To progress this change, we are asking Full Member organisations to join us for a short meeting to vote on the resolution. The meeting will last no longer than 15 minutes.
📅 Date: April 13th
⏰ Time: 11:00am – 11:30am
📍 Location: BAVO Office, Maesteg or 💻 Online
Members can attend either in person at the BAVO offices or online, and we kindly ask that you book via Eventbrite and indicate your preferred attendance method so we can ensure the meeting is quorate. You can find the Eventbrite page and book your place here.
We welcome any questions about the resolution, the conversion process, or the proposed governing document, which you can find here. Please send any questions in advance to BenWilliams@bavo.org.uk, and responses will be provided during the meeting.
* Full Members are third sector organisations, community groups, and voluntary organisations based in and operating in Bridgend County that have previously been admitted to BAVO membership. If you are unsure about your membership status, please contact us.
Please see the official notice of the EGM below:
Join us to meet and chat with local service providers who support children, young people and families with lived experience of neurodiversity.
This is a great opportunity to discover what support is available in your area, ask questions, and connect with others in your community.
📅 26/03/26
⏰ 10am – 1pm
📍 Halo Life Centre, Bridgend
NEW for this event: 12–1pm will be a dedicated quiet hour for anyone who finds large crowds or noisy environments challenging. During this time, you can speak with stallholders in a calmer, more relaxed setting.
If you are an organisation who would like to attend to share information, please fill in the Microsoft form here.
These qualifications equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to recognise a range of mental health conditions, start supportive conversations, and understand when and how to signpost someone to professional help.
Learners will:
Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. The course focuses on awareness, early support, and appropriate signposting.
This qualification is UK regulated and awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA), regulated by Ofqual and SQA Accreditation, and sits on both the RQF and SCQF frameworks.
Entry Requirements
Qualification Validity
Suitable for individuals, volunteers, and workplaces looking to build mental health awareness and supportive environments.
Please note: This training is worth £85pp (level 1) and £125pp (level 2), with the cost being covered by BAVO. Due to this cost, we ask that you complete a bursary application via a Microsoft form which will be sent via email after signing up on Eventbrite. Any queries, please email either Lucywilliams@bavo.org.uk or Alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk.
The Cwtch Mawr Multibank model, originally developed in Swansea by the charity Faith in Families, is being expanded to Bridgend County Borough, marking a significant step in tackling rising hardship locally.
The Multibank redistributes new, surplus goods from businesses, including clothing, toiletries, nappies and household essentials, to families who are struggling to afford the basics. Faith in Families says growing demand has driven the expansion, with Bridgend identified as a priority area.
The move into Bridgend has been made possible through collaboration with Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). Working closely with local partners and stakeholders, BAVO has helped connect Faith in Families with trusted community organisations to ensure support reaches families quickly and with dignity.
Local hubs at the heart of delivery
A number of community-based hubs across Bridgend have been selected to take part in the rollout. Each hub will receive regular deliveries of essential goods, ready to be distributed through schools, charities and frontline services that already support families in need.
Faith in Families says its vans are already being prepared, with deliveries expected to begin this week.
A rapid response to local need
The Bridgend pilot will test how quickly large volumes of essential items can be moved across the county while keeping delivery rooted in local communities. The approach mirrors the successful Swansea model, focusing on speed, partnership and trust.
Heidi Bennett, CEO of BAVO said:
“This expansion into Bridgend is about responding quickly to real need, while making sure support is delivered through organisations people already know and trust. Working alongside Faith in Families, Cwtch Mawr Multibank and local community partners has been crucial in making this happen, and this pilot will help us understand how the Multibank model can work and grow in Bridgend.”
Expanding a model built on dignity
Jon Waite, Faith in Families Manager said the Multibank model removes barriers such as long waits, paperwork or stigma, ensuring families can access essential items when they need them most. By working through established local networks, supported and coordinated by BAVO, the charity aims to strengthen joined-up responses to poverty across Bridgend.
The Bridgend pilot will also help shape future plans to expand the Multibank approach further across Wales, with the shared goal of ensuring no family goes without the basics.
If you would like any more information, please contact communitynavigator@bavo.org.uk.
Bridgend ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards 2026
Volunteers Week 2026
Heronston Hotel on Friday, 5th June
Nomination information, rules and purpose of awards
Every year thousands of individuals and groups volunteer across Bridgend County Borough giving their time, energy, skills and commitment to help others in their community.
Bridgend Unsung Heroes’ Awards 2026 are designed to thank, recognise and honour volunteers and organisations that have made a significant contribution to our community.
This is the ninth year that we have run the awards and we would like to encourage people to nominate individuals and/or groups who they believe have made a significant contribution to the community.
The process of nominating is quick and simple, and all nominees will receive a formal certificate.
The awards categories are:
| · Young Volunteer | · Adult Volunteer |
| · Community/Charity group | · Sports Volunteer |
| · Outstanding Volunteer | · Trustee |
| · Environmental | |
Nomination procedure
Rules for all categories:
Personal details provided on all nomination forms may be passed on to partner organisations and to the media for publicity purposes. If you are not willing for any information to be shared in this way please let us know as soon as possible.
Closing date for nominations:
Completed nominations must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, 10th March, using the official nomination form. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Postal nominations must be marked ‘Private and confidential’ and should be returned to Sharon Headon, BAVO – 112/113 Commercial Street, Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 9DL.
Electronic versions can be emailed to volunteering@bavo.org.uk
To obtain further copies of the nomination form, information and rules call 01656 810400 or download the forms from our website at www.bavo.org.uk
Bridgend Unsung Heroes Awards 2026 – The categories
Young Volunteer of the Year
Open to 14–25 year olds (as of 31 Dec 2025) who have volunteered in Bridgend County Borough in the past year.
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Open to adults aged 26+ who have volunteered in Bridgend County Borough in the past 12 months.
Team of the Year (Community/Charity)
Recognising the commitment given by a local team that have come together to serve people or communities through supporting or delivering a project in the County Borough.
Sports Volunteer of the Year
Open to individuals who volunteer with any organisation that promotes/delivers a sport or physical activity programme within the County Borough.
Environmental Award
An individual or group of volunteers who make a meaningful difference by protecting the environment and promoting sustainability across the County Borough, helping communities enjoy and work together in our shared open spaces.
Long Service Award
A volunteer that contributed substantially to the volunteering organisation, shown a real commitment, and has had an impact on the people or community being supported. A volunteer that has given 5 or more years regular service to the project/community.
Trustee / Leadership Volunteer of the Year
Open to a Trustee or volunteer leader who has shown exceptional leadership, accountability, and integrity. They consistently act in the best interests of the organisation and the people it serves.
Their contribution may include offering guidance and expertise beyond what is expected, supporting staff and volunteers with energy and enthusiasm, and helping to create a positive environment so everyone’s involved.
Join us at a venue near you for our FREE Mental & Body Health Roadshow! The event will allow you to:
Meet local services and vendors supporting your mind and body
Discover wellbeing resources, tools and support in your community
Connect with services from across all sectors
Take positive steps towards your health and wellbeing goals
Enjoy activities including mindfulness, crafts and wellbeing support
Want to attend as a vendor? Click the above links and select the ‘Vendor’ ticket option! If you would like to attend with an activity which needs more space, make sure you click the ‘Activity Stand’ option. If you would like more information, please get in contact with Partnerships@bavo.org.uk.
BAVO will be closed from Christmas Eve until 2nd January 2026.
We understand the holidays can be challenging. Here’s a guide to community centres, foodbanks, and support services available over the festive period.
The Bridge
📍 46-48 Dunraven Place, Bridgend, CF31 1JB
📞 01656 647 891
Christmas Opening Hours:
23–28 Dec: ❌ Closed
29 Dec (Mon): ✅ Open
30 Dec (Tue): ✅ Open
1 Jan: ❌ Closed
2 Jan: ✅ Open
3 Jan: ✅ Open
You can also find other Community Centres on our ‘Warm Hub’ page here.
Bridgend Foodbank
📧 info@bridgend.foodbank.org.uk
📞 01656 750016
Email is the quickest way to get a response due to limited phone hours.
Opening Hours over Christmas:
23 Dec: Bridgend 12:00–14:00, Caerau 10:00–12:00, Maesteg 10:30–12:30, Porthcawl 10:00–12:00
24 Dec (Christmas Eve): Pontycymer 13:30–15:30, Maesteg Closed (Open 23 Dec)
25–26 Dec (Christmas Day & Boxing Day): ❌ Closed
29 Dec: ❌ Closed
30 Dec: Caerau 10:00–12:00, Porthcawl 10:00–12:00
31 Dec (New Year’s Eve): Maesteg 10:30–12:30, Pontycymer 13:30–15:30
1 Jan (New Year’s Day): ❌ Closed
2 Jan: Bridgend 11:00–14:00 (usual hours)
Wales Learning Disability Helpline
📞 0808 8000 300
Open Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 (including Bank Holidays)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
📞 0800 58 58 58
Suicide prevention, 17:00–midnight
Mind
📞 0300 102 1234
Weekdays 09:00–18:00
Samaritans
📞 116 123
Welsh line: 0808 164 0123 (19:00–22:00 daily)
Papyrus (HOPELINE247)
📞 0800 068 4141 | 📱 Text 88247 | 📧 pat@papyrus-uk.org
Available 24/7 including weekends and Bank Holidays
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line)
📞 0800 132 737 | 📱 Text “Help” to 81066
SHOUT
📱 Text 85258
Free, confidential, 24/7 text support
Silver Line
📞 0800 470 8090
Support, information, friendship, and advice for people aged 55+
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
📞 0808 200 0247
Free, 24-hour helpline for women
You can contact Assia during the following hours:
📞 Telephone: 01656 815919
📧 Email: assia@bridgend.gov.uk
⏰ Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Men’s Advice Line
📞 0808 801 0327
Confidential advice for men experiencing domestic abuse
23 Dec (Mon): ✅ Open
24 Dec (Tue): ✅ Open
25 Dec (Wed, Christmas Day): ❌ Closed
26 Dec (Thu, Boxing Day): ❌ Closed
27 Dec (Fri): ✅ Open
28 Dec (Sat): ✅ Open
29 Dec (Sun): ✅ Open
30 Dec (Mon): ✅ Open
31 Dec (Tue, New Year’s Eve): ✅ Open
1 Jan (Wed, New Year’s Day): ❌ Closed
2 Jan (Thu): ✅ Open
3 Jan (Fri): ✅ Open
4 Jan (Sat): ✅ Open
5 Jan (Sun): ✅ Open
The Health Protection Grant provides seed funding to Third Sector and voluntary (not-for-profit) organisations operating within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM) footprint. Funded activities must contribute to improving health protection and increasing vaccination uptake across CTM communities.
Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) administers the grant on behalf of the three Community Voluntary Councils (CVCs) in the Cwm Taf Region.
If you need support with your application, please contact your local CVC:
Successful applicants must complete due diligence checks with BAVO before funding is released. This includes providing:
If your organisation does not have all required policies in place, your local CVC can support you to develop them.
Applications must meet one or more of the following fund values and priorities. Expenditure must be completed by 31 March 2026, although project delivery may continue beyond this date.
Key priorities include:
The scheme particularly welcomes applications that:
To assess impact and beneficiary wellbeing, funded organisations must complete:
Your organisation can apply if it:
You cannot apply if you are:
Additional Requirements:
Applicant organisations must:
If awarded funding, organisations must provide BAVO with copies of relevant policies, a recent bank statement, and current insurance certificates.
Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from:
Application deadline:
🗓 9 January 2026 at 5:00pm
Please ensure you read the guidance notes carefully before completing your application.
BAVO is inviting quotes from accredited providers for the delivery of several Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses. Some courses must be completed by 31 March 2026.
In-person training will take place at various venues across Bridgend County. BAVO will organise and fund all venue arrangements separately from the submitted quote.
BAVO supports community organisations and volunteers throughout the County Borough of Bridgend.
To strengthen wellbeing, build capacity, and ensure safe and informed responses to mental health challenges, BAVO is commissioning accredited MHFA training.
We are seeking providers to deliver:
Accredited Mental Health First Aid training courses
All sessions delivered by certified MHFA instructors
Training materials and participant certification included
Training may be delivered:
In person
Online
Through a blended approach
All training must be completed by 31 March 2026.
Quotes must include:
Cost breakdown per course and total cost
All accreditation, travel expenses, and VAT (if applicable)
Please provide:
Full overview and content of the proposed training
Accreditation information
Number of trainers required
Duration of each course/session (days, hours, etc.)
Maximum cohort size
Number of sessions you can deliver by 31 March 2026
Instructor accreditation details
Confirmation of insurance
Please submit your quote by email to: lucywilliams@bavo.org.uk
Deadline: 12 noon, 27 November 2025
