Issue 68 Winter 2015
Developing Our Local Assets
Interlink’s newsletter for community groups and voluntary organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Developing Local Assets Interlink News
Welcome ..... to the Winter edition of Interlink’s Newsletter. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please send your articles, information, job vacancies or advertisements by: 26 February 2016 to Cara Jordan-Evans at Interlink by E-mail:
Back to the Grassroots RCT Together
In this edition we look at communities at the centre of taking on assets such as community buildings, land and paddling pools, utilising the passion, knowledge and experience of local people. Interlink has been working with many partners through RCT Together to support those groups who feel strongly about a local service or building and want to see it not only safeguarded but to develop and grow to service the local community.
cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
In this issue we have: Developing Local Assets
2
Developing People
3
The Well-being of Future Generations Act
4
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act
5
RCT Together
6-7
Transferring Assets Case Study
8-9
Case Study Rhondda
10-11
#stongerrhondda Funding Training / Events
12 13-15 16
Our address: 6 Melin Corrwg, Cardiff Road Upper Boat, Pontypridd CF37 5BE Telephone number: 01443 846200 Fax: 01443 844843 E-mail: info@interlinkrct.org.uk Website: www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Office opening times are: Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Page 2
It’s clear that people want to make their communities a better place to live and we’ll explore both existing organisations such as Ystrad Boys and Girls Club who are revitalising their role in the community and new initiatives such as #strongerrhondda #rhonddagryfach where young people have come together with community and voluntary organisations to engage and support young people.
New Facilities
We have seen how people can come together to save local assets such as the Muni and Ty Nant and Beddau Community Hub. In Maerdy, the Library and other assets are being transformed. Abercynon War Memorial Pool has been saved by the community to ensure that young children and families have a safe place where they can enjoy a day out during the summer holidays. Utilising a wide range of expertise and the experience of community groups taking on assets we have recently developed joint information sheets offering communities support in developing their community buildings and pools.
NEW: Funding Search for FREE Groups have also recently benefitted from the launch of our NEW FREE funding search facility 4 Community www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/interlink. We hope that you enjoy this edition of The Community Link and we look forward to hearing from you if you would like to know more or would like some support with developing your local assets.
Developing People Ken Moon, Coordinator Community Advice and Support. Ken supports groups in Taff Ely and Cynon with funding applications, policies and legal structures. Contact Ken on 01443 846200 or email: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk
Paul Robinson - People are our Greatest Asset Paul started with Interlink on 10 July 2014 as our Business Ambassador. His initial project was supporting Taffs Well Development Association (TWDA) with their business plan. TWDA is also run by volunteers so this was a huge learning curve for Paul as he had previously spent over 20 years in the business world. Helen Edmunds, Chair, commented: ‘Paul, we would just like to say a huge thank you, for your time, help and support, that you gave so freely to TWNCDA in helping us to formulate and write our business plans. You were able to help us get a better idea of how we could go about it and it was inspirational when we wrote a second business plan using the same format. We must say that thanks to volunteers like your good self, helping to support people like us can make a huge difference in how we can best develop our services and succeed. Thank you and all good wishes for your future.’ Helen, Lynne, Clive and Jill
He also worked tirelessly with Trecynon Hall supporting the trustees write their business plan.
Gareth Jones, trustee, said: ‘I found Paul to be a great help in putting together the package that was required to put forward our bid for grant aid. I found Paul to be very knowledgeable in the work that he carried out for Trecynon Hall and was very professional in all aspects, as a community group we would like to thank Paul for all that he did for us and wish him well for the future.’
He supported New Life Church writing their business plan to apply for Community Facility Programme funding. Following their first meeting Dawn said ‘…so wish I had come for your help last year. He was flipping amazing.’ And following their second meeting said ‘…another very valuable 3 hours with Paul yesterday. What a guy. Even came when his mother has recenty died. Now that’s what I call commitment.’ Dawn acknowledged Paul’s expertise and thanked him assisting them in drawing everything they do together and putting it into a business plan which to be fair she found extremely difficult. He also supported Interlink with events such as the SEWCED networking events, trustee away day and designing leaflets and promotional material. He also supported the well being hub group in producing a project plan. He supported the development officer with recruiting other volunteers and often coming up with other ideas to support social enterprises. During his time at Interlink he donated over 300 hours of volunteer time. Page 3
The Well-being of Future Generations Act
‘The Wales We Want’ The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is the first piece of legislation of its kind worldwide and has put Wales at the forefront of legislative sustainable development. This, and the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, are likely to have a profound effect on the way we work. The Act gives Welsh public bodies a legal duty to ensure that they meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. They must show how they consider the long-term in decision making, working better with people, communities and each other; look to prevent problems; and take a more joined-up approach towards achieving the seven well-being goals.
And while the commissioner will have a key role in ensuring that this happens how this works in practice is something everyone is still working out. It seems likely that a more area based approach, focused on the development of local community assets (that’s people, stuff and nature) seems to be emerging, alongside the Environment Act, and at the core of these will be communities and community groups.
Town and Community Councils
Many Town and Community Councils also have a duty to develop a local plan. In Pontypridd, work has already begun with an initial stakeholder event held in August attended by people from public, private, and community organisations and the University of South Wales.
The Act also encourages the voluntary and private sectors to work in this way, with everyone working towards 'The Wales we Want'.
Public Service Boards
The Act establishes Public Services Boards (PSBs), whose membership needs to include the local authority, health board, fire and rescue service and Natural Resources Wales and the local CVC must also be invited to form part of this board. Each PSB must first assess the state of economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being in its area and then set objectives within a Local Well-being Plan outlining how they will deliver the national well-being goals. Each PSB will then carry out an annual review of their plan, showing progress made. The Future Generations Commissioner will act as a guardian for the interests of future generations and support public bodies to work towards achieving the well-being goals. Every community group in RCT, if not Wales, is in one way or another, already helping to deliver the Act as the purpose of community groups is to make people lives better. The question is the extent to which we are doing this as part of a strategic plan which is designed to meet the needs of future generations as well as those of the present. The Act places a duty on the PSBs to show how all those who can support the delivery of the act can be involved in developing the delivery plan. Page 4
‘By pooling our shared resources we can start to build the capacity of our communities to develop their own resources. Community groups and organisations are already starting to work more collaboratively together within their communities to improve peoples lives and wellbeing. For example, Abercynon paddling pool has been supported by the wider community towards the re-opening of the pool.’ Ken Moon, Interlink Many of us may wonder what difference this new act will make in practice but the fact that there is now a duty on public bodies to deliver and involve people is a significant step. In addition the commissioner will have a key role to play in holding the public service boards to account. But what’s really important is what future generations will think about what we’re doing now?
To find out more visit www. gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act
Building Community Capacity The Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales), 2014 (SSWA) is the other main piece of legislation coming from Welsh Government which is likely to have a big impact on the voluntary and community sector and on how public sector bodies meet the needs of people and communities. This is the largest piece of legislation passed by the Welsh Government and the most significant piece of legislation affecting the Welsh Social Care sector for 15 years. It draws together policy and law regulating social care into a single overarching piece of legislation. The Act was passed by the Welsh government in 2014 and will be enacted in April, 2016.
New Life Church
Finally there is a strong emphasis on strengthening support for preventative measures within the act, the kind of measure which many of our members are actively delivering. At a SSWB Building Community Capacity event at Nant Garw on 25 November on the Act, Dawn Parkin from New Life Church in Tonyrefail talked about the role of churches in delivering social care in our communities. She stressed how the important thing for them was not, whether or not there was legislation which has been passed which supported what they did, though this helped, but that they were listening to the needs of local people and doing what they could to meet them.
Person Centred
One of the most important elements of the act is that it is very much focused on person centered and outcomes focused services which lead to an overall improvement in well-being. The Act therefore champions a wholly personcentered approach to care, requiring active choicemaking and clearly articulated wishes on the part of the service-user or their advocate.
Can and Can Only Test
The local authority (LA) will undertake the assessment of need, using the eligibility criteria known as the ‘can and can only test.’ The test is called this as it looks for other ways of meeting need which are not dependent on local authority funding, hence resources will be devoted to supporting and signposting individuals to accessible services in the statutory, independent and voluntary sector which the LA does not directly fund.
Building Community Capacity
The Act identifies the need to build community capacity to support people in the community. This includes things that help people keep active and connected like befriending, community centres, community café’s, walking groups, knitting groups – the list is endless from small community groups to larger social www.globalgiving.org/story-tools/enterprises delivering services. Interlink and VAMT are working with partners under the Act to build community capacity – let us know if you want to know more!
‘For me it’s not about policies, strategies and endless meetings, it’s about doing what’s right in your heart because helping other people, that’s what matters; helping to turn peoples lives around by giving them the help they need, when the need it, it’s about listening to people and being there with them on the journey. It’s what floats my boat and it’s what we do.’ Dawn Parkin, New Life Church Tonyrefail
For more information visit www.gov.wales/topics/health/socialcare
Page 5
RCT Together
New Community Facilities Community Enabling Fund Community services and buildings have been brought back to life thanks to the innovative RCT Together approach, which has seen the Council working with community groups to re-open and safeguard the services and buildings that matter the most. In last year's 'The Community Link', we included an article on the transfer of public services to local communities, featuring Beddau and Tynant Community Library and Treherbert Regeneration Ltd. This was the start of a new collaborative approach between the voluntary and public sectors in Rhondda Cynon Taf to safeguard public services and buildings.
With the cuts in public spending affecting all local authorities in Wales looking set to continue over the coming years, RCT Council will need to continue to find alternative ways of delivering services with reduced resources. Having less money to spend on delivering services and maintaining facilities will inevitably mean the Council will need to make difficult decisions which ordinarily would not be considered. Having said that, the Council appreciates how much services and facilities are valued by people living and working in Rhondda Cynon Taf and understand the contribution local people can make (and already are making) to benefit their communities. RCT Together is the Council’s forward-thinking approach to engaging with its residents and communities about how they can work together to explore alternative delivery models, which could maintain services and facilities in the future. Page 6
Launched in March 2015 by Deputy Leader Cllr Keiron Montague, RCT Together includes opportunities for community groups and social enterprises to express an interest in running services or managing council assets and a Community Enabling Fund, that could help some groups to make their idea a reality. The first step for community groups is to fill in an expression of interest form, which can be obtained via www.rctcbc.gov.uk/RCTTogether To date, over 78 groups have submitted proposals ranging from managing local community paddling pools, library services, enabling all year round access to leisure facilities, to developing unused land for environmental and community engagement activities and wanting to use spare rooms and space in council buildings to co-locate services and help maintain and sustain key buildings in our communities.
Voluntary Sector Liaison Group
Other developments have included the recruitment of a Community Asset Development Officer, based within the Council, as a first point of contact for groups to share ideas and proposals. The Deputy Leader Cllr Keiron Montague has also established a Voluntary Sector Liaison Steering Group to assist the Council in navigating this new way of working and to help co-ordinate support to any groups wishing to deliver Council services or take over Council assets. As well as appropriate Local Authority officers, partners on the group include Interlink, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Social Firms Wales, Wales Co-operative Centre and University of South Wales.
RCT Together Through establishing the RCT Together process over the last six months, the Council has been aligning its internal processes as far as possible to help groups. RCT Council Corporate Estates and Regeneration teams now work directly with groups, alongside the voluntary sector support organisation, to co-ordinate efforts on issues such as helping groups build their capacity, consult with the wider community, fundraising, legal structures, training for trustees, recruiting and supporting volunteers and guidance to develop strong Business Plans etc. Here are some case studies from those community groups who have recently completed the asset transfer journey….
Friends of Ferndale - Community Hub Maerdy (Former Maerdy Library) In April 2014, Maerdy Library closed as a result of the public spending cuts imposed on RCT Council. This had a huge impact on the whole community. But, following a year of effective partnership working, working tirelessly to overcome barriers and building a strong staffing structure, Friends of Ferndale re-opened the facility. Within the short space of two months, the facility has provided a variety of opportunities for Welsh Language classes, Sewing classes, Creative Literacy stage school and of course, book lending. All of which have been supported through external funding, of which we are eternally grateful.
‘I was devastated when the library closed as my children practically grew up there. The facility reopening will make a huge difference to my foster children who didn’t even know what a library was. It’s nice to see it all coming back together again.’ Nicola Curtis (Maerdy Resident)
To date, we have 34 children and 16 adults who have signed up to the Hub. Hopefully these numbers will increase during our book sale and coffee morning on the 14 November. ‘It’s great because I like reading and its lots of fun.’ Sienna Dutfield, Age 9
Without the support from many outside agencies, local community groups and individuals we would not have been in a position to build such strong foundations to develop the facility into a Community Hub that meets the needs ofindividuals, families and groups of all ages.
We hope that the involvement, commitment and support we have received will continue for generations to come, providing a Hub of services, events, training opportunities for present and future residents. Page 7
Transferring Assets Case Study
The Muni Journey In the Autumn of 2014, the Muni Arts Centre was closed. It was a difficult decision. Cuts to local authority funding made it necessary to find savings, but the Muni Arts Centre was, and still is, a much-loved venue.
The Directors
It is true that a great number of people made their voices heard in protest once the proposal was put forward and more came forward to suggest ways forward.
Grants from Pontypridd Town Council and Coalfields Regeneration Trust provided the necessary funds for upfront development costs and to negotiate the legal terms of agreement for lease from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Like minded people began working together to create a new strategy for a community-driven venue for culture and the arts. A successful Expression of Interest was the beginning of the journey for the Muni Working Group.
The Directors brought a range of skills and expertise, with representation from Pontypridd Town Council, Cylch Cymreig, Artis Community and Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
If there are lessons to be learned, it is to remember to continue to look forward while you are investigating the details of the here and now. It takes a lot of work to establish a company that is fit for purpose. Running a building that is open to the public requires even more energy, time and a wide range of knowledge and expertise.
Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of making the New Muni operational: developing the artistic programme, managing bookings, training others, cleaning and maintaining the building, customer service, welcoming visitors, running the box office and, of course, governance.
Consultation Day
An Open Consultation Day saw over 150 people come through the doors in just four hours, including children from local schools, parents, artists, business entrepreneurs and people who wanted to see The Muni become a venue that is accessible to everyone. All wanted the Muni to be driven by its community people of every age and from across a range of interests. This strong message stayed with the Muni Working Group, although it was also necessary to make choices to create a focus for a new strategic direction. Having come together from different organisations, the first task was to formulate shared values and vision, define the terms of reference and set in place the foundation for the incorporation of The Muni Page 8
Partnerships are key to a sustainable future. The New Muni has a huge and diverse community and it is growing. Conversations continue with Menter Iaith, University of South Wales, Pontypridd Theatre Company, Cwm Taf University Health Board, Positively Ponty, the Local Authority, the Armed Forces Community and Pontypridd YMCA, with new stakeholders continue to join.
The Cafe
The Cafe Bradleys@ TheMuni welcomes people into the New Muni and is open Monday to Saturday. We were keen to provide a new offer to Pontypridd one where you can meet friends over a coffee and a light lunch, have informal meetings, work from a comfortable sofa and enjoy free wifi. New people come through the doors every day to offer their time or ideas for a performance or simply to enjoy the atmosphere and be part of the New Muni community. To make booking with the Muni email: muniprogramme@gmail.com
Transferring Assets Case Study
Abercynon Memorial Pool makes a Big Splash Faced with the closure of this much loved community facility local councillors requested the support of Interlink to attend an open public meeting of local residents to discuss setting up a new community group. Over a 6 month period the group worked with members of the committee to establish a new constitution, with Ken Moon provided training on roles and responsibilities and on running a community facility. The group were supported to secure several thousand pounds worth of funding, much of it raised from within the local community. ‘Working with Interlink has been such a positive experience. We have received an outstanding level of service since our inception in July 2014. Which has given us the knowledge and encouragement to progress with our project. We firmly believe that we would not be as far along in our project if it hadn’t been for the first class advice and guidance we have received. We would have no hesitation in recommending Interlink to any other community group.’ Elaine George, Secretary, Action for Abercynon War Memorial Padding Pool
Fifty Plus Forums in Rhondda Cynon Taf There are five forums across RCT which have a common set of Objectives but with the independence to arrange their own meetings, speakers, events and campaigns. The common Aim is to ‘enable older people to live longer, healthy and better lives.’ One of the key objectives is to enable the voices of older people to be heard and we invite speakers to our meetings such as Assembly Members, Local Councillors and senior officers from the Local Authority and Cwm Taf University Health Board. We work closely with Age Connects Morgannwg and Interlink to increase awareness of the services provided by the voluntary sector for older people in RCT. To ensure that we can offer an RCT wide view to service providers such as the Local Authority and University Health Board there is a Advisory Group which consists of three members from each of the five forums.
The Group meets regularly with the RCT Cabinet Member for Older People, currently Councillor Mike Forey, and has access to Health Board officials. We benefit from the support and guidance of the RCT Older People's Strategy Co-ordinator who has regular contact with all forums and attends Advisory Group meetings. There is therefore a real purpose for the forums, but there is an important social aspect with forums arranging social events, concerts, meals out and trips. Each forum has their own officers and management committee to carry out the wishes of members. We are keen to attract new members to make sure that the views we express on behalf of older people are even better informed. We welcome couples and men and women aged 50+ (there is no upper age limit).
For more information please go to the website www.fiftyplusforumrct.com or ring the Strategy for Older People Co-ordinator, Rhian Webber on 01443 744847. Page 9
Case Study Rhondda Joanna Markham, Coordinator Community Advice and Support. Most people want help with funding and fundraising, but often in order to get funding people also need help with policies and to look at their legal structure. Joanna can support groups completing funding applications through her expertise of managing and assessing funding applications for funders. So if you are based in the Rhondda - please give me a call on 01443 846200 or email: jmarkham@interlinkrct.org.uk.
The Voice of Treherbert, Welcome to Our Woods Project Our Community Voice project in Treherbert, has been working with over 40 organisations and hundreds of local community members, in part identifying and documenting future possibilities, for ecosystem services in Treherbert. The project has greatly benefited from its local partnership approach. The partnership has allowed us to piggyback onto good historical community and environmental work, undertaken by our partners in the project area.
The huge natural assets held in the Upper Rhondda Fawr upland landscape, the resilient culture of the Treherbert people and the commitment of local organisations and businesses is creating a place were things are happening. When the Community Voice project ends next year there will be a range of empowered stakeholders in place, developing local natural assets for local benefit together.
Together we have delivered innovative woodland and high-street community engagement events, developed a local volunteering community group. We have supported the growth of a high-level think-tank group, specifically for the place (The Cwm Saebren Steering Group). We have now in partnership, discovered and documented an abundance of community assets. Accessing these assets correctly, we believe will create opportunities for real positive change in the project area.
There are signs that it’s already beginning to happen! The Nant Saebren micro hydro scheme has gained Local Council planning consent. The community is making plans with Natural Resources Wales to take responsibility for more local woodland. A range of wellbeing sessions are being delivered in Treherbert woodlands three times a week. The great efforts needed for the tasks ahead are fully appreciated by the partnership. We are today reporting that in the Upper Rhondda Fawr the journey to a greener more prosperous and fairer future has begun.
For more information contact Ian Thomas at Welcome to Our Woods Project Officer (Cwm Saebren) on 07813941552 Page 10
Case Study Rhondda
Ystrad Boys and Girls Club Both Carole and Alan have volunteered at Ystrad Boys and Girls Club for a staggering 46 years each. Alan initially went along to the boys club as his son had left the house in some overalls to go and help paint the local club, Alan was soon volunteering alongside his son and did much of the renovations that can still be seen today. Alans volunteering was recognised in 1977 by receiving the Prince Charles Award. The current building was the old Bethel Church and the community cleared the pews and sold the wood to generate income to complete the club. In 1969 they both joined the committee and Carol was in charge of the catering, they are both still actively involved in the club today and are working with Interlink to ensure that the club can be used for future generations of Ystrad. Carole said: ‘We are thrilled to receive this award in recognition of our volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, it has been a large part of our lives.’
Update and next steps
Interlink hosted a community consultation event where local people attended. The next meeting will be in January 2016 to look at trustees.
Are you interested in the future of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wales in Rhondda Cynon Taff? We are looking for Volunteers and trustees to develop the work of our clubs in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. For more information email: office@bgcwales.org.uk Tel: 02920 575705 Email: office@bgcwales.org.uk Website: www.bgcwales.org.uk BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS OF WALES Charity Registration Number 1009142 Page 11
#strongerrhondda #rhonddagryfach
Working together for a Stronger Rhondda Charities and social enterprises in the Rhondda Valleys have pledged to work together in a new alliance called ‘#strongerrhondda’. The incredible range of work carried out by these organisations across the Rhondda Fach and Rhondda Fawr was showcased at a special event held at the Arts Factory, Ferndale on 7 October 2015. Those who attended the day organised by Interlink RCT had an opportunity to network and share ideas and all agreed to continue working in partnership under the ‘#strongerrhondda’ banner - formerly known as the Rhondda Alliance. Representatives from some of the organisations gave presentations on their work and explained their plans for the future. Charities who showcased their work included the Arts Factory, Big Click, New Horizons, Purple Shoots, Spectacle Theatre and TooGoodToWaste. And there was a special welcome for representatives of the Rank Foundation, the charitable institution founded by film producer J Arthur Rank, which supports the People in Work unit in the Rhondda. David Sanderson from the Rank Foundation said: ‘We are interested in what makes people tick and about community leadership. This is an opportunity for us to get a better flavour of what we are doing.’
Simon James, Chief Executive of Interlink RCT, said: ‘It was a fantastic day - great to see so many organisations looking to work together in the Rhondda and such innovative projects and brilliant people. And we got young people to pick a name for the partnership – Stronger Rhondda! It would be great to see more community groups join in as we develop our plans with young people. The Stronger Rhondda partnership is all about people working together to make a difference and improve the Rhondda. With many local services transferring over to be run by local people, there are lots of community groups springing up here. It’s about how we support people to come together and use their skills in the community. We were delighted to welcome our visitors from the Rank Foundation who are working with us to see if they would like to fund a number of groups in the Rhondda.’
To find out more about #strongerrhondda call Interlink RCT on 01443 846200.
RCT Homes Call for their Small Grants Programmes 2015-16 RCT Homes are putting out a special call for their grant schemes which are open to all constitutional groups in its communities. The grants are: • The Environmental Improvement Programme offers grants (no limit) to help develop a ‘green’ project that will benefit the environment and the community. • The Community Chest Grant awards grants of up to £2000 to community groups for anything that isn’t environmental but will still benefit communities. This could include projects that teach people skills, gets communities active or simply are a way for people in the community to have fun. The next deadline is 17 December 2015 for the January panel meeting and then the 12 February 2016. Contact Hayley Teague and the grants team by emailing: grants@rcthomes.co.uk Page 12
Funding
Big Lottery - People and Places Grant Programme People and Places grant programme has been going since 2007, it provides grants of £5,001 to £1 million to projects in Wales and has an annual budget of £17.8 million to fund capital and revenue projects that cover the areas of health, education, environment and the community. Through this programme we can fund local projects and projects that operate in more than one geographical area, regionally or throughout Wales. You can read about some of our awarded projects here www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding
What can you apply for?
The programme is fairly flexible, and you can ask us to fund any cost directly associated with running your project. This can include volunteer costs, staff salaries, IT equipment, venue hire, monitoring and evaluation, building works, refurbishments coststhe list goes on!
We are constantly listening to customer feedback, and in line with your views we have made some changes to the programme, application form and guidance notes.
Here is our summary of the changes:
• The Stage 1 application form now has a word count limit. • Applicants will be able to apply for 5 years funding, where previously they could apply for up to 3 years. • Projects requesting funds of over £500,000 will no longer need to demonstrate they are being innovative. • Our Land and Building guidance has been updated. • Our guidance on applying for a Capital Submitting an application Development Grant has been made clearer. There are no deadlines on the programme. Once • The amount for capital development grants has you have submitted your Stage 1 Application you increased. Applicants will be able to apply for a will hear a decision within 30 working days - either Capital Development Grant for up to 10 per cent inviting you to submit a Stage 2 full application or of your total costs, up to a maximum value of providing feedback as to why we have turned down £50,000. your request for funding. • These changes took effect from the 12 October 2015. If you are thinking of applying to the Programme and would like to find out more, visit our website, send us an email: enquiries.wales@biglotteryfund.org.uk or give us a call 0300 123 0735. If you have a hearing impairment you can contact us using text relay on 18001 plus 0300 123 0735.
Enterprise Support Programme Capital and/or revenue projects for up to 1 year only. The guidance is basic but details information on thresholds and eligibility etc. Anyone interested in applying to the fund can contact Debbie Pike on 01443 495151 or visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Business/FundingandGrants/EnterpriseSupportProgramme.aspx Page 13
Funding
Active Inclusion The Active Inclusion fund is managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) supported by funding from European Structural Funds (Priority 1 – Specific Objective 2). It aims to reduce economic inactivity in the West Wales and Valleys areas of Wales and improve the employability of disadvantaged people furthest from the labour market. The fund will work with those over the age of 25 who are designated long term unemployed or economically inactive and have complex barriers to employment. Participants will also need to fall into one of the following categories: • • • • •
Have low skills Have a work limiting health condition Have caring responsibilities Are over 54 years old Are from a jobless household
Active Inclusion will be delivered through two complementary strands to help participants gain qualifications and skills to enhance their employability, undertake job search and employability skills, progress to further education and/or training that will enhance their employability and achieve supported employment or full time sustainable employment.
Strand 1: Include
Strand 1 activity will focus on engaging those participants furthest from the labour market and will act as a ‘first step’ in the participants’ journey to employment. It will include a vast range of activities such as basic skills training, volunteering, money management and social skills.
Strand 2: Achieve
Strand 2 will offer paid supported employment opportunities for up to 26 weeks and 35 hours per week. Participants will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Activities will include essential skills training, actual work experience, financial management training and job search.
How much money can Active Inclusion invest in organisations? Active Inclusion has £11.6 million to invest in the West Wales and the Valleys areas of Wales. £4.5 million will be invested through Strand 1. £7.1 million will be invested through Strand 2.
Match funding will be required and will be specified in each grant specification.
What happens next?
Funding can be accessed through a two part grant application process. Organisations that wish to be added to the approved beneficiary list will need to complete and submit an Eligibility Questionnaire (EQ). To complete an EQ please register www.etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk/home.html For any technical assistance with completing the EQ please contact 03000 6 03000. To access the EQ you may need some reference numbers: The project code is 30387 Please note that following the initial eligibility questionnaire stage, each individual grant round will also be subject to specific opening and closing dates within which applications must be submitted.
Links to all relevant guidance, events and support will be kept up to date on the Active Inclusion web page www.wcva.org.uk/funding/wcva-funding/active-inclusion-fund If you have any questions please email the Active Inclusion team at activeinclusion@wcva.org.uk or call the WCVA helpdesk on 0800 2888 329. Page 14
Funding Rural Development Programme The Rural Development Programme is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. The priorities for the programme as a whole are: • To foster knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas. • Enhance competitiveness of all types of agriculture and enhancing farm viability. • Promote food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture. • Restore, preserve and enhance ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry. • Promote resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy in agriculture, food and forestry sectors. • Promote social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. Locally, the Rural Development LEADER programme (a term used to cover the community development aspect of the programme) consists of nine electoral divisions in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, collectively called Rural Action Cwm Taf. Rather than projects being submitted in a competitive manner as happened in the last programme, we have been awarded an allocation which the Rural Cwm Taf Local Action Group, a Board of impartial representatives, are responsible for administering under the governance of the Lead Administration Body, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. Merthyr Tydfil/Rhondda Cynon Taf’s total sum to be allocated is £897,409.50 available for revenue projects between 2015-2021. The electoral divisions eligible in RCT for this fund are: • Maerdy • Rhigos • Ynysybwl Please contact the Rural Action Co-ordinator should you be interested in implementing projects in a service or host ward.
Any projects should serve communities in more than one rural ward. They must seek to address the following: • Rural Poverty • Health • Welsh Language/Equalities • Uplands (for clarification on this we have a map which outlines what these areas are) • Resilient/Sustainable Rural communities Projects put forward need to fall under one or more of the following themes: • Exploration of Digital Technology. • Renewable Energy at a community level. • Adding Value to Local Identity and Natural and Cultural Resources. • Exploring new ways of providing non statutory services. • Facilitating pre commercial development, business partnerships and short supply chains.
Should you be successful in proceeding to application stage, you will need to reference how your project fits with the Local Development strategy. You can view this document at www.merthyr.gov.uk/rdp or request a copy from the Rural Development Co-ordinator (contact details below).
Should you wish to be kept informed of developments or wish to be added to the stakeholder distribution list please email: joanne.nicholas@merthyr.gov.uk Page 15
Broaden your horizons ..... with Interlink training For more information and course fees call 01443 846200 or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk
Events
Supporting Groups with Funding
24 February 2016 5.30pm - 8.00pm at Ferndale Community School
Training Listening to Older People Project Training 14 January 2016 10.00am - 3.00pm at DEWIS CIL, Upper Boat CF37 5BP
Managing Volunteers 13 & 14 January 2016 9.30am - 4.30pm at Interlink
29 January 2016 9.00am - 1.00pm at VAMT FREE
Getting the Best from your Volunteers 2 & 3 February 2016 9.00am - 5.00pm at Interlink
Volunteer Recruitment 27 & 28 January 2016 9.30am - 4.30pm at VAMT
Safeguarding Children & Young People
Project Management: Introduction to Managing your Project 28 January 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm at Interlink
Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act
18 February 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm at Interlink FREE
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 18 February 2016 1.30pm - 4.30pm at Interlink FREE
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. Follow the link to access this FREE service and start sourcing funding opportunities today: www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/interlink
Everyone at Interlink would like to wish all their members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Registered Charity No.: 1141143 Company Limited by Guarantee No.: 07549533
Next Issue: April 2016