When: 11 December, 4pm – 6pmImproving support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families is a priority for the RPB across Cwm Taf Morgannwg. As part of this commitment, they want to understand current provision of support services, to identify gaps and to outline options for the future.
At event you will be asked: “What is the thing we most need to hear and focus on about neurodivergent services in your area, what is working well and what would you like to see?”
People with lived experience, who you may support, and their carers are all invited.
This is the third in person event to help the RPB understand what services should look like in the future. This event is being facilitated to enable the specific voice of children and young people across Bridgend County to be heard. It’s your opportunity to add your voice and share what really matters to you. This will then inform how services evolve.
Refreshments will be provided, as well as a Christmas craft activity. Travel expenses can be paid.
The BAVO Development Team will be In Your Area: Aberkenfig, Tondu, Sarn, Glanogwr and Evanstown on 1 December.

BAVO is going out and about to meet you “on your patch”. If you work in the Aberkenfig, Tondu, Sarn, Glanogwr or Evanstown areas we would love to visit your group.
We want this to be an opportunity for the team to come and see the fantastic work you do first hand, and also to chat about any support you need.
BAVO supports the third sector with:
Get in touch so we can schedule in a visit to you on 1 December. We look forward to meeting you.
Please email: alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk
The BAVO Development Team will be In Your Area: Coytrahen, Bettws, Llangynwyd and Cwmfelin on 20 November.
BAVO is going out and about to meet you “on your patch”. If you work in the Coytrahen, Bettws, Llangynwyd or Cwmfelin areas we would love to visit your group.
We want this to be an opportunity for the team to come and see the fantastic work you do first hand, and also to chat about any support you need.
BAVO supports the third sector with:
Get in touch so we can schedule in a visit to you on 20 November. We look forward to meeting you.
Please email: alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk
The BAVO Development Team will be In Your Area: Bryncethin & Llangeinor on 5 December.

BAVO is going out and about to meet you “on your patch”. If you work in the Bryncethin & Llangeinor area we would love to visit your group.
We want this to be an opportunity for the team to come and see the fantastic work you do first hand, and also to chat about any support you need.
BAVO supports the third sector with:
Get in touch so we can schedule in a visit to you on 5 December. We look forward to meeting you.
Please email: alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk
BAVO hosts the next Drug Alcohol Mental Health Service Network (DAMHSN) meeting on Thursday 25 January. This will be online via Microsoft Teams 10am – 12noon.
If you are an individual or group whose aim is to promote mental health or provide a service for people with a mental health issue within Bridgend County Borough your invited to connect with DAMHSN.
DAMHSN brings together local and national organisations who work in the field of mental health and mental wellbeing in Bridgend; and staff and volunteers that are involved in supporting people and/or working to combat substance misuse issues in Bridgend.
The network creates opportunities to discuss current issues, potential joint projects, maximising service opportunities and avoiding duplication of work. It is also an opportunity for the wider voluntary sector, which provides services to people who may also have mental health issues, to link in, share information and work in partnership.
For the meeting details please contact Laura Dadic email lauradadic@bavo.org.uk or call 07850 700 377.
BAVOs AGM is on Friday 8 December 2023 at the Heronston Hotel, Bridgend, from 11am -1pm.
Join us for our AGM and afternoon tea. We are joined by special guest speakers Professor Jean White CBE High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan and Jonathan Stock, Assistant Director of Communications at the Charity Commission.
Our AGM is open to any third sector organisation, however tickets will be prioritised for members first.
You can book online or email bavo@bavo.org.uk
At the AGM, the Trustees will present our annual impact report 2022/23 outlining BAVO’s performance and financial statements. The independent auditor will also report. The event will finish with afternoon tea. The 2022/23 year marked 25 years since BAVO started in 1997, so we will be celebrating our silver anniversary.
(Please note: A £15 pp charge will be made if you book but do not attend without giving 48 hours notice.)
Members with voting rights may be asked to vote on current issues such as appointments to the Board of Directors where there are more nominations than places. They may also be asked to vote on the re-appointment of auditors.
Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations is an incorporated charity that means it is both a registered charity No. 1146543 and registered company in England and Wales No. 07691764
Welsh Charities Week is back, taking place this year 13 – 17 November 2023.
The week is about recognising the work of charities, social enterprises, voluntary organisations and community and volunteer groups in Wales.
Let’s celebrate the amazing work you do at your organisation!
BAVO is holding a marketplace and networking event for groups open to the general public at:
The Mem Community Centre, Nantymoel, CF31 7ND on Monday 13 November from 10.30am – 2pm
Come along to:
Speak directly to these services and more…
To book a table at this event, please email: alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk
To find out more about Welsh Charities Week 2023, visit welshcharitiesweek.cymru.
Join BAVO for a coffee morning in support of World Mental Health Day. Drop in between 11am and 2pm.
All welcome. Tea, Coffee and Cakes will be available.
A chance to meet others and find out about organisations that offer support and advice in Bridgend County. It’s an opportunity to relax with mindfulness activities and a cuppa.
Venue: ARC Centre, Quarella Road, Bridgend CF31 1JN
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.
It’s a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.
Come together with friends, families or colleagues this World Mental Health Day.
This is your chance to meet the funder and to discuss project ideas and eligibility.
When: Wednesday 1 November from 12 noon – 4.30pm
Where: Westward Centre, Cefn Glas, Bridgend CF31 4JR
The funders confirmed are listed below:
With more to follow!
Please add the date to your diary. To register your interest now email Alison Mawby at BAVO: alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk
Welsh Government’s Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector is currently under review.
Webinar: Wednesday 27 September 2023, 10.30am-12.00pm (Online)
Attend the webinar on 27 September for the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes to Welsh Government’s Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector.
At this interactive session you will be invited to share your views which will ensure your invaluable insight and experience are considered in the production of a new Code. On the day Phil Fiander, the Chair of the Funding and Compliance Subcommittee along with Welsh Government and WCVA will be there.
For more context about the review see the WCVA website.
WCVA is the national membership body for voluntary organisations in Wales. It enables voluntary organisations in Wales to make a bigger difference together.
The next CTM (Cwm Taf Morgannwg) Third Sector Mental Health Forum is on 6 December 2023.
Where: Hybrid | in-person at Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil office or join online via Teams.
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am.
BAVO supports the CTM Third Sector Mental Health Forum with Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) and Interlink RCT (Rhondda Cynon Taf). The chair is Janet Whiteman, CEO of New Horizons.
Together we:
The Forum brings the voluntary sector together. It draws upon the skills, resources, capacity and strengths of its members to develop and support partnership working, improve mental health service provision and share good practice. We strive to ensure services meet the needs of the people who need support and help people to access the right service at the right time. This includes people that stigma or circumstance hide from plain view.
If you want to attend or want the meeting link to join please register on Eventbrite
For any queries about meeting please contact Laura Dadic at BAVO on lauradadic@bavo.org.uk or 07850 700 377
Suicide Awareness Training Session
In Person Session @ BAVO, Maesteg
Weds 7th June 1.30 – 3 pm
Join us for this free awareness raising session run by CTM Mind as part of their Project ‘Speak’
We are living in challenging times and many people are experiencing difficulties affecting their mental health. Sometimes all that is needed is someone to listen and bring their emotional state to manageable levels.
This session will help you:
Book your free place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/638636658437




