Issue 69 Spring 2016
‘The Big Thank You’
Volunteers Week 1-10 June
Interlink’s newsletter for community groups and voluntary organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Introduction Interlink News
Welcome ..... to the Spring edition of Interlink’s Newsletter. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please send your articles, information or advertisements by: 22 July 2016 to Cara Jordan-Evans
cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: 2 3 4 5
Introduction Staff News Volunteers Week Older Person’s Listening Project Young People
6 7 8
Volunteers Stories Volunteering Opportunities Volunteers Stories Valleys Steps Digital Volunteers Local Events Community Voice Volunteer Training UNA Exchange Training/Events
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Our address: 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road Upper Boat, Pontypridd CF37 5BE Tel number: 01443 846200 Fax: 01443 844843 Email: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Website: www.interlinkrct.org.uk Office opening times are: Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
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‘The Big Thank You’ Welcome to the volunteering edition of the Community Link, and there will be lots of opportunities to celebrate the contributions made by our volunteers in the coming months. For Volunteers Week 1-10 June, Interlink has chosen the theme ‘The Big Thank You’ and we’re inviting local organisations to host coffee mornings or other events as a way of thanking their volunteers and showing how much they value them. One event to look forward to is at the Connect Café in St Catherine’s Church, Pontypridd on Thursday 9 June. Howard Griffiths, a long-serving volunteer DJ at Rhydyfelin-based community radio station GTFM, will be playing music from 12.30pm - 2.00pm. Local volunteers are invited to go along on the day and enjoy a cuppa, cake and informal get-together. Interlink’s youth-led grant scheme for projects run by volunteers aged 16-25, funded by the Welsh Government’s Gwirvol programme, has helped more than a dozen groups over the past year. The successful projects will be showcased at a Vol Factor Event at Fernhill Community Centre on the evening of Thursday 2 June. Volunteer managers from a wide range of organisations have benefited from training from Interlink over the past few months. Participants gave positive feedback and we are pleased to be able to offer more of these sessions later in the year. One participant said; ‘It was a very well presented and informative course, highly enjoyable and interesting, it was relaxed and friendly but with good structure.’ And finally, some more good news. Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, has agreed to extend the funding for the provision of WCVA Criminal Records Unit services until 30 September this year.
Steph McNicholas, Volunteer Press Officer
Steph has been volunteering as a press officer at Interlink since June 2015. After being made redundant from her job as a press officer, she was looking for opportunities to use her writing skills and help others. Steph writes press releases and other articles for Interlink RCT and its partner organisations. Her stories have been covered by the local press and radio over the past year. Steph said; ‘I am so pleased to be able to help publicise the work of Interlink and the many organisations it supports, I’ve written about voluntary groups and charities many times over the years, but I now have a much better understanding of volunteering and how rewarding it is.’ If your organisation has a story you would like to share, contact Steph at volunteering@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200
Staff News
Farewell to Maria James
(formerly Prosser) Maria has been based with Interlink for over 8 years and was committed to helping us to engage the sector in the planning and delivery of services for children, young people and families. Part of the Fframwaith Team, Maria had a key role in championing the role of the third sector within programmes such as Canopi and Team Around the Family. Maria is very passionate about our communities and you often saw steam coming out of her ears in planning meetings when she thought people in the community were being short-changed. She excelled at delivering training including safeguarding and sexual health training - Maria was also successful in become a NIACE Tutor of the Year Award for her efforts. We will miss her, but we are very lucky her knowledge and skills will be retained within the Sector, taking up a role with Merthyr and the Valleys Mind.
A huge welcome to Brandon Allsopp
At the beginning of January Brandon joined the Volunteer Centre team as a full time administrator, via the Jobs Growth Wales fund.
Having previous experience of admin work in DWP, Mines Rescue and Careers Wales made him our ideal candidate and his pleasant manner has helped him to settle in quickly within both the Interlink Support Team and the Volunteer Centre Team alike. After just a few days in post, Brandon was able to use his IT skills to help with monitoring and volunteer feed-back, making him a valuable member of the team.
Goodbye and Best Wishes to June June Williams-Sykes, Finance and Resources Manger joined Interlink (previously MGAVO) in 1988 as Office Secretary, starting off in a small office in Pontypridd. Since the beginning of Interlink June has seen many changes as the organisation has evolved, with staff numbers increasing and moving premises in 2009. Over the last 28 years June has been a valued member of staff who has continued to support staff and member organisations in financial matters. Her knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed by staff and trustees and we wish her well in her future endeavours.
Welcome to Bethan Smith In January, Bethan Smith joined Interlink as the Community Action Researcher, funded by the Rank Foundation to facilitate Participatory Action Research projects on behalf of Interlink. For more information about the project take a look at page 5. Contact Bethan on 01443 846200 or email: bsmith@interlinkrct.org.uk
Welcome to Rebecca Evans Welcome to Rebecca Evans who joined Interlink in April as the Rhondda Volunteer Worker, funded by the Rhondda Trust Fund. Her role will be working with partners to develop volunteering in the Rhondda, matching what young people would like to do with what community and voluntary groups can offer. Rebecca will be in touch with some of you soon but if you would like more information contact her on 01443 846200 or email: revans@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 3
Volunteers Week
Do You Want Help with Volunteers Week?
‘The Big Thank You’ is coming to RCT in Volunteers Week 1 - 10 June Volunteers Week will take place this year from 1 - 10 June 2016 and Interlink are inviting you to get involved by saying a ‘Big Thank You’ to all the volunteers in RCT. The ‘Thank You’ could take any form, big or small. Some ideas from groups include staff serving their volunteers coffee and cake, handing out ‘Thank You’ certificates and giving volunteers vouchers and one group is just taking time out to say thank you. Are you already planning an event that could take place in Volunteers Week? Let us know. It doesn’t matter what you do, just as long as your volunteers get another chance to know how much you value them.
Interlink want to help!
The Interlink staff team want to get involved and help out, just let us know how we can - this could be before, during or after an event. We can help with ideas, promoting your event, presentations, printing certificates, volunteers and fundraising.
What can you offer?
We want this to be an opportunity for the whole voluntary sector in RCT to celebrate volunteering. We want to hear if you can help take part in ‘Big Thank You’ events and activities - with music, dance or to support the ‘Big Thank You’. Contact Kath on kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk or 01443 846200. We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits In December 2015, Elite Supported Employment Agency commenced an exciting new project to bring together disabled jobseekers and volunteer mentors. The Equality Mentoring Project, funded by WCVA, the Volunteer in Wales fund aims to extend our recruitment of volunteer mentors, from all walks of life to improve their skills and experience through participation in a programme of specific training and community opportunities that enables the provision of mentor support to Elite’s disabled job seekers. The benefits of volunteering are enormous, not only to the volunteer but also the jobseeker and the community. This was the case for Mike, who applied to become a volunteer mentor at Elite in January 2016. Mike recently retired following his busy career as an engineer. He wanted to stay active and also make a real difference to people’s lives in the community. Elite’s volunteer mentors receive extensive training to equip them with the skills for their role. ‘In my short time with Elite I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and enjoyed being able to mentor people.’ said Mike.
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In addition to the programme of training, other requirements of our volunteer mentors is passion, commitment and positivity. Mike demonstrated these attributes during his time providing mentor support to our disabled jobseekers working at Elite’s Social Enterprise - Elite Paper Solutions - in Merthyr Tydfil.
Mike’s input has enabled him to see first-hand the difference he can make to people’s lives, which included increased confidence, self-esteem, development of workplace skills, increased pace and productivity. This shows that volunteering can be both rewarding and satisfying.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities at Elite, please contact Janet Hyatt by email: jhyatt@elitesea.co.uk or call 01443 226664
Older Person’s Listening Project
Safe Families for Children Wales Safe Families for Children Wales is a charity which recruits, trains and supports volunteers who work alongside families facing challenging circumstances. Unexpected crisis can hit any family, whether that’s through illness, unemployment, debt or losing a home. That’s where Safe Families for Children steps in. We offer families support, at no cost, that fits their own situation, such as looking after a child for a few days or up to a couple of weeks or becoming a Family Friend and regularly visiting a struggling mum or dad.
Thanks to start-up funding we have been able to set up the charity, build a small team of staff and volunteers, and connect with different agencies. A 2 year contract with Cardiff local authority has just begun and we look forward to engaging with more local authorities over coming months. Our aim is to support these families while also reducing the number of children entering the care system.
Families are referred to us from local authorities, doctors, churches or can come and ask for help direct. For more information contact Helen Carr, Office Manager/RAC at Safe Families for Children Wales on 029 2166 0888 www.safefamiliesforchildren.com/wales
Bethan Smith, Community Action Researcher. Bethan has been funded by the Rank foundation to facilitate Participatory Action Research projects on behalf of Interlink. Bethan is particularly interested in making research and its findings accessible to everyone and can offer research advice for local groups and organisations. For more information contact Bethan on 01443 846200 or email: bsmith@interlinkrct.org.uk
Volunteer with the Older Persons Listening Project
Since hosting a volunteer Listening Project Training day in January, the Listening Project has collected well over 100 in-depth stories (and counting!) about what it is like to be over 50 and living in Cwm Taf.
The Listening Project is an action research project that has involved over 40 volunteer listeners ranging from local individuals to staff from over 25 organisations; from the third sector, Public Health, housing and County Borough Councils. Everyone involved shared the common belief that older people are highly valuable members of our communities, with experiences and knowledge that should be listened to and shared. However, it has been raised that a lot of older people in our communities are often subject to loneliness and isolation.
The Listening Project has been engaging with over 50’s and recording their experiences using a tool called SenseMaker®. Unlike traditional consultation SenseMaker® is used to capture and make sense of what matters most to people, making research about people not statistics; whilst still generating strong evidence to support and guide the work of the third sector.
We need Volunteer Collectors
The Listening Project is ongoing and always looking for new volunteers and organisations to get involved. Using the stories collected I am in the process of collating the findings which will be shared at the upcoming Older Persons Network event on 18 May. From the findings, Interlink and its partners will seek to take positive action based upon what the community has told us.
If you would like more information on the project or to get involved please contact Bethan at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: bsmith@interlinkrct.org.uk
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Young People Thomas Crockett, Youth Volunteering Officer. As the local GwirVol Advisor I promote volunteering to 16-25 year olds in Rhondda Cynon Taf, though I am happy to speak with over 25’s too! I am currently working on a partnership with the University of South Wales and are looking for volunteer placements for their students, so if you wish to recruit young volunteers, or are trying to develop a project with young people, please give me a call on 01443 846200 or 846229 email: tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk
Interlink’s Youth Led Grant Scheme Doubles its Money to fund 13 Projects Interlink RCT’s youth-led grant scheme titled ‘The Vol Factor’ offers grant support to projects involving 16-25 year-old volunteers in Rhondda Cynon Taf and is funded via the Welsh Government’s Gwirvol programme. Interlink’s Youth Led Grant Panel allocated their initial £4,000 fund to seven projects back in October, namely: RCT People First - Rock Week Aberdare Valley Association Football League - Junior Development Centre Spectacle Theatre - Bullying Behaviour Unity Theatre - Hansel and Gretel Community Pantomime Fernhill Youth Project - Healthy Eating Sessions Menter Iaith - Gweithdai DJ Menter Iaith - Dosbarthiadau Ffitrwydd The Panel then pulled down an additional £4,400 of underspent money from the WCVA in January 2016, to fund an additional six projects. To put the achievement into context almost a quarter of the national underspend of £18,000 was earmarked for projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which means great news for the following projects in RCT: Spectacle Theatre - Community Voice Conference Avant Theatre - Theatre Production in Tonyrefail Active Valleys - Glowminton Project Hirwaun YMCA - Gym Buddies Dynamic Young Communities - Young Peoples Steering Group Showcase Theatre - Pantomime Production
Why don’t you apply for the next grant? The successful projects will be showcased at a Vol Factor Celebration Evening in Volunteers Week, June 2016, when the Panel will hopefully be in a position to launch next year’s fund.
Thomas Crockett, Interlink’s Youth Volunteering Advisor said; ‘The Panel were disappointed to see their grant fund cut last year but they ended up funding a fantastic number of projects. RCT is lucky to have such a dedicated young team of panellists who do such a good job of advocating for youth projects in the area.’ Current Panel Member are, Gareth Morgans (Ferndale Community Shop), Neil Sanders (Ynyshir Youth Project) and Sam Taylor (RCT People First). We were delighted to welcome new members Kari Jones of Unity Theatre, and Ryan Davies of Aberdare Valleys AFL to the Panel in February 2016, along with a cohort of young volunteers from the Fernhill Youth Project who will provide support by marketing next year’s grant scheme. The new Volunteers were recruited following a vibrant Vol Factor Consultation Evening held in November 2015, which was attended by 25 different participants with representatives from the Vol Factor Panel, Glyncoch Community Regeneration, the Fernhill Youth Project, Aberdare Valley AFL, Unity Theatre, RCT People First and Interlink.
For more information contact Thomas at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 6
Volunteers Stories
Volunteering with Headway - Lucy Elston Student Lucy Elston said the experience she has gained by volunteering with the organisation Headway has been ‘priceless’.
‘It helped to meet the co-ordinator Nia there and then, and I went on to have an informal interview before starting.’ said Lucy.
Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. It provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields.
Staff at Headway made her feel very welcome, and she has gained experience and confidence from her volunteering role.
Lucy, who is studying Sociology in the University of South Wales, completed 50 hours of volunteering with Headway and over those six months saw the difference in its clients.
For some sessions Lucy went with a friend, but on others she was with a support worker. They helped with activities like rock climbing, table tennis and visited Big Pit.
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.’
‘Helping a service user in a wheelchair into a rock climbing harness was so inspiring. I came home feeling so lucky to have that placement.’ she said.
Lucy attended a talk by Interlink Volunteering Development Officer, Thomas Crockett as part of her Sociology/Psychology course and signed up with Headway at a volunteering fair.
Lucy would like to work in Behaviour Analysis and Therapies, so is hoping to volunteer next with autistic children. For more information contact Thomas Crockett on 01443 846200 or email: tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk
Volunteering with Active Valleys - Hannah Bevan Proving she was a good sport in her first year in university, Hannah Bevan took on a volunteering opportunity which she knew would last for three years. Hannah started as Women and Girls Project Officer with Active Valleys in a role commissioned by Sport RCT. Active Valleys is a student-run enterprise which specialises in sustainable, inclusive community sport and Hannah’s goal was to deliver three new women’s sport sessions.
‘Volunteering with Active Valleys has particularly helped because of their links with so many partner organisations and in my current role, I have been in contact with non-sporting networks, too. My volunteering started off as a hobby and will hopefully now develop into a career.’ She said. Hannah says her volunteering role is rewarding and she plans to join the board of Active Valleys.
In her second year, she was Delivery Manager, which was more of a mentoring role to Project Officer, and She said the support received from her university in her third year she became Business Manager. lecturer, Hannah Mawson, was important to her, and Hannah has also managed to fit in volunteering at she would now like to use her experience to support Golf Development Wales, Disability Sport Wales, those wanting to get into volunteering and engage Sport RCT and Rhondda Ladies Hockey Club during with sporting organisations at all levels. her time at the University of South Wales. For more information on Active Valleys go to www.activevalleys.com Page 7
Volunteering Opportunities Christine Davies, Volunteering Development Officer. My role involves supporting voluntary organisations in RCT to develop quality volunteer management practices, which links in perfectly with my role as an Investing in Volunteers Assessor and Advisor. I also support voluntary organisations by publicising volunteering and sign posting potential volunteers to appropriate organisations. One method of publicising volunteering that I particularly enjoy is organising activities during Volunteers Week. Contact Christine Davies on 01443 846200 or 846205 or email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk
Volunteering Opportunities Here at Interlink we help support many different organisations, which have a diverse range of volunteering opportunities. These are some we found that stand out from the crowd. For all the latest volunteering opportunities visit ww.volunteering-wales.net/ RSPB Cymru - Vote for Bob Campaigner The RSPB Cymru is looking for a volunteer to take part in the 'Vote for Bob' campaign in Wales. They want you to help them engage with the public and encourage them to take a simple action to demonstrate their support for nature and ask their candidates standing in the elections to respond to this by 'Voting for Bob.’ Bob is the red squirrel who fronts the campaign and throughout the campaign will be making brief, fun observations about nature and how great it is! Find out more and get involved at www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunity/21331/ British Red Cross - Casualty Simulation Volunteer The British Red Cross are looking for a volunteer to act out certain casualty situations at their training sessions in order to enable those learning first aid to 'treat' you, which can help boost their confidence and competence in a first aid emergency. The volunteering mostly takes place at weekends, and you may be required on consecutive days. Find out more and get involved at www.volunteering-wales. net/opportunity/20682/ Ageing Well - Nordic Walking Volunteer Age Cymru are looking for volunteers to be trained as Nordic Walking Instructors and Walk Leaders. This will involve the delivery of Nordic Walking courses, taster sessions and regular Nordic Walks across Wales. Find out more and get involved at www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunity/11967/ Page 8
Are you looking for a new Trustee? Ruth Tofton a HR consultant with 20 years of experience in the Public and Private sector is looking for a voluntary opportunity in the Third Sector. She also has experience with Learning and Developing staff and has facilitated many workshops. If your Executive Committee could be strengthened by Ruth’s HR skills contact me, Chris Davies on cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk and I’ll send a list of interested organisations to Ruth, for her to consider. Efail Isaf Village Hall Committee are looking for a new Treasurer and Committee members to join their committee. Anyone who has the skills and enthusiasm with a couple of hours free time a week who is interested please contact jeanssarah@hotmail.com or 07760882240. Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery are looking for a Treasurer and other Trustees. The Cynon Valley Museum Trust is a charity preparing to reopen the iconic, accredited venue in 2016. Main meetings are held once a month on a Thursday evening at the Museum. For more information please contact Dinah Pye on 01685 813318 or send CV’s to dp.ams@sky.com Tylorstown Welfare Hall - The last remaining Miners’ Institute in the Rhondda Fach is actively recruiting Trustees and is keen to hear from any interested parties! Trustee meetings take place once a month. Contact Rebecca Sullivan on 01443 730534 or email: rebecca.tylorstown@gmail.com
Volunteers Stories
Peer Mentoring with Interlink - Sherrie Morris Sherrie had always worked in offices but when her husband became ill, she gave up work to become his full-time carer. Through helping her husband, she realised she would also like to help others and originally considered youth work. ‘I wanted to be out and about in the community, meeting new people and I knew I wanted to support people who needed a little extra help and make a difference to them.’ she said. Sherrie heard about the Volunteer Centre at Interlink through her husband’s connections at the organisation and met Volunteer Officer Chris Davies. Chris told her about the Peer Mentor service that supports people having difficulty getting into a voluntary group to successfully bridge the gap and from their first meeting, Sherrie knew Peer Mentoring was what she’d been looking for.
Sherrie attended training, signed up as a Peer Mentor and was introduced to an adult with learning difficulties. ‘I’ve learnt a lot since then, I now have a better understanding of Karen’s* (name changed to protect identity) life and how her condition affects her. I’ve learnt that working with adults with learning difficulties needs patience and understanding. I’ve benefitted by seeing Karen happier and more confident. It’s a lovely feeling to know that I achieved that.’ Karen now volunteers at a local food bank and after just two weeks of getting settled in, she was willing to attend alone. Sherrie, who received support from Development Officer Chris whenever she needed it, is now moving on and wonders who she will support next and what challenges there will be. Sherrie says she has achieved what she set out to do and Karen is happy in her volunteering opportunity.
For more information about Peer Mentoring contact Chris on 01443 846200 or email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk
Goodbye and Thank you Nick It’s with a heavy heart we have to say goodbye to Nick John after more than 18 months volunteering as a Volunteer Centre Administrator, Nick has decided to move on. Most of you will know him by his amazing Twitter contributions, which were always topical and amusing. Nick said; ‘That after much deliberation I have come to the tough decision to leave my volunteer role at Interlink RCT. I would like to thank Christine personally and two-fold, first for her initial help back at Tydfil Training some year and eight months ago in arranging the opportunity and secondly for all her help, encouragement and support during my time with Interlink. I am sure that my time with Interlink has buoyed my confidence and reinstilled some of my initial and sadly lost enthusiasm for job searching.
As well as refreshing my skills-sets, I have learned so much (especially about Social Media) and would not change my time with Interlink
for anything.
A big, 'Thank You!' has to go out to the entire office - by far the most fun, friendly and character-filled that I have ever had the pleasure to work with and I only hope the best for Cara, Alisa, Kath, Karen, Jason, Meriel, June and Chris and I should imagine you'll see me again in the future. Thank you everyone for being so welcoming, friendly and making me feel so at home so completely and quickly.’ Simon James, CEO at Interlink said; ‘Losing Nick will be a loss, but what a fantastic contribution he has made.’ Page 9
Valleys Steps
Valleys Steps Did you know that volunteering can have a major impact on health and wellbeing? Many of the incredible volunteers we see each day have seen their mental wellbeing drastically improve as a result of getting involved in their community and supporting local charities. But it is not the only way with Valleys Steps also providing an opportunity to reduce stress and anxiety. Valleys Steps has been set up to help the people of Cwm Taf find the right information at the right time when they want or need to do something about difficuties in their everyday lives.
What is Mindfulness?
• Many people have been taught ways of relaxing their bodies, mindfulness can be seen as a way of relaxing your mind. • The practice of mindfulness comes originally from Buddhism and is thousands of years old. • It is a way of being that can helpfully be adapted to everyday life in our world without having any religious implications. • It has been introduced into healthcare over the past thirty years or so.
The main courses run are Stress Control and Mindfulness. Both are 6 week courses and each session lasts about one and a half hours. Everyone is welcome, you can bring someone with you if you like. Our courses are not designed specifically to help with any one particular problem. They are aimed at helping you to understand more about yourself and how you can start to make positive changes.
‘I thought the course was excellent and very professional. The presenter really understood the effects of stress on a person rather than just someone telling you about stress.’
‘The course made me feel calm and relaxed and taught me to understand my thoughts and view of the world and maybe how I can control them.’
Stress Control
Stress Control is a class that aims to turn you into your own therapist by teaching you a range of skills you can use to fight back against stress and similar problems. It is for people who want to learn some ways to control common problems such as stress, anxiety, low mood, panic, poor sleep, burnout, loss of confidence or low self-esteem. It is based on a therapy called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). The course was devised nearly 30 years ago and has been used all over the country.
What is different about the Valleys Steps Mindfulness Course? The Mindfulness Course delivered by Valleys Steps is about much more than meditation. It teaches skills for a way of being in everyday life that, once learnt, will always be there. There is a therapeutic approach known as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). At Valleys Steps our Mindfulness Course contains elements of ACT.
To find out more about the course content and timetabling visit www.valleyssteps.org or call 01443 803048 or email: info@valleyssteps.org Page 10
Digital Volunteers
Digital Volunteers – could your organisation benefit from volunteers available now The Wales Co-operative Centre in partnership with WCVA delivers a Welsh Government project, ‘Digital Communities Wales’ that provides support to organisations that are working with digitally excluded groups, particularly older people, people with disabilities, unemployed people, social housing tenants and families in poverty.
Digital Communities Wales has now recruited over 100 digital volunteers across Wales that are keen to work with organisations that make a difference in their communities. Our aim is to recruit and place 500 volunteers this year. We are looking for organisations to work with the digital volunteers that are being recruited through the campaign.
Digital Communities Wales is here to help your organisation. With 21 per cent of adults in Wales still not online many are missing out on opportunities to save money, look for work, find information, keep in touch with family, learn new skills and access important services. They may already be coping with issues such as isolation, poverty or unemployment – issues which are made worse by not being online.
• Could your organisation benefit from having a digital volunteer? • Could a digital volunteer support the individuals your organisation works with to help them start using digital technology? • Could a digital volunteer enhance your organisations on-line engagement?
If you would like to find out more please email: digitalvolunteering@wales.coop or send a tweet to @DC_Wales with the hashtag #digivolunteerwales or visit www.digitalcommunities.gov.wales
Volunteer run community hubs get £1.7 million facelift The Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme provides capital grant funding to develop and improve community facilities which provide a range of activities and services for local people. Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, announced the latest projects set to receive a facelift thanks to the scheme: New Life Community Church in Tonyrefail, RCT, will receive £300,000 to refurbish and extend the current building. The popular community facility, which runs debt advice sessions, support for veterans, and a youth club, is set to benefit from a two storey extension and new kitchen and toilet facilities. Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said; ‘These projects are the beating heart of their communities, providing a huge range of services and support to local people. The funding will support the renovation of existing premises or development of new facilities and will enable the projects to expand their work further, throwing open their doors to more people in the local community.’
Too Good to Waste, a successful recycling and re-use social enterprise in Ynyshir, RCT, have been awarded £201,741 to help purchase and refurbish an industrial unit next to their existing base. This will allow the organisation to refurbish and store more stock, as well as to provide more training and volunteering opportunities to the local community. ‘There will be even more exciting activities run by volunteers in RCT with some brilliant organisations getting the funding they deserve. It is great to see after a lot of support work from Interlink with Trecynon Free Library and Institute and New Life Community Church in Tonyrefail in particular. Well done you guys!’ Simon James, Chief Executive at Interlink Trecynon Free Library and Institute, a busy community hub in Aberdare, RCT, has been awarded £59,000 to refurbish and insulate its main hall, boosting the number of users from 600 to 900 per week.
Please email your completed expressions of interest to: communityfacilitiesproghelp@wales.gsi.gov.uk. Applications can be submitted at any time. Page 11
Local Events
Festyrefail - Let’s Revel in the Stories of Tonyrefail Local production company Avant are organising a community festival in Tonyrefail on the 8 and 9 July. The aim is to engage with the people of Tonyrefail through stories by going into schools, care homes working with vulnerable groups. The aim is to produce 10 minute plays, music, dance and artwork which will be showcased around Tonyrefail, including the Savoy Theatre. The general public can get involved in the writers cafes, that will be hosting story telling cafes with script writers the week of the 25 April where locals can tell their stories to professional playwrights who will turn the stories into 10 minute plays, music pieces and dances. On the 8 and 9 July the Leisure Centre will hold a soft play area, the bridal shop will be performing ballroom, the working mens clubs will have galleries, comedy nights and bands, the theatre will be hosting shows and the crispy cod will be hosting community art on a post card. If you are a community group, have a venue available or can help out with funds and would like to be involved please contact Rachel Pedley- Miller on 07834402953 www.avant-ton.wix.com/avant-tonyrefail www.facebook.com/Avant-Tonyrefail-106327123043238
Parti Ponty Volunteers Wanted!
Ynysangharad Park - 16 July 2016 Menter Iaith are looking for volunteers for their fantastic event Parti Ponty 2016 which will be held on Saturday 16 July at Ynysangharad Park, Pontpridd 10.00am - 7.00pm.
Refugee Week 20 - 26 June!
The Refugee resettlement support group Valleys of Sanctuary are planning a Cwm Taf event for Refugee week 20 - 26 June, time, date and venue to be confirmed.
They will have varied roles suitable for every individual. As this is a Welsh language event they kindly ask that all volunteers working on the day are Welsh speaking.
As part of this the group would like to hear from others who are planning events in the run up to, during and after refugee week so that they can help promote and support across the Taff Ely area.
For more information call 01443 407570 or email: catrinreynolds@menteriaith.cymru
Contact kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200.
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Community Voice Volunteers enjoy themselves at the Community Voice Senedd Event On 11 February 2016, the Community Voice Project RCT held a Celebration event at the Senedd building, Cardiff Bay. Leighton Andrews AM sponsored the event which saw 52 people attend. All project staff invited key participants and providers that they had worked with over the last three years, to give thanks to all the hard work completed.
The Community Voice project has entered its final year with some projects ending in May 2016.
The aim of the day was to celebrate successes and give the people a voice on a national stage. There were Awards given out, workshops and networking opportunities. Young people from Tonypandy Community College had the chance to ask Leighton Andrews some key questions such as ‘Do you feel that you listen to the people?’ in which he replied ‘Yes I do. Everyone has a voice and should have the chance to discuss what affects them.’
Lucy Foster, Participation and Evaluation Officer said; ‘The Lottery is very pleased with the work we have achieved to date. All 8 projects have made an impact on their communities and surrounding areas and now we are concentrating on leaving a legacy for Voice.’ Interlink would like to thank Leighton Andrews AM for sponsoring such a wonderful event and the Consortia for their great work to date.
One young person said; ‘I have never been to the Senedd before and it’s been so nice to meet other people from the different community voice projects.‘
One winner of the ‘Voice Champion Award,’ Viv said; ‘I’ve had such a lovely day. I feel famous. I’m on the front of the Community Voice newsletter, won an award and had my photos taken. This kind of thing doesn’t usually happen to me.’
For more information about Community Voice, contact Lucy Foster at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: lfoster@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 13
Volunteer Training Welcome to Small Charity Week held 13 -18 June! Small Charity Week celebrates and raises awareness of the essential work of the UK’s small charity sector who make an invaluable contribution to the lives of millions of individuals, communities and causes across the UK and the rest of the world. Small Charity Week is brought to you by the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI), who with the support of partner organisations ensure the work of small charities is recognised and celebrated. Volunteering day will be held on 17 June, visit www.smallcharityweek.com/ volunteering-day For more information visit www.smallcharityweek.com or contact info@smallcharityweek.com
Volunteer Training ‘A very well presented and informative course, highly enjoyable and interesting.’ Eighteen participants from 14 different voluntary groups attended and enjoyed Interlink and VAMT’s Volunteer Management Training Course in January and February 2016. The course, consisted of four sessions over six days, with the participants being either employees or volunteers.
‘Really enjoyed the interaction and working in groups. Felt very relaxed and friendly but with good structure.’ Follow on actions identified by the participants included upgrading volunteer procedures, clarifying role descriptions, organising volunteer social events, implementing targeted recruitment strategies and creating Volunteer Marketing DVDs.
These sessions covered: • Introducing what volunteers do and how they are different to a paid employee and why organisations involve volunteers. • Why a volunteering policy is important and how to develop one, the legal issues relating to involving volunteers in an organisation and what other policies or procedures may need to be implemented. • Learning about how to recruit, select and induct volunteers into an organisation. • What motivates volunteers, support, supervision and training of volunteers. Here are some of the comments we received from participants who completed this training course: ‘Really good course reaffirmed some things I already knew, really good handouts which I’m definitely going to refer back to. Very fun, never laughed so much at a training course.’
Course Trainer Thomas Crockett said; ‘We were lucky this year to have a fantastic group of Volunteer Managers who were really able to share their experiences and plans. They were also lots of fun to train! The course materials are excellent but the additional benefits participants get from learning from each others’ experiences are what make the course a very valuable and fundamental part of our Training Calendar.’
The course will be running again later this year, so look out for more information in the next training bulletin. For more information please contact Thomas by email: tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk or Christine by email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 14
UNA Exchange
Host a Workcamp in Wales At our core, we believe in pairing enthusiastic volunteers with organisations who are in need of volunteer help. It’s simple and a group of enthusiastic international volunteers can add a whole new element to the project by bringing new perspectives and opportunities for intercultural learning and understanding. Each year UNA Exchange coordinates a programme of short term international projects hosted by community organisations in Wales. We have ten 2-3 week projects each year, hosting around 80 international volunteers. We also have a programme of weekend projects which focus on bringing together Wales-based volunteers to complete a smaller piece of work.
If the project will be working with children or vulnerable adults, we will ensure the volunteers provide a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’. For most countries this is provided by the police and is the closest we can get to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. We have an extensive Child Protection Policy and working standards which we will happily discuss with prospective host projects.
‘Volunteers gave this place happiness, they give it a positive vibe. I get a lot out of having you as young people stay here.’ Gerald, hosting volunteers on a community organic farm. We are always looking for new organisations interested to host volunteer projects, either for a weekend or for a few weeks. If you are a not for profit, community organisation, UNA Exchange can help you set up an exciting project with volunteers from all over the world.
What will UNA Exchange do? • Work with staff in your organisation to help develop and organise a project • Recruit volunteers through our network of international partners • Arrange visas when necessary • Train leaders (volunteers) for projects – leaders provide a link between UNA Exchange, the host and the volunteer group and help to organise domestic and social activities • Provide training and support for you and your staff • Share information between the host, leaders and volunteers • Support the projects whilst they are happening, e.g. through visits and phone calls and as a ‘trouble-shooter.’
What will you do? • Work closely with UNA Exchange to develop a project • Plan and supervise the work of the international volunteers, including providing tools and materials • Find accommodation for the volunteers (usually a community centre or similar building) • Provide a small budget for food etc (£4 per volunteer per day) • Arrange transport for the volunteers from a nearby meeting point to the project site • Support the volunteers during the project, including providing an emergency contact • Help the volunteers meet local people and get involved with events in the community. For more information on hosting an international project in Wales please contact our Volunteering in Wales Manager by email: info@unaexchange.org or call 02920 223 088 www.unaexchange.org Page 15
Interlink Training and Events Trustee Training 3 May 2016 5.00pm - 7.00pm at Ystrad Boys and Girls Club - FREE
Action Learning Sets 5 May 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm at Interlink £20 members £40 non-members
Depression Busting 13 & 20 May 2016 9.30am - 5.00pm at Interlink - FREE
Awareness of Eating Disorders 26 May 2016 10.00am -1.00pm at Interlink - FREE
22 June 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm at Interlink £20 members £40 non-members
Mentoring
1 June 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm at Interlink £20 members £40 non-members
Protection of Vulnerable Adults 21 September 2016 1.00pm - 5.00pm at Interlink - FREE
Action Research for Funding
Engaging with Older People
Taff Ely & Bridgend Funding Fayre
Older People’s Network Event
3 June 2016 9.30am - 12.00pm at Interlink - FREE
Events Children In Need Funding Surgery
10 May 2016 9.30am - 3.30pm at Interlink (30 minute appointments)
An Introduction to Line Management and Staff Supervision
16 May 2016 6.00pm - 8.00pm Heol Y Cyw Welfare Hall Bridgend, CF35 6HH
29 September 2016 9.30am - 12.00pm at Interlink £20 members £40 non-members
18 May 2016 10.00am - 4.00pm CSCJES Conference Centre Ty Dysgu, Nantgarw
Strengths-based Practice Study Group coming to RCT! Date for your diary - 6 July Are you looking for conference facilities in the Pontypridd area?
We offer a range of meeting and conference facilities, whether your requirements are for a training venue, conferences, small meetings or one to one meetings. All room hire charges are inclusive of: Laptop Projector Projection Screen Internet Connection Flip Chart Dry Wipe Board Refreshments are available on request for a small charge. We can advise on local caterers.
Charity No 1141143 Company No 07549533
Next Issue: August 2016