20 years of listening to and supporting the development of people and communities
Issue 75 Spring 2018
What’s Your Story?
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: 20 July 2018 to Cara Jordan-Evans
cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Introduction Make the Difference Volunteers Week Interlink Volunteers Local News Health and Wellbeing Local News Community Stories Volunteering Wales Volunteer Story Hope Rescue Disclosure and Barring Service Volunteer Story Maria Funding Training
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 Valuing Volunteers: Making the Difference Many of the really important things we take for granted would not exist without volunteers, social care would collapse, sports clubs would disappear and many people of all ages would be left lonely and isolated. And with less money and fewer public services, the need to value and support volunteers is even more important. Supporting volunteering is a key element within the new Cwm Taf Wellbeing Plan. Volunteering has never been so essential to communities from people caring for family and neighbours to running a community group. One in three people actively volunteer and many more do not even consider themselves volunteers when helping out their friends or taking part in church activities. The people who volunteer their time for others are truly exceptional, and we talk about a few volunteers we know in this Volunteering edition of the Link, where you can also find out more information on the following flagship project: Volunteers Week: How can you value your volunteers during Volunteers Week? If Interlink can help, whether with a thank you, a certificate or supporting a volunteer event, please let us know. Make the Difference: We are launching Make the Difference a new project to encourage people to volunteer from business or public services. Valuing Volunteers: Will be open from 1st June, if you really value your volunteers, please apply to take part in the Valuing Volunteers Award - Interlinks quality assurance scheme for valuing volunteers. So let us all get together in Volunteers Week to celebrate Volunteering - let’s see if we can make every volunteer feel special!
Make the Difference
Make the Difference: Recently retired? How can you help? Many groups struggle to carry out their work as they do not have enough support to help them to effectively run their group. Make the Difference will recruit and match suitable trustees with local groups in Cwm Taf where they are most needed. The project is looking for people who have retired from public services and business – people with the skills to Make the Difference.
How does it work? You tell us you are interested in helping out a local group and get in touch with the project. You meet up with someone who ďŹ nds out about you, your skills and interests and how much time you have to give.
We look at what groups would match with your skills and interests. We give you a choice of what groups you might be interested in helping.
We arrange for you to meet one or more groups. If both you and the group agree that there is a good match, we arange an induction.
We work with you and the group to provide the support you need. Volunteers are supported through a probationary period with the group and are encouraged to join networks.
What do I do now?
Contact us on 01443 846200 and ask for the Volunteering Team or email: Christine Davies at cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk or Thomas Crockett at tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk
Go on - we are waiting to take your call!
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Volunteers Week
Celebrate Volunteers Week 1-7 June Do you want to say thanks to your volunteers for Volunteers Week? Volunteers Week is a great opportunity for you to thank your volunteers and celebrate the massive difference they make. There’s lots of ways to say thank you in a big way or a small way - award ceremonies, certificates or tea parties, Interlink can help out, we can help with promoting your event and come along and present your volunteers with certificates. Tell us what you are doing, we would love to promote your event and come along to join you! Tell us what you are doing by emailing cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk or phoning Interlink 01443 846200 and speaking to Chris or Thomas
Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2018 We’re pleased to announce that nominations for the Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2018 are now open. The Awards promote and celebrate the hard work and great achievements of inspirational volunteers from around the country. There are six categories which recognise the way in which volunteers make a real difference to their area or to the lives of others: • Adult (25 years and over) • Young volunteer (under 25 years) • ‘Green’ volunteer (individual of any age who volunteers with an environmental organisation or project) • Trustee • Groups (two or more individuals, whether as an informal Don't miss this opportunity to give your group or a formally constituted organisation) inspirational volunteers the recognition they • ‘Digital’ volunteer (an individual who has helped tackle deserve! digital exclusion and helped others to experience the benefits of using ICT)- sponsored by Digital Communities Wales To make your nomination please visit www.wcva.org.uk/about-us/our-awards-schemes/wales-volunteer-of-the-year-awards The closing date for nominations is 20 April 2018 Page 4
Interlink Volunteers
Interlink’s Wonderful Volunteers My name is Sue Wilkins and I joined Interlink as an Administration Support Volunteer in November 2017. I retired in September 2017 from my most recent role as Business Support Manager with Public Health Wales, after 31 years NHS service. I have always enjoyed working and although I was happy to retire and spend more time with my family, I was a little concerned about how I would feel about not having a structure and purpose to my days. It was for this reason that I decided to see if I could do something to help others and looked at the Volunteering Wales website, and was amazed at the variety of opportunities available. I am thoroughly enjoying my time in Interlink and work with a fantastic team, they are very friendly and supportive and have made me feel so welcome. I was a little nervous at the thought of being a ‘new person’ but everyone was so helpful and by the end of the first day, I already felt part of the team. I would say that if anyone has some free time and would like to make a difference to someone’s wellbeing, volunteering is definitely the way forward!
My name is Gemma Lloyd; I joined Interlink as an Administration Support Volunteer in October 2017. I volunteer 2 days a week. I decided to become a volunteer to gain some valuable experience in an office environment; I have numerous qualifications which include IT, Business Administration and Accountancy. I did not have any on the job experience in this field so volunteering has given me the opportunity to put my skills to good use. I am a single mother so after taking some time off work and studying it’s nice to be back in a working environment, all the staff at Interlink make you feel very comfortable and value the work you do for them.
I’m Brogan Smart, I started volunteering for Interlink in November 2017, my main role at Interlink is an Administration Support Volunteer to help staff with their work. I help Interlink on a daily basis and generate a mixture of work including a variety of administration job roles from filing to creating posters. Besides volunteering I am very busy outside of this as I run a small but busy photography company called Smart Capture in Pontypridd where I attend festivals across South Wales and the Rhondda Valleys. I have worked with many local companies and charities marketing and promoting their organisations through videography. Volunteering is really enjoyable and I would like to think I am giving something back to the community, I continue to bring my skills, personality and ability to Interlink and aim to progress.
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Local News
Aberdare Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care Fundraising Group Tenovus Cancer Care, Wales’ leading cancer charity, is to recognise the dedication of two of its longstanding volunteers in Aberdare with a celebration event. After dedicating an amazing 23 years, two members of the Aberdare Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care Fundraising group are stepping down from their current volunteer roles. Alison Isaacs (Chair) and Sian Lucas (Treasurer) are two of the founding volunteer members of the Aberdare Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care fundraising group who have been supporting Tenovus Cancer Care since 1995 and raised well over £100,000 for the charity since they formed. The volunteer group, guided by Alison, have planned full calendars of annual events which have been held in their community in Rhondda Cynon Taf. She inspired the group to try new fundraising events from sponsored walks, fashion shows, table-top sales of hand crafted items to annual quizzes and coffee mornings all to make sure the group were reaching new audiences, engaging with more people, so that more people are aware of how Tenovus Cancer Care can help people affected by cancer. Sian has fastidiously maintained the records for the group’s fundraising activities; making sure all the supporters are thanked for the generous donations and support over the years. They have built a very strong following in their community and they’ve inspired people not only to come along and support the group’s events but also to support the charity by holding their own fundraising events, such as bike rides, dance shows and concerts.
Ceri Hill, Tenovus Cancer Care Community Fundraiser, commented; ‘Everything the ladies have done has been with the charity’s aims at their heart. Alison, Sian and the Aberdare Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care group work hard all year supporting the charity but also making sure that they have a positive impact in the community! Although we’re very sad that Alison and Sian have chosen to step down from their roles we know that they will still be supporting us where and when they can. We can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve achieved as part of the group, their support has been invaluable. And lastly, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the group members who’ve all worked hard and continue to dedicate so much of their time and effort to the group.’
Tenovus Cancer Care will be holding an event to celebrate the work of Alison, Sian and the Aberdare Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care Fundraising Group at Aberdare Gold Club on Friday 27 April at 7pm. For more information about joining a Tenovus Cancer Care Fundraising Group or if you would like to know more about the events they have planned simply e.mail: fundraising@tenovuscancercare.org.uk or call 029 2076 8850 or visit www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk Page 6
Health and Wellbeing
Access to Wellbeing Advice is Extended in Rhondda Patients in Rhondda are being offered more opportunities nearer home to access specialist advice on looking after their wellbeing as well as their health. Community Coordinator Lucy Foster was appointed last year to link patients to the many local services which can change lives for the better. The post is funded by the Rhondda Primary Care cluster and the service is available to patients aged over 18 throughout the Rhondda. Lucy holds sessions in GP surgeries and patients can make appointments themselves. The new initiative is linked to the Trerhondda wellbeing project and its activities Coordinator Beverly Llewelyn. The service signposts patients to help with issues from housing, benefits or finance, to education and learning, employment, training and volunteering. It also offers information about mental health issues, healthy and active lifestyle, the arts, music and creativity, befriending, counselling or other support groups. Lucy said; ‘We will be providing the patients and community members of Maerdy and Ferndale a ‘one-stop shop’ for all their wellbeing needs. The first drop-in clinic was held on March 16 and the feedback from those attending has been positive. One said; ‘You hear of so many places offering activities, support and information but it’s all a minefield to me. Coming to one place for a cup of tea and be directed by a friendly face is much easier.’
Others added; ‘This wellbeing clinic in the hub of our community will be great. It’s well needed. If I need help or advice I know where to come.’ For more information contact Lucy on 07340 708385 or email: Lucy.Foster@wales.nhs.uk http://rhonddadocs.wales/access-wellbeing-advice-extended-rhondda
An Enterprising Future
The project will work with young people in Ynysybwl, Glyncoch and surrounding areas to increase their life, employment and enterprise skills by engaging them in the design and development of a variety of entrepreneurial activities. Young people will have opportunities to broaden their horizons through exciting innovative social and private enterprises to increase their capacity and generate creative and innovative ideas. Through the project, young people will have increased access to training and learning from highly skilled enterprise and industry mentors and access to qualifications. The grant total is £249,816 over 3 years. For more information contact Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership on 01443 791425 Page 7
Local News
'Grow Rhondda' 'Grow Rhondda' is the result of collaborative working between Rhondda Primary Care, Ysbyty George Thomas Hospital and the community group Treorchy Men's Sheds. The programme is a therapeutic gardening group for people with mild anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem or those experiencing social isolation. The idea for the initiative was coined by Rachel Bennett, a GP at Forest View practice in Treorchy, and the programme is delivered at Ysbyty George Thomas Hospital on donated land. It consists of eight weekly sessions where patients get involved in all aspects of gardening. The project combines the growing interest of primary care in well-being, brings the local hospital into the community and engages local community groups. Studies have found that the mental health benefits of gardening are extensive. Not only can regular gardening reduce mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, but it can also reduce stress and combat high blood pressure, as well as increasing rates of physical activity. Dave Harris from Treorchy Men's Sheds, said; ‘The benefit you will get from any gardening project is the fact that you are outside. You can share that experience with other people and enjoy the aspect of the garden through the changes in the seasons, what you can plan or plant. Within a few weeks you have something growing and that's a rewarding experience.’ Gardening for better health and wellbeing project takes place at YGT Hospital Treorchy on Fridays at 11am to 1pm and Mens Shed session at 2pm to 4pm are for 8 weeks referral patients session. For more information visit www.mensshedscymru.co.uk
E-Mentoring 1+1: a new project for young people in RCT! The Mullany Fund is a social mobility charity based in Swansea, aiming to encourage young people, aged 14-19, to think about what they might like to do in the future and support them to achieve their goals. We are excited to announce that we have received Big Lottery funding to run our current e-Mentoring project in new areas, including RCT! The project has already made a difference to over 400 young people. Working with local schools and voluntary organisations we now hope to encourage young people, living in RCT, to get involved and benefit from the free support the project can provide.
How does it work?!
Over ten week sessions, and through a secure online platform, the mentor provides support to help the mentee gain confidence, skills and knowledge. The message forum can be accessed Page 8
at any time, is easy to use, and not intimidating, as there is no face-to-face contact. We do have a focus on life-sciences and the huge range of careers that this covers, but the project also provides more generic study support to help young people progress through their education to achieve their future goals.
How to get involved
The project is completely free to join, and can provide support that some young people might not be able to find elsewhere. For those 16+, we also aim to provide a limited number of life-science related work experiences, as well as career talks so that young people can gain knowledge of potential careers they might not previously have been aware of. For more information contact: office@themullanyfund.org
Community Stories Bethan Smith, Community Action Researcher Bethan is the local lead on the Stories from the Valleys project, in partnership with Welsh Government’s Valleys Task Force and Cynefin Centre (based at University of Wales Trinity St David). For more information contact Bethan on 01443 846200 or email: bsmith@interlinkrct.org.uk
Rebecca Evans, Rhondda Volunteering Project Worker Rebecca works with partners to develop volunteering in the Rhondda, matching what young people would like to do with what community and voluntary groups can offer. For more information contact Rebecca on 01443 846200 or email: revans@interlinkrct.org.uk
What’s your Story?
We would like to hear your thoughts about what it is like to live in your local community We would like you to get involved! This might be sharing your story, keeping a journal, identifying people who are willing to share their stories and becoming a Citizen Journalist, or even involving and training volunteers to collect stories themselves. The data that will come out of this is intended to inform local development as part of the Welsh Government’s task force plan. Importantly however it will also be made available to individuals and organisations (along with training on how to use it), which could be particularly useful for identifying needs, opportunities and evidence for funding bids. www.valleysstories.com #TalkValleys http://merlion.sensemaker-suite.com/Collector/collector.gsp?projectID=VTFCommunity&language=en#Collector
What Really Matters?
Young people of Ferndale youth club engaged in a workshop analysing the stories that they and others in the area had shared. As part of the Welsh Valleys taskforce, stories were shared about what really matters to the people of Ferndale and surrounding areas. Young people came together and discussed the stories that had been brought together while recognising common themes that could be seen throughout the stories. Within the workshop conversations were enthusiastic and positive about how the young people could become involved in small actions to create a better future for those who live in the area. The workshop was such a success it has lead to an event where every one of all ages can discuss what really matters to them @ the Art factory at 5.30pm-8.00pm on 17 April.
For more information contact Beth or Rebecca on 01443 846200 or to book a place at the event call Kath or email: kprice@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 9
Volunteering Wales 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! 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
New system to help organisations recruit and manage volunteers Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW) partners have delivered three events in Ceredigion, Gwent and Wrexham to introduce a new digital platform enabling organisations to advertise for, recruit and manage volunteers and for volunteers to find suitable roles. The new bi-lingual platform will be launched in April and will be available at the same address as the pre-existing all-Wales volunteering database www.volunteering-wales.net.
’It is a great idea having one central site for all volunteering opportunities, organisations and volunteers, it should be easier to manage and provide a bigger volunteer pool for organisations.’ Marina, Run4Wales.
The system is free to use and provides improved functionality for organisations and volunteers. Volunteers will be able to find opportunities by searching for keywords or according to distance from their home location. They will also be able to log the hours and skills they gain through volunteering and will receive digital badges for volunteering 50, 100, 200 hours or more. They will be able to easily share news about their volunteering activity on social media
‘We are pleased to be able to offer a user friendly and efficient platform to encourage and support volunteering in Wales. At the same time we recognise that not everyone wants, or is comfortable with digital systems. That is why we will continue to offer a parallel face to face service through local volunteer centres.’ said Fiona Liddell, WCVA Volunteering Development Manager
Registration is straightforward, and the website will remind you of your forthcoming commitments as well as being a record of what you have achieved
If you are an organisation that recruits and manages volunteers and you’d like to try out the new system, please register as soon as possible on the temporary web address volunteerwales.teamkinetic.co.uk and start posting details of your volunteering opportunities now. If you need any assistance, please contact Gavin Wilson: gwilson@wcva.org.uk
For organisations, the system will help you to recruit and manage volunteers, log volunteer hours, plan rotas and events, record training and experience and produce reports. Organisations that currently have volunteering opportunities on the ‘old’ version of the volunteeringwales.net website are asked to register afresh on the new system, and to start posting their volunteering opportunities.
You can read a blog about the experiences of some new users of the digital platform. www.wcva.org.uk/volunteering/volunteeringlatest/2018/03/volunteer-with-pride-at-pridecymru?seq.lang=en-GB
For general queries about how the changes ahead might affect you, please contact Fiona Liddell: fliddell@wcva.org.uk or your local volunteer centre at Interlink on 01443 846200 Page 10
Volunteer Story Congratulations to Hope Rescue winning Two Awards with WCVA I am Vanessa Waddon, Transformation Manager with Hope Rescue, but prior to that I was Chair of Trustees since 2005. I set up the Charity, and when we decided to become a Registered Charity I then moved into the role of Trustee. I really wanted to be at the forefront of growing and developing the Charity and by being a Trustee it’s really enabled me to understand the service users. I do lots of different roles, I was a Foster Carer, Fundraising, you name it, so I really understood what was needed, and then by moving to a Trustee role I was able to use those skills to grow and develop the Charity from a strategic viewpoint as well. I was Strategic Asset Manager for a Local Authority for 26 years and a Chair of Trustees at the same time for ten years before moving into a paid role with the Charity.
Awards for Good Governance and for the most Admired Organisation
What’s really great is seeing the impact the Charity makes. You see the impact on a daily basis. We can see our dogs going to happy homes. We can see our Foster Carers growing the dogs and improving their Foster Homes. Being that close to the people you are helping and seeing the impact, that for me is what I really got out of being a Trustee.
Hope Rescue in Llanharan, RCT, has grown from a small charity with just one paid member of operational staff to having 13 people working at the £650,000 centre. They were successful in winning two awards with WCVA Third Sector Awards Cymru for Good Governance and Class Networks for the Most Admired Organisation.
What I also enjoyed was using the skills I had learned in the Public Sector and taking that into my work with the Charity. For example, I did a Project Management Course (PRINCE 2) when I was with the Local Authority, and that was great for when the Charity was looking to purchase the Centre and I brought all those skills into place. I also learned a lot about managing people, about HR, Health and Safety and all of those skills were really important as we set up the Charity and especially the new Rescue Centre. If anyone is thinking of becoming a trustee, first of all you need to find a cause you are passionate about and that’s close to your heart, I think that is really important so that you can be the best Trustee you can possibly be. Potentially it’s a good idea to volunteer for the Charity you are interested in, to make sure you understand the Charity and that you are the right fit. It’s also important to be very clear on the time commitment that will be expected.
As well as rehoming hundreds of dogs in need, Hope Rescue runs a 'Hope in the Community' scheme, providing pet food and other pet sundries to food banks and support organisations helping owners on low incomes and those living on the streets, offering volunteering and work experience opportunities, campaigning for legislative change and promoting responsible ownership through education and community projects. Jennifer Coleman-Humphreys of Penarth has championed the charity since adopting her dog Lacey from them. 'I've become a huge supporter of Hope's work, they have made a huge impact on the local community, all of this is achieved through a very small team of paid staff, supplemented by some very dedicated volunteers.’ said Jennifer
For more information contact enquiries@hoperescue.org.uk or call 01443 226659 or visit www.hoperescue.org.uk Page 11
Disclosure and Barring Service 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
Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) Since the WCVA Criminal Records Unit closed, the Interlink Volunteer Centre has been receiving enquiries from voluntary organisations looking for advice about how they can complete DBS checks on volunteers and staff in the future. In response the Volunteer Centre has found some umbrella organisations providing the service that may suit your organisational needs. Each of the following umbrella organisations charge an administration fee which varies with each organisation, so please check charges when you contact them. The organisations we have information about are:
Screening Watchdog
Phone: 03708 502516 email: dbs.enquiries@capita.co.uk www.capitarvs.co.uk There is no fee for registering with them and there are no minimum number of checks per annum to stay registered with them.
Care Check
Pakes
Josephine Pakes Phone: 029 2033 4974 email: Josephine.pakes@wsa.wales www.wsa.wales/our-services/dbs The service is fully online and you will have a personalised database to manage your checks. The system is user friendly and efficient. They offer full telephone and email support. There are no set up or annual fees and they have an average completion of 5 days for the checks. The system offers online tracking so you can see at what stage the check is at. You will receive an email to tell you if there is disclosure information on the certificate. There is no minimum number of checks required to sign up currently.
Dannielle Phone: 0845 362 8226 email: info@carecheck.co.uk www.carecheck.co.uk You can register online via their website. There is a same-day set up and a no-fee contract and there is no minimum number of checks per annum to stay registered with them.
UKCRBS Ltd
Phone: 0845 034 5558 Email: disclosures@mitie.com www.ukcrbs.co.uk There is no fee for registering with them, which you can do on line in minutes and there is no minimum number of checks per annum to stay registered with them.
If the volunteer team can be of any further assistance, please contact: Christine Davies by email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk or Thomas Crockett by email: tcrockett@interlinkrct.org.uk for call 01443 846200 Page 12
Volunteer Story
Volunteer Story - Maria I chose to volunteer because I had time on my hands and wanted to help other people. I wanted more structure to my day and get something back, I saw it as a stepping stone to paid work. My children are 7 and 10 years old now and after taking them to school I’m back home by 8.30am with nothing to do all day. I suffer with psychotic depression, have low mood, no energy or motivation. I don’t work and have no experience of work due to my illness. If I’m honest I’m frightened of what the stress of paid employment could do to my health. That’s why volunteering suits me, there’s no pressure. I’ve always been a very caring person and caring comes naturally to me. I felt volunteering would help me get an understanding of other people’s lives and help to build my confidence and knowledge. I feel that if I was more confident it would be easier for me to go out there and get a job. I arranged to meet Chris the Interlink Volunteering Officer. I found her great to talk to and her approach was ‘let’s start with what you like to do.’ I think that approach really works because I didn’t feel as if I was getting involved with something I would enjoy doing. The role I chose was one that wouldn’t appeal to most people because it’s supporting people at the end of their life. I remember when Chris told me about it I thought ‘oh no, I couldn’t do that’ but then I thought these people need more support than anyone else because they’re going through the biggest challenge any of us ever face. I thought about it for a day or two and the more I thought about it the more I wanted to do it. So I joined Marie Curie. Things have changed since, my motivation is back, my anxiety and depression are less and I’m feeling so much better. I am even starting to decrease my medication. I’ve been on my medication since I was 19 and this is only the second time I have been able to reduce them in 23 years. Volunteering hasn’t just changed me though, it’s had an effect on my family and friends. My friend circle has grown much bigger. My children aren’t aware of my illness, to them I’m just Mum but they can see I’m happier and enjoying life more.
My husband has seen a difference as well. He says I’m more outgoing, busier, more confident. I don’t worry so much and I’m happier. He thinks it’s brilliant I’m volunteering. I feel our relationship is better. He goes off to work now and I don’t text him anymore telling him ‘I’m worried, upset or that I haven’t slept’ so he doesn’t have to worry about me when he’s there. I’m also a level 2 Reiki practitioner so I can treat people. It keeps me focused, at ease, at peace and being able to share that with other people satisfies the need in me to help others. It’s good to know I’m helping. One of my goals is to be a Reiki Master. I’d then train others and my long term goal is to run my own business. Marie Curie is a very professional organisation that looks after their volunteers very well. Seven of us did the training together, we were a very diverse group from all different backgrounds. We all got on really well and we get together every month with all the other volunteers, we chat and have talks about new topics. Jo and Sam the Volunteer Coordinators are brilliant, they really look after us and always keep in contact with us. If I were to tell others about volunteering, I’d say volunteering opens so many doors, not just into work. It’s about confidence, self-esteem and making new friends. It’s about learning to take new opportunities. Volunteering has changed my life but it doesn’t happen as one big change, it’s all about the small steps that lead up to a big change. For more information about volunteering contact Christine Davies on 01443 846200 or 846205 or email: cdavies@interlinkrct.org.uk Page 13
Funding
Are you looking for funding? Check out the latest funding news 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
Update on Garfield Weston We were lucky enough to be invited to a Garfield Weston Webinar; Flora Craig, Senior Grants Manager presented the programme as well as answering questions. Garfield Weston is a family founded and run foundation. Last year they awarded £62 million and this year for their 60th anniversary they will spend £1 billion. In 2017 they awarded £2.3 million to Wales; they received 303 applications out of which 192 were successful. They have just published their guidelines in Welsh. They have two projects running that welsh charities can take part in- Investment through Pilotlight and mentoring through the Cranfield Trust. They would like more applications from Wales; in order to apply you MUST be a registered charity (inc CIO). The themes are youth, welfare, community, environment, education, health, arts, heritage and faith- there is no priority on the themes.
They have two grant programmes:- up to £100,000 which is an online application and takes four months for a decision; over £100,000 there is an initial one page summary and then applicants are referred to an officer. https://garfieldweston.org/ For their 60 year anniversary they have announced the Weston Anniversary Fund- this fund will fund community capital projects including minibus, halls and churches and can fund the whole project (up to £150,000) it will fund core costs, project costs and capital costs as well as 10% operational costs). https://garfieldweston.org/what-we-do/our-60thanniversary/ The things they look for are accounts, correct budgeting and fundraising plan. They emphasise to avoid jargon and acronyms. If they ask for more information it is essential to respond within the time frame.
The best news is that you can apply for both their normal grant and the anniversary grant. If you need someone to check your application, please so not hesitate to contact Interlink on 01443 846200
Fundraising Health Check
Registered charities with two or more members of staff and with voluntary income of up to £50,000 are invited to apply for fundraising support to be matched with an experienced coach who will help them develop a new fundraising strategy. For an information pack and application form please contact alisonp@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk or call 02920 340 062 or 07387417582 Page 14
Funding
Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund The Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund previously 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. The Taff Ely Wind Farm Community Fund is administered by Interlink RCT the umbrella body for all local community and voluntary groups in RCT. The Taff Ely Wind Farm 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.
Last years’ successful applicants were: AVANT Theatre and Dance Brynna Football Club Gilfach Goch Mini and Junior Rugby Heol Y Cyw Allotments Little Fingers Kidz Club Tonyrefail Ladies Choir
Marketing, CRB Check, Materials and Equipment Kit and Equipment Venue Costs Materials and Equipment Equipment Revenue and Venue Costs
£500 £500 £380 £500 £250 £370
Any questions relating to your application should be addressed to one of the Interlink Development Officers, Ken Moon or Joanna Markham on 01443 846200 or email: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk or jmarkham@interlinkrct.org.uk or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Wallace and Gromit Children's Charity Open for Annual Applications The Wallace and Gromit Children's Charity aims to fund projects which are not funded directly by the National Health Service. In the last 15 years, the charity has given more than £2 million in grants to 291 projects in 93 different hospitals and hospices across the UK. Registered charities with charitable projects which enrich and improve the quality of life of sick children in hospitals or hospices in any area in the UK can apply. Preference is given to projects conceived by and in children’s hospitals and hospices. Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2018 for more information visit www.wallaceandgromitcharity.org Page 15
Training at Interlink Mentoring Training
Mentoring Training
Accounts - Hot Topics
Safeguarding Adults
First Aid
Writing Better Bids
10 May 2018 10.00am - 4.00pm Venue: Ferndale School, Maerdy Cost: FREE Trainer: Kelly Daniel
21 & 28 June 2018 11.00am - 2.30pm Venue: VAMT Cost: FREE Trainer: Kelly Daniel
4 May 2018 9.30am - 11.30am Venue: Interlink Cost: Members £20 Non-members £40 Trainer: Claire Thompson
2 July 2018 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: VAMT Cost: FREE Trainer: Maria Abson
12 June 2018 9.00am - 4.00pm Venue: Interlink Cost: Members £50, Non-members £100 Trainer: Lifesavers
10 July 2018 10.00am - 12.00pm Venue: Penderyn Community Centre Cost: Members £20, Non-members £40 Trainers: Joanna Markham
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!
Interlink Meeting and Conference Rooms for hire We have a conference room and small meeting room available to hire. All room hire charges are inclusive of: Laptop, Projector, Projector Screen, Internet Connection, Flip Chart Refreshments are available on request for a small charge Contact us for more information or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk/portfolio/meeting-and-conference-facilities
Charity No 1141143 Company No 07549533
Next Issue: September 2018