Gwirvol

Young Volunteers: Paid with Respect

DG — 2012-05-02T23:00:00+00:00

First Minister to honour young person at youth volunteering event

Youth volunteering group Gwirforce is to hold a special event showcasing their work and that of volunteers around Wales. First Minister Carwyn Jones will be present to honour the Inspirational Young Person of the Year with an award.

GwirForce is a panel of young people aged 16-25 from across Wales who come together to promote and support Youth Volunteering in Wales. Since they formed in 2007, GwirForce has been busy encouraging young people to volunteer and challenging the negative perceptions of young people in the media.

The event, titled Young Volunteers: Paid with Respect, will take place on Thursday 3rd May, at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay from 11am to 1pm. The First Minister will officially launch the Gwirforce Charter for Youth Volunteering before presenting the Inspirational Young Person of the Year with their award. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Keith Towler, will be on hand to deliver a keynote address, while there will also be a screening of Gwirforce’s documentary Why Not?/Pam Iai?, which showcases some of the best youth volunteering in Wales, as well as exploring the issues that prevent some young people from taking up volunteering.

You are welcome to attend this event, with a photographer if you wish. If you are interested in coming along, please contact Pri Patel at gwirvol@wcva.org.uk or 02920 435 751.

GwirForce Youth Charter

GwirForce — 2012-05-02T23:00:00+00:00

GwirForce Charter for Youth Volunteering:

The Youth Volunteering Charter for Wales is the first of its kind in Wales. It sets out to develop and safeguard young volunteers in their placements and also let both Volunteer and organisation alike, know what to expect from each other.

The Charter was written back in April 2012, in a cold and cramped Log Cabin in Goytre, Port Talbot. GwirForce wanted to safeguard volunteers in Wales but also set out some guidance and good practice for the volunteer and organisation in regards what to expect from each other. 8 hours, several bags of crisps, various discussions and a lot of coffee later and a charter was born.

Since then we have sent the charter out for consultation and to date has been presented to the First Minister and also signed by UNA exchange and Dyfodol. Today four Organisations will sign up to the Charters core aims and will endeavour to promote and practice its principles, wherever possible in their work with young volunteers.

READ THE YOUTH VOLUNTEERING CHARTER FOR WALES

GwirVol research – young volunteers and job seeking

2012-04-30T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol wants to know about young volunteers experiences with the Job Centre Plus (JCP). As a young person, you are invited to complete the survey on the link below to tell us about your experience and give us your views.
This questionnaire is part of a wider project being undertaken by GwirVol to look at how we can support young people to use their volunteering within the job seeking process.

As GwirVol seeks to be strongly youth-led, it has been listening to what young people are saying about their experience of volunteering whilst also job-seeking. GwirVol aims to use this research to seek ways of working together with the JCP or the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure a positive experience.

Please can you complete the survey by 31st May 2012. Thank you in advance for your time in completing this questionnaire.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

GwirVol research – young volunteers and job seeking

LD — 2012-04-30T23:00:00+00:00

Please can you complete the survey by 31st May 2012. Thank you in advance for your time in completing this questionnaire.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

First Minister to honour Wales’s ‘most inspirational’ young person

DG — 2012-04-30T23:00:00+00:00

The first young person to be named the most inspirational in Wales will this week receive the honour from First Minister Carwyn Jones.

At a Cardiff Bay ceremony celebrating the work of young volunteers across the country, the First Minister will present the inaugural Inspirational Young Person of the Year award to one of the thousands who give their time to help others.

The event at the Pierhead Building this Thursday (3 May) is being organised by GwirForce, a national panel of young volunteers aged 16-25, which was formed in 2007 to encourage volunteering and challenge the negative perceptions of young people in the media.

Entitled Young Volunteers: Paid with Respect, the agenda will include Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler giving a keynote address.

The First Minister will also officially launch the GwirForce ‘Charter for Youth Volunteering’ and there will also be a screening of GwirForce’s documentary Why Not?/Pam Iai?, which showcases some of the best youth volunteering in Wales, as well as exploring the issues that prevent some young people from taking up volunteering.

GwirForce is the youth-led arm of GwirVol, a Welsh Government Third Sector Unit-funded partnership between the third, public and private sectors, and the first port of call for young people and organisations seeking advice and information on volunteering.

‘The Young Person of the Year award is being made to recognise those who go above and beyond in the name of volunteering and who do much more than is asked of them,’ said Tim Day, Director of Volunteering and Policy at Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), which is GwirVol’s administrative partner.

‘The nominees for this award are shining examples of how volunteering can help young people to be the best that they truly can be.’

The Charter for Youth Volunteering calls on the Government and volunteer-involving organisations to acknowledge the benefits of taking on young volunteers.

It has been developed over the past two years in consultation with young people and youth groups. GwirForce has also consulted a youth panel in Northern Ireland with the hope that in the long term, other youth panels in the home nations will also adopt the charter.

Hundreds of exciting volunteer opportunities now available

UNA Exchange — 2012-04-22T23:00:00+00:00

UNA Exchange have just announced details of hundreds of volunteering opportunities available this summer.

Projects are available in over 40 countries worldwide and cover a huge variety of themes like renovation, education, social, culture, the environment, archaeology and festivals. Most of these opportunities are 2-3 weeks long so are perfect for summer holidays. This summer you could help renovate walking trails on a Greek island, take part in a lantern festival celebrating deceased ancestors in Japan, or assist a community foodbank in Oregon.

For volunteers looking for something a little more long term UNA Exchange also have 1-12 month long projects in Africa, Asia and Latin and North America.

For more details of all the volunteer adventures available please visit www.unaexchange.org.

Get Ready to Celebrate the Games

2012-04-19T23:00:00+00:00

If you want to plan a celebration for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, then look no further.

London 2012 have launched a scheme called Local Leaders. This provides people across the whole of the UK with the opportunity to get access to ideas, hints and tips to organise their celebrations.

Becoming a Local Leader is really simple. Just provide your email address on the website and once signed up, Local Leaders will receive email updates each month with helpful things such as:

Hints and tips
Planning guides
Decoration ideas
Posters to use
'Save the Date' cards

You can sign up to be a Local Leader here.

For more information contact Gwyn L Williams: the Creative Programmer for Wales.

Young Volunteers: Paid with Respect

DG — 2012-04-11T23:00:00+00:00

First Minister to honour young person at youth volunteering event

You are welcome to attend this event, with a photographer if you wish. If you are interested in coming along, please contact Pri Patel at gwirvol@wcva.org.uk or 02920 435 751.

Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards

DG — 2012-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

The GwirVol funded Step by Step project, run by UNA Exchange, reached the finals of the Welsh Government’s Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards in late February. Erica Ramos, Yonas Tesfalem and Dwayne Landeg, seen here with the Finalists Award, all took part in Step by Step in 2011, volunteering in Spain, the Netherlands and France.

Step by Step is designed to increase the participation of young people with fewer opportunities from across Wales in global volunteering and citizenship activities in other countries and on their return home to Wales.

With the support of GwirVol and the European Youth in Action programme, UNA Exchange provided opportunities and support to 40 young people last year.

For more information go to www.unaexchange.org.

For more photographs of young volunteers, be sure to visit our Image Gallery. If you have a volunteering story you would like to share on the site, email it to us today!

NPT Needs Your Opinions!

DG — 2012-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Want to help improve funding opportunities in your rural ward?

The ‘Think Links, Think Rural, Think Sustainability’ Project can do just that.

Neath Port Talbot Local Action Group have funding from the Rural Development Plan to carry out this project.

The project will look at existing services:

Community transport
health care
job opportunities
tourism

and will then identify any gaps in provision to address future need and issues in the Rural Wards.

WHO NEEDS TO TAKE PART?

Everyone in the community, including young people.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

A short questionnaire which can be found below:

Young People (under 30) in NPT

Residents in NPT

Businesses in NPT

(NOTE: No personal information is taken, just your opinions)

Download poster (please put up in your local youth club):

English

Welsh

If you have any questions please contact Laura Dagless:
Email: l.dagless@npt.gov.uk or Telephone: 01639 686077

Preventing Violent Extremism

DG — 2012-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Preventing Violent Extremism
Awareness Event
Aberavon Beach Hotel
0900 – 1230
15th March 2012

Preventing violent extremism, or ‘Prevent’ as it is commonly referred to, is part of the UK Governments Contest strategy.
It looks at the partnership approach that is needed to support and protect ‘vulnerable’ people to recruitment by violent extremists.
The event which is being organised by Neath / Port Talbot Council and South Wales Police and is funded by the WAG Community cohesion fund, is suitable for all sectors and community members, in particular those who support either young or vulnerable people.
If you would like to attend please complete the attached booking form. If you require any further information regarding the event, please contact

PVE Engagement Officer - Pat Nolan at Cockett Police Station on 01792 562884 / 07980221910
Pat.nolan@south-wales.pnn.police.uk

Attachments:

Agenda

Seminar Booking Form

The Value of Youth Work in Wales

DG — 2012-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

You are invited to attend 'The Value of Youth Work in Wales' Conference.

7 March 2012, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 9:00 - 16:30

The aim of the conference is to provide the youth work sector in Wales with an opportunity to come together to explore the values of youth work and discuss the future direction of youth work in Wales.

You will have the opportunity to consider the Wales National Youth Work priorities, discuss the future direction of youth work in Wales and explore current challenges and opportunities in youth work

Speakers include:

Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills
Chris Tweedale, Director, Schools and Young People Group
Cllr Peter Fox, Leader of Monmouthshire Council and WLGA Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning & Skills
Dr Brett Pugh, Head of School Standards Unit
Tom Wylie, Former CEO of The National Youth Agency
Graeme Tiffany, Vice-Chair of the Federation for Detached Youth Work

The conference is aimed at all those developing and implementing youth services in local authorities and voluntary organisations in Wales.

To book a place at the Valuing of Youth Work in Wales conference, click HERE to access the online booking form.

Please join us on what we expect to be a highly productive day.

Alternative Volunteering Event Attracts Over 300 Young People

DG — 2012-02-26T00:00:00+00:00

The Ponthafren Association, (which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in Montgomeryshire), in partnership with the Health & Social Care students at Coleg Powys in Newtown and PAVO recently held an Alternative Volunteering Event on Tuesday 7th Feb 2012 in The Hafren in Newtown. 35 organisations and over 335 young people attended the event, which was an opportunity for voluntary organisations to promote volunteering opportunities to 16–25 year olds, that they may not have thought existed.

Feedback from all organisations that attended the event was extremely positive, with all reporting that they had received a high volume of young people putting their names forward.

The benefits of volunteering are numerous and varied for young people, but can include:
• An opportunity to have fun outside an education/training environment
• An opportunity to make a difference in someone's life
• A healthy opportunity, such as tackling obesity through sport
• Educational opportunities – learn through doing as a complement to formal education
• Gaining skills or taking part in training
• Gaining work experience and make contacts within a profession
• Qualification opportunities in coaching, refereeing, leadership and team management
• It's good for your CV – especially for Further or Higher Education
• Personal and social development
• May help increase self-esteem and self-confidence
• The opportunity to become part of a team
• Meeting new people from a variety of age groups: it’s a good way to meet new friends
• Gives you a position within the community – an opportunity to become involved with community activities
• Gives you a sense of pride; feeling needed and valued
• You can work towards gaining accreditation, such as The Millennium Volunteers or the
Duke of Edinburgh Award

Nicky Morris, Co-ordinator at Ponthafren said, “The event was a fantastic success with a phenomenal number of organisations and young people attending. There was great support from local schools, training agencies, Coleg Powys and many young people from the local community came along who had seen the event publicity. Dan Thomas and myself jointly organised the day and would like to personally thank the first year students from Coleg Powys’s Health and Social Care department, who helped organise the event and helped out on the day, as well as all our volunteers. I hope that this event will now be repeated across the county and taken forward by other organisations.”

The event was funded by The GwirVol Youth Led Grants Scheme.

About Ponthafren Association
Ponthafren Association was established in 1992 and is an award-winning charity that provides support, information and education to members of the community affected by mental health issues and/or social exclusion or isolation. We aim to reduce their likelihood of hospitalisation. Our main Centre is in Newtown but we have an Outreach Centre in Welshpool and offer an outreach service to the people of Llanidloes. Our main goal is to provide a community resource centre open to all, where anyone can call in and feel welcome and relaxed in a non-judgmental environment. For more information - www.ponthafren.org.uk.

Statistics on mental health (source: The Mental Health Foundation)
• 1 in 4 people experience a diagnosable mental health problem in the course of a year
• Mixed anxiety/depression is the the most common mental health issue in Britain
• Women are more likely to have been treated for a mental health issue than men
• About 20% of children have a mental health problem in the course of a year
• Depression affects 1 in 5 older people
• The UK has one of the highest rates of self harm in Europe
• Suicide is the most common cause of death for men under the age of 35

Anthony becomes first Welsh youngster to complete MV50 Sports Certificate

Sport Wales — 2012-02-17T00:00:00+00:00

This article was originally published on Sport Wales

An eighteen year old student from Prestatyn has become the first young person in Wales to be presented with the MV50 Sports Certificate.

Rhyl College student Anthony Williams was presented with the certificate after completing over 50 hours of volunteering at Prestatyn Football Club.

Launched in 1998, Millennium Volunteers (MV) is part of a UK-wide programme supporting young people in making a commitment to volunteer in their communities for 200 hours.
MV encourages 16-25 year olds to build on existing skills and interests and to gain new experiences by giving their time to volunteering activities. Their efforts are recognised through certificates awarded following 50 and 100 hours of volunteering, and an Award of Excellence, signed by the First Minister of the Welsh Government, after 200 hours.

Gerry Frobisher, Youth Volunteering Co-ordinator with Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, said:

"On 1st September this year, a brand new Millennium Volunteers Certificate was launched in Wales. The MV50 Sports Certificate is presented to young people who carry out voluntary work within a sporting environment, either as a coach, trainer or even as part of the club volunteers who help out on the turnstiles, catering stall, club shop, marshalling, selling brochures and general maintenance jobs around the club."

Anthony also volunteers at Rhyl Rugby Club as well as Claire House Hospice and Shelter Cymru Charity Shops in Prestatyn.

Anthony said: "I really like volunteering. It helps other people and the clubs, and I make lots of friends."

Anthony was presented with his MV50 Sports Certificate at a special Match Day Presentation at Prestatyn Town Football Club by Club Chairman Phil Merrick and Player Manger Neil Gibson. Also on hand to help with the presentation was former Welsh International and Arsenal footballer John Hartson.

Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Local Government and Communities said: 'My congratulations go to Anthony on becoming the first ever young person in Wales to be presented with the MV50 Sports Certificate for his volunteering work.

"The Welsh Government is committed to promoting, encouraging and extending volunteer work across Wales. We have targeted funding available so as to maximise our support for youth volunteering programmes such as GwirVol and Volunteering in Wales.

"Young people are the future of volunteering in our communities and the Welsh Government remains committed to ensuring that there is an effective support mechanism for youth volunteering.'

Chair of Sport Wales, Laura McAllister said the Welsh Government and Sport Wales are committed to getting more people more active in sport.: 'We believe that it is essential to empower and inspire young people in Wales to become role models and leaders.
"With the right opportunities they can encourage and reward their peers to take part in sport and physical recreation.

"Central to this programme is the principle that young people drive opportunity and change for other young people.

"MV Sport is great way of recognising and rewarding these committed young people for volunteering 50 hours in school and community sport."

Get Ready to Celebrate the Games

DG — 2012-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

If you want to plan a celebration for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, then look no further. London 2012 have launched a scheme called Local Leaders. This provides people across the whole of the UK with the opportunity to get access to ideas, hints and tips to organise their celebrations.

Becoming a Local Leader is really simple. Just provide your email address on the website and once signed up, Local Leaders will receive email updates each month with helpful things such as:

Hints and tips
Planning guides
Decoration ideas
Posters to use
Save the date cards

You can sign up to be a Local Leader here: london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders/

For more information contact Gwyn L Williams: the Creative Programmer for Wales

gwyn.williams@artswales.org.uk

0796 71 61 766

Welsh Youngsters Support Sierra Leone Children with help from GwirVol Grant

2012-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

A grant from Wales’ leading youth volunteering initiative is helping finance young people from Cardiff to travel to Sierra Leone to educate children living in poverty.

GwirVol has made an award of £16,600 to enable the 10 young men and women to lead workshops on life skills, sexual health, nutrition and gender equality – the latter through playing football - giving the children of Freetown the opportunity to learn important skills.

The SAFE Foundation project will in turn benefit the Welsh youngsters, who are from disadvantaged communities and might not otherwise have had the chance to take part in such a project, by providing them with motivation, empowerment, skills and knowledge.

The Cardiff-based charity is one of 35 projects across Wales to have received funding from the latest round of GwirVol grants. The others include development of a team of peer supporters working with young people with substance misuse problems and transformation of three derelict sites into community play area and open spaces.

The aim of the GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants Scheme, which is administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), is to support the delivery of a wide range of new volunteering opportunities for young people aged 16-25. Since its launch in April 2009, the programme has supported more than 120 youth volunteering projects.

GwirVol Grants Scheme awards September 2011

The SAFE Foundation - £16,600

Founded in 2005, the Safe Foundation provides Support, Aid, Fun and Education to communities in the developing world, and currently has projects in South India, Ghana, Freetown and Uganda.

The young people going to Sierra Leone are currently taking part in training in global citizenship, life skills, HIV and AIDS education, nutrition and gender equality.

The project is being supported by the Craig Bellamy Foundation, a charity set up by the Wales footballer to offer underprivileged children in Sierra Leone the chance to reach their potential through sport and education.

The young people will be leaving for Freetown on 4 December. ‘The grant from GwirVol will help to pay for flights, accommodation, food and water and internal travel,’ said

Hannah Fit, Project leader. ‘The project would not be able to go ahead without this support, and we are hugely thankful to WCVA and GwirVol for supporting this important project.’

Contact: Hannah Fitt - 02920 369727; hannah@thesafefoundation.co.uk

Barnardos Cymru - £10,000

Barnardos Cymru is aiming to recruit and support disabled ex-service users as volunteers in Pembrokeshire.

Young people will be recruited as mentors to current service users, offering them support, friendship and the opportunity to develop social networks within their communities.

Children’s Services Manager Deirdre Connell, who runs the project, said: ‘The funding will enable Barnardos Cymru to build upon our current volunteer-led service by involving disabled young people in creative, responsive ways.’

Contact: Deirdre Connell - 01646 687 064; deirdre.connell@barnardos.org.uk

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association - £9,200

GwirVol funding is being used to transform three derelict sites in Garden City, Flintshire into community play area and open spaces.

Local young people will be recruited to lead in the planning, design and practical delivery of the project. It is hoped to involve up to 30 local young residents in community consultation to ensure their specific needs are met, as well as those of the wider community.

The plan is to develop initiatives to reduce levels of fly tipping and vandalism currently experienced on the three sites, as well as forming an intergenerational ‘Friends Of’ group to co-ordinate and support the maintenance and long term sustainability of the sites once complete.

Contact: Louise Blackwell and Neil Moffatt - 01745 536913/ 01745 536828; louise.blackwell@clwydalyn.co.uk and neil.Moffatt@clwydalyn.co.uk

NewLink Wales - £8,988

NewLink Wales - an independent substance misuse organisation operating across Wales - is using GwirVol funding to run a project called Streetlink, which is aimed at developing a team of peer supporters to work with young people who have either been recreational substance misusers or have substance misuse issues in their families.

This will be achieved through the medium of street dance, where the participants will learn to dance and develop a performance involving families and communities as wider learning and participants.

Contact: Daljit Gill - 02920 529002; daljit.gill@newlinkwales.org.uk

Newbridge Memo - £7,258

Newbridge Memo - Newbridge Institute and Memorial Hall – is aims to recruit more volunteers aged 16 to 25 within the organisation, specifically within its forum.

The young people will have the opportunity to try their hand at a range of tasks, including helping to run the website, the development and delivery of youth and children’s programmes, planning and managing events, engaging the community with the hall’s restoration project, researching the Memo’s history and caring for and cataloguing its archive of artifacts and documents.

Volunteer Geraint King said: ‘The funding provided by GwirVol has allowed us to cover travel expenses of volunteers and provide them with the equipment they need to undertake these exciting voluntary opportunities.’

Contact: Geraint King - 01495 243 252; geraint.king@newbridge-memo.co.uk

Mid & West Wales Chamber - £9,984

The Chamber is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to achieve social and economic regeneration in communities across West Wales and Powys. Its project aims to help young people on the organisation’s alternative curriculum project (FACE), along with local schools, to maximise the post-16 opportunities offered to them and make a successful transition to post-project activities.

It will achieve this through recruiting and supporting a team of young volunteers to act as mentors to current participants to support them on the project and/or through the transition phase. It will also link to local schools to offer mentoring support to pupils needing support to make the transition to post-school activities.

Project Manager Gerald Davies said: ‘The GwirVol grant will make a very positive difference by allowing us to appoint and support a part-time volunteer co-ordinator, as well as providing training and meeting the travelling costs of young volunteers.’

Contact: Gerald Davies - 01554 779910; gdavies@mwwc.org.uk

GwirVol has the following funding strands:

· Creating Opportunities. For organisations looking to create new youth volunteering projects or roles; or to recruit more young people into existing volunteering roles. Creating Opportunities grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £10,000.

· Promotions. For organisations looking to promote the benefits or challenge the perceptions of volunteering to young people. Grants up to a maximum amount of £3,000.

· Millennium Volunteers. For organisations looking to recognise the commitment young people give to volunteering through offering the 200-hour award of excellence. Grants up to a maximum amount of £10,000.

Running alongside the above four strands is GwirVol StreetGames grants. StreetGames is a UK charity dedicated to increasing sporting opportunities in deprived areas. The charity launched in 2007 and has been helping to make sport more accessible to young people, regardless of their income or social circumstances, by supporting and establishing local projects around the UK that deliver doorstep sport, ie, positive activities & sport provided to young people when they want it, where they want it and how they want it. StreetGames grant applications can be up to a maximum amount of £2,000. There is no deadline for this grant. For further information and details of how to register your interest please visit gwirvol.org/en/grants/streetgames/.

Events Calendar

Ceredigion - Catherine Derrick-Huge — 2011-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

I regularly post all events up on the CAVO website events calendar. For more information, please go to www.cavo.org.uk then click on 'CAVO Events' which is located on the right hand side of the CAVO homepage.

Putting Wales on the Map

DG — 2011-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

A day celebrating the European Year of Volunteering 2011

Monday 5 December 2011 · City Hall, Cardiff · 12pm – 4.30pm

Putting Wales on the Map celebrates the European Year of Volunteering, showcasing the amazing work of Wales’ volunteers and voluntary organisations. Expert speakers will talk about volunteering in Wales and Europe, while the wide range of workshops will offer delegates the chance to hear and learn from the unique perspectives of volunteers themselves.

Download the programme here

Volunteer to help your community and improve your career prospects

DG — 2011-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

More and more young people in Wales are realising the benefits of volunteering and signing up to an initiative that is improving both their own lives and those of the communities they support.

Since its launch in 2009, over 8,000 young people have been recruited by GwirVol, a Welsh Government-funded partnership supporting volunteering opportunities for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Recent research has revealed that most young people in Wales (67% of respondents) regard volunteering as helping in the community, while 46% see it as helping them gain experience or skills.

A survey of young people completing the Millennium Volunteers Award revealed that: the award was used by 70% on their CV or in a job application, 38% talked about their experience in a job interview and 33% used the award on their UCAS form. 94% value their award and 96% would recommend the programme to a friend. In the current climate where unemployment of young people in Wales is so high, the award holds a great value.

‘The response to our surveys was excellent and shows that young people in Wales view volunteering very much as a two-way process, where both they and the community gain something from the experience,’ said Leah Doherty, GwirVol Co-ordinator.

The research was carried out through focus groups organised by Swansea training workers' co-operative Dynamix, surveys online and at events such as the Urdd Eisteddfod. Survey participants were entered into a competition with 10 winners receiving high street vouchers.

The results are available in a series of publications, with a full evaluation of GwirVol’s impact since its launch available online at www.gwirvol.org The website also has inspiring stories from GwirVol volunteers, including those of:

Amy from Neath Port Talbot, who volunteers with the Youth Opportunities Bank and the CVS Young Researchers Project - where she received training on children’s rights and research methods. ‘I saw volunteering as a chance to do something worthwhile and something different, that would also give me a chance to think about what I might like to do as a career,’ she said.

Nathan from Rhondda Cynon Taff volunteers with Barnardo’s. Nathan had tried college, but the experience affected his confidence and he felt he needed to do something different. ‘Volunteering has built my confidence and got me into a more positive frame of mind,’ he said.

The competition winners included Stephanie from Tonypandy, who said she enjoyed learning new skills, being able to pass them on to others and ‘watch them as well as yourself progress’ while volunteering.

Muzumil from Newport said he enjoyed having an opportunity to help others and thought volunteering was a great way to gain new skills, leading to him getting work experience. And Charlotte from Trimsaran, near Llanelli, felt she had gained a sense of pride ‘knowing that I have made a difference’.

A further survey was carried out with GwirVol grant recipients to find out their views on the grant programmes and give them the opportunity to win £200 towards their volunteering project. The winner was Black Association of Women Step Out (BAWSO), which supports BME women in Cardiff experiencing issues such as domestic abuse and disengagement with their local community.

Information on the next round of grants is available from GwirVol, on 029 2043 5751, or e-mail gwirvol@wcva.org.uk. Contact GwirVol Co-ordinator Leah Doherty for more details about the initiative.

Branch Out

DG — 2011-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

Warning: This event contains awful puns

What are you doing on Tuesday 29th November? If you feel your current plans could leave you barking up the wrong tree, then follow the root of all happiness and get your hands dirty.

In case you haven't twigged, next week is National Tree Week. To celebrate, join the NEWWildlife team in a volunteer taster session: involving tree planting workshops, walks in the woods, and learning about local native trees at this time of year.

10am-2pm
Tuesday 29th November
Rhydymwyn Valley Nature Reserve

For more information or to book a place for yourself or a group please contact NEWWildlife on 01352 742115 or email volunteer@newwildlife.org.uk

This event is free, however booking is essential.

Dynamo Project

Neath Port talbot - Nigel Cram — 2011-11-22T00:00:00+00:00

Are you interested in arranging a Dynamo talk/ workshop to inspire the young people that you work with (target age group is 16-25)? The Dynamo project (funded by the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund) is about encouraging young people to raise their aspirations and realise their own potential for creating exciting opportunities for themselves and others. Role Models are business people who have achieved extraordinary things in business by believing in themselves and their ideas. Their stories are inspiring and relevant to many areas within the national curriculum, personal and social development as well as lessons in business. Sessions can be held in schools, colleges, universities or as part of other youth activities such as clubs, meetings and events. For further information or to book your FREE session, please contact Rhian Evans (e-mail: rhian.evans@menterabsunes.co.uk, phone: 01970 636291).

Focus Group Needed! (Merthyr Tydfil)

2011-10-26T23:00:00+00:00

Are you fed-up of others deciding how you should be rewarded for your volunteering??

We are calling all young volunteers to voice their opinions on the new Millennium Volunteer award scheme – MV50. We need you to tell us if you think our ideas are what young people want.

Thursday 27th October
10am – 2pm @ Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil

Refreshments will be provided and each participant will receive a certificate and a goodie bag!

To be a part of it contact Lucy on 02920 435 757 or ljohnson@wcva.org.uk

Focus Group Needed! (Wrexham)

2011-10-25T23:00:00+00:00

Are you fed-up of others deciding how you should be rewarded for your volunteering??

We are calling all young volunteers to voice their opinions on the new Millennium Volunteer award scheme – MV50. We need you to tell us if you think our ideas are what young people want.

Wednesday 26th October
10am – 2pm @ Wrexham Volunteer Centre

Refreshments will be provided and each participant will receive a certificate and a goodie bag!

To be a part of it contact Lucy on 02920 435 757 or ljohnson@wcva.org.uk

New Youth Charter Praised

DG — 2011-10-18T23:00:00+00:00

First Minister praises charter to help achieve ‘a common good’

A ‘youth charter’ drawn up by young people from across Wales has been praised by First Minister Carwyn Jones for having the potential to help create ‘the types of communities we are looking to nurture’.

The ‘Charter for Youth Volunteering’, put together by youth panel GwirForce after a year-long consultation with individuals and groups, was presented to the First Minister in a meeting at his Ty Hywel office.

Setting out the expectations of young volunteers, the document calls on the organisations that involve them - and the Welsh Government - to recognise the benefits of taking them on.

GwirForce has also consulted a youth panel in Northern Ireland with the hope that in the long term, other panels in the home nations will also adopt the charter.

After the meeting, the First Minister said: ‘I was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with volunteers and representatives from GwirForce and to receive their charter promoting strong engagement between local businesses and young people.

‘By doing this, it is hoped to ensure that the communities in which we live are the types of communities we are looking to nurture in Wales; where people work together to achieve a common good. I understand that there are many organisations that are keen to sign up to deliver the pledges in the charter.’

The charter was presented by GwirForce Chair, 19-year-old Steve Sellers, GwirVol support worker and Co-ordinator in Quality and Curriculum at young people’s support organisation Rathbone Cymru Christopher Partridge, GwirVol Co-ordinator Leah Doherty, and several members of GwirForce - a panel of young people aged 16-25 representing the views of GwirVol volunteers.

Launched in April 2009, GwirVol is a partnership between the third, public and private sectors, led by the views of young people in Wales. It is the first port of call for young people and organisations seeking advice and information on volunteering.

There are 22 part-time GwirVol Youth Volunteering Advisors based in volunteer centres around Wales to help find volunteering placements, organisations to develop opportunities for young people to volunteer, and to sign up young people to the Millennium Volunteers’ Award.

GwirVol says the aim of its Charter for Wales is to ‘holistically sustain, promote and encourage volunteering in Wales’.

Steve Sellers added: ‘Young people have a lot of bad press, but young volunteers have the ability to create and develop the future of the economy in Wales with a reliable source of knowledge, understanding, skills and experience.

‘Communities across Wales can realise immediate and longer term, sustainable benefits from the contributions and involvement from their young people.’

Graham Benfield OBE, Chief Executive of Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), GwirVol’s administrative partner, said: ‘This is an excellent example of Wales leading the way in youth volunteering.

‘The GwirVol initiative and our youth panel GwirForce are funded by the Welsh Government Third Sector Unit, and we wanted to thank the First Minister and show him some of the wonderful work that he and the Government have supported.’

Stating The Facts:

Since 2009, more than 8,000 young people have been recruited through GwirVol
Around 2,500 opportunities are created each year, with around 3,500 available for young people at any one time
29% of young people recruited in 2009/2010 and 26% of young recruited in 2010/2011 by GwirVol Youth Volunteering Advisors were classed as not in education, employment or training
Over 14,500 young people have given 1,500,000 hours of their time to volunteer through the Millennium Volunteers Award
The young people attending the Senedd presentation are Charlotte White, a volunteer with Barnados Cymru; Sioned Evans, a former volunteer with Carmarthenshire Youth Council who is currently working for Hafan Cymru; and Natalie Manca, who volunteers with GwirForce and works in the third sector with young people not in education or training
WCVA is the umbrella body for the third sector in Wales, with more than 3,000 members including a wide range of organisations working on issues such as housing, economic regeneration, childcare, community development, transport, the environment and health

Community Safety Volunteers of the Year

DG — 2011-10-10T23:00:00+00:00

A youth group from Merthyr Tydfil has been named as the Community Safety Volunteers of the Year by South Wales Police Authority.

The 3G’s Forsythia Youth GwirVol volunteers are a group of young people from the Gurnos area of Merthyr Tydfil who participate in various volunteering activities, including organising trips, helping at residential homes and helping to drive forward a community gym.

They won the award for their dedication to improving the local area and their commitment to helping people in their community.

Group member Daniel Walsh, 18, said: “This is an outstanding achievement and will make a big difference to what we do. It is an amazing feeling to be recognised for our work.”

Fellow member, Chelsea Barlow, 18, said: “We are so pleased to have won this award. Hopefully, once others know about this achievement, they will come and join us, and help the group grow.”

Christopher Evans, 25, also part of the group, said: “We want to thank everyone who volunteers as part of the group. The work we do is a real team effort. We would also like to thank Geraldine Maddison who nominated us. She always supports our work, and she never gets the recognition she deserves.”

Local Police Authority Member, Councillor Jeff Edwards, said: “The work that this group do is fantastic. It has a positive impact on the lives of many people. Their ‘can-do’ attitude is passed on to many others in their community. They are a credit to all young people across the Merthyr area and are excellent ambassadors and role models to others. Their outstanding work deserves to be recognised, and I am thrilled they have won the award.”

Not Just A Jobsfair

DG — 2011-09-27T23:00:00+00:00

"Not Just A Jobsfair"

City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff

Wednesday 28th September 2011

10am - 3pm

Coaching for the Future

DG — 2011-09-24T23:00:00+00:00

Clwyd Special Riding Centre — Coaching for the Future

Receiving the approval of our application for the GwirVol Youth Volunteering “Opportunities” Grant was a true high point in the difficult financial year of 2010. The grant allowed the Centre to move forward with the plan to train a group of young volunteers to become assistant coaches and helpers within our Riding for the Disabled Groups.

The recruits have shown enthusiasm and a true desire to learn throughout the programme, thus making the projects challenges less daunting and more achievable. The participants were enrolled onto the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) Level 1 course and also the Riding for the Disabled Associations (RDA) Green Card training.

The UKCC Level 1 course is aimed at taking inexperienced future coaches through the first steps of the coaching process. The participants were all aiming to become UKCC Assistant Coaches. Each participant was allocated a mentor and had regular sessions with the mentors working their way through the Portfolio. The Portfolio is a major tool for the course; it guides the participants through each step and records all learning by means of Activity Planners, Risk Assessment Sheets, Evaluation Sheets and Future Action Plans. The participants attended a St. Johns 1st Aid course and a NSPCC Child Protection Course.

We then had to move into the indoor school and the participants started to coach alongside an experienced qualified Group Instructor. This was the most daunting part for all of the participants but with gentle coaching and making it all fun the young volunteers soon grew in confidence and enjoyed learning more new skills. Participating within the RDA Groups allowed the young volunteers to meet new people and make new friends. They made a real difference to so many of our riders' lives and found a sense of community.

The final stage of the UKCC Level 1 was the formal assessment. Here the young volunteers had to demonstrate their ability to act as an assistant coach for fifteen minutes on a given topic and to engage in a question and answer session with the independent assessor. Each of the young volunteers felt the obvious nerves about the assessment but showed confidence and knowledge throughout the duration and answered the questions with clear understanding of their subjects.

With the RDA Green Card Training the young volunteers learnt how to lead a horse with and without a disabled rider and to walk beside a horse when a disabled rider was mounted acting as a helper to the rider should they need reassurance or assistance. This training also brought awareness of being around the horse and what sort of behaviour is acceptable and what is not and appropriate clothing that is suitable for being around the horses and dealing with the weather conditions. Each participant received a record of this training that was signed off by a qualified Coach Educator.

During all of the training each of our young volunteers was working with an RDA Group and all of the voluntary hours where recorded and used as evidence towards the qualifications. So far fifteen volunteers have been recruited onto the course. Nine of which are aged between sixteen and twenty five. Due to a change in the post of Centre Manager an extension to the duration of the grant was applied for and we are now running the course until March 2012. A new recruitment drive is planned for September and we are confident of the remaining eleven places for the sixteen to twenty five year olds to be filled.

The grant has produced a group of young people that are well trained with a qualification that can go with them into further volunteering and into the work place. The young volunteers have become assistant coaches with the RDA Groups, Group organisers and actively helping with riding and equestrian vaulting sessions.

Two members of the Centre staff shadowed the mentoring sessions and have become proficient mentors who will be used in future training sessions.

Overall the Grant has been a huge success in providing the training of young volunteers and centre staff. It has made a real difference to over one hundred and seventy five riders and vaulters but also a real difference to the young people themselves. Taking the first steps towards the move from education to employment or from unemployment to employment by developing new skills and showing acumen towards work by volunteering.

YouthBANK Open Evening

DG — 2011-09-22T23:00:00+00:00

You are invited to Flintshire YouthBANK Open Evening

For Young People aged 16 to 25 years old

The Open Evening will take place:
Date: 23rd September 2011
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Darby and Joan Club, Grosvenor Street, Mold CH7 1EJ

Refreshments will be provided!!!

If you wish to attend the event please contact Jo Lane on:
Tel: 01352 744020
Text: 07768725737
Email: jo.lane@flvc.org.uk

Please include name, age and whether you have any specific dietary requirements.

Trends in Volunteering

DG — 2011-09-13T23:00:00+00:00

WCVA Volunteering Conference – Trends in Volunteering,

14 September, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Are you in tune with the latest trends in volunteering? This year’s WCVA Volunteering Conference focuses on that very subject, looking at new emerging expressions of volunteering – such as those encouraged by governments, or promoted by corporate sponsors or the internet. How do we engage a broader range of people in volunteering? How do we meet the changing demands of volunteers?

Keynote speakers from WCVA will offer insight into current and future trends in Welsh volunteering, while representatives from Rock Corp, Orange and Barclays will speak about corporate schemes encouraging people to volunteer. The afternoon session will feature workshops on subjects such as work experience in the third sector, the professionalisation of volunteering and improving practice

Read the full programme now, and then book your place. This is a chance for everyone involved in volunteering to stay on top of the latest issues and explore new ways to attract volunteers. Can you afford to miss it?

Volunteering In India

Lucy B — 2011-09-05T23:00:00+00:00

By Lucy B

When I left Gorseinon College, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do but I didn’t think I was quite right for University! I thought about a ‘Gap’ year but being unemployed, found it a struggle to save up enough money to get started. I had been doing some volunteering locally for a while and this volunteering experience helped me to gain a place on the Platform 2 (Dept for International Development, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief) Project. I was selected to join a small team for an amazing volunteering experience in India.

Last autumn, just a month after my 18th birthday, I travelled to Palampur, Himachal Pradesh in Northern India with a group of ten young people from all over the UK and I worked for 3 months in a small community in the Himalayas. Although the accommodation was not 5 star, the house where we stayed was purpose built for volunteers and the view of the Himalayas was an amazing sight to wake up to each morning!

During the time I was in Palampur, I worked with the local community to start up a Childrens’ Day Care Centre and taught 2-6 year olds basic Hindi, Bahari (local dialect) and English. I also taught English to girls and boys aged 14-19 in an After School Club at the local High School in Kandi Drognu.

When I went to India I took a rucksack full of arts and crafts material and showed the children lots of messy play! I also took rugby balls and introduced them to our ‘national game’.

Although we worked hard during the week, every other weekend we had two days off to do some traveling. When we had a weekend off, we spent hours on local buses on very bumpy roads to get to the nearest towns, visit temples and try out some unusual sports like ‘zorbing’.

My main hobby is photography and Platform 2 and Christian Aid allowed me to have some photographs printed up for an exhibition. Since returning to Swansea I have been giving talks to groups and also worked with pupils at Pentrehafod School on their Citizenship Day to tell them about volunteering with Platform 2.

I have recently been selected for a place on the British Council UK-China 400 - a ten day study visit in July to China for young leaders with The All China Youth Federation (ACYF) and the British Council in China. The objective of the study visit is to inspire and motivate young people to develop themselves as global citizens, understand other cultures; and work with others locally and internationally on key issues facing the world.

If any Young Peoples’ groups would like me to come along to give a talk on my experiences in India and China (after I get back) they can contact me via the CLIC National Editor: ryan@cliconline.co.uk.

This article was originally published on CLIC, the online magazine for young people in Wales.

Higher Education Foundation Certificate in Humanities

DG — 2011-08-31T23:00:00+00:00

The Department of Adult Continuing Education’s (DACE) New Higher Education (HE) Foundation Certificate in Humanities is aimed at people who are ready to take their first steps into HE and gain a qualification in a supportive and encouraging environment. It is designed for adult students (18 years and over) who might want a longer lead into HE study.

The programme is taught on a part-time basis over two years (30 weeks) and requires students to attend classes for one day a week.

The programme is made up of compulsory and optional modules and allows students to develop an overview of Humanities related subjects – Psychology, Counselling, History, Sociology, English Literature, Study Skills and many more.

The programme starts in September 2011 and will be taught at the following community venues:-

SWANSEA:

Action Resource Centre (The ARC) 45 Broughton Avenue, Portmead, SA5 5JS

Wednesday 21st September 9.30am-2.30pm

NEATH PORT TALBOT:

NSA Development Centre, Bevin Avenue, Sandfields, SA12 6JW

Thursday 29th September 9.30am-2.30pm

CARMARTHENSHIRE:

Felinfoel Community Education Centre, Tanrhodyn Rd. Felinfoel SA15 4LN

Wednesday 28th September 10.00am-2.30pm

PEMBROKESHIRE:

Pembroke Dock CommunitySchool, Bush St, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6LF

Thursday 29th September 1.30pm-6.00pm

The programme is FREE to eligible students who are in receipt of means tested benefits.

If you would like to find out more about the course, please contact Paul Dicks.

YOU GIVE, YOU GET Launched Today!

DG — 2011-08-04T23:00:00+00:00

Today GwirVol is proud to launch YOU GIVE, YOU GET - a free guide to recognition and accreditation of volunteering for young people.

Inside you'll find advice, testimonies, helpful contact details, a directory of volunteering organisations in your area, and far more to help you on the path to earning recognition and respect as a young volunteer.

You can read the booklet online right now (link below). Or, if you're heading along to the National Eisteddfod, look out for the GwirVol tent where you can pick up a free copy or read it online in the tent and browse our website at the same time.

Read YOU GIVE, YOU GET Here

(If you have trouble viewing the booklet, try clicking here and then pressing the 'view' button)

Live UnLtd Scaling Up Awards

DG — 2011-08-01T23:00:00+00:00

UnLtd are pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Live UnLtd Scaling Up Awards is now open! Initial enquiries must be submitted by Friday 5th August. Please first go to www.liveunltd.com to submit your initial enquiry and state that you are interested in the Scaling Up Awards.

Applicants must be aged 16-21 at time of application.

It is recommended that you contact Amanda Everson as Wales’ Development Manager about your potential application and the process before submitting an application. She can be contacted at amandaeverson@unltd.org.uk or www.facebook.com/amandaeversonunltd. Deadline for all eligible full applications is Wednesday 31st August at 5pm.

Full application form and guidance notes along with the basic introduction to Live UnLtd can be found below.

This award is not only for previous UnLtd Award Winners, but for any young person in the community that fits our criteria. It is UK wide.

This award level is for up to £10,000! We are looking for those applications with the most potential to grow, and have demonstrated this either with their first Live/Sport Relief Award or have independently come to our attention via scouting, word of mouth or peers.

Please see below the timetable for the entire process. If you have any questions please let Amanda know.

Downloads:

About Live UnLtd

Live UnLtd Scaling up Awards: Guidance Notes

Live UnLtd Application Form

LandAid - Training, Education and Support Fund and Capital Projects Fund

DG — 2011-08-01T23:00:00+00:00

LandAid - Training, Education and Support Fund and Capital Projects Fund

Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 are available to registered charities and registered community interest companies in the United Kingdom. The following two funds are available:

Training, Education and Support Fund - Funding is available for training, education or support programmes that are targeted at disadvantaged young people, this can include NEETS, homeless and those from a low income background. Projects should engage young people and lead to employment or recognised qualifications.
Capital Projects Fund - Funding is available for the refurbishment, conversion, extension or new build of facilities for young and disadvantaged people. This can include hostel/foyers, community or youth centres and accommodation. Preference is given to projects that have an education or learning element.

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Click here for links to the relevant website/scheme guidelines and GRANTfinder report

Live UnLtd Scaling Up Awards

DG — 2011-07-24T23:00:00+00:00

Applicants must be aged 16-21 at time of application.

It is recommended that you contact Amanda Everson as Wales’ Development Manager about your potential application and the process before submitting an application. She can be contacted at amandaeverson@unltd.org.uk or www.facebook.com/amandaeversonunltd. Deadline for all eligible full applications is Wednesday 31st August at 5pm.

Full application form and guidance notes along with the basic introduction to Live UnLtd can be found below.

This award is not only for previous UnLtd Award Winners, but for any young person in the community that fits our criteria. It is UK wide.

Please see below the timetable for the entire process. If you have any questions please let Amanda know.

Downloads:

About Live UnLtd

Live UnLtd Scaling up Awards: Guidance Notes

Live UnLtd Application Form

Dyfodol!

DG — 2011-06-15T23:00:00+00:00

Dyfodol! (Formerly the Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development (WYFSD) )

After 9 years of working across Wales with young people from all backgrounds to empower, educate and take action on issues of sustainable development, the WYFSD has decided it's time for a new name and a new image.

Dyfodol will still be youth led and will still work on the same aims of Youth Empowerment, Education and Action on Sustainable Development.

They have used their extensive experience of engaging young people in sustainable development to put together another great operational plan for this year, which includes a number of volunteering opportunities including:

A far-reaching peer education project, training young peer educators to teach their peers about climate change and how they can make changes in their lives and influence the lives of others.
Annual Carbon Cycle from Corris to Cardiff, raising awareness about cycling as a fun, healthy and sustainable form of transport, whilst campaigning for better cycling facilities across Wales.
Project Mongolia! Taking 8 young people to Mongolia by train to learn about the impacts of climate change on Mongolia, and work with a group of Mongolian young people to explore securing sustainable futures for all.

Dyfodol have developed a comprehensive training package, including youth engagement in sustainable development; ESDGC; facilitation skills; consensus; and more.

For more details of any of these projects and services and how to join Dyfodol please visit www.dyfodol.org

Volunteer Recruitment Fair

Wrexham - Lynsey Edwards — 2011-06-03T23:00:00+00:00

AVOW will be holding a Volunteer recruitment Fair on Queens Square, Wrexham on Saturday 4th June 2011 from 10am to 2pm. Over 25 organisations will be in attendace with stalls promoting their oraginsation and services. Why not come along and join the fun!

You Give You Get

2011-06-03T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

Throughout the week GwirVol will be running a range of activities to tell you more about volunteering in Wales and how you can get involved. We will be asking for your opinion, playing games, running treasure hunts and launching a number of exciting projects. Come and see us at stands 27 & 28 to find out all about youth volunteering in Wales.

Saturday 4th June 2011

GwirVol's You Give You Get, a publication helping you to find out about all the different awards, qualifications and certificates you can achieve through volunteering, will be launched at 12pm.

Eisteddfod Treasure Hunt

2011-06-02T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

Friday June 3rd 2011

Fun and Games with GwirForce to help you find out more about volunteering in Wales. A treasure hunt of the many opportunities available through the Urdd Eisteddfod will take place at 12pm. There are prizes to be won so don't miss out!

GwirForce Charter Launched

2011-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

Thursday 2nd June 2011

GwirForce will be launching their Charter for young volunteers in Wales. The launch will take place at 12pm. GwirForce will be at the stall all day to talk to you about the charter and what it means for youth volunteering in Wales.

What Do You Think Stops Young People Volunteering?

2011-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

Wednesday June 1st 2011

Documentary

GwirForce, the GwirVol youth panel, will be out and about asking:

What do you think stops Young People Volunteering?
What issues affect you as a Young Person?

The group will also be interviewing young people for their latest film about youth volunteering and looking for volunteers to be case studies.

UNA Exchange will be on hand to tell you all you need to know about volunteering abroad and how you can get involved.

BA Humanities Programme

DG — 2011-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

Would you like to study for a part-time degree in your community?

The BA Humanities programme is a part-time scheme which is aimed at adults who wish to study at degree level but are unable to do so on a full-time basis. The course is taught at the Singleton Park Campus and in community centres across South West Wales.

Swansea - Townhill, Clydach

Neath Port Talbot - Neath, Glynneath, Banwen, Port Talbot

Carmarthenshire - Llanelli, Brynaman, Llandybie

Pembrokeshire - Narberth, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Fishguard

Each year students choose two subjects from a wide variety including: History, Counselling, English, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Statistics, Environmental Studies and many more.

Study in the day and/or evening

No formal qualifications required

Help with childcare costs

Age and status no barrier

Extensive study skills support

Financial support and bursaries available

Apply now for a place on the BA Humanities programme starting in September 2011

If you'd like more information, contact Janice Brown:

01792 295499/295935

j.p.brown@swansea.ac.uk

www.swansea.ac.uk/dace

MV & Sports Wales

2011-05-30T23:00:00+00:00

Tuesday 31st May 2011

Millennium Volunteers will be launching their MV50 Sports Certificate in conjunction with Sports Wales and Sports Leaders UK. The certificate recognises the important contribution young people give to volunteering in Sports.

Get Involved With Volunteering

DG — 2011-05-29T23:00:00+00:00

Gwirvol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

Throughout the week GwirVol will be running a range of activities to tell you more about volunteering in Wales and how you can get involved. We will be asking for your opinion, playing games, running treasure hunts and launching anumber of exciting projects. Come and see us at stands 27 & 28 to find out all about youth volunteering in Wales.

Monday 30th May 2011

What do you think of volunteering? Fun and Games with GwirVol and Dynamix Ltd. Come and join us for parachute games, graffiti walls and much more. At 12pm Dynamix will be running a Prezi presentation for young people to tell us exactly what you think and how we can get you involved in our work.

GwirVol at the Urdd Eisteddfod

DG — 2011-05-29T23:00:00+00:00

Monday 30th May 2011

What do you think of volunteering? Fun and Games with GwirVol and Dynamix Ltd. Come and join us for parachute games, graffiti walls and much more. At 12pm Dynamix will be running a Prezi presentation for young people to tell us exactly what you think and how we can get you involved in our work.

Tuesday 31st May 2011

Millennium Volunteers will be launching their MV50 Sports Certificate in conjunction with Sports Wales and Sports Leaders UK. The certificate recognises the important contribution young people give to volunteering in Sports.

Wednesday June 1st 2011

Documentary

GwirForce, the GwirVol youth panel, will be out and about asking:

What do you think stops Young People Volunteering?
What issues affect you as a Young Person?

The group will also be interviewing young people for their latest film about youth volunteering and looking for volunteers to be case studies.

UNA Exchange will be on hand to tell you all you need to know about volunteering abroad and how you can get involved.

Thursday 2nd June 2011

GwirForce will be launching their Charter for young volunteers in Wales. The launch will take place at 12pm. GwirForce will be at the stall all day to talk to you about the charter and what it means for youth volunteering in Wales.

Friday June 3rd 2011

Fun and Games with GwirForce to help you find out more about volunteering in Wales. A treasure hunt of the many opportunities available through the Urdd Eisteddfod will take place at 12pm. There are prizes to be won so don't miss out!

Saturday 4th June 2011

GwirVol's You Give You Get, a publication helping you to find out about all the different awards, qualifications and certificates you can achieve through volunteering, will be launched at 12pm.

For all enquiries, including if you wish to attend any of our activities and events and have particular requirements please email gwirvol@wcva.org.uk or call 029 2043 1763.

Japan Fundraising Event 23.05.11

UNA Exchange — 2011-05-18T23:00:00+00:00

UNA Exchange is organising a special event on Monday 23rd May at the Temple of Peace from 4.30-7.30pm. All proceeds from the event will go to our Japanese partner organisation, NICE, to fund an International Volunteer Project in the areas of Japan affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. If you can’t make it then don’t worry, you can still make a donation...... We hope that you can join us but if you can’t then you’re welcome to send a small donation to support the cause. If you send it before Monday then we’ll convert it into raffle tickets – you could win £30 of YO!Sushi or Wagamama vouchers! You can send a cheque or cash to UNA Exchange and we’ll put it to the Japanese fund. You can also contribute by Paypal – send the money to info@unaexchange.org (NB we lose about 3.5% from Paypal transactions so other methods are better if possible).

Win A Free International Volunteering Experience

UNA Exchange — 2011-05-17T23:00:00+00:00

Win a free International Volunteering experience through UNA Exchange.

• Win the opportunity to participate in one of UNA Exchange’s worldwide volunteering projects. The prize includes a choice from hundreds of projects in mainland Europe, together with travel and insurance. UNA Exchange are offering the opportunity to take part in a locally run and initiated project, to work with volunteers from across the world and make a real contribution to that local community.

• Imagine heading to Greece for a reforestation project, whilst exploring Ancient Olympia. Or help to run activities at a Summer camp for children and young people in Germany. You could chose to head to Austria to help renovate part of the famous public park located in the centre of Vienna. Or how about working on a nature reserve in the Czech Forest?

• UNA Exchange is a registered charity, not working for financial profit, with 40 years experience working with trusted partners around the world. We offer over 1500 projects in over 60 countries supporting local communities on projects covering environmental, education and social needs.

To enter, simply visit www.unaexchange.org and sign up to the UNA Exchange mailing list.

Terms & Conditions
Prize includes project, insurance and travel.
Eco-friendly travel to the project to be arranged in conjunction with UNA
Entrants must be 18 or over.
The prize is non–transferable
Winner must provide a valid passport
The competition will close on 14th July and the winner will be drawn on 15th July 2011.
Project choice to be made no later than 30th April 2012
Winner to provide article / photos / video of their volunteering experience to be featured on UNA Exchange website.

GwirVol Gets Social!

DG — 2011-05-17T23:00:00+00:00

"Volunteering"

What do you think of when you hear that word?

People have very different ideas about what volunteering is. Some think of new and challenging opportunities, some think of charity work and helping to improve the world around them, while others think "Volunteering? What's the point?"

It's this last group that we really want to get through to: people who dismiss the idea as "boring" — saying things like "volunteering is just about litter picking" and "doing things without getting paid is a waste of time." Our aim is to change that perception.

But to be honest, one article isn't enough to teach people about all volunteering has to offer. Not when there's so much out there. We need more ways to reach people, to tell your stories and help people get involved in volunteering.

That's why we now have a photo gallery, a video gallery, regular Twitter updates and a Facebook fanpage (click 'Like' to be kept up-to-date with news, stories and events about volunteering).

Of course, we can't do that alone.

Do you have a volunteering story you'd like to share, either as an article or — if you're feeling creative — through photographs or video? We would love to have them for our site to show people who are new to volunteering how fun and beneficial it can be to get involved in. Email them to gwirvol@gmail.com today if you'd like to see them on the site.

And if you're new to volunteering, or stuck for inspiration, check out the submissions from GwirForce that we've put up already!

Young Volunteers Paid With Respect
GwirVol is a partnership designed to help young people in Wales get involved with volunteering.

Volunteering can mean many different things. Whether it's spending a few hours a week building up useful life skills (and helping people along the way) to doing an internship and even travelling overseas, GwirVol can help.

GWIRVOL GRANT 2011-12

Gwynedd - Mirain Roberts — 2011-05-09T23:00:00+00:00

The Gwynedd Volunteering Centre for the fourth year has received the Gwirvol grant.

For 2011 – ’12 there will be £7,000 of grant money available. The main aim of the grant is to support small projects that are organised and led by young people (16-25 years old).

Examples of some of the projects that received grants last year:-

Group of young volunteers design a logo for their organisation
Young people designed and published a magazine for young people
Group of young people from the Maesywaen area arranged the first local agricultural show
Young volunteers learning new skills and volunteering in the outdoor field
Friends coming together to arrange a gig for local young people
A group interested in organising, promote and put on an event involving welsh bands to attract a new audience
Group of Young people applied for the grant to be able to hand out gifts to the children’s ward in Ysbyty Gwynedd
Young people for a local community arranging a Christmas party for the elderly residents
Two volunteers applied for a grant to fund art and craft materials to be able to hold a play scheme during the holidays for young people
A young volunteer wanting to develop here idea of supplying bags for parents and children who stay overnight in Ysbyty Gwynedd , or have to be transferred in a rush to another hospital.

TIMETABLE.

Application Pack available NOW

Closing date for applications 4 ROUNDS DURING 2011-12

** 20st of May 2011 **

** 30th of September 2011 **

** 25th of November 2011 **

** 31st of January 2012 **

For an application pack or for more information regarding the fund please contact Mirain on (01286) 672626 or mirain@mantellgwynedd.com

Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011

Wales Council for Voluntary Action(WCVA) — 2011-04-12T23:00:00+00:00

Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011, supported by CCLA The deadline for votes for Wales Volunteer of the Year has been extended to 20 April.

You’ve still got time to nominate an extraordinary volunteer! Is there an inspirational individual in your community? Or a group that selflessly and tirelessly gives up their time to help improve the lives of others?

If so, why not nominate them for a Wales Volunteer of the Year Award? It’s your chance to get these remarkable people the recognition they deserve. Don’t let these outstanding efforts go unnoticed.

For more information, click here.

Using Your Talents

Dan — 2011-04-10T23:00:00+00:00

Twenty-two year old Vicky Lovett, from Caerphilly is one of Wales’ latest graduates to find a way into work thanks to WCVA’s third sector internship programme. After studying for a degree in business and marketing, Vicky was matched with an opportunity to become an intern at ContinYou Cymru to co-ordinate and promote a range of the organisation’s events including their annual conference and an international visit. The placement at ContinYou Cymru was created as part of the third sector’s internship programme, which is being managed by WCVA and already seeing organisations across Wales benefit by creating opportunities for new graduates.

Ian Bottrill, National Development Director at ContinYou Cymru, told WCVA that creating internships offered third sector organisations a range of benefits. He said: ‘Vicky has brought innovative ideas, new insights, a trained marketing perspective as well as being good company and having a great sense of humour. ‘She is also hardworking, reliable, a self-starter and has got on extremely well with a diverse and widespread team.

‘This is a great way for an organisation to bring in new skills and capacity while giving talented young people an opportunity to use their knowledge and gain some experience. I’d definitely recommend it.’ Since the launch of the programme, over 100 third sector organisations have created internship opportunities, with 40 interns already placed. The programme can place graduates for between four weeks and three months on a full or part time basis, with travelling expenses the only cost.

Julie Skelton, the programme Co-ordinator said: ‘This is different to volunteering in that internships need to be a single piece of work or a project that can bring real value to organisations while adding something specific to the intern’s CV’.

‘From the feedback we are getting, organisations are very pleased at the ease and speed an idea can be turned into results by having a clear view of what they want from the internship and appointing the right intern.

‘Other organisations that are hosting internships include WCVA, RNIB, Children in Wales, Vision 21, BTCV and Tai Pawb and the placements involve international development research, website development, film-making and community consultation. The placements are as varied as the needs of the organisation.’

Graduates with a range of skills and interests are keen take internships within the third sector and the programme is being supported and promoted at universities across Wales.
If your organisation would like to discuss the possibility of creating an internship, contact Julie Skelton on 02920 436594 or email jskelton@wcva.org.uk

Volunteer of the Year

Dan — 2011-03-31T23:00:00+00:00

The deadline for votes for Wales Volunteer of the Year has been extended to 20 April. You’ve still got time to nominate an extraordinary volunteer!

Is there an inspirational individual in your community? Or a group that selflessly and tirelessly gives up their time to help improve the lives of others? If so, why not nominate them for a Wales Volunteer of the Year Award? It’s your chance to get these remarkable people the recognition they deserve.

Don’t let these outstanding efforts go unnoticed. You can:

Click here for a Word version of the nomination form
Or click here for a PDF to print out and fill in by hand

Then simply return the form and help Wales’ most deserving volunteers be rewarded!

The deadline for nominations is 20 April.

MV Join GwirVol!

Dan — 2011-03-31T23:00:00+00:00

Today we are proud to announce that Millennium Volunteers (MV) has become an official part of GwirVol, which means more opportunities and awards for young people in Wales!

Learn about Millennium Volunteers by clicking here

Launched in 1998, Millennium Volunteers (MV) is part of a UK-wide programme supporting young people in making a commitment to volunteer in their communities for 200 hours.

MV encourages 16-25 year olds to build on existing skills and interests and to gain new experiences by giving their time to volunteering activities. Their efforts are recognised through certificates awarded following 50 and 100 hours of volunteering, and an Award of Excellence, signed by the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, after 200 hours.

GwirVol developed from the Russell Commission recommendations published in May 2005, and is seeking to increase the number and diversity of young people volunteering in Wales, as well as the number and quality of volunteering opportunities. The Initiative is managed by a partnership of organisations in Wales from across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

‘GwirVol has worked closely with MV since the initiative began in 2005,’ explained Tim Day, Chair of the GwirVol initiative and Director of Volunteering and Policy for WCVA. ‘MV shares the same values as GwirVol and offers a wonderful opportunity for young people to gain recognition for their volunteering.

‘GwirVol recognises the fantastic work MV does with young people across Wales and wants to support the programme and help it continue.’

David Heald, MV Co-ordinator, said: ‘MV will continue in very much the same way as before. The main change will be with the grant programme, which will now run alongside the GwirVol grants and have two rounds per year.

‘The integration has given MV the opportunity to explore new developments for the award and we are looking forward to announcing these in the near future.’

Since its launch in 1998, MV has supported over 14,500 young people in giving 1,500,000 hours of their time to volunteer. Since GwirVol began in 2005, over 6,000 young people have been recruited as volunteers and around 2,000 volunteering opportunities are created every year.

‘With such positive outcomes to date from each of the separate programmes, we are really looking forward to what we can achieve together,’ concluded Tim Day.

Learn about Millennium Volunteers by clicking here

Twestival 2011

Dan — 2011-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

What is Twestival?

Twestival is an annual festival organised completely over Twitter. It happens all across the world and gives people a chance to lend their talents, donate prizes, and come together as a team to support a charity.

This year, Cardiff's chosen charity is Cardiff Foodbank, an amazing charity who help feed people in crisis.

The performers, organisers and those who donated prizes are all unpaid and doing so for charity. And thanks to the power of Twitter, there is no shortage of great stuff on offer. Expect some talented musicians (details below) and some **fantastic** prizes if you enter the raffle - including three pairs of bmibaby flights - all proceeds of which go to charity.

Headline comes in the form of the supersonically talented Lewis Floyd Henry. After spending the past seven years busking around London, the multi-talented Lewis Floyd Henry has just released his debut album, and boy what an album it is. Often compared to Jimi Hendrix due to his appearance, the 31-year-old Londoner not only sings and plays the guitar, but accompanies himself with a tambourine, a tiny foot-operated drum kit and a harmonica. As you can imagine his live show is one not to be missed, so come earlier to ensure a seat.

Support comes in the form of the musically gifted Ned Rundell, and there'll even be DJ's afterwards to keep the floor filled.

All this and more for the measly advance ticket price of £4.

Thursday 24th March 2011

Doors 8pm

£4

Click here for online tickets and raffle tickets

Get Volunteering

Jess P — 2011-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

By Jess P

I’ve been interested in active citizenship since 2006.

The thing that made me wants to volunteer and help young people voice their issues is the United Nations Convention On The Rights Of The Child (UNCRC).

In my local youth club there are a few notice boards with posters, leaflets, etc involving young people. During youth club I’d read the UNCRC and go around club exclaiming my rights. One youth worker, Jan, asked me if I wanted to join my local youth council. That’s where it all began!

I became a member of Neath Port Talbot Youth Council last March. During the meetings we discuss issues affecting young people in our area, and then we choose three our four topics to take to cabinet members.

The youth council has opened up so many opportunities for me; if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be involved with CLIC. I went on the first two Big CLIC Weekenders. They were both brilliant fun and it felt good that we had our voices heard.

I went to Afan FM, our local radio station, a few times, discussing topics around young people. This gave me experience in media which I am interested in, as you can tell by all the articles I’ve written.

I have done many things within my local community. I wrote to my local authority asking if they could build a new cricket pitch as the one that is there isn’t well maintained and our local councillor has taken this issue forward.

Also, along with others we applied for a fund to have a youth café in our community centre. Stephanie and I wrote to our local council requesting a vending machine in the community centre where our youth club is based. Not only would it benefit us, but other users of the hall.

In December 2009 our youth council won an award at the Phillip Lawrence Awards. This saw us venturing up to London where we attended a glamorous event hosted by Trevor McDonald.

After the event, PLAnet (Phillip Lawrence Awards Network) got in touch with a few members of the youth council to represent not only Neath Port Talbot but Wales.

From there, both me and Ben went on our first residential with PLAnet, to Birmingham. It gave us so much impendence and confidence in travelling by ourselves. Not only that but we are involved in marketing the event. We’re going to London to market the awards, and also Nottingham to plan.

After all I have done, I received a High Sheriff Award from the High Sherriff Of West Glamorgan, which I was very pleased and honoured to receive. I was also recognised by my school and was awarded with the Award for Contribution To The Local Community.

There are too many things to mention that I’ve done, but I can assure you it is all fun. Volunteering looks good on your CV, not only is it good for you but you are helping other people and organisations.

Get involved, get volunteering!

This article was originally published on CLIC, the online magazine for young people in Wales.

Fancy Visiting Mongolia?

Dan — 2011-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

Would you like to spend time in a part of the world most people never get to?

The Welsh Youth Forum On Sustainable Development (WYFSD) has received funding from the WCVA GwirVol International Grant to take a group of young people by train to Mongolia.

They are looking for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 from the Swansea, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, North Meirionnydd and Dwyfor areas to take part in this exciting project.

You will work with existing WYFSD members and staff to make the project happen, including:

Forming and developing relationships with partners in Mongolia
Planning the journey to and from Mongolia
Receiving extensive training in peer education, facilitation skills, and an
understanding of the impact of climate change on Mongolia
Preparing the work to be carried out in Mongolia
Researching the culture, language and environment of Mongolia
Publicising the project in the UK
Sharing your experiences with your peers through workshops, film-making,
and other reporting techniques of your choice

The trip will last for approximately one month, including approximately ten days travel each way and ten days in Mongolia, and will take place in September.

Expenses will be paid by the WYFSD, however some fundraising will be required, which will be organised with the support of youth workers.

An initial meeting about the project will take place on Saturday 15 January between 11am and 3pm in mid Wales (exact location to be confirmed soon). Accommodation will be available on the Friday night if required.

This project seeks to engage young people from all backgrounds and provide opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.

Please let the WYFSD know as soon as possible if you are interested in being a part of this project.

GwirVol's Website Needs You!

Dan — 2011-01-14T00:00:00+00:00

Hi guys

For those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name's Dan and I've recently started working as Web Editor for GwirVol. I'm also a young volunteer who does a lot of travelling, as illustrated by the fact I have a toy koala on my head:

We have a great service for young volunteers in Wales but don't feel the website conveys everything that GwirVol is. It's currently alright as a website aimed at organisations, but isn't particularly appealing for teenagers and young adults. My job is to fix this.

So why am I writing this? Well, partly to introduce myself, but also because I want your suggestions. The target audience for this site is YOU, after all, so I want you to tell me what you want changed about the website.

Any ideas - big or small - send them on.

I'll be coming along to the GwirForce Residentials for those of you who are involved (or would like to get involved) in them, but in the meantime anyone is welcome and encouraged to add me on Facebook or drop an email to gwirvol@gmail.com if they'd like to have a chat or fire some suggestions my way.

I hope to speak to you all soon

Regards,
- Dan

If you'd like to be kept up-to-date with GwirVol and the volunteering opportunities we offer to young people - from travelling abroad to securing internships - sign up to our mailing list below.

Fancy Visiting Mongolia?

Dan — 2011-01-04T00:00:00+00:00

Would you like to spend time in a part of the world most people never get to?

The Welsh Youth Forum On Sustainable Development (WYFSD) has received funding from the WCVA GwirVol International Grant to take a group of young people by train to Mongolia.

They are looking for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 from the Swansea, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, North Meirionnydd and Dwyfor areas to take part in this exciting project.

You will work with existing WYFSD members and staff to make the project happen, including:

Forming and developing relationships with partners in Mongolia
Planning the journey to and from Mongolia
Receiving extensive training in peer education, facilitation skills, and an
understanding of the impact of climate change on Mongolia
Preparing the work to be carried out in Mongolia
Researching the culture, language and environment of Mongolia
Publicising the project in the UK
Sharing your experiences with your peers through workshops, film-making,
and other reporting techniques of your choice

The trip will last for approximately one month, including approximately ten days travel each way and ten days in Mongolia, and will take place in September.

Expenses will be paid by the WYFSD, however some fundraising will be required, which will be organised with the support of youth workers.

This project seeks to engage young people from all backgrounds and provide opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.

Please let the WYFSD know as soon as possible if you are interested in being a part of this project.

Contact Anna Bullen by calling 01970 871073 or 07976918270, or emailing anna@wyfsd.org

GwirVol's Website Needs You!

Dan — 2011-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

Hi guys

Any ideas - big or small - send them on.

I hope to speak to you all soon

Regards,
- Dan

If you'd like to be kept up-to-date with GwirVol and the volunteering opportunities we offer to young people - from travelling abroad to securing internships - sign up to our mailing list below.

GwirVol's Website Needs You!

Dan — 2011-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

Hi guys

For those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name's Dan and I've recently started working as Web Editor for GwirVol.

Basically we have a great service for young volunteers in Wales but don't feel the website conveys everything that GwirVol is. It's currently alright as a website aimed at organisations, but isn't particularly appealing for teenagers and young adults. My job is to fix this.

So why am I writing this? Well, partly to introduce myself, but also because **I want your suggestions**. The target audience for this site is YOU, after all, so I want you to tell me what you want changed about the website.

Any ideas - big or small - send them on.

I hope to speak to you all soon

Regards,
- Dan

The search has begun to find our 2011 Climate Change Champions

Michelle O'Neill — 2010-10-25T23:00:00+00:00

A Champion will be a spokesperson on climate change in Wales. You will show people in your community and across Wales how everyone can reduce their carbon footprint, by speaking to a range of audiences through internet blogs, your own newspaper columns and doing TV and radio interviews. You will also speak at events in your local area and across Wales.

If you’re aged 14-18, why not become a Climate Change Champion and make a difference.

The competition will close on Friday 19 November – visit www.walescarbonfootprint.gov.uk for more information!

The Branching Out Communities and Nature Initiative

LD — 2010-10-04T23:00:00+00:00

Young People give creative boost to their local communities!

If you go down to your local Wildlife Trust Reserve today you may well spot a glimpse of local ‘wildlife’ not usually seen in West Wales; a horde of young people engaged in work with traditional hand tools. Young people have been working at Reserves in Llandeilo and Cardigan as part of the new Branching Out/Egin Project, a Tir Coed initiative in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The volunteer programmes, which both started this July, involve the young people learning traditional green woodwork and wood construction techniques to enable them to build structures, such as benches, picnic tables, wildlife hides and visitor information shelters for these much-loved Nature Reserves. The volunteer groups have been meeting on a weekly basis to hone their skills, and have made a good start by designing and making their own stick chairs, which they will be able to take home with them.

Branching Out/Egin is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government and is a component element of the Countryside Council for Wales' Communities and Nature project, which works to improve visitor facilities at natural sites in Wales, with the aim of increasing visitor numbers, with a knock-on effect on local economies. Tir Coed is also pleased to have received funding from the Tudor Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, as well as the WCVA Millennium Volunteers & GwirVol programmes.

Tir Coed Instructor, Jamie Miller, who is leading the volunteers at both Reserves, has seen both groups make a flying start:

“Not only are the young people working to improve their local communities, but they are also gaining knowledge of traditional green woodwork skills that, although used for hundreds of years, have in recent years seen a decline. The Branching Out/Egin Project brings young people together to learn about how to work with wood and to keep this valuable knowledge alive.”

The Branching Out/Egin Programme will be running at the Teifi Marshes and Castle Woods Reserves for the next 6 months; both programmes will culminate with Open Days at the Reserves, where the young volunteers can showcase their work to visitors. At Castle Woods, which is part of the Dinefwr Estate, the response from visitors to the Wildlife Trust Reserve, as well as the adjacent National Trust site has been very positive. National Trust Estate Worker, Carol Bailey commented,

“Tir Coed are really delighted with the response and I think we should be also, as it appears our visitors are getting great pleasure from them being there and their very approachable attitude. There has been a massive interest from visitors in the work, with as many as 40 visitors a day making enquiries, and even having a go with some of the hand tools. … I am confident this is something we should continue with as it is clearly beneficial.”

If anyone aged 16 – 25 years is interested in taking part in either Branching Out/Egin Programme, contact Becky Hulme at Tir Coed on 01570 493224 or becky-tircoed@fsmail.net. Alternatively, you can log onto www.tircoed.org.uk for more information.

The Third sector funding conference 2010 is coming soon

Anneka Roberts — 2010-09-29T23:00:00+00:00

The Third sector funding conference 2010 is coming soon

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, 12 October

In the ‘age of austerity’, with widespread public funding cuts already biting, finding the resources your organisation needs to maintain its vital work will be more of a challenge than ever. With this in mind we have developed the 2010 third sector funding conference - Wales’ premier funding event – to enhance your skills and knowledge with a wider mix of learning opportunities than ever before.

Click here to see the full programme and click here for the booking form.

For a list of recommended accommodation in the Llandudno area, email eventsadmin@wcva.org.uk.

The Third sector funding conference 2010

Anneka Roberts — 2010-09-29T23:00:00+00:00

The Third sector funding conference 2010 is coming soon

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, 12 October

Click here to see the full programme and click here for the booking form.

For a list of recommended accommodation in the Llandudno area, email eventsadmin@wcva.org.uk.

Sport Wales

Anneka Roberts — 2010-09-29T23:00:00+00:00

250,000 COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS SELECTED FOR WALES

Sport Wales aims to galvanise 10% of Welsh adults to get involved in sport coaching and volunteering by 2016 - doubling the current number of coaches and volunteers to an all time high of nearly 250,000.

That pledge should enable every person who participates in sport in Wales to have access to an appropriately skilled coach, according to ambitious plans set out by Sport Wales, as part of ongoing efforts to get every child hooked on sport for life and create a nation of champions.

These are just some of the aspirations outlined in a six year Coaching Strategy that was launched by the Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones AM at Plas Menai National Watersports Centre in Caernarfon today.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) endorsed strategy is the focal point of an additional £1 million worth of WAG funding pledged towards coaching, the Heritage Minister announced. That takes Sport Wales’ annual coaching investment over the £5 million mark.

The key ambitions of the Sport Wales Coaching Strategy are:

• 10% of the Welsh adult population will be involved in coaching and volunteering
• Every coach will be appropriately qualified
• 100% of coaches trained become active
• All coaches in Wales to be valued, with opportunities to develop in whatever way desired.

Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister said:

“We believe this strategy will lead to having an appropriately skilled coach for every participant in sport that wants coaching.

“Sport Wales’ vision is to unite a proud sporting nation, our purpose is to increase physical activity and improve standards of performance and we aspire to see every child hooked on sport for life and for Wales to be a nation of champions.

“Coaching has a crucial role in achieving this, from supporting elite athletes to excel on the world stage to encouraging local communities to get fitter and enjoy sport; coaches provide the inspiration and practical support to get Wales moving.”

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said,

"Coaches and volunteers are vital across all sports. They really make a difference and there's no doubt we need more in Wales. We need to increase numbers and to support them properly if we are to become a healthier and more successful sporting nation.

“We must ensure that our coaches are properly qualified and that they can work with children as well as elite athletes; through both our national languages and in all of our communities across Wales.

"I welcome and endorse the ambition and aspirations of Sport Wales for coaching in Wales. This strategy provides a clear direction and focus for all our efforts to achieve a successful and effective coaching system."

Five percent (113,000) of adults in Wales currently give up their time to coach or volunteer in sport. Sport Wales has set its sights on doubling that figure to nearly 250,000, which would equate to 10% of the current Welsh adult population lending a hand on touchlines and pool sides across the country.

McAllister explains:

“We need more coaches and volunteers. Five percent is good but if we want every child hooked on sport then this is not good enough. We need to be great.

“It’s not just a quantity issue either. We have to ensure that coaches are being deployed in the right areas and that we are retaining them in the system. Crucially we need to support their ongoing development and foster a culture that recognises and values the great work of coaches and volunteers in sport.”

The Coaching Strategy supports Sport Wales’ Elite Sports Strategy, launched in June, which set ambitious medal targets for the next six years. It also complements WAG’s Creating an Active Wales and the UK Coaching Framework, which both support the push for more and better coaches.

Sport Wales expects high levels of interest in sport following the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and is taking steps now to ensure that there are enough appropriately qualified coaches available to meet the demand for participation in Wales.

Coaches and volunteers have been the focal point of Sport Wales’ Behind Every Star campaign, which celebrates the hard work and dedication put into sport in Wales by coaches and volunteers all across the country.

In a bid to inspire the people of Wales to play their part, esteemed photographer Terry Morris turned his attention to the world of sport capturing eleven of Wales’ sporting heroes of the moment with one of their most influential coaches to date.

The second half of the campaign will focus on active recruitment of volunteers and coaches, encouraging and inspiring adults across Wales to get involved in their local sports teams. Sport Wales is encouraging people to sign up to volunteer at www.behindeverystar.org.uk.

The travelling photographic exhibition will be displayed at Plas Menai until 14 September before moving on to Wrexham’s Eagles Meadow Shopping Complex from 24-25 September before finishing at Festival Park Shopping Centre, Blaenau Gwent from 29-30 October.

For further information please contact Simon Grant, PR Officer at Sport Wales on 029 2033 8366 or simon.grant@sportwales.org.uk

Note to Editors:
Headline coaching achievements to date:

• A network of Coaching Officers are in place, dedicated to increasing and improving the quality of coaching in Wales

• 22 Welsh National Governing Bodies (NGBs) have implemented the UK Coaching Certificate, providing a recognised and standardised coaching qualification throughout the UK

• 464 tutors, assessors and verifiers are trained to deliver coach education

• The number of paid coaching opportunities has increased through programmes such as Coach Cymru and 5x60

• There is a strong culture of young people attaining leadership qualifications with 60% of secondary schools now delivering sports leaders qualifications to approximately 5,000 young people a year

• The National Governing Body’s of sport train on average 9,000 coaches per year

• A partnership with sports coach UK is enabling Welsh National Governing Body’s to receive additional support to develop coaching.

New Youth Volunteer Advisors

Powys - Richard Davies — 2010-08-09T23:00:00+00:00

Judith D'Anna and Jean Garner have started work with PAVO as new Youth Volunteer advisors

Gwynedd Young People Volunteering Questionnaire.

Gwynedd - Mirain Roberts — 2010-08-01T23:00:00+00:00

At the end of 2009 a Gwynedd Young People Volunteering Questionnaire was sent out to clubs, schools and organisations across Gwynedd to target young people to get their opinion on volunteering.

As an incentive for the young people to fill and return the questionnaire, their name was put in to a prize draw, for a chance to win £50.

The lucky winner of the £50 was Non Roberts from Trefor!

Our Youth Volunteering Officer, Mirain Roberts went over to Clwb Chware Teg in Trefor to present the prize to Non. 509 of the questionnaires came back, 129 noting that they were eager to receive more information on volunteering. The questionnaire featured sections for the young people to note the reasons for and against volunteering. This information will be useful for our Youth Volunteering Officer to try and overcome the barriers young people have towards volunteering.

CAVO’s Volunteers Week Celebrations

Ceredigion - Catherine Derrick-Huge — 2010-07-20T23:00:00+00:00

CAVO’s Volunteers Week Celebrations

Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) enjoyed a sunny and successful week at their stand at the Urdd Eisteddfod Llanerchaeron. An array of people of different ages and interests came to find out more about us and the work of the voluntary groups that joined us during the week.

On Thursday 3rd June, we held our Young Volunteer Awards Ceremony at the CAVO stand where Elin Jones, AM presented a number of young people with awards in recognition of their achievements; Leah Hargreaves and Tim Davies received their Millennium Volunteers 200 hour Award of Excellence, the highest award that a young person can receive under the scheme. The close of the ceremony was marked with the Ceredigion Volunteer Awards of Recognition 2010 - Youth Volunteering Award (Under 25). Becky Davies, who volunteers for Ceredigion Museum, was chosen by an independent panel as the winner of the category.

CAVO ended Volunteers Week on a high with a Volunteers Award Ceremony on Monday 7th June where certificates were presented by Rhodri Jones (WCVA) to volunteers for the WCVA Volunteer of the Year Awards. The Chairman of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Haydn Lewis, kindly presented 15 certificates to individuals for their tireless voluntary work as part of the Ceredigion Volunteer Awards of Recognition 2010. A special thank you went to the Award winners:

Over 25 Award: Judith Walters – Girl Guiding Ceredigion

Trustee Award: Ian Williams –Ystwyth CT Group

Mentor Award: Anthony Cokeley – Prince’s Trust

CAVO would like to pay tribute to the thousands of volunteers in Ceredigion that contribute so much to charities and individuals within our community and would like to thank them all for their efforts and time.

Grant Panel

Powys - Deborah Gerrard — 2010-07-20T23:00:00+00:00

The Youth Led Grant Panel met on Thursday 15th June and approved several applications. In round three we received many applications, totaling over £14,000.00. We had a total budget of just under £7,000.00 so unfortunately the Panel couldn't approve all applications received. A press release will be following shortly.

AGM and Annual Conference

Funky Dragon — 2010-07-14T23:00:00+00:00

Funky Dragon, the Children and Young People’s Assembly for Wales is holding their AGM and Annual Conference in Cardiff in July 2010. Funky Dragon is a young person led organisation that gives young people an opportunity to get their voices heard on issues that affect them. The opportunity to be listened to is a fundamental right under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The event is open to all young people aged between 11 and 25 that are representative of a young people’s organisations in Wales. The AGM and Annual Conference is an opportunity to meet ministers from the Welsh Assembly Government and discuss with them, directly, what issues affect you as a young person and find out what they plan to do about it.

Big Challenge Competition

Beverley Mallett — 2010-07-05T23:00:00+00:00

Big Challenge has launched!

The Big Challenge competition for 16-25 year olds is open for applications now.

Be in with a chance of winning a share of £65 000 along with support to set up your own community project.

Your project just needs to inspire other young people and involve volunteers so think big and get involved now!

Check out www.bigchallenge.org.uk for full details and the online application, and if this doesn’t apply to you then please forward it to someone who might be interested.

IMAGINE, INVOLVE, INSPIRE
IT’S YOUR TURN!

The deadline is 6th July 2010.

Big Challenge is a youth-led competition run by UnLtd in partnership with Changemakers and with funding from Vodafone and v. We are part of Live UnLtd www.liveunltd.com where you can find more opportunities like this for young people.

GwirVol and StreetGames

Anneka Roberts — 2010-06-30T23:00:00+00:00

Ready, Steady, Go!

GwirVol and StreetGames kick off the summer season by launching sports grants!
GwirVol has teamed up with StreetGames to provide more sport volunteering opportunities in deprived communities.

The goal of the new GwirVol StreetGames grant scheme is to boost the number of young people volunteering whilst providing more sport volunteering opportunities in deprived communities. The GwirVol StreetGames grant is targeted at volunteers aged 16-25. The grants offer funding up to £2000 to help develop structured sports development programmes. Any type of activity will be supported, from hockey or football to cheerleading and figure skating! The GwirVol StreetGames grant gets extra points in regards to what they’re offering because it’s not just funding that the scheme is putting forward. The grants are also supplying access to training, support, mentoring and also includes access to awards and qualifications for volunteers. These awards are the Community Sports Leadership Awards, and the Millennium Volunteer Awards. There is no finish line for the volunteers and what they can achieve with this scheme. GwirVol and StreetGames knows that this will make a positive impact on deprived communities, as the scheme intends to tackle the difficulties for sport fanatics to reach their full potential in these deprived regions.

Team players who are backing the GwirVol StreetGames grant scheme are The Co-operative, the Welsh Assembly Government, Sport Leaders UK and Millennium Volunteers. The GwirVol StreetGames grant was launched in May at the 2010 Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Senedd by First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones.

Leah Doherty, GwirVol Co-coordinator, stated,

‘This is an exciting new partnership bringing together sports and volunteering. We’re looking forward to supporting projects through funding, mentoring and qualifications brought together by our partners - and we can’t wait to see what local communities will develop’.

The CEO of StreetGames, Jane Ashworth has also said,

‘We have a number of very exciting community sports projects operating in Wales. So far, these have seen almost 100 young volunteers give over 2,000 hours of their time to helping young people access sport, while gaining new skills and qualifications themselves. This new partnership will help make sure we can continue to offer such great opportunities and engage young people through sport.’

How to Apply

So for all you Wayne Rooney wannabe’s out there, read on to see how you can give adversity the red card.

Applications for grants are now available.

The closing date for applications will be 30th July 2010. (Any applications after this date won’t be considered)

For more information and an application form please click here.

So what are you waiting for? Time is running out to snap up one of our grants! Calling all organisations eligible, on your marks, get set, APPLY!

GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants 2010-2011

LD — 2010-06-16T23:00:00+00:00

GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants 2010-2011

‘Opportunities’ and ‘Promotion’

Can your organisation encourage more young people to volunteer?

The Welsh Assembly Government has made £420,000 available to support projects that will bring about a step change in the number of young people volunteering and the diversity of volunteers.

The aim of the new GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants scheme is to support the delivery and promotion of a wide range of new volunteering opportunities by third sector organisations in Wales, especially for disadvantaged young people. Separate application packs are available for ‘Opportunities’ or ‘Promotion’ grants.

Priority young people:
The grants scheme aims to prioritise opportunities with and for a diverse range of young people (aged 16 – 25), particularly:

Young people from disadvantaged communities: particularly Communities First areas and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
Young people with physical or learning disabilities
Young people aged 16 – 18
Young people not in employment, education or training

How much is available?

‘Opportunities’: project funding of up to £10,000 for activities that will deliver a wide range of new and innovative volunteering experiences for young people aged 16-25, either with your own or another organisation.
‘Promotion’: project funding of up to £5,000 will promote volunteering to and for young people aged 16-25, eg through promotional events, websites, exhibitions, or visits.

You must be able to give a clear description of how you will approach and attract young people; particularly those that are disadvantaged or excluded; how you will measure success and how you will spend the money.

All projects must be completed and accounted for by 31 March 2012. Any funding not spent by that date must be repaid.

When can you apply?

All complete applications, with all supporting documents, must be received by
16 June 2010 at the latest. No late applications will be considered.

Applicants are asked to email a copy of the final version of your application to GwirVol@wcva.org.uk in addition to sending a signed hard as this will help us to process you application as quickly and efficiently as possible. The signed hard copy must be received by the WCVA Cardiff Bay Office by 16th June 2010.

Caerphilly Voluntary Sector Achievement Awards 2010

Caerphilly - Beverley Mallett — 2010-06-15T23:00:00+00:00

Our Annual Volunteering Achievement Awards are due to be held on the 16th June 2010 @ Ty Penallta Council Headquarters, Ystrad Mynach. Caerphilly. We have received many nominations this year and the winners from each category will be revealed on the night. We will also be presenting our 200 hr Millennium Volunteers with their Award of Excellence during the evening as a celebration of their acheivement in reaching their 200 hours. The awards evening is a very special occasion for us as it enables us to thank all the volunteers who give their time and effort contributing to the community and the voluntary sector. It also enables us to promote the benefits of volunteering to the members of the Caerphilly County Borough through the media and through the County Council Newsletters. Unfortunately, this is not a public event and invitees are only able to attend.

Annual Volunteering Achievement Awards

Beverley Mallett — 2010-06-13T23:00:00+00:00

Our Annual Volunteering Achievement Awards are due to be held on the 16th June 2010 @ Ty Penallta Council Headquarters, Ystrad Mynach. Caerphilly.

We have received many nominations this year and the winners from each category will be revealed on the night. We will also be presenting our 200 hr Millennium Volunteers with their Award of Excellence during the evening as a celebration of their acheivement in reaching their 200 hours.

The awards evening is a very special occasion for us as it enables us to thank all the volunteers who give their time and effort contributing to the community and the voluntary sector. It also enables us to promote the benefits of volunteering to the members of the Caerphilly County Borough through the media and through the County Council Newsletters.

(Unfortunately, this is not a public event and invitees are only able to attend.)

News from Volunteers Week

Beverley Mallett — 2010-06-13T23:00:00+00:00

3rd June - Young at Hearts

This year's Volunteers Week went really well. On Thursday 3rd June, we attended a local 50+ Community Cafe (Young at Hearts) whereby we helped out with serving teas, cakes and meals and also helped to organise the office systems as the coordinators at the organisation have been so busy running the cafe that they did not have a chance to organise the office in a user friendly way since moving to the new premises they currently occupy. Sian & Mandy who are the coordinators of the community cafe were so pleased with our efforts that they have asked if we could return on a weekly basis!

4th June - TARRAGAN

On Friday 4th June, we spent the day at TARRAGAN, which is a local community "Green Gym". The project which has recently been launched is called The TARAGGAN Educational Gardens (Tenants and Residents Association Green Gym and Nursery) which aims to enable people from all sections of the community to regenerate a piece of land and the allotment site will provide an ideal opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables and provide a resource for people to combine physical activity with improving their local environment. We volunteered our time in preparing the land and planting shrubs along the perimeter to act as an attractive focal point with the added benefit of deterring vandals from entering the site (very prickly). It was a hot day and we all worked hard and had fun whilst completing the project and received plenty of drink refreshments and a gorgeous lunch as a thank you for all our efforts.

Volunteers Week 2010

Caerphilly - Beverley Mallett — 2010-06-07T23:00:00+00:00

This year's Volunteers Week went really well. On Thursday 3rd June, we attended a local 50+ Community Cafe (Young at Hearts) whereby we helped out with serving teas, cakes and meals and also helped to organise the office systems as the coordinators at the organisation have been so busy running the cafe that they did not have a chance to organise the office in a user friendly way since moving to the new premises they currently occupy. Sian & Mandy who are the coordinators of the community cafe were so pleased with our efforts that they have asked if we could return on a weekly basis! On Friday 4th June, we spent the day at TARRAGAN, which is a local community "Green Gym". The project which has recently been launched is called The TARAGGAN Educational Gardens (Tenants and Residents Association Green Gym and Nursery) which aims to enable people from all sections of the community to regenerate a piece of land and the allotment site will provide an ideal opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables and provide a resource for people to combine physical activity with improving their local environment. We volunteered our time in preparing the land and planting shrubs along the perimeter to act as an attractive focal point with the added benefit of deterring vandals from entering the site (very prickly). It was a hot day and we all worked hard and had fun whilst completing the project and received plenty of drink refreshments and a gorgeous lunch as a thank you for all our efforts.

Volunteers Fayre

Neath Port talbot - Nigel Cram — 2010-06-03T23:00:00+00:00

Neath Port Talbot CVS are hosting a Volunteers Fayre in Neath Town Centre on Friday 4th June from 11am to 3pm. Organisations with a stand will include Neath Port Talbot MIND; Youth Offending Team; Barnardos; National Trust; Youth Opportunities Bank and many more. There will be prizes, local radio and also activities such as face painting and find the treasure.

Volunteers Fayre

Neath Port talbot - Nigel Cram — 2010-06-03T23:00:00+00:00

Volunteering Speed Dating Event

Blaenau Gwent - Sian Sweet — 2010-06-02T23:00:00+00:00

GAVO have arranged a fun way of letting anyone interested in volunteering know of some of the exciting opportunities available within Blaenau Gwent and beyond.

The event will take place on June 3rd 2010 at Ebbw Vale Comprehensive School starting at 11am and ending at 3.30pm with a break for the organisations between 12.45 & 1.45pm. There will be a special drop-in session between 4pm – 6pm in case you can’t make it during the day.

Being a volunteer is a rewarding way of giving to the community and learning new skills and in most cases will not affect any financial support claimed regardless of the hours volunteered. So if this sounds like something you would be interested in whether you are looking for volunteers or are interested in becoming a volunteer then in please get in touch on (01495) 315626 or e-mail sinead.evans@gavowales.org.uk amanda.newman@gavowales.org.uk sian.sweet@gavowales.org.uk Look forward to seeing you there!!

CAVO’s Volunteers Week Celebrations

Anneka — 2010-06-02T23:00:00+00:00

CAVO’s Volunteers Week Celebrations

Over 25 Award:
Judith Walters – Girl Guiding

Ceredigion Trustee Award:
Ian Williams –Ystwyth CT Group

Mentor Award:
Anthony Cokeley – Prince’s Trust

Volunteers Week

LD — 2010-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

The 26th annual Volunteers week takes place 1st-7th June. Keep an eye on the events pages for information of events and activities taking place near you.

GwirVol and StreetGames launch sports grants

LD — 2010-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

A Welsh initiative aimed at boosting the number of young people volunteering has teamed up with a UK sports development charity to help provide more sports volunteering opportunities in disadvantaged communities.

The new GwirVol StreetGames grants scheme - which will be managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and StreetGames and supported by the Co-operative, Sports Wales and Millennium Volunteers - was launched this week (Wednesday 26 May) at the 2010 Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Senedd by First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones.

The grants of up to £2,000 each are designed to help develop structured sports programmes in disadvantaged communities through involving young people aged 16-25 as volunteers.

As well as funding, the projects will also have access to training, support and mentoring, along with qualifications including Community Sports Leadership Awards and recognition awards such as the Millennium Volunteers Award.

The grants will help organisations provide opportunities that will challenge young people, meet their aspirations and add value to their communities. There are no limits to the type of sports that will be supported, from football to cheerleading.

‘This is an exciting new partnership bringing together sports and volunteering,’ said GwirVol Co-ordinator Leah Doherty. ‘We’re looking forward to supporting projects through funding, mentoring and qualifications brought together by our partners - and we can’t wait to see what local communities will develop.’

StreetGames Chief Executive Jane Ashworth said: ‘We have a number of very exciting community sports projects operating in Wales. So far, these have seen almost 100 young volunteers give over 2,000 hours of their time to helping young people access sport, while gaining new skills and qualifications themselves.

‘This new partnership will help make sure we can continue to offer such great opportunities and engage young people through sport.’

When can I apply?

The grants will be available from 30 June 2010.

How much is available?

Project funding of up to £2,000 per project is available. Grants will be given to projects involving young people from disadvantaged communities.

For more information and to find out how to apply for the GwirVol StreetGames grants, go to www.GwirVol.org or contact Caro Wild at StreetGames caro.wild@streetgames.org.

All Sorts of Volunteering!

Vale of Glamorgan - Rachel Oldman — 2010-05-27T23:00:00+00:00

Allsorts of Volunteering!

Volunteers Week – 1st – 7th June 2010 Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. The Week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, while inspiring others to get involved too.

Here at the Vale Volunteer Bureau, we understand the importance that volunteers play in all aspects of our local community, volunteering not only benefits the local community, but also benefits the volunteer. Volunteers’ Week gives us the opportunity to say a big Thank You to all of the volunteers in the Vale of Glamorgan who regularly give their time to a good cause. These volunteers also receive invaluable experiences in return, which can help them progress onto their chosen path, as well as giving them the opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, develop confidence and even progress on to paid employment. Volunteering is extremely beneficial to the volunteers taking part, here are what a few volunteers in the Vale had to say about their experiences;

“I have been volunteering for the last 20 months. I have done many different duties such as filing, photocopying, answering the telephones and database work. I feel that I have developed in confidence and enhanced my skills and experiences within the office environment. I am now in full-time employment, volunteering gave me the confidence to be able to do this.” Office Volunteer

“I am a Mum of three and work full-time.. I volunteer within a field that I am really interested in and took up the opportunity to try something I wouldn’t normally have the chance to do. It only takes a few hours a week and is very flexible around my every day commitments” First Aid Volunteer

“I have found unemployment to be a very tedious experience, and by taking up voluntary work I feel that I have become more positive and motivated. It was good to have something useful to put my effort towards for the day, and have a routine to the day. I also feel motivated working towards the millennium volunteer certificate hours, I have set myself the target of reaching the 200 hour mark, I feel that it would be an achievement that will enhance my CV” Retail Volunteer

“......I have been volunteering for about 6 months, I enjoy volunteering as it gives you a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and gives me something to do with my time. Hopefully the experience will help me find paid employment” Administration Volunteer

Why not take the opportunity during Volunteers’ Week to enquire about what volunteering opportunities are available in your local area. Here at the Vale Volunteer Bureau, we have friendly staff on hand that can help you find the right thing for you.

Our offices at 34 Holton Rd, Barry are open Mon-Fri from 10am – 4pm, If it is difficult for you to get to Barry, we hold regular Outreach sessions throughout wider parts of the Vale of Glamorgan where we bring the services of the bureau to your locality – details of Outreach dates can be found on our website. For more information contact the Vale Volunteer Bureau on 01446 421782 or visit our new website at www.vvb.org.uk.

Celebrating Volunteers Week at the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Ceredigion

Ceredigion - Catherine Derrick-Huge — 2010-05-24T23:00:00+00:00

Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. The week, which runs from 1st-7th June, plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, while inspiring others to get involved too. Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) will be celebrating Volunteers Week this year at their stand at the Urdd Eisteddfod at Llanerchaeron between Monday 31st May and Saturday 5th June 2010. Hazel Lloyd Lubran, CAVO’s Chief Executive said “We are looking forward to a very full week playing host to a number of community and voluntary organisations who will be showcasing their work at our stand. Age Concern, Prosiect Dyslecsia Cymru, Estyn Llaw, Lampeter Family Centre, Beacon of Hope, CredCer Credit Union, Alzheimer’s Society, Girlguiding Ceredigion, Scouts Ceredigion and Jigso Family Centre will all be joining us at different times during the week - be sure to drop by and visit us at the CAVO Stand.” CAVO Volunteer Centre will also be holding two celebratory events during Volunteers Week to honour the contribution of volunteers who have carried out exceptional work in their community which has made a real difference to themselves and others in Ceredigion. The Young Volunteer Awards Ceremony will be held at the CAVO stand at the URDD Eisteddfod on Thursday 3rd June at 2pm. The winner of the Ceredigion Volunteer Awards of Recognition 2010 Youth Volunteering Award (Under 25) category will be announced along with young volunteers who have achieved Awards under the Millennium Volunteers Award Scheme. The Ceredigion Volunteer Awards of Recognition 2010 Ceremony will take place on Monday 7th June at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron Community Hall to recognise and celebrate the contribution volunteers have made in Ceredigion and congratulate the winners of the following volunteer award categories: 1. Volunteering Award (Over 25) 2. Mentor Award (supporting fellow volunteers) 3. Trustee award

Tendering master classes

Wales Council for Voluntary Action(WCVA) — 2010-04-19T23:00:00+00:00

Boost your chances of winning contracts

WCVA, in partnership with DHRinterim, are piloting a series of tendering master classes across Wales. These intensive ½ day skill-builder workshops will focus on improving the practical skills and knowledge of voluntary and community organisations in Wales working in the areas of health and social care, economic inactivity or worklessness.

The workshops are aimed at those individuals and organisations for whom tendering is not new; those who have undertaken a level of tendering activity and have identified a need to increase their skills and capabilities. ‘

Structuring & Writing Competitive Tenders’ will explore tools and techniques to maximise your success in tendering.

20 April 2010,Rhyl

21 April 2010, Carmarthen ‘

Competitive Tender Presentations’ will explore how to present an effective bid and give an insider view into really ‘selling’ your tender by bringing it to life.

5 May 2010,Carmarthen

6 May 2010, Rhyl

For more information, please see www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk/events

Only a week left to nominate your Volunteers of the Year

LD — 2010-04-15T23:00:00+00:00

Adults, young people and groups who give up hours of their free time to help others will receive recognition in the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Awards run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported by CCLA Investment Management Ltd.

In 2009, more than 200 nominations were received for the five categories, which have been chosen to reflect the range of volunteering opportunities available in Wales. As well as recognition of individuals, young people (under 25 years), and groups, the scheme also rewards ‘green’ volunteers and trustees.

There will be up to three winners in each category, with 15 national winners presented with their awards at a ceremony in Cardiff Castle on 10 June, and all nominees awarded commendation certificates at a local ceremony or by post.

To make your nomination please visit www.wcva.org.uk/voty or call the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329.

St John Wales return to Zambia

LD — 2010-04-11T23:00:00+00:00

St John Wales return to Zambia

A group of young St John Cymru Wales members have returned from Zambia where they taught a record number of people lifesaving first aid skills.

The volunteers, aged between 17 and 22, flew to Southern Africa on March 7 with four adult members − armed with a wealth of first aid knowledge and thousands of pounds of equipment.

They taught first aid to almost 5,000 people in Zambia’s capital of Lusaka – four times more than the amount they taught during last year’s visit.

Teachers, schoolchildren and police officers were taught skills which could prove lifesaving in an emergency situation.

Zambian authorities asked for their police officers to be taught first aid skills which focused on what to do at a road traffic collision and how to protect themselves whilst on duty.

They visited 12 schools and donated more than £3,500 of first aid equipment to St John Zambia which helped equip their one and only ambulance.

After arriving in the UK yesterday (March 18), Caroline Whittaker, the group’s team leader, said it was a life-changing and humbling experience.

She said: “It was a wonderful experience and every one of the young St John members have not only learnt about confidence but also about themselves. It was a marvellous experience for all of them. The young members were tremendous ambassadors for St John Wales.”

She said she was extremely proud that the team were able to teach a record number of Zambian people in first aid.

“Two of the young people taught 680 people first aid in one day which is quite incredible. Everybody worked extremely hard. The skills will help thousands of people in Zambia be confident and prepared to deal with an emergency situation,” said Ms Whittaker.

The visit would not have been possible without the kind donations from GwirVol, the Bower Trust and local fundraising efforts.

Although healthcare in Zambia has recently been made free, demand on the clinics is overwhelming, and medical professionals are struggling to cope. The country has one doctor for every 14,000 people, compared with one in 600 in the United Kingdom. Two thirds of the population live on less than one dollar per day and one in six children dies before their fifth birthday.

Millennium Volunteers clock up 200 hours at Denmark Farm

LD — 2010-04-11T23:00:00+00:00

Millennium Volunteers clock up 200 hours at Denmark Farm

Two remarkable local young women have recently received awards of excellence for making a sustained commitment to voluntary activity at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, near Lampeter.

Marion De Klein and Becky Sheldon both started volunteering with the Shared Earth Trust in the summer 2008. The Shared Earth Trust manages the unique Denmark Farm conservation project which pioneers the restoration of biodiversity to Britain's farmed countryside. Marion and Becky’s involvement with the ‘Millennium Volunteers’ scheme is managed by Tir Coed, a charity that works with disengaged and socially disadvantaged young people using the Welsh woodland as a resource for education and development and who are also based at Denmark Farm. The award certificates were signed by Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, to mark their achievement of reaching 200 hours of volunteering.

Marion, aged 23 from Llwyn y groes, had a difficult time at school and since has found it very difficult to find employment. Looking for a way to meet people and learn new skills she visited Ceredigion Association of Volunteer Organisations (CAVO) which referred her to The Shared Earth Trust’s monthly volunteer conservation days. Marion has thrived at Denmark Farm and is now regularly involved in a large range of activities: woodland management, green woodcrafts, gardening, helping in the café during Open Days and general site maintenance. Marion said “I love helping to make Denmark Farm more accessible for others and giving something back to the environment”. Marion’s mum, Kitty Rowe commented “When Marion comes home from Denmark Farm she is always much happier and I can see her confidence growing. More things are possible for Marion now. She was never able to apply for real jobs but she now has the ability to do this and she can take advantage of more opportunities”.

Becky, also 23 and now living in Llangybi, has a keen interest in the environment and came to Denmark Farm at a time when she was struggling to find work locally. She has continued to be involved through supporting community groups to take part in environmental activities and helping prepare promotional materials. Becky is now working again and hopes that valuable skills learnt and training received at Denmark Farm will enable her to find future employment in the area which she is passionate about. Becky says “Volunteering at Denmark Farm is a really creative way of being involved in my community and also getting something back. It has helped me believe that I am capable of more”.

Mark Williams (MP) visited Denmark Farm on Friday 27th November to find out more about the work of The Shared Earth Trust. During this tour Mark kindly presented Marion with her award certificate.

Anyone interested in more information about The Shared Earth Trust and Denmark Farm please contact: info@shared-earth-trust.org.uk / 01570 493358.

Do it for Cardiff

Cardiff - Ana Escurin — 2010-03-30T23:00:00+00:00

Do you want to volunteer? Do you want to get involved within your community? Give a little, gain a lot! Volunteer.

North/South Preparation

UNA Exchange — 2010-03-27T00:00:00+00:00

Preparation Day for those interested in volunteering in a developing country.

Gwirvol Youth Led Grant 2010-11.

Gwynedd - Mirain Roberts — 2010-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

For 2010-11 the Gwynedd Volunteer Centre has received a grant of £8,500 to distribute to groups to help develop youth volunteering activities.

TIMETABLE. Aplication Pack available NOW Closing date for applications

4 ROUNDS DURING 2010-11 ** 21st of May 2010 ** ** 1st of October 2010 ** ** 30th of November 2010 ** ** 31st of January 2011 **

Succesful applicants will be informed two weeks after the closing date.

Grant to be spent by 31st March 2011. For an application pack or for more information regarding the fund please contact Mirain Roberts at Mantell Gwynedd on 01286 672626 or mirain@mantellgwynedd.com.

Hundreds of volunteers nominated for Wales awards

LD — 2010-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Hundreds of volunteers working in communities across Wales are set to be nominated for awards in a prestigious national scheme.

Since the awards scheme started in 2004, the number of nominations has grown each year. In 2009, more than 200 nominations were received for the five categories, which have been chosen to reflect the range of volunteering opportunities available in Wales.

As well as recognition of individuals, young people (under 25 years), and groups, the scheme also rewards ‘green’ volunteers and trustees.

There will be up to three winners in each category, with 15 national winners presented with their awards at a ceremony in Cardiff in June, and all nominees awarded commendation certificates at a local ceremony or by post.

Volunteering can often be the first step towards getting a rewarding job. One of last year’s Volunteer of the Year young people award winners was 21-year-old Kirsty Jones, who was nominated for the time she devoted to helping out at Ysytalyfera Health and Wellbeing Centre in Swansea.

Kirsty has since been taken on as a paid member of staff by the centre - after experiencing discrimination from other potential employers because she suffers from Brittle Bone Disease and uses a wheelchair.

Kirsty endured hundreds of fractures and many operations and is in constant pain, yet still managed numerous tasks at the centre before being appointed its Worker for Older Persons.
‘Volunteering gave me a social life, more independence and - most importantly - self confidence,’ she said. ‘But what I'm most proud of is becoming an employee at the Health and Wellbeing Centre. This I will be forever grateful for. Volunteering changed my life.’

The awards’ new supporter for 2010, CCLA Investment Management Ltd, is the UK’s largest specialist investment management for charities, faith organisations and local authorities
Market Development Manager Mark Davies said: ‘There's a song lyric about seeing and meeting angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives - what a great description of a volunteer! CCLA is pleased to support these awards for the angels among us.’

Details of the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Awards, including nomination forms, are available from the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 - or by emailing help@wcva.org.uk
Nomination forms are also available to download from the website www.wcva.org.uk/voty The deadline for receipt of nominations is 23 April 2010.

Environment Wales Climate Change Grants - Deadline Extension!

LD — 2010-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Due to further funds being made available by the Welsh Assembly Government, the deadline for small grant applications (under £1,000) to this fund has been extended.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to help groups to EITHER take their first steps in combating climate change OR to help others learn more about or take action on this issue.

Application forms are available from 029 2043 1766 or info@environment-wales.org

Applications must be received by 5pm, 25 March 2010. Electronic applications will be accepted provided that hard copies with all supporting information are received by Monday 29 March.

GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grant Scheme 2010-2011

LD — 2010-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grant Scheme 2010-2011

The GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grant Scheme will support opportunities to volunteer internationally for young people in disadvantaged and minority communities in Wales.

The GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grants scheme aims to prioritise direct delivery of opportunities with and for a diverse range of young people (aged 16 – 25) and particularly welcomes applications from organisations that will work with:

Young people from disadvantaged communities: particularly Communities First areas and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
Young people with physical or learning disabilities
Young Peopl aged 16-18
NEETS, young people not in education, employment or training

The scheme will support one-year project funding of up to £30,000 for a structured programme of activities that will deliver high quality international volunteering experiences for young people aged 16-25. The GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grants scheme will support up to 80% of total project costs.

Project proposals must demonstrate how organisations will deliver new, high quality volunteering experiences, and how they will approach, attract and support young people, particularly those that are disadvantaged or excluded.

Successful projects will have a positive impact on individuals, groups and the wider community in Wales and overseas through youth volunteering.

The closing date for all applications is 16 June 2010.No applications received after that date will be considered.

Student Volunteers Week - Volunteering & Summer Work Fair

Wrexham - Lynsey Edwards — 2010-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

AVOW and the Glyndwr Job Shop will be holding a Volunteering & Summer Work Fair at the Student Guild at Glyndwr. Come along and meet different organisationas and companies and see what you can do!!

Invitation to Tender for the GwirVol Webmaster

LD — 2010-02-19T00:00:00+00:00

The GwirVol initiative in inviting tenders for the ongoing content management and development of the GwirVol Website www.gwirvol.org.

GwirVol is a partnership between the third, public and private sectors, and led by the views of young people in Wales. The Partnership exists to take forward the recommendations of the Russell Commission. These recommendations are designed to provide a framework to bring about a step change in the numbers and diversity of young volunteers and to give them more and better quality volunteering opportunities.

The GwirVol website is the central information point of the GwirVol initiative, providing information and advice for organisations looking to develop volunteering opportunities for young people as well as an interactive space for young people to get involved and have their say.

Further information, guidance and an application form can be found at www.gwirvol.org or www.Sell2Wales.com .

Any questions asked by applicants with regards to the tender must be submitted in writing to the above address or by email to gwirvol@wcva.org.uk by Thursday 17th March 2010. All responses to questions will be published on the tender webpage www.gwirvol.org for all applicants to see as they are submitted. The latest date by which questions and answers will be published will be Monday 22nd March 2010.

Friendship Walk for Breast Cancer

Workers in Student Community Volunteering (WiSCV) — 2010-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

There will be a fundraising friendship walk to raise money and awareness of Breast Cancer, as part of Aberystwyth Sports Centre Fit and Well month on Saturday 13th February at 11am. It will be an opportunity to meet other members of the local community, as well as staff and students from the University. There are sponsorship forms available for collection from the Sports Centre. The walk will be through the gardens and on the paths of the campus, some of which might be a bit muddy, so please make sure that you wear sensible shoes - and something PINK!!

Age of Stupid Grant Fund

Wales Council for Voluntary Action(WCVA) — 2010-02-08T00:00:00+00:00

The Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with Wales Council for Voluntary Action is offering community and third sector organisations an opportunity to screen the film – Age of Stupid. This film has been developed by a small group of film makers who believe that everybody needs to hear about what will happen to our climate if we do not urgently respond to the climate change crisis. More information about the film can be found at www.ageofstupid.com

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world faces. The Welsh Assembly Government and Wales Council for Voluntary Action are committed to playing their part in meeting the challenge and to Wales leading the way on addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. We are offering £250 per group to arrange a screening. This funding is to cover the cost of community venue hire, light refreshments and the film license for public showing (a legal requirement) We are hoping that by showing the film it will reinforce key climate changes messages, encourage debate and energise groups to make changes & take action. If you are interested in this opportunity then please send for an application pack available by telephoning the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or emailing policy@wcva.org.uk

Please note funding is limited and awarded on a first come first served basis. All events must be held before the end of March 2010.

Winter projects in Wales

UNA Exchange — 2010-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

If you are over 18 and interested in volunteering alongside other people from other countries for a weekend or a fortnight (and don’t mind getting a bit muddy!) then give us a call or visit our website.

New-look website for youth volunteering scheme

LD — 2010-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

The GwirVol initiative for young volunteers in Wales launched its revamped website, www.gwirvol.org, on Wednesday, 27 January. The new-look site is aimed at volunteers aged 16-25 and the groups that involve them – and those that plan to in future.

The site is full of exciting new features, from competitions and online polls (we want to know what our volunteers think) to FAQs, resources and grant application packs – plus tips for applying. You can also read about our volunteers’ real-life experiences, such as 16-year-old Lisa Ward, who volunteered at the Welsh Mountain Zoo and was such a success she is now a Trainee Zookeeper. You can also search for a placement in your area and catch up on all the latest youth volunteering news and events throughout Wales.

You can also discover more about our youth volunteer panel GwirForce, who are recruiting across Wales. GwirForce are asking their members to support the initiative by giving their views on volunteering and spreading the word among their peers.

Another highlight is the chance to engage with our Youth Volunteering Advisors, who are based across the breadth of Wales. Their profile pages are rammed with useful information, and you can contact them for support and advice. Our YVAs are also available for advice on promoting volunteering opportunities within your own group, or you can chat about local placements or get further information on grants and benefits.

Our partners also have profiles, allowing you to find out more about them and why they support this important initiative. These include the Welsh Assembly Government, North Wales Police – who run a cadet programme for 16-18 year olds – and Funky Dragon, an organisation whose aim is to give young people the chance to have their views heard on issues that affect them.
GwirVol will be continually updating the site to provide more support, advice, information and fun for anyone interested in youth volunteering.

If you would like to get involved, send us your news or promote an event, visit www.GwirVol.org.
You can also follow us on twitter www.twitter.co.uk/gwirvol and join our facebook group www.facebook.com.

GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants helping young people volunteer

LD — 2010-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

A national scheme aimed at boosting the number of young people taking part in volunteering in Wales was launched in April 2009. GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants, administered by WCVA, proved to be very popular and the first round, which closed in June 2009, was heavily oversubscribed.

The Welsh Assembly has granted £405,000 to encourage more young people to take up volunteering opportunities in Wales. The aim of the initiative is to achieve a sustained step change to youth volunteering in Wales through the involvement and leadership of young people.

The grant is to help organisations provide opportunities that will challenge young people, meet their aspirations and add value to their communities.

How much was available?

'International’ : project funding of up to £30,000 to encourage international volunteering opportunities for young people who don’t traditionally volunteer. The scheme supported one-year projects funding of up to £30,000, offering a structured programme of activities that would deliver high quality international volunteering experiences for up to 30 young people aged 16-25. The GwirVol International Youth Volunteering Grants scheme supported up to 80% of total project costs.
‘Opportunities’: project funding of up to £10,000 for activities to deliver a wide range of new and innovative volunteering experiences for young people aged 16-25, either with your own group or another organisation.
‘Promotion’: project funding of up to £5,000 to promote volunteering to and for young people aged 16-25 – for instance, through promotional events, websites, exhibitions or visits.

The second round closed 1 December 2009. The next round is expected to open in March 2010 with a deadline of mid-June 2010.

Information on the next round of GwirVol Youth Volunteering grants is available from Pri Patel, GwirVol Organiser, on 029 2043 1763, or by e-mailing gwirvol@wcva.org.uk

GwirVol Youth Volunteering awards

The successful projects range from cyber-mentoring to foodbanks.

The 3G's Development Trust

The 3G's Youthvols project recently launched. The aim of the project is to provide opportunities for young people to volunteer within their local communities. This will raise young people’s profiles, help combat fear of crime and allow different generations to work together and gain a better understanding of each other.

A core group of eight young people, aged 16+, will help to plan, organise and implement taster events within their communities. These will include:

Community clean ups/litter picks
Two community Garden Projects
Social events for the wider community
Sessional youth work through local youth provision groups

The core group will be seen as ‘role models’ among their peers and have the support and help of other young people whilst conducting their ‘community’ volunteering work.

The young people will gain knowledge and experience of youth and community work. Moreover, the core group will undertake a programme of learning which will equip them with many transferable skills, enhancing their volunteering work and making them more employable.

At the end of the project, core group members will have gained:

First aid training
Essential skills training
Food hygiene training
Project planning and risk assessment training
Media training
And, most importantly, volunteering experience!

Contact: Carol Adams 01685 384 428, carol.3gs@googlemail.com

Trussell Trust

Our GwirVol project will place young people within the growing number of foodbank projects across Wales. Foodbanks receive donations of tinned and dried food from the public and distribute it to those in short term crisis via emergency food vouchers. Through GwirVol we will create 26 opportunities suitable for young people and expect to see 40 young volunteers during 2009 – 2010. GwirVol will enable foodbanks to effectively engage minority groups, and we aim to offer 50% of our opportunities to those with learning difficulties, disabilities, aged 16-18 or from an ethnic minority background. Young people will be encouraged to take a lead in the project and drive forward ideas that would attract their peers to volunteer, including the creation of a promotional DVD and literature, and through events at colleges, universities and schools. Foodbank supervisors in Wales will be trained to ensure young people are effectively engaged and mentored in their roles. We are confident the project will deliver greater community cohesion and will help the foodbank network feed thousands of families in crisis over the next year.

Contact: Adrian Curtis, Regional Development Officer (Wales), 01495 352223; adrian@festivalchurch.co.uk

Beatbullying

Beatbullying, the UK’s leading bullying prevention charity, officially launched its Welsh operation in Cardiff in October 2009 with the help of Beatbullying patron, bullying victim and former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe.

Beatbullying Wales – www.beatbullying.org/wales - will focus on peer-to-peer education, using anti-bullying strategies devised for young people by young people, with workshops focusing on sport (BBSports), music (BBTunes) and digital media (CyberMentors), empowering young people to lead their own campaigns. CyberMentors are young volunteers trained by Beatbullying to become peer mentors at school or college. They can offer support face-to-face or online at www.cybermentors.org.uk, helping keep their peers safe while they use SNS sites, mobile and text messaging services. The site has already received 200,000 hits from young people needing help and support. Gwirvol has provided funding for 100 16-18 year olds to be trained to be CyberMentors in colleges in Cardiff, Newport and Caerphilly, giving them an exciting opportunity to volunteer and support others.

Contact: Rebecca Davies 02920 461 652; rebecca.davies@beatbullying.org

BulliesOut

Our plan for the funding recently received from GwirVol, is to recruit and train eight young people to become our Peer Mentor Coordinators. Once fully trained, they will assist with the delivery of our successful Peer2Peer programme to selected students in secondary schools across Wales.

Our Peer2Peer programme encourages both the mentee and the mentor to develop personal and social skills such as active listening and communication skills, improving self-esteem, learning to negotiate with one another and adults over areas of conflict, and learning to ask for help and support. It offers children and young people the opportunity to experience different roles and responsibilities and to learn effective leadership and team working skills. Many school-based mentoring schemes fail due to lack of support and encouragement to the student mentors. The Mentor Coordinators will ensure the schemes are effective, sustainable and successful and will provide ongoing valuable support to the school-based student mentors both online and offline.

The Mentor Coordinators will be encouraged to put forward any ideas they have that would be beneficial to the programme. Throughout the training the peer mentors are given the opportunity to plan and set up their own scheme. This gives them ownership of their scheme and allows them to outline their aims.

Contact: Linda James 029 2056 8947; ljames@bulliesout.com www.bulliesout.com

Ash Wales

ASH Wales is the only voluntary organisation in Wales with the sole remit of tackling ill-health caused by tobacco use across the country. The money we received from GwirVol will be used to advertise and promote our new youth volunteering opportunities, to make sure that every young person has the opportunity to get involved. The project is called ‘Peer Health Promotion’ and will encourage all young people aged 16-25, regardless of their smoking status, to join our small but proactive organisation to help deliver informed and accurate information about tobacco use in areas such as brief intervention, CO Monitoring, peer workshops and the health effects of smoking, and also what goes into tobacco products. These young volunteers will then be able to deliver similar activities in their communities, be it at youth clubs, sports clubs or community centres. Young volunteers will also be able to access other services through ASH Wales, which will encourage them, if they are smoking, to set a quit date.

Also, as part of the Peer Health Promotion project, we will encourage our young volunteers to attend community events, national events and conferences with us to cascade information about the harmful effects of tobacco to young people and those who work with young people.

“As a young person I am concerned that so many of my friends are getting hooked on smoking. It’s really motivating to meet someone like Helen who has achieved so much in her sporting career. She is an inspiration to young girls like me and I’m really pleased she is supporting us in this campaign.”

Contact: Laura Rich, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, 029 20 641 101, laura@ashwales.co.uk

North Wales Police and Community Trust

The North Wales Police have over 100 young people volunteering as Police Cadets. At the age of 16, the Cadets commence a two-year programme which aims to train young people to become positive and active citizens through partnership with local communities, while they in turn obtain a valuable insight into police careers as a well as gain unique social skills and perspectives.

The Cadets are encouraged to bring forward their own ideas for projects, overseen by the Cadet leaders. During the pilot programme the Cadets took part in many projects including, painting youth clubs, restoring school gardens, delivering security locks to the vulnerable, doing household chores and gardening for the elderly, environmental projects, litter picking and cleaning ponds.

“With the GwriVol funding we plan to purchase promotional material such as a marquee, which can be used at public events to attract young people and give them an insight into what the role of a Volunteer Cadet is about. The funding will also enable us to plan and design a young persons page on the North Wales Police webpage. The Cadets will work with the web team to create a webpage that will be of benefit to young people wishing to volunteer with North Wales Police.”

Contact: David Evans, Project Manager, 01745 588 516, david.v.evans@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

UNA Exchange

UNA Exchange, a National Voluntary Youth Organisation, was established in 1973 and became a Registered Charity in 1989. Working in partnership with a wide range of groups across Wales, we co-ordinate international volunteering in support of youth and community development. Volunteering is the vehicle through which we aim to promote and support intercultural awareness and the appreciation of cultural diversity.

The activities of UNA Exchange bring together young people from different countries to volunteer their time and energies in a unique way. Valuable, high quality work is carried out while the richness of their varied backgrounds adds a vital cultural ingredient to the process. UNA Exchange delivers and manages a range of programmes which support short and long term international volunteering from between two days to 12 months, for group projects and for individual placements. The project work is backed up and underpinned by an educational programme to ensure and enrich the learning opportunities.

“ pilot project was successfully delivered in 2007 where 34 young people took part in a structured programme of training.

The purpose of this project is to encourage young people aged 16-25 from ‘disadvantaged backgrounds’ to participate in their programmes.

Contact: Sheila Smith, Director, 02920 223 088, sheilasmith@unaexchange.org

St John Cymru Wales

St John Cymru Wales is a national charity in its own right and is Wales’ leading first aid charity. With 4,515 volunteers (60% of whom are young people) St John Cymru Wales provides vital first aid and community care for thousands of people annually throughout the country – from those in disadvantaged communities to those at the many hundreds of events which we attend each year.

St John received funding from the Russell Commission in 2007, and took 12 young volunteers to Zambia to facilitate a comprehensive range of first aid and youth based activities with St John Zambia. In total, 12 young volunteers took part and worked in five schools and in the Zambian St John Headquarters alongside St John Zambia members, and delivered an ambitious programme of first aid training and basic life support to approximately 1,200 hundred young people and members of the public.

This project is a further development to the pilot project. St John Cymru Wales would like to send different volunteers to Luaska, Zambia, to offer training to seven schools – including 100 teachers and up to 500 school children – in vital first aid training in order to prepare the young volunteers for their visit to Zambia.

St John is also hoping to further develop their training with 30 of the Zambian based trainers who took part in the previous project and is looking to teach 500 members of the general public basic first aid courses.

St John Ambulance in Wales’ trainers will further develop their trainer training skills, thereby enhancing the quality of the trainer training that we provide to other volunteers in Wales.

Contact: Andrew Mitchel, Volunteer Coordinator, 07838 604 813

Congratulations Tim!

Ceredigion - Catherine Derrick-Huge — 2010-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

I would like to congratulate our latest young volunteer from Aberystwyth, who has achieved his 200 hours under the Millennium Volunteers Scheme; Tim Davies.

Tim’s story…

“I volunteered in the Oasis Coffee Bar at St Paul’s Methodist Church Centre, Aberystwyth for over 2 years. I really enjoyed it although sometimes it was very quiet and there wasn’t enough work to do. I made teas, coffees and sandwiches and served them to customers. I finished volunteering there in July 2009. Alongside St Paul’s, I joined the team at the gardening centre at Llanerchaeron House, near Aberaeron. I’m looking forward to going back there in the warmer weather because I sometimes have problems with my joints in the winter. In March 2009, I also started volunteering at Radio Bronglais. My role there is to check the hundreds of CDs that have been donated to the station to make sure that they are not damaged or unsuitable for broadcast. I thoroughly enjoy this job. I am also a very active member of the Radio Bronglais committee and I attend regular meetings.” Congratulations from all the CAVO team!

Volunteering Abroad

UNA Exchange — 2010-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

More than 1,500 new volunteering programmes for 2010 will be on the UNA Exchange website from mid February; lots of exciting opportunities in more than 50 countries worldwide so definitely something to suit everybody. www.unaexchange.org

Funky Dragon Newsletter

Funky Dragon — 2010-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

Funky Dragon has a newsletter sent out to all our contacts via email at the beginning of each month. The newsletter is full of information about what we are currently upto, campaigns we support, issues facing young people and lots of information about Funky Dragon. If you would like to be put onto our mailing list to receive the newsletter, please email tam@funkydragon.org

Student Volunteer Week

Workers in Student Community Volunteering (WiSCV) — 2010-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

Dim Prob Student Volunteers will be marking Student Volunteer Week on 22nd February by highlighting the work volunteers have been doing recently to help the local community, the environment and contributing to student mental health. There will be a range of projects happening through out the week:

Monday 22nd February - Fairtrade Stall

Tuesday 23rd February - Millennium Volunteers 200 Hour Challenge

Wednesday 24th February - Come Dine With Me Grub Club

Thursday 25th February - Food Co-op

Friday 26th February - Beach Clean

For further details, or if you wish to get involved, please e mail dimprob@aber.ac.uk

Gwynedd Young People Volunteering Questionnaire

Gwynedd - Mirain Roberts — 2010-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Closing date for the questionnaire to be submitted was the 8th of January 2010. There have been over 500 handed in. Further information will be posted up as soon as possible.

Friendship Walk for Breast Cancer

Workers in Student Community Volunteering (WiSCV) — 2009-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

Friendship Walk for Breast Cancer

Workers in Student Community Volunteering (WiSCV) — 2009-02-13T00:00:00+00:00