Issue 62 Winter 2013
Growing Local Enterprises The newsle er for voluntary organisa ons and community groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf
SocialInterlink Enterprise Edi on News
Welcome ..... to the Winter edi on of Interlink’s Newsle er. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please send your ar cles, informa on, job vacancies or adver sements by: 28 February 2014 to Cara Jordan-Evans at Interlink by E-mail: cjordan-evans@interlinkrct.org.uk
If you require any ar cles translated into Welsh or any other format please get in touch.
In this issue we have: Introduc on
2
Coproduc on
3
Funding and Support
4-5
Local Enterprises
6-7
Enterprising Communi es
8-9
Local Enterprises
10-11
South East Wales Community Economic Development Grant
12-13
Social Enterprise
14
Social Enterprise/ ICT Support
15
Training
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 mes are: Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Social Enterprises Delivering Prosperity in RCT We were cha ng to a colleague undergoing some serious budget cuts recently, and as part of a moral boos ng exercise the team at this well respected organisa on have started playing buzz word bingo whenever they receive correspondence from their head office. They look for words and phrase such as ‘difficult mes’; ‘we’re all feeling the pinch’ and that sort of thing and whoever cks off all the buzz words on the list first, wins a cash prize. As well as being a light hearted way of dealing with ‘tough decisions’ and ‘hard choices’ it also avoids us having to introduce this edi on of the bulle n with a commentary on how budget cuts are and/or will ‘affect us all’. So yes, ‘ mes are hard’, and they’re likely to ‘get harder’. For example, RCT is currently consul ng on proposed changes to service delivery which suggest that library and day care centre closures, and greatly reduced nursery provision, may be on the cards as soon as April next year. While we may have personal views on how such cuts to public services will significantly impact on the lives of people in RCT, as a sector we need to look beyond this, and start thinking crea vely about how the social outcomes of such services can con nue to be delivered by the community for the community. This may mean looking for grant funding to replace like with like, or it may mean thinking differently about how the difference such services make in the community can be delivered by less resource intensive, or even income genera ng models. We will be suppor ng a number of groups to hold workshops in January to look at how people and communi es can respond to the proposed cuts. If you would like to lead or be involved in a session, please get in touch with Ken, Simon or Jenny on 01443 846200. The Prosperity and Enterprise Event at the Pop Factory in Porth held on 14 November with 47 people a ending was a great success, with one delegate commen ng that ‘this was quite possibly the best event I’ve ever been to!’ Thanks to all those involved, it provided a great space to discuss vital issues and this conversa on with the sector will con nue as the new financial year looms large on the horizon. There’s also a great deal which emerging and exis ng social enterprises could be doing to help ensure that they will con nue to survive and thrive into the future. And finally, if it all seems like too much for one person or organisa on to achieve, then think about what you can do to work with others to coproduce and collaborate services and products which appeal to a wider market. In this edi on of The Link you will find examples of how the third sector is con nuing to deliver prosperity in RCT by developing new income genera ng ac vi es, and providing much needed training and job opportuni es o en to those furthest from the jobs market, in the hard mes and the good. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the following pages then give one of the development team a call and we will do our very best to support you with your enterprise ideas. Mind how you go! Ken, Jo and Meriel - The Enterprise Team
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Coproduc on ‘Coproduc on’? Revolu onary or just another buzz word? Why the co-produc on approach ma ers to all of us The needs of people and communi es are best met when they are properly valued, listened to and involved in service planning and delivery in their own communi es. Like others, Interlink believes that posi ve social change can only be achieved through ‘co-produc on’. This is not another buzz word for ‘working together’, in many ways it is revolu onary because it is about much greater equality between professionals and ci zens. It starts with the meaningful involvement of people and communi es in planning, delivery and decision making. The good news is that there are loads of amazing examples of individuals, families and communi es helping to shape be er public services including services for vulnerable families, young people and people with demen a. All of our challenge is to take this kind of great prac ce to scale. We want to find more ways that public and voluntary organisa ons value community members / service users for what they CAN do and to build upon those assets to make the changes that they want in their lives and their communi es. The co-produc on movement is gathering momentum in Wales with key Ministers promo ng the value of democra sing services. We want to make sure that RCT builds upon its rich heritage of mutuality and co-opera on to be part of it. The vision is that public and voluntary services respond to the challenges we
face - based on recognising the resources that people and communi es already have, and deliver services with, rather than for. When people and communi es are more widely recognised as part of the solu on a whole wealth of latent poten al will be unleashed. We know this because already some communi es within RCT have coproduced radically reduced crime, improved educa onal outcomes and improved their local environment. As well as dissemina ng great prac ce we are se ng up a series of exci ng ac on research projects with universi es and local service providers. The projects will explore ways to make collabora on and coproduc on easier for public services to mainstream. What is fundamentally important is being able to do this in a way that is op mum for service users and community members. As this kind of climate is achieved, posi ve social outcomes will rapidly unfold. Also, if you want help to get even be er at any of this, there are a whole team of people who take this kind of cu ng edge par cipa on to the highest level at Interlink. They LOVE working with individuals, organisa ons and groups to help YOU achieve what YOU want to achieve! Just call us and we’ll get the best person for your query. You may also benefit from being linked up to other similar groups or organisa ons… again, you tell us what you would prefer and we’ll fit in with you.
Do you have some ideas about how this can best be achieved… or does your organisa on have some insights into this? If so, we want to hear from you!! Call Jenny on 01443 846200 or e-mail: johara@interlinkrct.org.uk. Jenny delivers Making the Connec ons, funded by the Welsh European Convergence Programme through WCVA.
Suppor ng People Affected by the Cuts Lots of groups have expressed a passion for working with others to help mi gate the impact of the cuts on people in poverty through community ac on. This was a strong theme of our recent ‘Poverty and Enterprise Event’ and ‘Together for Mental Health’ and AGM.
Interlink will be suppor ng a call to acƟon by co-sponsoring themed workshops bringing members and interested groups together around each of the current proposed areas for cuts: Library closures; Day centre closures and Meals on wheels; Reduced nursery provision and Youth services.
For example, people are concerned about the implica ons of the library closures on job seekers that need daily access to IT to prove they are looking for jobs. We have been asked to help bring people to come and work together to find crea ve ways of reducing the impact on the most vulnerable.
EVERYONE is welcome to be involved. Dates will soon follow for events to be held in the New Year. For further informa on please get in touch with Jenny, Simon or Ken on 01443 846200. Page 3
Funding and Support Joanna Markham, Enterprising Communi es Officer, Joanna’s post supports community and social enterprises in Rhondda Cynon Taf and any group looking to be enterprising! Most people want help with funding and fundraising, but o en in order to get funding people also need help with policies and to look at their legal structure. Joanna can support groups comple ng funding applica ons through her exper se of managing and assessing funding applica ons for funders. Interlink is lucky to have Gran inder which is an online database which can help you search for relevant funders for specific projects. Many groups access this resource at Interlink, BUT NOT as MUCH AS WE WOULD LIKE! So if you haven’t - please give me a call on 01443 846200 or e-mail: jmarkham@interlinkrct.org.uk. The Enterprising Communi es Project is funded by the Welsh European Convergence Programe through WCVA.
Awards for All Big Lo ery are keen to receive applica ons from groups in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Big lo ery have two funds available to groups: Awards for All Wales offers funding for up to £5,000 to groups to support work with volunteers, training, marke ng, pu ng on an event or purchasing equipment etc. Awards for All provides voluntary and community groups with a quick and easy way to get small grant of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which aim to help improve local communi es and the lives of people most in need. The programme encourages a wide range of community, health, educa onal and environmental projects.
You can only apply to Awards for All if you are a community group, not for profit group, Community or Town Council, Health body or school. You do not need to be a registered charity to apply for Awards for All. We will pay for ac vi es including: • Pu ng on an event, ac vity or performance • Buying new equipment or materials • Running training courses • Se ng up a pilot project or star ng up a new group • Educa onal toys and games and informa on technology equipment • Paying expenses for volunteers, costs for sessional workers or professional fees • Transport costs and refurbishment
For more informa on and to apply visit www.biglo eryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/wales/awards-for-all-wales
People and Places People and Places offers groups funding for up to 1 million pounds.
The main aim is to bring people together to create real improvements for communi es and the lives of people most in need. We want your project to be community led - so helping people to develop the skills and confidence to become more involved in their community is an integral aspect of this programme.
People and Places will fund capital and revenue projects that encourage co-ordinated ac on by people who want to make their communi es be er places to live. We will support local and regional projects throughout Wales that focus on: The lo ery will be holding several drop in surgeries • Revitalising communi es, across Rhondda Cynon Taf, to find out more or for • Improving community rela onships, or help with funding, please contact Joanna Markham • Enhancing local environments, community on 01443 846200. services and buildings. For more informa on and to apply visit www.biglo eryfund.org.uk/prog_people_places Page 4
Funding and Support
Enterprising Fund The Coalfields Regenera on Trust Enterprising Fund is seeking applica ons from Individuals or Social Enterprise businesses that have enterprising social business ideas that they would like to develop further. The aims of the fund are to: • Support entrepreneurial individuals / organisa ons to overcome barriers to developing their business idea; • Explore enterprise development • Assist towards establishing social enterprises Grants of between £3-5k will be made to a limited number of applicants, on a compe ve basis. To be eligible to apply the applicant must be: • Located in the former Coalfield area of RCT • A member of the Community Enterprise Network • Pre-trading or trading for less than 6 months • Demonstrate a clear business idea • Commence the project within 3 months • Have a turnover less than £100,000 Items that can be funded include: • Consultant support e.g. Feasibility Studies, Business Plans • Mentoring support • Business training • Start Up equipment (business plan to be submi ed with the applica on) • Crea ve and innova ve Marke ng ideas
Ineligible costs: • Staff salaries • Consultant support that can be accessed from elsewhere Applica ons will be assessed on the following criteria: • Quality of the business idea • Evidence of the market • Evidence of impact • How realis c and clearly explained the project costs are • Quan fiable measures of success Applica on Process: 1. Sign up to the Community Enterprise Network - Need iden fica on 2. One to One support - map out the applica on 3. Submit applica on 4. Grants Panel The deadline for applica ons is quarterly star ng September 2013. For an applica on pack and help and support comple ng an applica on please contact Hayley Doorhof on 01443 404455 or e-mail: hayley.doorhof@coalfields-regen.org.uk
The Wales Micro-Business Loan Fund for the Third Sector WCVA in a joint partnership arrangement with Coalfields Regenera on Trust and Cardiff and Vale Credit Union (represen ng ABCUL Credit Unions) has been awarded a contract by Finance Wales, with funding provided by the Welsh Government, to provide micro loan investment into enterprising third sector organisa ons across Wales. The size of the loans to be offered is between £1,000 and £20,000 with a maximum repayment term of
5 years, interest rates will be 10% with a £150 setup fee. The £1 million fund is now taking applica ons and will be open un l 2017. The fund is aimed at providing micro loan finance to third sector organisa ons that want to expand or start enterprising ac vity that will generate income and create jobs in communi es across Wales. The available finance can be used to fund revenue or capital investments.
For more informa on contact Coalfields Regenera on Trust - alun.taylor@coalfields-regen.org.uk or 01443 404455 WCVA - microfund@wcva.org.uk or 0800 2888 329 Cardiff and Vale Credit Union - lherberg@cardiffcu.com or 02920 872379 Page 5
Local Enterprises
Partnership Opportuni es with Factory Books Arts Factory Arts Factory is a development trust, based in the Rhondda, that was created in 1990 by local people who were red of being labelled as ‘problems’ and who wanted to work together to improve the quality of their lives. We aim to create life changing opportuni es for people who feel marginalised or excluded, to treat all people as assets, and to be a robust community anchor organisa on. Social Jus ce and Sustainable Development are our core values.
Factory Books
Economically by genera ng income to help meet our opera ng costs, socially by crea ng a range of volunteering opportuni es that enable people to learn and develop, and environmentally by diver ng books from the waste stream.
Partnership opportuni es We have partnership arrangements in place with a number of other organisa ons who harvest books for us which we then sell on-line for them in return for a share of the sale price. Not all books by any means are suitable for on-line sales. We filter out the good stuff and recycle the rest. We'd be very happy to enter into a similar arrangement with any of Interlink’s members or any other organisa ons that share our values.
Three years ago Arts Factory launched Factory Books, a social enterprise selling used, collectable books on-line through the Amazon Marketplace. We now hold a stock of over 28,000 books and are regularly We are also looking for partners who would like dispatching books to customers from all over the to sell used books off-line. We have a large stock world from our warehouse in the Rhondda. Upwards of varied books in excellent condi on that are not of thirty regular volunteers help to make this happen. worth anything on-line but are too good to The experience helps them to develop new skills, recycle. Generally speaking, more specialist books a suppor ve social network, self-confidence and sell well on-line and populist books sell well on the self-esteem. The success of the enterprise depends high street. We have many thousands of books on the quality of our stock, compe ve pricing, and that will sell well from the right loca on. We can first class customer service. We are good at it and supply the stock on a sale or return basis in return our feedback reflects that. Factory Books contributes for a share of the sale price. significantly to Arts Factory’s triple bo om line. If you are interested in a partnership arrangement with Factory Books please contact Elwyn James on 01443 757954 or e-mail: Elwyn@artsfactory.co.uk. Please visit us at www.artsfactory.co.uk South East Wales Community Economic Grant (SEWCED) support The Arts Factory Book project
Surrender Your Unwanted Books! Help to create opportuni es for marginalised people in some of Europe’s most disadvantaged communi es by dona ng your unwanted books. All books in readable condi on are welcomed and will be put to good use. The surrendered books will be collected by Factory Books. Our team of volunteers will sort through the books. Books that are suitable to be resold will be offered for sale through our on-line bookstore in the Amazon marketplace. The remaining books will be recycled. Factory Books is a social enterprise based in the Rhondda Valleys we offer individuals who feel
marginalised and excluded opportuni es to develop new skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, and a suppor ve social network. Our approach is to focus on people’s strengths rather than their weaknesses and enable individuals previously labelled as ‘service users’ to become providers of valued services to the wider community. At least forty individuals benefit from these opportuni es every week. Factory Books is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arts Factory – a community owned development trust based in the Rhondda. Arts Factory exists to build a stronger, more inclusive community. Please visit us at www.artsfactory.co.uk
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Local Enterprises
AX Music AX Music is a Social Enterprise Company based in Abercynon, RCT. Phil Harris and Anne Cleaton founded the company in 2008, with help from the Wales Coopera ve Centre. Both founders work as professional musicians and guitar tutors and from experien al knowledge felt that there was a need to raise standards in music teaching and to create employment opportuni es for many of the talented young musicians in the area. With this in mind, Director Phil Harris wrote a series of guitar qualifica ons that are on the QCF Qualifica ons and Credit Framework. In addi on AX Music have developed a series of graded guitar books and exams, using local talent and businesses wherever possible. The books were designed and printed by local companies, the exams are held in venues around the locale, keeping business in Wales. Prior to the development of the company music exam boards had been based in other parts of the UK, resul ng in the South Wales community missing out on any benefits the industry provides. In keeping with the no on that music is something that should create opportunity wherever possible AX Music students play with a live band as part of their exam, this is unique to AX Music.
We also use local tutors as exam verifiers, providing employment opportuni es for local musicians. In addi on to this, we have recently launched our ‘Services’ branch of the company, which supplies local schools with guitar and drum tutors, again genera ng opportuni es for local musicians.
We have recently recruited a Marke ng Manager, Kylie Howarth. Together with Phil and our Project Officer, Lauren Crumb, have recently increased marke ng ac vity and consequently have seen a significant growth in book sales.
If you would like to know more about us please visit our websites at www.axmusic.co.uk find us on Facebook, our page name is AX-Music, or ww.soundcloud.com/ax-music-wales. South East Wales Community Economic Grant (SEWCED) support the development ac vi es of AX Music
Big Click Big Click is funded by a Welsh Government ini a ve called Communi es 2.0 and forms part of the many services provided by Penrhys Partnership. We are a new social enterprise with two years experience that offer a wide range of training for people or groups who aim to cater for the needs of the community. Our project focuses on those who are digitally excluded, suppor ng them effec vely to get the most out of technology. Big Click values help from volunteers and strive to create opportuni es for them to gain skills and experience. Since October 2011, we have provided volunteering experience for more than 12 people and have hosted 6 work placements to help give
individuals the confidence and experience they need to be successful in the job market. In that period of me, we have also helped over 1,000 people get online in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Recently, the Big Click team has decided to offer the same professional training and support we already deliver to individuals, to businesses. We offer a variety of services which include Website Design, Packages (such as Business Start-up Packages, Sport Teams, Weddings, Social clubs and Event Marke ng Packages), Graphic Design, Social Media Support, Online Adver sing and Training. Our range of services have been carefully chosen and matched to the exper se of the team.
For more informa on on these services visit our website: www.bigclick.org.uk Page 7
Enterprising Communi es Ken Moon, Enterprising Communi es Officer, Ken works alongside Jo and Meriel to support community and social enterprises in Rhondda Cynon Taf and any group looking to be enterprising! Ken enjoys wri ng the weekly Social Enterprise Bulle n and has spent a lot of me over the last year suppor ng the development of community energy proposals, par cularly community hydro projects. Contact Ken on 01443 846200 or e-mail: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk. The Enterprising Communi es Project is funded by the Welsh European Convergence Programme through WCVA.
What next for Community Energy in RCT? With the introduc on of Government incen ve schemes such as the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incen ve and support programmes such as Ynni’r Fro, community owned renewable energy provides a unique opportunity to regenerate deprived communi es in the Welsh Valleys. Since 2011, Interlink has worked with a range of partners, such as the Project Shop and the Coalfields Regenera on Ini a ve, to secure funding to undertake numerous community buildings energy audits, install energy saving measures in community buildings, and explore the poten al for community hydro across RCT. This ini al research iden fied 30 poten al micro hydro sites which could be developed at a cost of £5.4 million genera ng an es mated £22 million, £84.9 million kwh of energy and saving over 42 thousand tons of carbon over 20 years. Given the obvious opportuni es for community regenera on, Interlink then secured £75,000 of further funding from several Welsh Government Programmes including, Hay on Earth, Environment Wales, The Heads of the Valleys Programme and Ynni’r Fro to undertake detailed feasibility studies on each site and come up with the top ten of schemes to take forward. Three community engagement events during the Spring, at Pen-yr-Englyn, Ty Pennant and Abercwmboi Rugby Club, a racted interest from over 30 community groups interested in energy efficiency and community hydro. We are now working with groups in each area to determine how best to develop such schemes, coordinate support and secure local ownership of the process such as signing lease agreements on 3 hydro schemes at Cwm Saebren, Ynysybwl and Gelliwion.
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This work has not been without it’s setbacks however and a recent Natural Resources Wales decision to change the abstrac on regime for Micro Hydro in Wales has had a significant impact on developing community hydro schemes in RCT. Interlink is now looking at ways in which the sector can work in collabora on with NRW to ensure that the opportuni es which have been iden fied can secure finance for construc on whilst s ll being able to reinvest in local regenera on projects. The Rhondda, Cynon and Taff valleys con nues to offer numerous opportuni es for local communi es to save energy and generate an income through renewable energy, and with current research underway into community wind and the hea ng of community buildings through mine water, Interlink will con nue to play a leading role for the sector.
Interlink Cheif Execu ve Simon James and Social Enterprise Development Officer Ken Moon accept the congratula ons of Environment Minister, John Griffiths AM at last years Hay Fes val.
For more informa on contact Ken Moon on 01443 846200 or e-mail: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk
Enterprising Communi es
RCT Skills Centre - How individuals are delivering social good through enterprise in RCT As a private builder and developer Craig built up a strong business over a number of years. It was when he took a break from this due to health issues, that he started looking for appren ces. However, Craig was shocked to find that there were few around that were sufficiently skilled. This, despite the various training programmes being run which in Craig’s view, focused primarily on numbers rather than preparing people for work.
capital to regular cash flow, is proving to be a difficult one to manage. Without any interim financial support and having delivered so much in such a short space of me RCT Skills Centre will have to close at the end of the year, losing a vital training opportunity for many young people in the area.
As a private entrepreneur Craig decided that he’d do something about it and invested the proceeds of his business into se ng up the RCT Skills centre which runs out of a unit rented from the Pop Factory in Porth. Since its launch on 1 July 2013, the centre has so far trained 50 people in construc on skills, secured appren ceships for 5 young people with RCT Homes, lined up 15 pathways to appren ceships with GrEW and so far helped 6 people find work. In addi on the skills centre creates lots of on-site work experience including renova ng and bringing back into use parts of the Pop Factory site. While some of this on site experience generates a small income for the enterprise much of it does not, and with Craig’s ini al investment in se ng up the centre dwindling the centre is now star ng to engage with those offering training placements and contracts to secure a long-term income. As an entrepreneur Craig is a doer and as with many enterprises star ng up the leap from ini al start-up
As a private developer coming into the Social sector, Craig sees a great deal of value in suppor ng young people into work and greatly enjoys the challenges and opportuni es of developing and running a social enterprise which is helping so many people. The challenge now is in establishing the organisa onal founda ons, which will allow Craig to secure the funding he needs to secure sufficient trading ac vity to both survive and grow in the future.
For more informa on or to offer support please e-mail: rctskillscentre@hotmail.com
Spotlight - Building Community Regenera on Ken has been working with RCT Skills Centre, Greenstream Flooring, Too Good Too Waste, WK Plasters Ltd, the Build it Project and Bright Futures to develop a collabora ve approach to regenera on between voluntary and private sector enterprises which can deliver regenera on; thorough training, resource management, construc on skills, innova ve financing and the furnishing of proper es. Working separately each organisa on is limited in its capacity to deliver, develop and grow. By bringing these organisa on together Ken is suppor ng the consor a members to offer a wider offering and combine forces to secure funding and bid for contracts. For more informa on contact Ken Moon on 01443 846200 or e-mail: kmoon@interlinkrct.org.uk
Enterprises discussing how they can work together at the Prosperity and Enterprise Event on 14 November.
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Local Enterprises toogoodtowaste Named Leading Social Enterprise in Wales toogoodtowaste, a charity in Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been recognised as a leading social enterprise in Wales in results announced today at the 2013 RBS SE100 awards. The RBS SE100 Index is an online lis ng of social ventures, ranked and scored according to their growth and social impact. The live market intelligence pla orm is designed to provide a substan al data resource for investors, commissioners and policymakers as they seek to understand the landscape of the social economy and iden fy top performers across the UK.
The organisa on works ghtly with other local organisa ons such as the Job Centre, Women's Aid chari es, mental health care groups and Ac on for Children, to name just a few. These groups will refer people for volunteering placements or highlight those in the community that would benefit from toogoodtowaste's work. In 2012 Lynda and her team provided 250 free furniture packs to families and people who otherwise could not have bought their own.
toogoodtowaste hasn't taken running a social enterprise lightly. Not only do they refurbish and reuse furniture thus reducing items to landfill (last year they saved 317.5 tonnes of waste des ned for landfill), they sell this furniture at an affordable rate to low income families and residents through their charity shops which are staffed with volunteers and employees from the local community. Lynda Davies founded toogoodtowaste a er working at Barnardos as it made her realise the lack of infrastructure connec ng those in need of affordable furniture and those who wished to donate their surplus items. Wan ng to break the cycle of poverty preven ng some families from being able to afford beds, Lynda set about crea ng a service which would connect the supply and demand.
A er 20 years of business toogoodtowaste have served their community in many more ways than only being a provider of affordable furniture. The organisa on has a strong network of volunteers and employees, many of whom come from backgrounds where they face difficul es in finding employment. Page 10
Lynda says ‘I am par cularly proud of the way the community have supported our development. They donate to us, they buy from us and they volunteer their me with us. We are working as a community to create our opportuni es, even the building we use was once a derelict eyesore and now it's something that is used everyday by the whole community.’ This year, thanks to funding from the Big Lo ery Fund and Welsh Government, toogoodtowaste bought their Ynyshir branch that houses them and were able to extend it to include space for training and learning. Last year they developed a new arm of their enterprise a er receiving funding from the European Regional Development Fund and South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) Programme, which provides an ethical house clearance service, taking away furniture that can then be restored and sold. In the future Lynda hopes to provide cer fied training for her workforce and she is currently looking to fill a vacancy for an in-house trainer.
Local Enterprises
toogoodtowaste Creates New Paid Employment Local re-use and recycling charity and social enterprise toogoodtowaste has been able to create another new paid vacancy a er receiving addi onal funding from the European Regional Development Fund and South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) Programme.
toogoodtowaste will be inves ng in training for John, and he will be a ending evening classes twice a week in Swansea to gain a city and guilds qualifica on.
This funding has enabled toogoodtowaste to create a new vacancy for an addi onal Domes c Appliance Electrical Engineer to join the team, enabling them to increase the white goods and electrical appliances they are able to take, PAT and Func on test before offering back out to the community. John Hill, an electrical assistant volunteer at toogoodtowaste who joined the organisa on in March was successful in his applica on for the paid posi on. John joined the organisa on as a volunteer a er being unsuccessful in finding work a er being made redundant back in 2012. John has a wealth of experience in the automo ve and engineering trade and has worked for some pres gious names in the industry. During his me volunteering John sat a PAT tes ng exam through online distant learning in PAT tes ng which he passed with flying colours. The skills and experience that John gained whilst volunteering helped him to secure the posi on of a Domes c Appliance Electrical Engineer. John Hill said ‘To be changing career and to go back to college at 61 is an opportunity I never thought I would have and I hope to pass my knowledge on to future volunteers and placements. I am over the moon, I am very pleased and excited to start the job and I am grateful to toogoodtowaste who are kindly inves ng in my future.’
Shaun England, General Manager stated ‘Through an open recruitment process we adver sed the role and received many applica ons. All suitable candidates were assessed by independent experts to ensure that their knowledge and exper se were sufficient, we are delighted that John has an electrical knowledge which we will build on with training and he has an excellent a tude towards helping other volunteers and work based placements and he shares our commitment in helping retrain people who are looking to gain permanent employment.’
John started his new role on Monday 28 October, and everyone at toogoodtowaste are pleased that he was successful in his applica on and to be welcoming John to the team as a paid member of staff.
For more informa on about toogoodtowaste contact 01443 680090 or visit www.toogoodtowaste.co.uk
Greenstream Carpets Carpets For Under £50 per room Homelife by Greenstream offers referred local tenants exclusive discounts and loans to get their homes carpeted. Also for 3 days from 10 January they are offering free carpets on a first come first serve basis from their warehouse on Rheola Industrial Estate, Porth CF390AD. For more informa n contact 01443 683123. Page 11
South East Wales Community Economic Development Grant Meriel Gough, Social Enterprise Development Officer, Meriel’s focus is on the South East Wales Community Economic Development Programme – providing all kinds of support for funded projects, helping community and social enterprises prepare their business plan, proposals, applica on and ongoing support. Meriel helps encourage groups to work in partnership to develop social enterprise opportuni es to provide new services, facili es and products. If you are interested in linking in with these enterprises, contact Meriel on 01443 846200 or e-mail: mgough@interlinkrct.org.uk The project is funded through the Welsh European Convergence Programme through RCTCBC.
Introducing the Directory of Services for RCT Interlink’s South East Wales Economic Development (SEWCED) Officer, Meriel Gough, has recently developed with the support of Enterprises delivering services u lising the SEWCED Grant a Directory of Services for RCT. The idea behind the Directory is to give the RCT SEWCED Enterprises the opportunity to adver se their service/product to the RCT community and beyond, free of charge, through Interlink’s networks and members with the aim of a rac ng customers to buy their service/product.
The first SEWCED Directory of Services for RCT! Within this directory you will find an array of ‘Enterprises’ delivering services in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Enterprises aim to make a difference to people’s lives through improving knowledge, skills, quality of life and joining people together for the greater good! All of the Enterprises listed in this Directory have social, economic and environmental aims and enjoy the support of volunteers who, through their involvement, benefit from the s mula on it brings and personal growth. The Enterprises within this Directory are suppor ng others make this Directory your first port of call when looking to fulfill a need within your family, community or workplace. I hope you enjoy the variety this Directory brings! The Directory is available to view and download on our new website www.interlinkrct.org.uk/2013/08/a-directory-of-enterpriseservices-in-rhondda-cynon-taf ‘Excellent publica on – improves connec ons, networking and informa on sharing.’ Steve Davis, Spectacle Theatre
The Directory has been well received with many posi ve comments of support: ‘Dear Meriel and Cara, Thank you for forwarding the copy of the new Directory, what a good, relevant publica on. We need to shout about this to the whole of Wales. Do you have a direct link so we can circulate your news and people can download the directory directly? I like the fact it is in pdf format so can be easily added to and up-dated. Well done your team SEWCED/Interlink. This could easily become a pan-wales ‘social purchasing guide’??’ With kind regards, San Leonard, Chief Execu ve Social Firms Wales Page 12
South East Wales Community Economic Development Grant
The second SEWCED Directory of Services for RCT! The first Directory was successful in that it got people talking about social enterprises and their value in bringing people together to create. Social enterprises are an entwinement of people, product and service, an empathic bind for building posi vity and making lives more fulfilling. Social enterprises enhance lives, nurture where nurture is needed and make money to provide more of the same. Interes ngly Social Enterprise and Coproduc on (the ‘buzz word’ in our Voluntary Sector circles) capture very similar values: ‘Co-produc on is a ci zen-centred, evidence-based approach to public services which results in more effec ve and sustainable services and be er rela onships between ci zens and service providers. It increases engagement, builds stronger communi es and improves wellbeing. It's not the Big Society. It's a return to Welsh tradi ons of co-opera on and community: in Aneurin Bevan’s words, ‘collec ve ac on to li all of us together.’ Come, join and co-produce by suppor ng the Social Enterprises listed in this Directory - Please make this Directory your first call of reference when looking for a service with ‘community’ at the heart of everything that it does! SEWCED Enterprises have started to enquire when the next publica on is due out well in advance of work star ng on it! Several Enterprises in RCT that are not SEWCED funded would like to know ‘how’ they can adver se in the Directory! Our Enterprising Communi es Development Officers Ken Moon and Joanna Markham are looking in to this possibility. For more informa on contact Meriel Gough on 01443 846200 or e-mail: mgough@interlinkrct.org.uk The Directory is available to view and down load on our new website www.interlinkrct.org.uk/2013/10/a-directory-of-enterprise-services-in-rhondda-cynon-taf-2
Not the Thursday Group With the support of a Big Lo ery grant we set up a Community Group called ‘Not the Thursday Group.’ This was in response to many par cipants from our workshops, reques ng the need for a space where young people and their parents could meet together and re-establish their rela onships. A number of the young people par cipa ng had been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, whilst some of the parents had been diagnosed as suffering with mental ill health. Our aim within these sessions was to create a safe environment where by these families could explore crea vely through theatre, art, dance, movement and story. It allowed them to express how they felt. A safe place to have a voice and an opinion. This group with the support of the Youth Offending Services con nues to grow and develop.
Interested in se ng up a group like this? Contact Steve Davis Business Development Manager 01443 430700 Steve.davis@spectacletheatre.co.uk or visit www.spectacletheatre.co.uk Page 13
Social Enterprise
Sweet Success for the Community of Ferndale Village and Valley Community Sweet Shop located in Ferndale is celebra ng their 2nd birthday and enjoying the sweet success of the impact that it has given to the local community and its residents. This not-for-profit company is run by Elizabeth Breese and her mother Mary. Their main objec ve is to provide voluntary opportuni es for Ferndale and the surrounding areas who are currently out of work or for young people to gain work experience. The business currently has 6 ac ve volunteers who carry out a variety of roles within the business. Depending on the individual these range from customer service, stock control, administra on or marke ng. Over the past 2 years more than 10 people have volunteered and then gone on to gain paid employment elsewhere u lising the skills and confidence that they have gained from working within the sweet shop.
Director Elizabeth Breese commented ‘We are delighted to be celebra ng two years trading and the impact that has been achieved. To the general public we look like a tradi onal sweet shop but in fact our main aims are to provide opportunity and support to volunteers who come to work with us for a variety of health, social or employment reasons. With a large amount of unemployment in the area we are proud that our volunteers increase their confidence and skills to then be able to gain paid employment elsewhere.’
As well as opera ng as a tradi onal sweet shop and ice cream parlour the volunteers now make sweet decora ons and sweet trees for weddings, birthdays and baby showers. For volunteer opportuni es or for the ul mate tradi onal sweet shop experience pop in to the shop on High Street, Ferndale for a warm community welcome. The business looks forward to many more birthday celebra ons and being able to provide the golden cket for even more Rhondda residents.
The South East Wales Community Economic Development Grant (SEWCED) programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Funding for enterprise support is provided by the EU ERDF programme. Interlink works closely with the following organisa ons to provide you with the most appropriate advice and guidance: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council www.rhondda-cynon-ta.gov.uk Wales Co-opera ve Centre www.walescoopera ve.org
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Coalfields Regenera on Trust www.coalfields-regen.org.uk
Business in Focus www.businessinfocus.co.uk
ICT Support
NEW HORIZONS MENTAL HEALTH Patron Boyd Clack
ICT Support Interlink are able to assist with skill sharing or provide bespoke training on the following Microso packages: Word Excel Publisher Access Powerpoint Internet and e.mail
Our HelpDesk team are able to assist organisa ons with the following services: • Website – we can post informa on about your organisa on/event on our website • Mailshot – send us your informa on for our newsle er and mail outs • Desktop publishing – which includes design of leaflets, posters, ckets, business cards, etc. • Photocopying – our colour photocopier has the capacity to print in full colour with a professional finish • Lamina ng/Binding • Signpos ng – if we can’t help, we will find someone who can! Contact the HelpDesk on 01443 846200 or e-mail: info@interlinkrct.org.uk
Office accommoda on available at Interlink’s office base in Upper Boat For more informa on contact June Williams-Sykes on 01443 846200 or e-mail: jwilliams-sykes@interlinkrct.org.uk
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Broaden your horizons ..... with Interlink training All courses held at Interlink unless otherwise stated. For more informa on call 01443 846200 or visit www.interlinkrct.org.uk to download a training programme and booking form.
Working Together Eec vely
Supervison Training 13 January 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm
5 February 2014 9.30am - 3.30pm
Ge ng the Best from your Volunteers
Involving People!
15 & 16 January 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm
13 February 2014 9.30am - 12.30pm
Measuring Change: Outcomes Toolkit
Measuring Outcomes
16 January 2014 9.30am - 12.30pm
26 February 2014 9.30am - 12.30pm
Sexual Health Founda on Course
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
17 January 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm
6 March 2014 9.30am - 1.00pm
Project Publicity
Safeguarding Children and Young People
22 January 2014 9.30am - 12.30pm at St Fagans Church Hall Trecynon Aberdare
Dealing with Challenging Bahaviour 23 January 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm at St Fagans Church Hall Trecynon Aberdare
Roles and Responsibili es of Running your Group
6 March 2014 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Introduc on to Management 14 March 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm
Dealing with DiďŹƒcult Situa ons Posi vely 20 March 2014 9.30am - 4.30pm
30 January 2014 9.30am - 12.30pm
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 2014