News

Participation Cymru unveil new citizen and community engagement training programme

Wed, 22 Feb 2012

Participation Cymru has launched its new training programme for public service providers in the third and public sectors for April - July 2012.

How does the relationship between the Welsh Government and the sector work?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012

Thats a simple question with quite a complex answer, so WCVA has produced a new supplement The third sector scheme: a guide to ministerial meetings that will really help you out.

GCN Licensing Course-Rhydymwyn Valley Nature Reserve

Mon, 20 Feb 2012

A course run over two days designed to give you everything you need to work towards obtaining your GCN license.

Nature reserve joins forces with major environmental initiative

Tue, 14 Feb 2012

A long standing local nature reserve, based in Cardiff, is the latest volunteer initiative to become part of the Environment Wales network of sustainable development projects.

WCVA statement on AWEMA

Fri, 10 Feb 2012

Recognition for North Wales employment project

Thu, 09 Feb 2012

A North Wales project that is providing pathways to careers in the rail industry for out-of-work people will be recognised and celebrated at an event in Waunfawr next week.

CAIS Employment Services and Greenlight training have received funding from WCVA to provide training and employment opportunities to 54 people and to progress them into permanent careers in rail-track maintenance.

Sector views sought on grant and loan replacements

Tue, 07 Feb 2012

Third sector groups have been invited to share their views on replacing Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans.

£5m for Enterprising Communities

Mon, 06 Feb 2012

Almost £5m will be invested to help community organisations develop into sustainable local enterprises following an EU funding boost, Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies, announced last week.

The Enterprising Communities project will engage with organisations and individuals across West Wales and the Valleys, offering advice and support to those wishing to find out about how to run a sustainable local enterprise.

WCVA response to WEFO consultation on 2014-2020 European programmes

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

WCVA, in consultation with the third sector European forum (3-SEF), has recently responded to WEFOs reflection exercise on the current round of European Structural Funds which will help inform the 2014-20 programmes.

Based on WCVAs experience of delivering European projects and feedback from the sector, the response includes our view on what should be the investment priorities of the 2014-20 programmes and what lessons have been learned from the current round of Structural Funds.

Minister introduces bill to improve Social Services

Wed, 25 Jan 2012

The Welsh Government has announced a new Social Services Bill for Wales.

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, announced the bill yesterday. It promises to give greater voice and control to service users, strengthen early intervention with mandatory enhancement of wellbeing, create clear and strong local accountability and improve health and social services integration.

Volunteering and Citizen Involvement in Wales Looking to the Future

Mon, 23 Jan 2012

South Wales Volunteering Forum To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Managing Volunteers in a Digital World

Fri, 20 Jan 2012

This is a networking and skills event for Volunteer Managers across South Wales. The event will take a look at the legal pitfalls of social media and ways to ensure that your organisation has the correct protections in place.

Using the Volunteering Impact Assessment Toolkit- Personal and organisational development

Fri, 20 Jan 2012

This one-day course will help you understand the basics of impact assessment; looking at the stakeholders involved, scoping an assessment, selecting tools to use, analyzing information and findings and reporting to different audiences. The toolkit (retail price £35) is included in the price of the course, and includes access to an internet based resource centre.

Deputy Minister visits EU-backed WCVA projects

Fri, 20 Jan 2012

Earlier this month, Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies AM, heard first-hand how third sector projects are helping out of work people to gain new skills and access jobs.

The Deputy Minister visited Groundwork in Bridgend and YMCA in Cardiff where two initiatives are underway as part of WCVAs Engagement Gateway and Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) projects.

Trailblazing Welsh charities recognised for their work

Fri, 20 Jan 2012

A service for vulnerable people that has influenced working practises across the UK and a co-operative responsible for diverting £93,000 worth of food from landfill are among four Welsh charities recognised for their work at a national awards ceremony.

A design team making specialist equipment for children with brain conditions and a community-run project where 95% of residents have helped smash recycling targets were the other recipients in the Third Sector Awards Cymru.

Wales get volunteering boost

Fri, 20 Jan 2012

Volunteering in Wales has been given a boost with funding being announced to continue two WCVA schemes into 2013.

The Volunteering in Wales Fund, a grant scheme which helps to recruit, train and support new volunteers will receive £1million for 2012/13 while GwirVol, an initiative which supports and promotes youth volunteering and is led by the views of young people, will receive £1,092,727.

Wales' first equalities charity launched

Thu, 19 Jan 2012

Diverse Cymru, Wales' first equalities charity, launched at the Senedd on 2 December 2011 in an event hosted by Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House.

First MV50 Sports Certificate awarded

Thu, 19 Jan 2012

Eighteen year old Rhyl College student, Anthony Williams from Prestatyn has become the first ever young person in Wales to be presented with the MV50 Sports Certificate for completing over 50 hours of volunteering at Prestatyn Football 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.

The Downs Syndrome Association

Thu, 19 Jan 2012

The Association help people with Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives providing information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers and the professionals who work with them. They strive to improve knowledge of the condition and champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome.

Pioneering and innovative voluntary groups recognised with awards

Thu, 19 Jan 2012

Some of Waless most innovative and pioneering voluntary organisations will be showcased tonight at a Cardiff awards ceremony.

Thirteen groups ranging from a design team making specialist equipment for children with brain conditions to a community-run project where 95 per cent of residents have helped smash recycling targets are among those shortlisted for the Third Sector Awards Cymru.