20 years of listening to and supporting the development of people and communities
Issue 72 Spring 2017
Celebrate Volunteers
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: 21 July 2017 to Cara Jordan-Evans
cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: 2 3 4-5
Introduction Volunteers Week Getting Porth Connected Community Project
6 7 8 9
Young People Volunteering Volunteering Opportunities Your Wellbeing Matters Involve 2 Evolve Parti Ponty Local Events Funding Training
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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Welcome to the Volunteering edition Interlink ‘20 years of listening to and supporting the development of people and communities’ Interlink is pleased to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Over this time we have seen huge changes in volunteering and the role of community and voluntary groups. Some of the biggest changes have happened over the last 5 years as a result of less money for public services. The vital role the Sector plays in supporting people and communities is no longer a question but a fact, with those responsible for delivering public services, from libraries to social care, looking to the Sector to provide essential support to local people and communities. Every time there is a crisis, the volunteers and the voluntary sector step-up, often overcoming huge challenges in doing so. Everyone at Interlink is inspired everyday by what our members do. This edition of The Link celebrates the incredible work of volunteers, from informal carers to people running paddling pools and libraries. We could survive an internet black out, but a society without volunteers does not bear thinking about. The Sector is valued and recognised in RCT and in Cwm Taf. We now move onto being better supported and resourced. Support comes in many forms, having the right information, be treated fairly, to recognising when liabilities are being transferred not assets, and not forgetting funding. It is fair to say, in Cwm Taf we have made huge progress, but there is still a long-way to go. Ground breaking legislation in Wales through the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act public bodies ‘must act in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. This is a drive to improve wellbeing and instructs public bodies, led by the Public Service Board, to demonstrate this through thinking Long-term; Integration; Prevention; Collaboration; Involvement. This puts the Sector at the centre of improving wellbeing and Interlink is looking forward to working over the next 20 years with volunteers, our members and partners to make a difference to all the people and communities who live, work in and visit RCT.
Volunteers Week
Volunteers Week 1-7 June You make the difference!
Have you got 1-7 June in your diary? The annual Volunteers Week is a great opportunity for you to be part of the national campaign to thank your volunteers and celebrate the massive difference they make.
There are lots of different ways to get involved?
There's lots of opportunities for you to get involved in a big way or a small way - award ceremonies, certificates, tea parties or just a simple 'thank you' - Interlink are happy to advertise your event or to come along and help you thank your volunteers with certificates, and of course, cakes!
Have you got a good story to tell?
We're looking for individuals who want to share their volunteering story with us and the wider world! During Volunteers Week we'll be featuring a new story every day. Can you help us? It's a great opportunity to promote not just volunteering, but also to shout about the work of your charity. Get in touch!
What else is going on?
Vol Factor Celebration Event - our Celebration Evening for young people alongside Active Valleys will take place on Tuesday 6 June between 6pm-8pm at the University of South Wales Sports Park. Valuing Volunteers Awards - Trivallis and Home-Start RCT have successfully attained the Valuing Volunteers Quality Assurance Standard from Interlink and will be the first two organisations to be awarded this prestigious award and will receive their certificates on 1 June. Why don’t you apply for Valuing Volunteers?
Home-Start RCT receiving their Valuing Volunteers certificate
Managing Volunteers Network Event - invites everyone and anyone who support volunteers in RCT and Merthyr to their next meeting 10am on 7 June in Merthyr to celebrate volunteering and how to value and support volunteers even more. The Forum is your chance to share experiences, seek support and gain information in an informal, friendly, confidential atmosphere. The group have invited a representative from Spice Time Credits to give a presentation. A BIG Thank You celebration for Involve 2 Evolve volunteers on Wednesday 7 June at 1.30 - 3.30pm at the Muni Arts Centre. Attendees will be presented with a certificate to recognise their work over the last 12 months and new members will be made to feel very welcome. RCT Together will also be launching the 2017/18 Community Action Fund during the week - watch this space! Tell us what you are doing, we would love to promote what you are doing and come along and join you!! Tell us what you're doing by emailing cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk or phoning Interlink 01443 846200 and speaking to Chris or Thomas Page 3
Getting Porth Connected
Getting Porth Connected
Porth residents have been finding out more about the opportunities on offer to them on their doorstep thanks to Interlink RCT. Service providers from a wide range of organisations and charities met local residents at an event called Getting Porth Connected, hosted by Interlink. Among the organisations showcasing their services at the March event were Trealaw Village Trust, Valleys Kids, New Horizons, Busy Bees Women’s Shed, TABS/ Shednet Well-being Centre; Wild Elders, The Arts Factory, Drink Wise Age Well and mental health peer support groups.
One resident who went along on the day said: ‘It has encouraged me to get out and about in the Rhondda. The next Getting Porth Connected meeting will be on 12 July 2017 at 1.30pm - 3.30pm at All Saints Church Hall, Trealaw, the theme is ‘People having someone to talk to in the Community’. The aim of the open planning meeting will be to further explore connections and wellbeing solutions for Porth. If you would like to attend please email: kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200 www.facebook.com/GetPorthConnected
Here’s a few things that’s going on in Porth, check it out! Positive Porth People Local residents in Llwyncelyn have come together in friendship to brighten up their street with flowers, flags and fairy lights. Local neighbours say they love the guerrilla garden. It makes them feel happy and goes a long way in raising community spirt. A big thank you to Geraint Jones for a fantastic day of filming. The Getting Porth Connected film showcasing positive Porth stories and a number of wellbeing projects is coming along nicely... watch this space! Page 4
Getting Porth Connected Weekly Food Co-op
Run with Us Porth is a weekly Social
every Thursday 9.00am - 11.00am at Maes-Yr-Haf, Trealaw. Where you can purchase low cost quality fruit and veg.
Walk to Run group for people 18+ and open to all abilities. Meeting every Thursday night 6.30pm - 7.30pm at Wattstown Rugby Club.
For more information call 01443 497176
Tap into your creativity - Valleys Kids offer free open access Art sessions based in 'The Factory'
Jenkin Street, Porth. Art workshops are for all ages and abilities and the sessions are friendly and welcoming. People can develop a wide range of skills such as watercolour, acrylics, silk painting and glass painting. For more information contact Anne on 01443 687080
‘Making It’ learn to make quality craft items in a small friendly group. Lessons include jewellery, mosaics, seasonal crafts, card making and printing.
Join this lovely group every Monday or Wednesday afternoon 1.00pm - 3.00pm at All Saints Church Hall, Trealaw. Just pop along or call Joy on 07977 012784 for more information.
'Men's Shed' based at TABS in Porth is a place where men over the age of 50 can meet new friends and
get involved with a wide range of activities including woodcraft, walking football, golf, fishing, watercolour painting and biking. There is also a Women's Shed called 'Busy Bees' where ladies over 50 sew and make craft. For more information call Paul or Diane on 01443 682312
Join The Trebanog Project for free art and craft workshops with talented teachers and professional craft people working with clay, textiles and wood. Term 2 starts 5 June - 22 July email: eleanor.davis@artesmundi.org for information. There is also an Adult drop in most days with Lunch provided 1.00pm - 2.30pm call 07881 264789 to find out more.
The Alec Jones Community Day Centre Station Street, Porth, CF39 9NR is for anyone over 50 who would like to get out more and meet new people or enjoy a new social activity. Why not pop along to the breakfast and lunch club or take up old time dancing and craft classes, maybe play a game of bingo or cards or simply sit and chat in the lounge. Telephone 01443 687322 for more information.
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Community Project
Ambitious community project gets off the ground Lottery invests more than £1,000,000 in green spaces in the Upper Rhondda
An ambitious community project based in the Upper Rhondda is set to branch out this year - with support from Interlink RCT. The Welcome To Our Woods - A Natural Future project looks at building and connecting community assets to develop ways to improve health and wellbeing, create jobs and tackle poverty. The project will receive more than £1,000,000 in grant funding over seven years from the Create Your Space Big Lottery Programme. The main delivery bodies will be Welcome to Our Woods Ltd and Valleys Kids. Ceri Nicholas, People Project Officer at Valleys Kids, was ’over the moon’ when he received the news. Calum MacIntosh, Programme Coordinator from Welcome To Our Woods Ltd, is looking forward to getting started on the programme. He said: ‘We believe in building on our local strengths - we work with amazing people and communities and it is an amazing landscape here in the Upper Rhondda. Valleys Kids are really looking forward to getting stuck in and working with everyone.’
Callum said: ‘We work with so many active community members and local organisations working on our local green spaces. This is a great opportunity for Welcome to Our Woods to work with the community and use the assets we have to tackle neglected spaces and provide training and job opportunities to help regenerate the Upper Rhondda.’ The ambitious proposals include involving 10,000 people in the community in improving health and wellbeing through green gyms, volunteering, health walks and promoting sustainable local food production. Interlink RCT will support the development of a ‘cooperative community’ to support the community to take a lead role in making use of their underused land and green spaces. Simon James, Chief Executive at Interlink RCT, said: ‘This is such wonderful news. It is a great privilege for Interlink to have the opportunity to work with so many great people, communities and partners. It will be a great success.’
For more information, please contact:
Interlink - Simon James, sjames@interlinkrct.org.uk or 01443 846200 Welcome to Our Woods Ltd - Ian Thomas, Place Project Officer, welcometoourwoods@hotmail.com or 07813941552 Calum MacIntosh, Programme Coordinator, calmacintosh@gmail.com or 07715 533686 Valleys Kids - Ceri Nicholas, People Project Officer, ceri@valleyskids.biz or 07758230280
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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
Unity Theatre Kari Jones and Michelle created a not for profit Theatre Company known as Unity Theatre. Here is their story; We set up Unity Theatre because Michelle and I started delivering projects together and we thought it would be better done as a community based organisation. The company started in 2012 with a project for kids with Learning Disabilities in Blaengwawr School. It was really fun and we gave additional support to the participants by helping them to learn about Dic Penderyn through play, with materials from Cyfarthfa Museum. We are paid to deliver projects on occasion but otherwise the work is voluntary. I help to apply for grants and delivering projects such as Childrens Pantos free of charge. The funding came to an end but the participants wanted it to continue so we have done so for free. I also volunteer on Interlink’s Youth Led Grants Panel for the Vol Factor Scheme. Volunteering on a project is a really rewarding experience as the simplest of things can be very important and make other people very happy.
Interlink has really helped our group, we received advice from the Support and Advice Coordinators, attended a number of courses and received Gwirvol Funding thanks to the Volunteer Centre. This process helped us to link up with a number of other groups, we have co-delivered projects with Spectacle Theatre.
Kari Jones on the right receiving a Crystal Trophy Award for Unity Theatre
Volunteering shows your character as a person, because you want to do something for your community or for a cause.
Valuing Volunteers
‘Valuing Volunteers’ is for any community group or organisations that wants to show that they value and support their volunteers. You may be doing a great job already but may want to do even better or would like to have some recognition for the work that you do. For larger organisations, Investing in Volunteers may be appropriate, but for smaller organisations, both the time and cost may be off putting. Interlink has created a quality standard and can offer help, advice and support to any group that wishes to take part, it is free and you can tell others that you are working towards ‘Valuing Volunteers’ status. The process is simple, we send you a copy of ‘Valuing Volunteers’ and arrange a visit to go through it with you and discuss how we can help you. Contact Chris Davies on 01443 846200 or email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 7
Volunteering 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 story - Kelly After having my 5th child 13 years ago, I experienced severe post-natal depression and anxiety, which stopped me working for 12 years. My health was very ‘up and down’ during that time, I rarely went out and always felt drowsy due to the medication I was taking. Some days were better than others and on a ‘good day’ I could get out of bed, get dressed and spend time with my children, just doing normal everyday things, but on a bad day I couldn’t even get out of bed. As time went by my health improved and I was able to come off my medication, for the first time in a long time I was thinking I might be able to work again. My Job Centre advisor suggested volunteering. I met Chris in Aberdare, she listened to what I wanted to do and how my illness affected me. I realised that after being out of work for so long I needed to work my way towards paid work again. Chris sent my details to two organisations I was interested in. The Feel Good Factory and the local hospital. It took about two months before I started volunteering but when I eventually did, the wait was worth it. The first thing that impressed me about both organisations was that they didn’t judge me because I’d been out of work for so long, they didn’t want to know about my past illness and told me that only my future was important now. ‘One of the best parts of my job is seeing people change and develop. Volunteering benefits so many people, in so many ways.’ Chris Davies, Volunteering Development Officer.
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Volunteering has made a huge difference to my life, it gave me my confidence back, I started feeling better about things. It also gave me the incentive to do things, even on bad days I’d get up and dressed and my family noticed the difference in me as well. Volunteering really helped with my recovery. That was a year ago and I’ve gone from strength to strength since. When paid work became available I applied and I GOT THE JOB! So I’m now working full time. The extra money has made a huge difference, I can give the children treats and days out now, we’re all benefitting. For more information about volunteering contact Chris on 01443 846200 or email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunities
The Volunteer Centre have details of hundreds of voluntary opportunities that they promote on behalf of our members. If you’d like to know more about these opportunities visit www.volunteering-wales.net or maybe you’d like to advertise your volunteering opportunities via the centre? If so, contact either Chris by cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk or Thomas by tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk or call 01443 846200.
Here’s just a few who are recruiting now:
Valleys Steps provide community based courses at numerous venues throughout RCT. The courses are free to access and no booking or referral is needed, anyone can take part and the courses are well attended and feedback from attendees is good. The wellbeing courses currently available are ‘Stress Control’ and ‘Mindfulness’. Valley Steps are looking to recruit Course Support Volunteers, who will support their trainer during the session. Duties may include setting up of equipment, distributing course materials, controlling room temperature and lighting, checking that attendees have completed registration forms etc. Training is available in Health and Safety, First Aid, Manual Handling as deemed appropriate and out of pocket expenses are refunded. The time commitment is flexible, with a minimum of 3 hours a week and each course lasts 6 weeks.
Age Connect need Reaching Out - Telephone Befriending Volunteers. As a Telephone Befriender Volunteer you will provide much needed emotional support to people who are socially isolated or lonely through phone conversations. This may be with people who are on the waiting list for a one to one befriender or someone who may prefer to have phone contact rather than a face to face visit. The people we support tell us the loneliest times are evenings and weekends, so Age Connect are looking for people to provide company over the phone from our office in Pontypridd at these times. Out of pocket expenses are provided along with training.
Drugaid - Are seeking Call Centre (first point of
contact) volunteers. The role involves answering calls to the Drug and Alcohol Single Point of Access line in Cwm Taf. Taking referrals and provide service information to those who wish to make a referral to local drug and alcohol services, suppling simple harm reduction information. Their ideal volunteer would have excellent communication skills. The ability to use computers, good telephone skills and empathy for our service users is desirable. An understanding of substance use is desirable however not essential as training will be provided.
Cynefin Project - This is a unique opportunity to volunteer online with the Cynefin project who are looking for volunteers to help transcribe tithe maps and documents from the 1840s. There are approximately 1,200 maps and 30,000 pages of documents to be transcribed. Cynefin is a Heritage Lottery Funded project which is conserving, digitising and transcribing the tithe maps of Wales in order to create an innovative online resource that will be free for all to access. This online resource is the first of its kind and it will change the way that people can access and research the history of Wales through the maps. Volunteering is done online so is very flexible, you could volunteer from any venue and at a time and pace that suits you. Training is provided via online tutorials videos and volunteer guides. Page 9
Your Wellbeing Matters 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
Your Wellbeing Matters The ‘Your Wellbeing Matters’ Project is a collaborative project hosted by the Wellbeing team at Interlink and Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT). This project is all about people and organisations working together to improve the wellbeing of local communities across Cwm Taf. We want to find out how people manage their wellbeing, so we can learn from real people’s experiences, what works well and what could be better. From what people tell us, we hope to be able to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of local communities. We rely on ‘Volunteer Listeners’, to chat about and record people’s experiences, whilst this project is based upon research, we believe that research should be for everybody, and that it can be simple, understandable and even enjoyable! Using person centred conversations, we are working to understand and capture people’s experiences. We hope to find out what we can do together, what experience and knowledge we can share, and how we can help each other in the community; as well as getting people talking and learning from each other. The project was launched at an event earlier this month, where delegates discussed the themes emerging from people’s stories and what they could do as individuals, organisations and as a group to improve what they currently do; whether that was building upon the strength identified or changing the way they work with people
Ponty Stories with Pontypridd YMCA As part of the regeneration of the YMCA in Pontypridd, we are launching Ponty Stories. We are looking to hear and collect stories from people from all generations who used and enjoyed the YMCA, as well as exhibiting historical items that are still housed in the building. We are on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers who'd like to help us with this process, you will receive training in Documentation, Artefact Handling and Digitisation and Oral History taking your help will be invaluable in the creation of this collection. If you're interested, please get in touch at memories@pontypriddymca.co.uk or ring 01443 490390 Page 10
Involve 2 Evolve
Volunteering with Involve to Evolve What is Involve 2 Evolve?
Involve 2 Evolve is a project that aims to support people to come together to make a positive difference to the mental health services which affect them. You are the expert in your mental health and we want to know what matters most to YOU. We can support you to share your views with others and decide together what you would like to do.
Why Get Involved?
The MAGIC happens when people come together and take control over issues that matter to them. Here’s what people have told us about the project. ‘The atmosphere is relaxed, informal, friendly and non-judgemental. We have fun!’ ‘I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. I felt as if the staff wanted to hear what we had to say. I hope that by chipping away at stereotypes we can make a difference and maybe in time change the world or how the world sees us!
Volunteers
We have many volunteers who help out at local events, delivering training, doing meet and greets at local groups, recruiting new staff members for the LHB and much more. One of our volunteers, Wendy Morris, actually produces the SUN newsletter. The newsletter is produced every quarter so she has a lot of work to do! Wendy has been a great asset to our project and volunteers in many other ways - Activities that include t-shirt design, arts and crafts, badge and bracelet making, interviews for the LHB and meet and greets. She also sits on the world mental health day planning group and last year had collected over 50 raffle and tombola gifts for the event.
Here’s Wendy's story on why she enjoys being involved with the project; ‘Hi, I like being part of the Involve 2 Evolve Project because I feel my opinion is valued and listened to. I have had the opportunity to be involved in many projects and activities, each one became more enjoyable and rewarding than the last. Also I always felt I was giving something back. If you were to ask me what does volunteering for the Project entail? I would ask you, how much would you like to get involved in? As you can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. But I will say this, the project will be good for you and your confidence will grow with all the new things happening within the project.’
For more information about Involve 2 Evolve contact Rachel Wyatt at Interlink on 01443 846200 or email: rwyatt@interlinkrct.org.uk
Have your Say! Consultation afternoon in Pontypridd on Friday 23rd June at 1.30pm - 3.30pm at the Muni arts Centre, Pontypridd. Come along and Have Your Say on a new low cost counselling service for RCT and the Welsh Ambulance's Mental Health Improvement Plan. To book call Kath on 01443 846200 or email: kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 11
Parti Ponty
Parti Ponty 2017 - Your Welsh Festival
Following the success of Parti Ponty last year when despite the weather we welcomed over 6,000 visitors. This year we are confident that the sun will shine over Pontypridd and we will be sure to hit our target of 12,000 visitors during the day. You will be pleased to know that this fantastic festival will be back at Ynysangharad Park Pontypridd on Saturday 15 July between 11am - 7pm. Einir Sion, Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Chief Executive said: ‘It is a pleasure to launch Parti Ponty 2017, it is an important event that provides a modern, fun and exciting stage for the Welsh language in the county. Having partnership support from the County Council proves their commitment to the development and growth of the Welsh language in RCT.’ This year the event is organised by the Welsh language charity Menter Iaith RCT in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Councillor Geraint Hopkins - Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Welsh language said: ‘We are pleased to have been able to make a two year funding commitment of £40k to support this event which we hope will provide some security for Menter Iaith as they look to develop Parti Ponty further in the future.’ Page 12
Parti Ponty will provide a stage for a variety of performers and Welsh language groups. It will also give the public an opportunity to collect information about Welsh language services and organisations operating in the area. Menter Iaith has organised the event with the commitment and cooperation of their Welsh partners, so everyone will be there! This year will be brilliant with the festival permeating through the town with stalls, food, bar, workshops, music stage and bands, school performances, Urdd Sports, street performers, activities for Welsh learners, Merched y Wawr as well as the familiar tipis. The science area will be back this year following its success last year and there will be a new performance area for schools. If you are creative you will enjoy the ‘Ardal creu’ where you will have an opportunity to design, paint, colour and glue from morning till late in the company of local artists and our talented children’s services staff. The excitement is building here and we will be releasing more information shortly. Until then, follow all the events’ developments online #PartiPonty17 @PartiPonty17 on Twitter and Parti Ponty 17 on Facebook. If you would like to show your support for the event you are welcome to contribute on Crowdfunder. Go to Crowdfunder website www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search for - Parti Ponty 2017. Thank you very much!
Local News
Big fun on offer at Little Lounge! Friendship and fun is on the menu for parents and children at a project based in Cilfynydd, which is flourishing with support from Interlink RCT.
The Little Lounge is run by a team of volunteers who are all part of a local church called The Lounge. The project started in January 2015 as a baby and toddler group and has quickly grown with a new Play Café running on Fridays at Cilfynydd Community Centre. Local Councillor Barrie Morgan contacted Interlink’s Support and Advice Coordinator for Taf Ely and Cynon, Ken Moon, to ask for help with setting up the play cafe. Ken helped with business planning advice and identifying sources of funding. The project had a start-up grant from a Christian funding organisation called Catalydd which helped buy new rugs, a coffee machine and team polo shirts. Fresh healthy food and drinks are served at the Play Café at an affordable price so that parents can feel like they can treat themselves as well as their children. There are different play zones; a dressing up corner, a reading corner and a baby area. There is no age limit for the Play Café but the play activities are aimed at nought-five years.
The baby group meets on a Thursday morning from 10am - 12pm with entry just £1.50. The setting and activities are aimed at babies under 18 months and the group is ideal for meeting other parents and carers in the area There are sensory sessions, like messy play or sensory lights. Adults get unlimited tea or coffee and babies get a healthy snack. The Play Café on Fridays is run at the Centre from 9am - 3pm.
Katie added: ‘We've seen some lovely friendship groups grow out of Little Lounge. Parents say the group has been a lifeline. Our dream is to have a permanent play venue of our own with a 'discovery garden' so that parents can bring their babies and toddlers to explore indoor and outdoor activities.’
Men’s Sheds Social Group Men’s Sheds is a space where men can meet to socialise, peruse old hobbies or try new ones, meet for a chat and find out what is happening in the area. • It’s not a formal training programme, but you may gain knowledge and new skills. • It’s not a health programme, but your health and wellbeing may improve. • It’s not an information service, but you can ask for the information you need.
11.00am - 12.30pm Every Thursday Abercynon Community Centre Station Road Abercynon For more information please contact Karen Vowles 0800 1615780 or Sarah Rogers 01443 740207 Page 13
Funding
Are you looking for funding?
Find out how to do your own funding search at www.interlinkrct.org.uk/funding For more information call Interlink on 01443 846200 email: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk or jmarkham@interlinkrct.org.uk
Visit our Getting Money page and find out about: Funding news - updated constantly with the latest information about funds. Information sheets - with lots of guidance including Gift Aid, tax effective giving, fundraising rules and tips, what’s required in a good grant application and lots more Funding search - Open4Community Funding Search - this is a tool that Interlink subscribes to and is free for you to use
Open4Community Funding Search Developed exclusively for local community groups in the RCT area, Interlink’s new and free-to-use funding portal aims to help organisations source funding to support an array of activities and projects. Visit our funding section at www.interlinkrct.org.uk/funding/ and follow this link www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/interlink • Free online registration • 60-second funding search or category browse for easy and quick access • Search thousands of funding schemes in just a few simple steps • 24-hour updates for comprehensive funding information • Full scheme and contact details linking you directly to funding providers • Local information, support and contact details to help your organisation meet is potential • Local news bulletins on relevant issues in your area If you have a question about a fund, telephone the funder (unless their information tells you not to) and chat with them about your project – they like to hear from applicants
BBC Children in Need Main Grants Programme - Large grants of over £10,000 are available to support projects for up to three years. Not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply if they are supporting children and young people of 18 years and under who are experiencing disadvantage. Organisations that already hold a grant from Children in Need can apply for further funding providing the current grant is coming to an end within the next 12 months. Deadline for applications is 13 Sept (midnight). www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/60DXlxYvbbtcTDm79Mjryj/main-grants-should-i-apply Page 14
Funding
Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund is now OPEN! The Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund administered by Interlink RCT and operated by Innogy Renewables UK Limited has invested over £40,000 into local activities and projects in communities surrounding the site since 2001. The annual fund of £2,500 is available throughout the operational life of the wind farm. The fund supports the communities living closest to the wind farm e.g. Blackmill, Evanstown, Gilfach Goch, Tonyrefail, Thomastown, Llanharan, Bryncae and Heol Y Cyw.
Who can apply?
The Fund is available to any community or voluntary group within the area of benefit to support them to carry out the aims and objectives of their organisation, recruit new members, involve more people from the community and help to develop your group. Only one application can be submitted per funding round.
What will the scheme fund?
The scheme will fund the purchase of capital items and help with the running costs of your group up to £500. Examples of this might include play equipment, IT equipment, stationery, phone and broadband connections, training, the cost of a community event or visit. The fund can be used as match funding towards other sources of funding for a larger project. Grants may be awarded for capital or revenue up to a maximum of £500.
Closing date for Applications Friday 22 June 2017
For more information contact Ken Moon or Joanna Markham on 01443 846200 or email: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk or jmarkham@interlinkrct.org.uk. An electronic form is available on our website or by emailing adavies@interlinkrct.org.uk
Grant Aid on Offer to Community Projects
Community groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf can soon apply for grant aid for grassroots projects through The RCT Together Community Action Fund Grants will be available to volunteers or community members to undertake small scale actions that benefit their local area. Administered by Interlink RCT, the fund was created by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council as part of its RCT Together approach, working in partnership with communities and the voluntary sector. The fund was launched on Wednesday 6 June 2017 to coincide with Volunteers Week and applications can be made from this date. Many communities across the county borough have benefitted from a share of £10,000 of grants from the fund over the past year. Rhydyfelin Community Group and Safe Families for Children Wales are just some of the 26 groups that received funding. For an application form visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk or email: adavies@interlinkrct.org.uk Please call Interlink on 01443 846200 if you need help with completing the application
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Training at Interlink Meet the Governance – Taff and Ely Valleys
Get Fit For Funding
Empowering Communities
Community Engagement and Consultation for Funding Bids
14 June 2017 6.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Llantrisant Bowls & Tennis Pavillion, Cardiff Road, Llantrisant Cost: Members £20, Non-member £40 Trainer: Ken Moon This training is for trustees of community groups and organisations in RCT 28 June 2017 10.00am - 3.00pm Venue: Interlink Cost: £50 Trainer: Paul Stepczak Gain practical experience in using a number of tools that will help a person map all the wealth of resources, skills and assets they already have available to them in order that they become more confident, independent and empowered. This effectively results in more sustainable futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
4 July 2017 2.00pm - 5.30pm Venue: Interlink Cost: Members £20, Non-member £40 Trainer: Ken Moon/Jo Markham This training is for trustees of community groups and organisations in RCT.
20 July 2017 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: Interlink Cost: Members £20, Non-member £40 Trainer: Ken Moon/Jo Markham This training is for trustees of community groups and organisations in RCT
Engaging with Older People
16 August 2017 9.30am - 1200pm Venue: Interlink Cost: Members £20, Non-member £40 Trainers: Community Coordinators An introduction to engaging with older people in communities; share learning about what works when engaging with older people by exploring the needs of older people in relation to communication and engagement, identifying strategies to engage more effectively with older people, highlighting gaps and good practice for engaging with older people and sharing useful contacts.
Why not design your own training!
We offer courses for individuals and groups, training fees are negotiable and we offer lots of options - contact us!
Charity No 1141143 Company No 07549533
Next Issue: September 2017