding was secured for new mental health services to support people who have mental health issues and who are deaf or hard of hearing. The project aims to improve access to health care services, information and advice, advocacy and promote peer support. The project also aims to improve the confidence of deaf and hard of hearing individuals to reduce social isolation and enable them to better self-manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Simon James Chief Executive Officer 4

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Intermediate Care Fund

In collaboration with Interlink, Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, Cwm Tâf UHB and Rhondda Cynon Tâf and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councils received funding from the Welsh Government's Intermediate Care Fund. The fund was an initiative to encourage collaboration between Social Services, Health and Housing to support people to maintain their independence and to remain in their own homes. The Cwm Tâf award included a third sector grant scheme Neighbourhood Capacity Grant Fund, which provided 13 third sector organisations with funding to pilot new and innovative ways of reducing loneliness and isolation among those aged 65 and over and their carers in Cwm Tâf. In July 2014 the Community Coordinators took up post. They have been based in each of the Social Services locality teams in the Rhondda, Cynon and Tâf Ely. They quickly set to work building relationships, mapping third sector provision and community activities for those aged 65 and over and their carers.

‘I think it has been invaluable for myself as you have been a single point of contact providing me with information about charities or local community organisations that we could reach out to that would otherwise have been difficult for me to find or link up with.’ Erika Neck, Senior Librarian Mobiles and Special Service, RTCBC

Project 5 Ways to Wellbeing

Merthyr and the Valleys Mind received funding for Project 5 Ways to Wellbeing which works with older people to enhance their overall sense of wellbeing by engaging volunteers, who assist older people by supporting them to connect to others, keep active, take notice of their environment, give to others and keep learning. www.youtu.be/3tk-0Dn4X7Y www.youtube.com/watch?v=7szfzqmTQNc

The Community Coordinators have become experts in their localities. From the outset they have had an impact on reducing isolation and loneliness for those aged 65 and over and their carers through signposting them to third sector and community activities. Mrs P was referred via an Occupational Therapist for help with befriending and possible involvement in activities. Mrs P was receiving physio following a fall that broke her hip. She lost confidence to get back out and about as she feared falling again, so she was becoming isolated and confined to her home. I made a referral to RSVP’s Welcome Friends Befriending Service and she now has a regular visit from a volunteer who escorts her to activities on a weekly basis. Her confidence has increased and she no longer feels isolated thanks to the progress her volunteer has made by getting her out and about again.

Community Capacity Grant Scheme

Further funding was also received in the form of a new Community Capacity Grant Scheme for 13 projects that combat the impact of loneliness and isolation, provide opportunities for older people to stay healthy and maintain independence and wellbeing for as long as possible. This involved setting up a regular weekly creative workshop programme of reminiscence workshops, facilitated by Julie Evans - professional freelance Community Dance Specialist/Practitioner and the

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing project leader, in which participants recalled their memories, both personal and in common. The project was held at Teify House Day Centre for the elderly in Maerdy and it became the meeting place where a group of older adults could come together, interact with each other and grow lasting friendships. One project was ‘Reminiscing Ageing Creatively Together’ commissioned by Valleys Kids. ‘Nell, widowed for many years and living alone, is 97 years of age and lives close to Teify House Day Centre for the elderly in Maerdy. She is a well known character of this small Rhondda Fach Community. Nell could only come along when she could. Importantly for her was the fact that she knew we were meeting every Wednesday morning and when she was able to, she could let us know so that one of us could help bring her along to the group. Getting out of the house to be with people was important as her bouts of depression all stemmed from feelings of loneliness and isolation with only the television for company. She shared with us her story as she recalled the very day during World War 2, the evacuees,escaping from the blitz in London, arriving in Maerdy. As a young mother herself with a baby wrapped up in her shawl, she remembered taking two evacuees to look after. This memory became the inspiration for a piece of dance theatre. ‘Nell’s Story.’

Community Group Praised at Health Challenge Cwm Taf Crystal Trophy Awards 2015 Community groups promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing ill-health in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil (Cwm Taf) have been celebrated and rewarded at this year’s Crystal Trophy Awards.

The event organised by the Health and Wellbeing Team at Cwm Taf University Health Board in conjunction with Interlink recognises the achievements of local groups and organisations who are working to improve health and wellbeing.

One of the four finalists was Rhondda Housing Association with their ‘Find Your Future Project.’ This project engages with those suffering from poor physical and mental health, low confidence, ex-offenders and those that are socially isolated. The project offers one to one support and opportunities to obtain new skills. Engagement in the project allows tenants to realise their potential and raise aspiration with support to access training, volunteering and employment. Two beneficiaries involved with the project shared their personal stories; one had completely turned his life around and is now running a social enterprise offering gardening services and the other is leading a mental health peer support group.

Nicola John, Director of Public Health at Cwm Taf University Health Board said: ‘These grass root projects are making a huge contribution to health and well-being. I commend the work of these groups and would like to see these projects replicated in other communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil.’

Ian Davy, Chief Officer, Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil said: ‘The Crystal Trophy Awards are an excellent way in which community groups and their volunteers can receive recognition for their fantastic work.’

Volunteering Using the skills and experience of volunteers through peer mentoring Christine Davies in the Volunteer Centre developed a new service from an identified need. We identified a number of barriers to volunteering that people experience - including a lack of confidence, physical and emotional issues and long-term unemployment. From our own information the Volunteer Centre identified 82% of the total number of volunteers we meet as more difficult to place and in need of additional support. We are aware that some volunteers need very little support, while others need far more, so we have been exploring ways in which we can support volunteers who need additional support as it’s these volunteers that often have the most to gain from volunteering. The Peer Mentoring Service recruits ‘Peer Mentors’ who can give potential volunteers the support they need to volunteer. The service is individual to each volunteer. For some it may involve support to complete application forms but for others it may involve building confidence slowly over many weeks and attending an opportunity until they feel confident enough to attend alone.

Chris told Caroline about the new service and thought it might suit her. ‘At first I wasn’t very sure about it but thought ‘what the heck, have a go’ and I agreed. Things happened quite quickly then, a few weeks after Christmas I was introduced to Shannon, my Peer Mentor and we hit it off immediately. Shannon and I worked on a ‘passport to success’ and my negativity took over and I wondered if this would really help, but it did. It helped me to focus on what needed to be done and it also helped because over the weeks I realised I’d changed. I could look back over the previous weeks and see how far I’d come. Shannon is great, she’s lovely and friendly and makes our sessions fun, we do a lot of laughing when we’re together.’

Caroline’s experience of the Peer Mentor Service.

Christine Davies, Volunteering Development Officer at Interlink, met Caroline in December 2014 because she was considering volunteering for a charity shop. Caroline had volunteered for charity shops in the past but needed a change. When Caroline first met Chris, she told her; ‘I’m feeling so ‘flat’, I’m tearful all the time and feel so stressed and disappointed with myself because I feel as if I’m trying hard to find work but getting nowhere, when you’ve been unemployed for a long time, the thought of going back to work is frightening so volunteering is perfect for me. Volunteering is like a stepping stone into paid work. But lately, I‘ve had a few set-backs and really lost confidence, I often feel way out of my comfort zone.’

Chris met Caroline again and saw a huge difference in her. She smiles more and makes eye contact when she talks. She feels more confident and said; ‘I’ve got the confidence to go into a shop with a copy of my CV now and ask about jobs. I couldn’t have done that 6 months ago.’

Volunteering The Winner Is . . . . Volunteer Celebration Awards 13 June 2014 ‘An awesome event’ is how Lian Carter of Rhondda Housing described the 2014 Volunteers Awards Evening, held on 13 June at The Hawthorn Leisure Centre. The annual event which acknowledges and celebrates the contribution volunteers make in RCT was a huge success and saw 120 guests enjoying an evening of good company, fun and laughter. Every volunteer nominated received a certificate and the nominations who received the highest scores from our panel of judges made short films, which were shown on the night and the audience decided the winner of the ‘outstanding achievement award.’

Lian says, ‘Sandra is exceptionally reliable, committed, responsible and charismatic. These characteristics means she offers unique passionate understanding to our tenants, their families and community members know that someone cares and is there to help.’ This year’s other winners were equally as remarkable. Michael Baker, was nominated by Jennifer Evans for his contribution to TooGoodToWaste and Raymond Cooper, was nominated by Barbara Locke for his contribution to Parkinson’s UK.

Stepping Forward

Interlink received exciting news that we’d been successful in securing a grant through the Department for Work and Pensions to provide an exciting opportunity for people experiencing long term unemployment.

This year’s winner was Sandra Charlesworth, pictured left, was nominated by Lian Carter of Rhondda Housing for her role in setting up and running a community food box scheme. The boxes help support those living below the poverty line and empower them to become more involved in community life. Lian explained: ‘Edible food currently treated as waste is distributed to disadvantaged people across RCT. The food box is provided to a family for a donation of a third of the value of the food. That donation is then deducted from their rent arrears, helping people to avoid debt.’

Working with Job Centre Plus and Valley and Vale Community Arts, we’ll be managing a course of personal development through creativity, designed to provide an informal and enjoyable learning experience for participants. Personal well-being will be explored through the use of creativity and all activities will take place in large and small groups. The aims of the programme are to build selfconfidence and self awareness through a broad range of creative activities. Participants do not need any art skills to join in and will have the option of completing a City and Guilds Award in Personal and Social Skills. We’ll give you more information about the course in next year’s Annual Report when the full evaluation is available.

Young People’s Volunteering Spooky and Sensory - The Vol Factor

The Vol Factor is a youth-led grant scheme, funded by GwirVol through Welsh Government, supporting volunteering projects for 14-25 year olds in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The scheme is coordinated by a panel of young people, Gareth Morgans, Neil Sanders and Samantha Taylor and this year they awarded grants totalling £4,800, to eight projects. These excellent projects were showcased at The Vol Factor Celebration Event in the Feelgood Factory, Bryncynon in March 2015. Danny Evans, Secretary of the Aberdare Association Football League said: ‘Thanks to your support the League is able to continue its weekly sessions at the Blaengwawr Comprehensive School, purchase new or replacement equipment and provide for those young people undergoing Football Leaders courses, Coaching and First Aid courses. As was evident at the Annual Presentations held at Bryncynon the Centre is in the capable hands of Teresa Kemble and the young coaches Jamie, Ryan and Kierion.’

Groups awarded the grants were: Aberdare Valley Association Football League Ton and Gelli Community Centre

Junior Development Centre Sporting and Recreational Activities Spectacle Theatre Are You Coming Out? Bryncynon Strategy Youth Drop-In Facilities RCT People First Spooky Science Glyncoch Communites Game On First Project Glyncoch Communities Youth Forum First Development 1st Llantwit Fardre Sensory Ranagers Garden Project 9

£692.50

£722

£740 £760.50 £710 £240 £135 £800

56,000 Hours of Volunteering!

In November 2014 Sian Bowen took over from Daniella Friend as an Outcomes Research Volunteer to update research into the continuing impact of the RCT Volunteer Centre. Sian contacted the organisations where Interlink had placed volunteers during the period April 2014 to March 2015 to ascertain how many hours volunteers completed. At the time of writing, 9,430.5 hours have been completed by 105 volunteers, averaging 89.91 hours per volunteer. The Volunteer Centre placed 231 volunteers, which when multiplied by our average rate gives a total of 20,747 hours or £218,052 contributed to our local communities (calculated at the average national wage rate of £10.51ph). This means that for an investment of £62,038 the RCT Volunteer Centre provided a return of £3.51 per pound received from the Welsh Government in 2014/15. We thank and congratulate Too Good To Waste, who this year logged 5,097 hours of Volunteering, the Alzheimers Soceity who logged 2,112 hours and Interlink Staff, under whose supervision 833 hours of Volunteering were completed last year. Over the two years 2013/14 and 2014/15 19,996.5 hours have been completed by 190 volunteers averaging 105.25 hours per volunteer. The Volunteer Centre placed 515 volunteers over that period giving an aggregate total of 56,047 hours or £624,639. This resulted in an average return over the 2 years of £5.03 per pound received.

Young People’s Volunteering Megan’s experience of volunteering

Thomas Crockett, Volunteering Development Officer at Interlink met with Megan in December 2014, here’s her story; Two summers ago I did pre and post bereavement counselling. I then came to University at the USW and met Sue from the Stroke Association at a Volunteering Fair. I started volunteering and was invited to one of their group sessions, and I loved it. I initially got involved for my career, because the more experience you have the better - but then I couldn’t just leave them. Volunteering has changed my perception of people who have suffered Strokes, and the range of symptoms they have. Before doing it I’d see a stroke victim, whereas now I see a stroke survivor. It’s inspiring to see how the clients are still so happy. At the Stroke Association, every week we are given a task to improve verbal communication, like a quiz, a game or a discussion on talking points. Some of the clients I met were totally unable to speak and now you can’t stop them talking! I feel like they are extended grandparents - so I am attached! I look forward to the sessions as we have very interesting conversations. I see how the Stroke can become part of a survivor’s identity and I feel very proud of the way they integrate it in a positive way. The Support Group is a big part of their lives. I got to present a report at the British Psychology Conference in Aberystwyth - the interviewees were proud to be mentioned. I looked into the literature and social support and identity is a big mediating factor in people with life changing experiences. The Stroke Association make it a positive thing, encouraging acceptance in a positive light. It’s very interesting. The tea and cakes are good too! Volunteering and the practical experience I have had with the Stroke Association has confirmed what I want to do, which is work as a Clinical Psychologist specialising in Neuropsychology and I want to stay involved with them in the future.

Students learn valuable lessons from volunteering

More than 100 students have undertaken successful volunteer placements in the past year, thanks to a partnership between Interlink RCT and the University of South Wales. The young people said they gained invaluable experience through ‘The Experience Programme’, which enabled a total of 110 students to take up course-related volunteering placements. Lucy Elston, a second year Sociology student, was placed with the charity Headway. Lucy said: ‘I wanted to get some experience of course I can put it on my CV. However, it has also given me confidence because I do want to work with people with disabilities, so the experience was priceless.’ Paddy Goggin, a second year Engineering student, was placed with Pontypridd Food Bank. His role involved taking requests for food parcels over the phone and delivering them. Paddy said: ‘It makes you feel good to help out and the food bank is good in that you directly meet the people you are helping, which does make it more rewarding.’ Proposals for the coming year will for the first time involve all University of South Wales campuses. The partnership will include GAVO, which covers the Newport area, and VCS, which covers Cardiff, to offer a formal and bespoke service to students in the Caerleon, Newport and Atrium campuses. Thomas Crockett, Volunteering Development Officer at Interlink RCT said: ‘We would like to see a minimum of 160 student volunteers placed on course-related volunteering placements in the coming year. We also hope to embed volunteering work into the University curricula.’

Young People’s Participation Young People’s Voice and the UNCRC

Young people involved in the Community Voice project were given training on the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) and were able to deliver an awareness raising session to participants attending the Community Voice Intergenerate Conference at the Burberry Factory, Treorchy on 15 October 2014. They engaged with their audience brilliantly and certainly raised awareness of Children’s Rights.

‘I’ve been there for 6 hours already, I don’t want to spend any more time there.’

‘Would rather go to youth club than get into trouble.’

Young Carers help to Commission their own service

Several Young Carers in RCT were offered to receive training on Commissioning, so they could help design, inform and participate in the forthcoming Tender for a new Young Carer Service within RCT.

Changes to Youth provision in Abercynon

Communities First in Abercynon asked for support to find out the views of young people in the area regarding recent changes to youth provision. This work was done with the support of local youth workers and myself walking the streets to speak to young people on their feelings about the new arrangements. The youth club was previously held in the local community centre but is now being held in Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. The young people were asked to give their views onto a Dictaphone and were keen to express their wish for a youth club to be available in Abercynon. They gave several reasons for wanting a youth club outside of their school, with the main being its remote location preventing many young people from accessing the club.

The young people took up the training and went on to consult with other young carers, before working with the Commissioning manager to design the new service in the way they wanted. The new service design was then gone through with the young people for final approval before being put out for Tender. This has never been done before, whereby young people are fully involved in the conception, to design through to final interviews for potential providers of the new service. This method worked fantastically well and the young people will now be involved in future monitoring of the new service.

Supporting Groups Working with Families Training continues to be delivered to the sector on a planned and be-spoke need with Safeguarding Children and Young People and Protection Of Vulnerable Adults being the most popular. 6 courses were delivered with 15 organisations and 35 people upskilling on their safeguarding.

‘Very informative, upsetting but crucial to know.’

Enterprising Communities Enterprising Communities – giving help and advice to over 300 groups in RCT in 2014-15 Ken Moon and Joanna Markham worked on delivering the final year of the Enterprising Communities Programme funded by the European Development Fund, which came to an end in March 2015. During the year they have worked with an increasing number of groups from 311 in 2014-15 to 1,264 enquiries in 2014-15. Provided advice, guidance and support around governance and financial sustainability remain the main focus of support helping groups to secure over £1,751,845 of funding including £2,500 to new and emerging groups through the Interlink Development Fund.

I hope the projects I am working on can use some of my business administration knowledge to help them moving forward.

Joanna supported Taffs Well and Nantgarw Hub with funding advice and in depth support in writing a business plan was possible through the help of volunteer Paul Robinson.

Older people in the Rhondda can get together in more pleasant surroundings since the hall they attend every week has been upgraded.

Paul Robinson - Interlink Volunteer

I continue to enjoy working with the staff at Interlink RCT who have made me very welcome and feel part of their team. The work the organisation carries out is both valuable to the local authority, the health board but more importantly assists the community in maintaining and developing projects that would otherwise possibly fall by the wayside to the detriment of the communities in RCT.

We HALL work together with Ystrad Old Age

Ystrad Hall was handed over to the pensioners and future pensioners of the area in 1953. Nowadays, more than 40 members of Ystrad Old Age group regularly meet in the building, which has been described as a ‘lifeline’ to many local people. However, the hall hadn’t been redecorated for decades and had become quite dilapidated. Ystrad Old Age group decided that it needed a revamp and Cynthia Lewis, secretary of the group, requested the support of Enterprising Communities to complete an application for funding from the Welsh Church Fund. Working with Joanna Markham at Interlink, Cynthia completed the application and had a local builder quote for the redecoration, which was completed last November.

Having been made redundant it was time to consider my options. I decided on working with Interlink RCT as they were the CVC (voluntary council) for RCT and they allowed me to support the community by carrying out work that was in my comfort zone. As a senior manager writing business plans was common ground to me and I have been fortunate so far to be involved with two charity organisations building their business plans that hopefully will see them both be successful and sustainable. 12

Enterprising Communities ICT Skills Reborn in the Community Thanks to the Phoenix Initiative

Phoenix Initiative is the brainchild of Jonathan Thorne and Janet Mulcock. It came about through a combination of volunteer work with community members from various backgrounds and seeing first-hand the problems that they were facing on a daily basis and the passion to want to make a difference to peoples' lives.

They are incredibly passionate about their community; ‘In our Job Clubs, our mentors and trainers provide the support and training needed. It helps people who feel they are stuck in a hole of having to deal with benefit changes alone, and develop the computer skills they need to use the Department of Work and Pensions online benefits system. We will also help with tips on budgeting, show how to set up direct debits and standing orders so people can make sure their bills are paid on time and not be afraid of managing their money. Our workshops will help learners to understand that they do actually have something valuable to contribute to society, THEMSELVES! We believe that until people realise this important first step, they won’t be able to reach their full potential. With the assistance of our working partnerships we WILL help them to develop and learn the skills to help increase their self-esteem, confidence and also help bring them closer to employment, while putting them on the road to further self-development.’ Here are a tiny sample of what people think about them; ‘Janet and Jonathan are fab, approachable tutors and the course is definitely beneficial as IT knowledge is required for most jobs (and for the benefit system) I no longer feel stupid when asking questions as they make me feel so comfortable. That’s hard to do!’

‘I feel comfortable, and I know I’ll get all the help I need.’

Greenhill Allotments

An allotment society in Aberaman is blooming, with help from an Interlink Development Fund Grant. The grant allowed members of Greenhill Allotments Society to buy a new strimmer and materials so they could tidy up many spare overgrown plots and keep weeds at bay, ready for new plot holders. Allotment society secretary Lynda Griffiths said: ‘We would like to thank Interlink for the grant we received. It was a huge boost to us and it brought together our members to work as a team.’ Eleven new members have joined the allotment society, since the ‘spruce-up’, including women, older citizens and families. ‘It has enhanced many lives and our plots have not looked this good for many years, with the help, guidance and support of all the team at Interlink, our allotments will in time be restored to their former glory.’ Lynda

Enterprising Communities Community Assets available thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s innovative approach

2014-15 has seen further significant cuts to public sector budgets and following the first round of asset transfers the ‘RCT Together’ Initiative was developed to provide a dedicated ‘Community Asset and Services Transfer Officer’ to work together directly with groups and communities and a £100,000 ‘Enabling Fund.’ Supporting this RCTCBC officers, Interlink and other support providers, such as Coalfields Regeneration and Wales Coop, meet regularly as the Voluntary Sector Liaison Committee. It’s key role is to better coordinate the advice and support which community and voluntary groups need when taking on the management of a community asset. An example of this works in practice was the The ‘RCT Together’ event at Hawthorn Leisure Centre attended by over 100 individuals from community groups across RCT.

Abercynon Memorial Pool makes a Big Splash

Faced with the closure of this much loved community facility local councillors requested the support of Interlink to attend an open public meeting of local residents to discuss setting up a new community group. Over a 6 month period the group worked with members of the committee to establish a new constitution, with Ken Moon provided training on roles and responsibilities and on running a community facility. The group were supported to secure several thousand pounds worth of funding, much of it raised from within the local community.

A good example of groups supported with asset transfer has been the Beddau and Tynant Community Library who produced this short video about their experiences https://vimeo.com/123484748

BIG funded Advice on Climate Change

In 2014 Interlink secured support from the Big Lottery Renew Programme and a research project on behalf of Community Energy Wales. Renew Wales was set up to help community groups tackle the causes and impacts of climate change through advice, training, mentoring and technical support. The contract with Renew is to provide 10 days of in-depth coordination and mentoring to groups in RCT during 2015-2016. ‘Interlink’s role in securing additional mentoring support through Renew means that we will now be in a position to draw dawn further funding to determine the feasibility of our scheme at Treforest Weir and secure the permissions necessary to move forwards.’ Clive Anstey, Treforest Residents Association

‘Working with Interlink has been such a positive experience. We have received an outstanding level of service since our inception in July 2014. Working with Interlink has given us the knowledge and encouragement to progress with our project. We firmly believe that we would not be as far along in our project if it hadn’t been for the first class advice and guidance we have received. We would have no hesitation in recommending Interlink to any other community group.’ Elaine George, Secretary, Action for Abercynon War Memorial Padding Pool

Interlink Grants Interlink Funding Developed for New Groups

As well as helping groups to identify and access external funding in 2014 Interlink established a small Development Fund in the Summer of 2014 to support new and emerging groups in RCT using Interlink’s reserves. The amount of new groups and activities in RCT meant that this fund was in high demand and all funds were spent by March 2015.

Taf Ely Windfarm Fund

In the spring of 2014 Interlink secured a contract to manage the Taf Ely Windfarm Fund contract on behalf of RWE Innogy, to ensure that this fund would continue to support groups in the area of benefit. The fund was launched in the Autumn and 6 groups shared in £2,500 worth of funding for projects starting in January 2015.

During this period the following groups received funding: Rhondda Hearing Impaired Support Group Village and Valleys Community Sweetshop Ferndale Action for Abercynon War Memorial Paddling Pool Llanharan Recreation Trust Pontypridd and District Gateway and Mencap Society Llanharan Community Development Limited Challenging Behaviour Support Group Nantgarw China Works Museum Friends of Tonteg Community Park Ynysybwl Enterprise Programme Limited Greenhill Allotments Friends of Penyrenglyn Comm Primary School LTSA Made in the Valleys

Cost of mini bus

£100

Volunteer expenses

£500

Stationery

£100

Internet/WiFi

£500

Transport and marketing costs

£500

Venue hire for stress busting training and marketing materials Advertising/meeting room/guest speakers Publicity materials

£420

Publicity materials and printing costs Set up costs for website and associated costs Gardening tools and supplies Printing and refreshments Remembrance plaque and pop up banner Printing

£225

£500

Cylch Meithrin Thomastown

Gardening Project

£500

Blackmill Youth and Community Centre

Purchase of steel £302 container

£300

£433 £200 £300 £215

Tonyrefail Boys and Girls Training and Football Club match footballs Little Fingers Kidz Club

Ely Valley JFC Llanharan Community Development Project Café Project

£300

£500

Stationery and an £400 educational trip to St Fagans 4 x plastic samba £498 match goals £500 OAP Support Group

Supporting Groups Ystrad Boys and Girls Club

Both Carole and Alan have volunteered at Ystrad Boys and Girls club for a staggering 46 years each. Alan initially went along to the boys club as his son had left the house in some overalls to go and help paint the local club, Alan was soon volunteering alongside his son and did much of the renovations that can still be seen today. Alans volunteering was recognised in 1977 by receiving the Prince Charles award.

Ton Pentre and District Recreation Association Awarded Grant for Games Area During 2013/14 the development officer team worked with the Ton Pentre and District Recreation Association (TPDRA) to develop their application to the Community Facilities Programme for a new games area and parking spaces located next to the community centre. The popular centre which currently offers activities to 600 people every week, reopened in April 2013 thanks to previous Welsh Government funding of £294,000 and support from Interlink. An additional £125,000 grant was awarded from Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, to create a multi-use games area with a 3G synthetic surface, flood lighting and improvements to the car park. The games area will give people of all ages in Rhondda Cynon Taf the opportunity to take part in sport and become more active and is expected to boost the number of people using the centre by 350 every week. At least 150 children will play football on the pitch each week, while older people will be able to take part in physical exercise suiting their mobility, such as walking football.

Carole said: ‘we are thrilled to be recognised for our volunteering work with the Boys and Girls club, it has been a large part of our lives.’

The current building was the old Bethel Church and the community cleared the pews and sold the wood to generate income to complete the club. In 1969 they both joined the committee and Carol was in charge of the catering, they are both still actively involved in the club today and are working with Interlink to ensure that the club can be used for future generations of Ystrad.

TPDRA works very closely with the Upper Rhondda Communities First Cluster to provide jobs, training and skills courses at the centre. Communities First will use the new outside space to engage more young people in these existing courses, as well as offering new courses in Sports Fitness, First Aid in Sport and Coaching skills. It will also use the outdoor facilities to provide play services for children while their parents are undertaking training courses.

Andrew Jones TPDRA Vice Chairman said: ‘We would like to thank Interlink for their continuing support. The new project is set to make a real difference to the local community.’

Community Voice The Community Voice Programme will run over Four years in RCT. At present we are in year Three. Interlink RCT coordinate’s 8 organisations to work together to deliver 8 projects to engage people and communities in public service design and delivery. The programme is all about coproduction. This involves people and communities who receive services working with those who provide them.

The Projects:

1. Coproducing the Future - Glyncoch Regeneration Partnership 2. Create a Voice - Eye to Eye 3. The Breakthrough Project - Age Concern Morgannwg 4. Our Voice, Our Future - Tonypandy Community College 5. Neighbours - Spectacle Theatre 6. Wanting to be Heard - Cardiff Vale and the Valleys 7. Ynysybwl Futures - Ynysybwl and Glyncoch Regeneration Partnership 8. Welcome to our Woods! - Learn and Grow

Road Safety Campaign

Age Connects Morgannwg’s ‘Breakthrough Project’ has identified road safety as a key issue for older people. The Road Safety Campaign in Ystrad and Pentre was held on Monday 23 - Friday 27 March and was a fantastic success. The project expanded beyond belief and became a full community intergenerational project working together with key individuals and 31 partner organisations to bring about road safety advice to all of Ystrad and Pentre. We were able to obtain further funding from Communities First, Wales and West Housing and local businesses which meant that we were able to deliver a far more detailed campaign. We held various activities, presentations and demonstrations throughout the week for all ages in a hope to reach all drivers and pedestrians in the communities. The week was such a success that we plan to re-visit the campaign in November 2015 for National Road Safety Week.

The Community Voice programme aims to encourage partnership working between public service providers, service users and communities. The lessons learnt from this approach will inform the Local Service Board and all partners about meaningful engagement in designing and developing public services. ‘The friends of butchers pool are looking forward to opening their pool for the second year. For them it’s really the gem of the community.’ Rebecca Arnold, Ynysybwl and Glyncoch Regeneration Partnership

‘The Community Voice Project has helped me engage with other community members and services. I have been asked my views on the area in which I live and feel my opinions matter. It feels great to have a voice!’

Following residents’ concerns regarding the road safety issues in their area, the worker Shelley Bird compiled a survey to be given out during the Road Safety Week where people could have their say regarding the safety in the area, other concerns that needed to be addressed and how else we could get the message across when we pick up the campaign in November. The Road Safety Campaign became a multi-agency project where organisations either contributed financially towards the week or led an activity, presentation or event.

Community Voice â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Welcome to our Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A group of initially 3 volunteers started meeting to undertake environmental improvement works, in the Upper Rhondda Fawr woodland and community. The group started by meeting one day a week (Thursdays) to talk about ideas and undertake some work. Initially the work was informal, litter picking, bramble removal from paths and tracks in woodlands above Penyrenglyn, Treherbert. The group also made time at end of workday to come together, have a cup of tea and a chat around the fire. The group have grown to include 30 more local people and are now constituted and operate a committee. The committee has aspirations to continue providing volunteering opportunities to local people and create local employment in woodland related businesses.

Moving on, more confidence building and up skilling a now growing group confidence and volunteer numbers started to build and members of the group assisted Community Voice projects at events. The delivering woodland craft session, wild tea demonstrations and other activities. Project Officer Ian and partners delivered individual support and formal training was delivered to up-skill a core of group members, to ultimately be capable of carry out a range of and supervision of practical countryside work. The Thursday volunteer numbers grew until on 19 June 2014, 19 volunteers participated in a local woodland clean-up and around a fire discussion session. The volunteers have worked together to develop a knowledge and skill base, for undertaking land management type work, a group of 9 volunteers gained knowledge in practical horticulture, conservation and have studied aspects of local permaculture design. Some group members took the opportunity of coming together to explore other shared interests such as arts and crafts. Informal craft group have emerged that meet now and again on Fridays using space at a local hotel, one member has now begun a business forging handmade decorative knives from his garage. Welcome to our Woods partnership received the award of 'Most Innovative Environmental Project' at the RCT Love Where You Live Event.

Early work with this group included one member being supported to attend a 'working in sensitive woodland' course and all three required confidence building though discussions and spending time in the woodland environment, developing practical basic skills. The group of three were supported to produce posters and promote what they were doing through local networks, such as Communities First Job Club, tables at local events, shop windows. The group publicised themselves by assisting at local events demonstrating new woodland skills. 18

Service User Involvement in Mental Health Involve 2 Evolve (Mental Health Service User Involvement Project)

The Involve 2 Evolve Project promotes and supports Service User Involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services across RCT and Merthyr Tydfil. By doing this, we aim to ensure that the Service User voice brings about lasting improvements in mental health services.

The Outcomes for the Project are:

• People are meaningfully involved in the planning, delivery and monitoring of local mental health services; • People’s involvement is recognised and leads to positive change; • People are able to influence decisions that affect their lives. The total number of active Service User and Carer Involvement hours for April 2014 - March 2015 was 1152 hours and 40 individuals.

Number of new staff recruited grows through the support of people with lived experience of mental health

Service user recruiters were involved in 28 interview panels for Mental Health posts at Cwm Taf Health Board, the local authority and the University of South Wales, including two Ward managers on the Mental Health Unit at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Two Clinical Psychologists, Two Band 6 Community Psychiatric Nurses and One Social Worker.

‘I felt as a service user I was listened to and that my reasons for appointing the chosen applicant were valued. It increased my knowledge of the procedure of recruiting staff and the process that takes place. I really enjoyed the experience and would be happy to do more interviews of this kind.’ Sharon Phillips, Service User Representative

Sharon was a valuable member of the interview panel. She was really professional and her contribution was appreciated. She had obviously prepared and it was very useful to have her perspective’ Elanor Maybury, Cwm Taf UHB

Service User and Carer Representatives continue to influence local services

Service user representatives have been involved and have a growing influence on shaping services in Cwm Taf with involvement in key policy, planning and committee meetings throughout the year.

GP’s and Practice Staff Report being fully INFORMED

‘It is a very good project. It has captured the experiences of individuals with mental health problems, of course, and the use that they have made of primary care mental health services in their part of Wales. It is, of course, a commendable project. It is also a great example of the co-productive approach that we have supported in mental health service delivery.’ Carwyn Jones, October 2014

Service User Involvement in Mental Health The training is making a difference to the awareness of practice staff and has been a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for the service user facilitators. ‘The digital stories about poor practice had the greatest impact on me. Makes you think how important it is to listen to patients.’ INFORM Participant

‘INFORM makes me feel brilliant. It really lifts my mood.’ INFORM facilitator INFORM has been one of the most exciting and innovative projects to date and we wish the group every success in delivering this training in 2014-2015.

Social Care Staff more aware of Mental Health issues

Working in partnership with RCTCBC, the Carers and Service Users Involved in Training (CSUITS) group have shared their story of recovery as part of 5 Mental Health Awareness training sessions for social care staff. All sessions received excellent feedback. ‘I thought Gareth was very helpful as he gave an account of his own personal mental health issues which is helpful in my role. I found it very rewarding hearing about his recovery.’

New Newsletter, New Editor, New Look

Two SUN newsletters have been produced by the newly appointed Volunteer Editor and distributed to the Service User Network and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from the new layout and improved content and contribution from readers.

Feedback from 2014-2015 ‘For me it has been a life line, service user involvement has built me up with confidence, given me hope and the drive and motivation to make a difference. One of the key elements was, I was surrounded with brilliant understanding colleagues who, are on the same journey I was on. The team that facilitated the projects were exceedingly supportive and believed in what I had to offer which is a boost. I have now been accepted into full time employment with Alzheimer’s Society where my skills and confidence from the Involvement Project has been carried over and used daily. Without the Involvement Project and such a highly dedicated co-ordinator, I would not be in the position I am in today. It has made a huge difference in my life. I see it as the road to recovery for the next chapter in my life.’ Gareth Lewis, Alzheimer’s Society

Time Out for Involvement Event March 2015:

This engagement session was well attended by 15 service users and carers, 7 CMHT staff, Cwm Taf UHB, New Horizons and Interlink. We celebrated the involvement of people in mental health services, identified examples of meaningful involvement and joint priorities for the next 12 months such as: • The development of a peer mentoring role for Service Users • The need to capturing people’s experiences of Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment services in Cwm Taf. 20

Mental Health Development Fantastic Forum

The Cwm Taf Mental Health Forum brings together the voluntary sector and other interested partners to work together to improve services. There were 4 meetings this year helping to connect the voluntary sector, including regular funding updates, information sharing and presentations on service changes and newly funded projects and Consortia working with the Wales Coop Centre has supported members of the Forum to consider working as a consortia to develop a mental health and well-being hub. ‘The forum keeps me well informed about what’s going on locally, my organisation has a stronger voice via this network.’ Forum member

Living with Schizophrenia

World Mental Health Day ‘Living with Schizophrenia’ event was organised in Merthyr in October 2014 giving members of the public the opportunity to discuss their concerns about mental health and challenge some of the stereotypes people hold particularly around Schizophrenia. The event was a great success with 350 members of the public attending and around 90 community organisations holding stalls, giving advice, guidance and signposting people to relevant services. Merthyr Tydfil Mayor Councillor Brian Mansbrige spoke about the importance of the event and World Mental Health Day in challenging stigma and raising public awareness.

Wellbeing set to improve in Llanharan through peer support

An eight week Depression Busting Course was delivered with 13 participants. Since it started in February 2015, people have reported feeling less isolated, more confident and improved well-being. There was an interest in people coming together and they have formed a new peer support group in Llanharan this developing a new group called Silver Linings and securing funding of £500 from the Interlink Community Development Fund.

‘This event is always very well organised and goes a long way towards challenging the stigma around mental health in our community.’

Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)

Mental Health First Aid training was provided to 35 people in Cwm Taf. This two day course improves knowledge of mental health issues and conditions, helping people to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone with mental health problems; to respond to various mental health crises and to engage with, support and signpost people to appropriate professional help. MHFA saves and improves lives. Comparisons can be drawn between MHFA and Emergency First Aid. In both cases, members of the public can offer immediate aid and support the person to get appropriate help. 21

Mental Health Development Pioneering a New Approach for Deaf People and Mental Health Services

Interlink are working closely with the British Deaf Association, New Horizons, Cwm Taf University Health Board and Public Health Wales, funding of £5000 was secured for new mental health services to support people who have mental health issues and who are deaf or hard of hearing. The project aims to improve access to health care services, information and advice, advocacy and promote peer support. The project also aims to improve the confidence of deaf and hard of hearing individuals to reduce social isolation and enable them to better self -manage their mental health and wellbeing.

The next strand of the work will see third sector organisations delivering depression busting courses and Mental Health First Aid to deaf clubs, the training will teach these groups to look after their mental wellbeing and self-manage their health issues more effectively, help to improve confidence and reduce isolation. The training provided will have a train the trainer element built in to make sure that the training becomes more accessible to the British Sign Language community. ‘Three quarters of attendees on the course said they learnt skills that they would use at least once a week.’ Focus Group Member

The outcomes for the project to date

New Horizons and Interlink undertook a Survey Monkey of people’s experiences of mental health issues and who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing and had recent experience of accessing primary healthcare, three GP’s volunteered to be part of this pilot, a sensory loss awareness training programme was delivered by Wales Council for Deaf People in collaboration with Vision Impairment Merthyr (VIM) and the British Deaf Association delivered British Sign Language awareness. The training was delivered to primary care staff, out-patients staff and staff from mental health services, 200 staff received training in total. A focus group has been set up with Pontypridd Deaf Club to involve service users in the further development of the pilot project, the first meeting was held in March and discussion led to a number of ideas and actions for the steering group to take forward. Since this work two of the GP’s involved have amended their local registration forms to include questions about communication needs. The project has been working with EPP Co-ordinators in Cwm Taf and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board to develop a programme in British Sign Language.

Isolation to Integration: Tackling Loneliness

We were lucky enough to receive funding to tackle isolation and loneliness amongst older people to: • Listen to Older People - we trained over 40 people to listen to the experiences of older people to better understand their lives and how we could work together to tackle loneliness and isolation. This would help us work together to inform actions to support older people in the community using the experience and knowledge of older people and the third sector. • Research into Loneliness and Isolation - we carried out research report into ‘Isolation to Integration’ and look at services for older people in RCT and informed by the stories collected from older people. We are now planning to develop the Listening Project with older people further and feed the information into a new Older People’s Network which will be coproduced, so getting everyone in the same room to look at and solve the issues older people experience with older people and communities. ‘I burn myself cooking, have no way to label food. Have not had a hot meal in months.’

‘I just hope I won’t fall any more.’

South East Wales Community Economic Development Scheme (SEWCED) Enterprise Fund Gets Results

South East Wales Community Economic Development Fund (SEWCED). This project supports economic development through regeneration, supporting social enterprises through the application process, helping successful enterprises with the delivery of their project including advice and guidance with monitoring their achievements. Meriel Gough delivered the SEWCED project at Interlink and focus was on: • Increasing the economic contribution of the Third Sector • Improving services for communities where gaps can be clearly identified • Develop local networks that engage local communities to find and implement local solutions A large number of enquiries were received this year working with a total 52 new enterprises and the 30 SEWCED funded enterprises in RCT. Meriel provided Enterprises with a wide range of support including: • Business and financial planning • Environmental management and equal opportunity systems • Accessing funding • Legal structures and governance • Monitoring and evaluation Meriel provided opportunities for enterprises to network and to work together. These opportunities included: • Three SEWCED Enterprise Network Events • The provision of a Directory of Enterprise Service in RCT • A collaboration between the third sector, Health, Housing and Communities First to provide a volunteering and befriending scheme in Taf Ely • Three Movers and Shaker of Pontypridd Network Events • A Funding and Advice Event

‘It was great to meet up with you at the event at Coleg Y Cymoedd Nantgarw. The event that you held was well attended and gave everyone an opportunity to showcase their business as well as networking with similar organisations - Well done. Feedback will be very positive I'm sure.’

Electrifying Success of Apprentices

During 2014 toogoodtowaste opened its doors to their first apprentices within their electrical department. The apprentices were supported by John Hill, one of the experienced electrical engineers, and all three were employed through SEWCED funding. Shortly after joining they were welcomed by the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James. Since joining toogoodtowaste Tomos Woods and Regan May have been successful in completing the prestigious 17th Edition Electrical Qualification for which they worked extremely hard to complete the course and the revision needed for the exam alongside their daily role at toogoodtowaste. They are both currently studying for their NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Maintenance at Coleg y Cymoedd, they have also previously studied an extended National Diploma Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

SEWCED is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and the SEWCED Support Service provided under contract through Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

Executive Committee Interlink Trustees April 2014 to March 2015 Jean Harrinton

TEDS

Chair

Pauline Richards

Valleys Kids

Vice Chair

Geoff Bell

Llantrisant and District 50+ Forum

Treasurer

Wendy York

RCT Community Arts (until November 2014)

Kate Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan

Gilfach Goch Community Association

Rhian Dash

Rowan Tree Cancer Care

Stephen Davis

Spectacle Theatre

Lynda Corre

RCT 50+ Forum

Janet Whiteman

New Horizons

Kathryn Williams

Dylans Den (until November 2014)

Ben Treharne-Foose

Big Click (from November 2014)

Louisa Addiscott

Glyncoch Regeneration (from January 2015)

Staff Team Simon James June Williams-Sykes Kath Price Alisa Davies Cara Jordan-Evans Lauren Baker Joanna Markham Ken Moon Meriel Gough Jason Tynan Karen Powell Kelly Daniel Christine Davies Thomas Crockett Sam Griffiths Maria Prosser Sue Phillips Maria Abson Helen Rees Rachel Wyatt Anne Morris Lucy Foster Jenny Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara Jakeway

Chief Executive Finance and Resources Manager Office Manager Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Receptionist/Hospitality Assistant (until March 2015) Development Officer (Enterprising Communities) Development Officer (Social Enterprise) Development Officer (Social Enterprise) Community Coordinator (from July 2014) Community Coordinator (from July 2014) Community Coordinator (from July 2014 to March 2015) Volunteering Development Officer Volunteering Development Officer Wales Volunteering Officer (until April 2014) Children and Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Partnership Development Officer (Hosted by Interlink) Fframwaith Participation and Involvement Officer (Hosted by Interlink) Mental Health Development Officer Mental Health Service User Involvement Officer (Support) (until August 2014) Mental Health Service User Involvement Officer (Development) Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Facilitator Community Voice Participation and Evaluation Officer Making the Connections Development Officer (until January 2015)

Interlink Cleaners

Jackie Willis Rebecca Edwards Claire Willis

Interlink Volunteers

Emily Edwards Lili Piggott Sue Shaddock (until August 2014) Charlotte Taylor (until August 2014) Jessica Folan Josima Quintelier Hannah Davies (until August 2014) Shannon Gerry Nicole Rich Nick John Emma Gillespie Neil Sanders Sian Bowen Deborah Griffin Suzanne Smith Paul Robinson Ryan James Joanne Witham Gemma Jones Dusty Keeney Emma Rogers Scott Russell Chloe Lloyd Sophie Courtier Daniella Friend Silje Nathalie Luvasen Tara Perkins Claire Calder Gemma James Sherrie Morris Elizabeth Trehearn Howells Bethan Roach Kate Lester

Accounts

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2015

2015 £

2014 £

38,064 220,980 259,044

36,427 196,711 233,138

145,121 250,079 395,200

74,745 318,924 393,669

7,364

20,112

Net Current Assets

387,836

373,557

Net Assets

646,880

606,695

Funds Unrestricted Funds

629,429

575,894

17,451

30,801

646,880

606,695

Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Debtors and Prepayments Cash at Bank and in hand Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year

Restricted Funds Total Funds

These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the charitable company. For further information, the full accounts, the independent auditor’s report and the trustees’ annual report should be consulted. Copies of these can be obtained from Interlink, 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road, Upper Boat CF37 5BE Telephone: 01443 846200. To the Members of Interlink In the opinion of the independent auditors, Williams Ross Limited, the summarised accounts given in this document are consistent with the full annual accounts. The independent auditors’ report on the full accounts was unqualified. The full annual accounts were approved by the trustees on 5 November 2015. WILLIAMS ROSS LIMITED Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor, 4 Ynys Bridge Court, Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff, CF15 9SS.

Accounts

Summary Income and Expenditure Account Year ended 31 March 2015

2015 £

2014 £

Gross income from normal continuing operations

1,030,172

1,112,335

Income from non-charitable trading activities

53,873

18,720

5,723

1,436

1,089,768

1,132,491

1,070,975

1,104,350

18,793

28,141

Staff Costs

Other

Depreciation

Total

560,567

478,630

7,280

1,046,477

9,313

15,185

24,498

569,880

493,815

7,280

1,070,975

Investment income Total income of continuing operations Total expenditure of continuing operations

Note

Net income for the year

Note Analysis of resources expended

Support Costs Management and administration expenditure (including governance)

Accounts Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of total recognised Gains and Losses) For the year ended 31 March 2015 2015 Unrestricted Restricted £ £

Total £

2014 Total £

Incoming resources Incoming Resources from Generated Funds: Voluntary Income: Donations and Grants Activities for generating funds: Trading income Bank Interest Investment Income

13,950 53,873 133 5,723

1,000 18,720 223 1,436

362,131

599,230

961,361

946,359

Management Fees Other incoming resources

53,766 962

136,369 28,384

Total Incoming Resources

490,538

599,230 1,089,768 1,132,491

2,847 436,708 12,338 451,893

2,847 4,116 609,769 1,046,477 1,083,939 9,313 21,651 16,295 619,082 1,070,975 1,104,350

Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities: Grants and contracts

Resources Expended Cost of Generating Funds Charitable Activities Governance Costs Total Resources Expended Net Income / (expenditure) for the year before Transfers Transfers between Funds

38,645

(19,852)

18,793

28,141

(6,502)

6,502

32,143

(13,350)

18,793

28,141

Other Recognised Gains Gains/(losses) on investments Realised Unrealised Net movement in funds Opening Resources

615 20,777 53,535 575,894

(13,350) 30,801

615 20,777 40,185 606,695

(203) (406) 27,532 579,163

Funds Carried Forward

629,429

17,451

646,880

606,695 28

Membership 31 March 2015

Membership 12th Pontypridd Scout Group; 1st Aberdare St Fagans Scout Group; 1st Tonyrefail Scout Group;

2 Wish Upon a Star;

1st Beddau Scouts; 1st Llantrisant Scout Group; 1st Pontygwaith Scout Group;

Aberaman Amateur Boxing Club; Aberaman Mortorcycle Club; Aberaman Newydd Tenants Association;

Abercwmboi Community Revival Group; Abercwmboi Environment Group; Abercynon Action Team; Abercynon Community Playgroup; Abercynon RFC; Abercynon Social Hall; Aberdare and District Radio Society; Aberdare Childrens Contact Centre; Aberdare Cricket Club; Aberdare Scribblers; Aberdare Trefoil Guild; Abergorki Community Hall; Abernant Community Interests Group; Access Mondial; Accessible Caring Transport; ACT 1 Theatre Group; Action for Abercynon War Memorial Paddling Pool; Action for Hirwaun (A4H); Action on Hearing Loss Cymru; Active Valleys; ACTS Community Church; ADD-LIB; ADREF LTD; Age Action Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber; Age Concern Cymru; Age Concern Morgannwg; Alexon Way Residents Association; Alison House Youth and Play Project; Alzheimer’s Society; Alzheimer’s Society Merthyr Tydfil Branch; An Open Door; Artis Community; Arts Factory; Aspergers Syndrome Parent Support Group; Ategi; Avon Street Gardening and Allotment Society; Barry Sidings Activity Group; Beddau Library; BETH Beyond Everything Theres Hope; Bethel Methodist Church Gilfach Goch; Bethel Place Residents

Association;

Archery;

Bethlehem

Blossoming

Llantrisant;

Breathe

Easy

Baptist

Buddies;

Boys

Rhondda;

Briars

Church; and

Bipolar

Girls

Bridleways;

Clubs Brighter

UK; Of

Blaenllechau Wales;

Journeys;

Community

Breast

Britannia

Invovlement

Cancer

Street

Care

Watch;

Group;

Balndy

Jenkins

Breast

Feeding

Group

Cymru;

British

Deaf

Association;

British

Heart

Foundation Cymru; British Red Cross; Bronwydd Ladies Bowling Club; Bryn Golau Caergwerlas Tenants and Residents; Brynawel House Alcohol Rehabilitation Residents Quilter's; Valleys;

Centre;

Association;

Bryncynon C.A.S.S.

Community

(Calectoral

Centre;

Stoma

Support);

Cantorion Pontyclun Ladies Choir; Capel Farm Resource Centre; Care

Repair

Rhondda

Cynon

Taff

Ltd;

Bryntirion Cambrian

Graveyard Lakeside

Ltd;

Fund; Cambrian

Capel Salem Tonteg; Capel Soar;

Cartrefi

Cymru;

CASE;

Bryntirion Male

Voice

Tenant Choir;

& Canny

Capel y Tabernacl Cyf; Cardiff Vales and

Castle

Square

United

Reform

Church;

Cemetery Road Tenants and Residents Association; Central Glamorgan Guides; Central Glamorgan Trefoil Guild; Chaplaincy Service at USW; Cherished Heritage; Churches Counselling Service in Wales; Chwarae Plant; Chwarae Teg; CIC (Cynllyn Ieuenctid Y Cymoedd); Cilfynydd Art Society; Cilfynydd Kids Club; Circles Network Wales; Clwb Carco; Clwb Gymdeithasol Cymraeg Cwm Cynon; Clwb y Bont; Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids Club; Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation; Coalfields Regeneration Trust; Coed Ely Community Centre Steering Group; Colorectal and Stoma Support Group; Communities in Partnership; Community Cancer Services; Community Development Cymru; Community Mediation Services RCT; Community Shop; Cor Meibion Morlais; Cor Meibion Pontypridd; Cornerstone Church; Craftyways Society; Creative Cynon; Crime Reduction Initiatives; Crossroads Rhondda Cynon Taff; Cruse Bereavement Care Merthyr Tydfil/Rhondda Cynon Taff; Cwm Clydach Development Trust; Cwm Clydach Outdoor Activity Group; Cwm Cynon Women's Aid; Cwm Gymnastics; Cwm Taff Alzheimer's Society; Cwmaman Health Group; Cwmaman Institute Silver Band; Cwmaman Public Hall and Institute; Cwmbach Choir; Cwmbach Scouts and Guides; Cwmni; Cwmparc Branch National OAP of Wales; Cwmparc Community Association; Cwmparc Out of School Club; Cwmparc Treorchy and Ynyswen Community Regeneration; Cylch; Cylch Meithrin Aberdar; Cylch Meithrin Efail Isaf; Cylch Meithrin Nant Drys; Cylch Meithrin Porth; Cylch Meithrin Thomastown; Cylch Meithrin Tynewydd; Cymdeithas Rhieni y Cymer; Cynon Allotments Association; Cynon Culture; Cynon Taf Community Housing; Cynon Valley Area National OAP's Association of Wales; Cynon Valley Church; Cynon Valley Citizens Advice Bureau; Cynon Valley Crime Prevention Association; Cynon Valley Disabled Club; Cynon Valley First Responder Scheme; Cynon Valley Museum Trust; Cynon Valley Neighbourhood Watch; Cynon Valley PALS; Cynon Valley Vision; Cynon Valley Walkers; Dai Davies Community Centre; Darranlas Residents Association; Dewis Centre for Independent Living; Diabetes Peer Support; Diabetes UK Cymru; Diabetes UK Pontypridd and District; Dig for Health; Disability Wales; Diverse Cymru; Dragon Savers Credit Union; DRIVE;Drugaid (Drink Wise Age Well);Drugaid (Swapa Ltd);Dylan's Den; Dynea Neighbourhood Watch; Early Start; Eating Disorders Wales; Efail Isaf Park Committee; Efail Isaf Village Hall; Elim Cynon Valley Church; Elite Supported Employment Agency Ltd; Ely Valley Junior Football Club; Epilepsy Wales; FADS - A Family Service; Fairbridge Cymru; Fernbank Residents Group; Ferndale and District Boys and Girls Club; Ferndale Court Residents Fund; Ferndale Old Age Pensioners; Ferndale Skate Park; Fernhill (Rhondda) Conservation Group; Fernhill Association of Residents; Fernhill Family Flats; Fernhill Youth Project; Fforest Uchaf Horse & Pony Rehabilitation Centre and Pit Pony Sanctuary;

Fifty Plus Forum; Fifty Plus Forum Cynon; Firebrake Wales; Follow Your Dreams; Footsteps; Forum of Older

People in Cynon Valley; Friday Youth Club; Friends of Butchers Pool; Friends of Caerglas Resource Centre; Friends of Craig yr Hesg Community School; Friends of Four Seasons; Friends of Maesgwyn Special School; Friends of the Animals; Friends of The Rhondda Heritage Park; Friends of Tonteg Community Park; Friends of Tonypandy Primary School; Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park; Friends of Ynyshir Primary School; Friends r Us; Funky Mothers; Gadlys Regeneration Initiative Programme; Garthwen Residents Sheltered Homes; Gatehouse; Gelli Fedi Rise Tennants Association; Gelligaled Bowls Club; Gilfach Goch and Tonyrefail Community First Responders; Gilfach Goch ABC; Gilfach Goch Community Association; Gilfach Goch Welfare OAP Association; Gilfach Goch Youth Committee; Gingerbread; Girlguiding Cymru; Glamorgan Blended Learning; Glamorgan ME Support Group; Glamorgan Mission to the Deaf; Glan Road Neighbourhood Watch; Glancynon Gardening Group; Glasbrook Recreation Committee; Glyn Aman Neighbourhood Watch; Glyncoch Community Centre; Glyntaff Serenades; Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association; Gofal Cymru (Rhondda Cynon Taff); Graig Rhosyn Cleaning Services; Greenhill Allotments Society; Greenlife Society UK; Greenmeadow Riding for the Disabled Group; Greennstream Carpets CIC; Grow Enterprise Wales; Growing; GTFM; Gwalia Care and Support; Gwaunruperra Residents and Community Group; Hafod Care Association Ltd; Hawthorn and Upper Boat Senior Citizens; Headway Cardiff; Heartbeat 95; Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council; Hirwaun Drum Majors; Hirwaun OAP Association; Hirwaun Scout Group; Hirwaun Welfare Football Social Club;

Hirwaun YMCA Youth and Community Centre;

Homestart RCT;

Ilan Diamonds Jazz Band;

Innovate Trust; International Bee Research Association; Journeys; Kung Fu Active Self Defence; Kyber Colts ABC; Laburnum Court Residents Association; Lan Woods Environmental Protection Group; Learning Disability Wales; Lewis Merthyr Band; Li Style (Kung Fu); Library Close Senior Citizens; llamau; Llanfair Uniting Church;

Membership 31 March 2015 Llanharan Community Development Project Ltd; Llanharan OAP Association; Llanharan Recreation Ground Trust; Llanharry and Tylagarw Community Association; Llanilltud Faerdref Crafty Bookworms; Llantrisant ABC; Llantrisant and District 50+ Forum; Llantrisant History Society; Llantrisant Ladies Choir; Llantrisant Sub-Aqua Club; Llantrisant Tennis Club; Llantrisant Fardre Football Club; Llantwit Fardre Football Club; Llantwit Lions Skater Hockey Club; Llety Shenkin Tenants Association; Llwydcoed Band; Llwydcoed Community Centre; Llwynypia Boys and Girls Club; Llys Catwg Residents Association; Lower Trealaw Branch OAP Maes Yr Haf; Made in the Valleys;Maerdy Archives; Maerdy Community Centre; Maerdy Infants Taskforce Environment; Maerdy/Ferndale Tenants and Residents Board; Maes yr Haf Community Centre; Making Minds; Mencap Cymru; Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf; Merthyr and the Valleys Mind; Merthyr Cynon Foodbank; Mid Fach River Care Group; Mid Glamorgan Area Scout Council; Mid Glamorgan Scouts; Mid Rhondda Band; Mid Rhondda Modeling; Minnesingers Male Chorus; Miskin Art; Miskin Regeneration Trust; Mother’s Union; Mountain Ash Golf Club; Mountain Ash YMCA; Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin Rhondda Cynon Taf; Nant-y-Fedw Tenants & Residents; Nantgarw China Works Museum; Nantgarw OAP Association; National Childminding Association; National Council of YMCA's in Wales; NCH Action for Children Penwaun Family Centre; NCH Action for Children Rhondda Family Project; Nebo Chapel; New Horizons; New Life Community Church; Newlink Wales; Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry; Newtown Llantwit Allotment Association; Newydd Housing Association; Nixons Welfare Institute and Social Club; Oasis Church; Ogwr DASH; Old Age Pensioners and Widows Assoc, Treherbert; Old Bridge Photographic Society; Old School Community Centre; Older Peoples Advisory Group; Oxfam Cymru; Parc and Dare Band; Parc Craft Club; Parents Association Llwynypia - Youth Section; Parents Staff Association of Ysgol y Cymer Rhondda; Park Lane Allotment Society; Parkinson's UK Cymru; Penderyn Senior Welfare Committee; Penderyn Sports Association; Penrhiwceiber Community Revival Strategy Group; Penrhiwceiber Institute and Community Society; Penrhiwfer AFC; Penrhys Partnership; Penygraig Boys & Girls Club; Penywaun Community Centre; Penywaun Enterprise Partnership; Penderyn Community Centre; Person to Person Citizen Advocacy; Perthcelyn Community Centre; Phoenix Initiative; Platform Arts; Pontsionnorton PTA; Pontyclun Bosom Pals; Pontyclun Day Centre Steering Group; Pontyclun Football Club; Pontygwaith Community Centre; Pontypridd and District Mencap Society; Pontypridd Canal Conservation Group; Pontypridd Elim Curch; Pontypridd Food Bank; Pontypridd Safety Unit (RCT); Pontypridd South Road Championship Club; Pontypridd Talking News Association; Pontypridd Women's Aid; Pontypridd YMCA; Porth Infants Kids Club; Positive Steps; Prime Cymru; Providence Baptist Church; PS Services; Purple Shoots; Race Equailty Training Wales; Rathbone Cymru; RCT Access Group; RCT Eye to Eye Youth Counselling Service; RCT Homes; RCT Victim Support and Witness Service; RCT Young People First; Recreation Ground Sports Association; Retired Senior Volunteer Programme; Rhigos Kidz n Youth Group; Rhondda 50+ Forum; Rhondda Animal Aid and Cats Protection; Rhondda Apostolic Mission; Rhondda Breast Friends; Rhondda Calligraphy Society; Rhondda Community Credit Union Ltd; Rhondda Community Development Association; Rhondda Community Garden and Enterprise Scheme; Rhondda Cynon Taff Aspergers Syndrome Parent Support Group; Rhondda Cynon Taff District Scout Council; Rhondda Cynon Taff Parent and Carer Network; Rhondda Cynon Taff People First; Rhondda Cynon Taff Tenants and Residents Federation; Rhondda Disabled Riding Group; Rhondda Fach Housebound Club; Rhondda Hearing Impaired Support Group; Rhondda Housing Association; Rhondda Housing Maerdy Tenants Association; Rhondda Indoor Bowls Club; Rhondda Jazz; Rhondda League of Children's Marching Bands; Rhondda Listening Friends; Rhondda Radio; Rhondda Rocket Cheerleading Group; Rhondda Sea Cadets; Rhondda Taff Citizens Advice Bureau; Rhondda Tennis Club; Rhondda Veterans Support Group; Rhondda Volunteer Information Centre; Rhondda Womens Aid; Rhydfelin Community Woodland Group; Rhydyfelin AFC; Rhydyfelin Methodist Church; RJD Archers; RNIB Cymru; Rotary Club of Rhondda; Rowan Tree Cancer Care; Royal British Legion Ynyshir Branch; Salem English Baptist Chapel; Salvation Army TEENS Project; Save the Children Cynon Valley; Scope Cymru; Seion Baptist Chapel Maerdy; Showcase; SNAP Cymru; Soar Chapel Ladies Guild; SOVA; Spare Rib; Speakeasy Advice Centre; Spectacle Theatre; Sporting Marvels; Springfield Social Club; SSAFA (Aberdare); SSAFA (Mid Glam); St Barnabas Church, Penygraig; St Catherines Church, Pontypridd; St Davids Foundation; St Davids Uniting Church; St Dyfrig’s Catholic Church; St John Ambulance; St Matthews Church; Stanley Football Club; Summers Tennants Association; Sunday Funday Gang; Surf Lifesaving Association of Wales; Sweet Success; Taff Ely 50+ Forum; Taff Ely Crime Prevention; Taff Ely Neighbourhood Watch Association; Taffs Well and Nantgarw Community Development Association; Taffs Well Breastfeeding Support Group; Taffs Well Community Garden; Taffs Well Village Hall; Talbot Green Playgroup; Tanglewood; TEDS; Telecentre and Business School Ltd; The Ark Youth and Community Project; The Big Issue Cymru Ltd; The Boilerhouse Project Ltd; The Down's Syndrome Association; The Dylan O’Brien Foundation; The Furniture Revival; The Heritage Singers; The Phoenix Singers; The Prince's Trust Cymru; The Strategy; The Vibes Foundry Brass Band; The WAK Club; The Willows Centre; Tim Powell: Embrace Councelling; Time Out Group; Ton and Gelli Boys and Girls Club; Ton Pentre Recreation Association; Tonteg Senior Citizens Association; Tonypandy and Llwynypia OAP Group; Tonypandy Albion Football Club; Tonyrefail ABC; Tonyrefail History and Folklore Society; Tonyrefail Homing Society; Tonyrefail Information and Advice Scheme TIAS; Tonyrefail Ladies Choir; Tonyrefail Welfare Football Club; Too Good To Waste; Total Care Support Solutions Community Interest Company; TraVol Community Transport; Trealaw Village Trust Ltd; Trebanog Older Peoples Group; Trecynon Institute; Treforest Community Voluntary Group; Treforest Day Nursery; Treforest Old Age Pensioners Association; Treforest Residents Assocation; Treforest Wholesome Food Association; Trehafod Community Village Hall; Treherbert Quilting Group; Treherbert Rugby Club; Treorchy Senior Citizens Club; Treorchy Women's Institute; Trerhondda Arts Factory Stay and Play; Ty Rhiw Restoration Fund; Ty Rhondda-Young Single Homeless Project; Tylorstown Communities First; Tylorwstown Welface Hall;Ultimate Stage Company; Unity Cymru; Upper Rhondda Brass Band; Urdd Gobaith Cymru; Valley and Vale Community Arts; Valley of Hope; Valleys Golf; Valleys Kids; Valleys Regional Equalities Council; Valleys Womens Ethnic Minority Support Group; Village & Valleys Community Transport; Vision 21 (Cyfle Cymru); Viva Project; Wales Council for Deaf People; Wales PPA; Welcome to our Woods; Welfare Hall & Institute; Welsh Hearts; Welsh Perry and Cider Society; Woodland Work Group; Womens Royal Voluntary Service; Workers' Educational Association; World of Words; Ynyshir and Wattstown Boys and Youth Club; Ynyshir Welfare Band; Ynyslwyd Allotment Society; Ynyswen Senior Citizens Club; Ynyswen Welfare Institute; Ynysybwl Community Centre; Ynysybwl Enterprise Programme; Ynysybwl Ladies Choir; Ynysybwl Old Age Pensioners Association; Ynysybwl RFC; Young at Heart Thursday Club; Young Ones Parent & Toddler Group; Your Pets Warehouse; Ysgol Feithrin Pontyclun; Ysgol Feithrin Ynysybwl; Ystrad Boys and Girls Club; Ystrad Old Age Pensioners Association; Ystradyfodwg Art Society; Zoom Cymru

Get In Touch For further information on Interlinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and membership details, visit: www.interlinkrct.org.uk www.facebook.com www.twitter.com/interlinkrct Contact us on 01443 846200 Fax No. 01443 844843 E.mail: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Interlink, 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road, Upper Boat CF37 5BE Registered Charity No: 1141143 Company Limited by Guarantee No: 07549533