The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Dementia Steering Group is looking for a Vice Chair, and the role is specifically for someone from the third sector (voluntary/community organisations).
This is a great chance to make a real difference in dementia care and support across the region.
We already have one Expression of Interest, but in the spirit of openness and transparency, we’re inviting anyone else who’s interested to apply too!
📅 Deadline: Friday 20th June at midday
📧 To apply, please send a short outline (no more than one side of A4) to info@vamt.net with:
Your name, organisation & contact details
Why you’re interested
Any skills, knowledge or experience you’d bring to the role
If you’re passionate about dementia support and want to play a key role in shaping services, we’d love to hear from you!
Although mental health is deeply personal, it doesn’t mean you need to face mental health problems alone! We often overlook the value of our communities and the power they have to improve mental health – whether it’s your village, an online community, sports team or local organisation!
We have come up with five top tips on what you can do to get involved in your community and improve your mental health:
Support groups are safe spaces where people with similar struggles come together to share experiences, give and receive encouragement, and learn from one another. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, depression, or life transitions, there’s likely a group—local or online—that fits your needs. The simple act of hearing “me too” from others can be incredibly validating and healing.
Volunteering isn’t just good for the community—it’s also great for you. Studies show that helping others can reduce stress, combat feelings of isolation, and even improve your mood. Whether it’s working at a food pantry, walking shelter dogs, or mentoring youth, contributing to a greater cause can foster a sense of purpose and connection.
Finding others who share your interests is a fantastic way to build natural, low-pressure relationships. Consider joining a book club, hiking group, crafting circle, or sports league. These activities not only provide a mental break but also help cultivate a sense of belonging—something we all need.
Sometimes the hardest step is asking for help. But reaching out to a neighbour, friend, co-worker, or community leader can make all the difference. Whether you’re asking for advice, seeking a listening ear, or just looking for companionship, don’t underestimate how willing people are to show up when asked.
Keep an eye out for events that promote well-being—such as mindfulness classes, yoga in the park, local talks on mental health, or community wellness fairs. These not only offer practical tools to manage stress and improve your mindset, but they also provide great opportunities to meet people who care about the same things you do.
Although it can be daunting to take the first steps, sometimes all it takes is reaching out to your community to find comfort, understanding, friendships, personal growth and improved mental health.
If you want to get involved in your community, give us a ring on 01656 810400 or email communitynavigator@bavo.org.uk to be put in touch with our Community Navigator’s who can tell you what’s available in your area!
The Health and Care Project, funded by Welsh Government since 2022, aims to better integrate voluntary sector organisations and volunteers into the health and social care system, while connecting the sector with decision-makers. Since its launch, the Project has made significant strides, working to enhance relationships, volunteering, and support across the health and care system.
David Cook, WCVA Health and Social Care Project Officer, celebrates the Project’s achievements since 2022 and looks at what’s coming as part of Phase 2 of the Project.
Click below to read more!
We are proud to announce the successful completion of our pilot ‘Bridgend County Volunteer Passport Scheme’. Fourteen dedicated volunteers have achieved certification, marking a significant milestone in enhancing volunteer skills and strengthening community support.
The Volunteer Passport Scheme was designed to equip participants with key competencies and knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute effectively to a range of volunteer roles. By completing the programme, which took place in December, volunteers gained valuable training in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity —empowering them to make a meaningful impact within their chosen organisations.
This initiative not only benefits the volunteers, but also enhances the organisations that rely on their invaluable contributions. With a pool of trained, accredited volunteers, local charities, community groups, and service providers can confidently recruit individuals who are prepared and skilled, improving service delivery and community engagement.
BAVO Chief Executive Heidi Bennett said “We are delighted to have been able to pilot this programme with financial support from BCBC and we extend our congratulations to the fourteen successful participants and looks forward to seeing the positive influence they will have on Bridgend County’s voluntary sector”.
Further to this, volunteer Huw Thomas stated “The volunteer passport gives an extra level of credibility to us as volunteers. It shows organisations we take volunteering seriously whilst helping raise awareness of volunteering in Bridgend county”
The success of this pilot scheme highlights the importance of structured training in volunteering and sets the stage for future expansion of the programme.
For more information about the Bridgend County Volunteer Passport Scheme and future opportunities, please contact BAVO on 01656 810400 or visit www.bavo.org.uk.
An opportunity for safeguarding training for BAVO members who work directly with individuals, in both one-to-one and group settings has arisen. Delivered by SCVS staff, the course will provide you with all of the basic safeguarding knowledge to protect the people you work with from neglect, abuse & harm.
This course is heavily subsidised and therefore BAVO can offer it for FREE to member groups*.
📅 Date: 06/02/25
⏰ Time: 09:30am – 4:30pm
📍 Location: BAVO Office
🏢 112-113 Commercial Street, Maesteg, CF34 9DL
Please note: only 12 places available.
Social Care Wales has led the development of the National Safeguarding Training Standards. These standards have been co-produced by a multi-agency national development group, along with other groups focusing on specific aspects of the work. These include training and workforce specialist task and finish groups, a professional representative subgroup, and a focus group with All Wales People First members.
The standards were developed to address several key issues:
This training is designed for Group B practitioners who work directly with individuals, either in group settings or one-to-one. Group B staff or volunteers within an organisation have specific responsibilities towards the people they support and require a higher level of knowledge than those in Group A, due to their direct involvement with individuals.
The training content for this group focuses on four key areas:
This training can also serve as a refresher for staff who have previously completed Safeguarding Level 2/Group B training.
This course is designed to convey key values and essential principles in safeguarding individuals. It provides foundational knowledge for those who deliver care or support. Participants are encouraged to pursue additional training and learning tailored to the needs of the individuals they support, whether children or adults.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
* T&Cs apply: failure to attend without 48 hours notice will result in a £25pp charge being invoiced. You can send an alternative person in your place without incurring a charge.
The Mayor’s Citizenship Awards are the most prestigious annual community awards celebrating exceptional citizens within Bridgend County Borough. Awards are open to all citizens who live or work in the county borough.
Nominees have to live, work, or be sited locally, and have shown the kind of values that make Bridgend great. They might have:
Find out more information and make your nomination below.
Join us for a free Falls Awareness Training session, delivered by Layla from Care & Repair. This training is tailored specifically for small, voluntary-run groups to provide a basic understanding of key topics around falls prevention and safety.
📅 Date: Monday, 13th January
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
📍 Location: BAVO
The session will include:
This is a fantastic opportunity to build awareness and equip your group with valuable knowledge to reduce the risk of falls and their impact.
Spaces are limited, so please email alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk to confirm your interest or attendance. Your response will help us plan and ensure the session goes ahead.
Don’t miss out—join us to learn how to make a positive impact in your community!
BAVO will be closed from Christmas Eve until January 2nd, 2025
We understand the holidays can be challenging, so we’ve compiled this guide detailing community centres, foodbank opening times, and other available support.
Address: 13 Ewenny Road, Bridgend, Mid Glam, CF31 3HN
Phone: 01656 451446
Email: barc.bridgend1@gmail.com
Facebook: BARC Community
Christmas Opening Hours:
Normal working hours resume on Monday, 6th January.
Address: 46-48 Dunraven Place, Bridgend, CF31 1JB
Phone: 01656 647 891
Christmas Opening Hours:
Email: hello@baobab-bach.org
Phone: 07544 026265
Website: Baobab Bach Pantries
Christmas Closure: Closed from 23rd–27th December.
Reopening:
Normal hours resume on Monday, 6th January.
Phone: 0808 8000 300
Availability:
Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm throughout the Christmas period, including Bank Holidays.
Bridgend County Borough Council is pleased to offer a comprehensive training session on Adult Safeguarding, tailored for individuals in Group C under the All Wales Safeguarding Standards. Facilitated by Mike Lewis, the training will equip participants with the skills and confidence to recognise and refer safeguarding concerns, explore current policies and practice issues, and utilise the All Wales Safeguarding Procedures effectively.
Who’s eligible?
Roles and responsibilities:
Group C practitioners are those who have direct responsibility for safeguarding people who:
An overview of Adult Safeguarding
By the end of the training participants will:
Dates available (please choose ONE):
Wed 22nd January 2025
Friday 7th February 2025
Monday 17th March 2025
Wednesday 30th April 2025
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Tuesday 17th June 2025
Tuesday 15th July 2025
Location: Halo, Bridgend
Times: 09:15am for 9:30am start – 4:30pm finish
Target Group: Group C under the All Wales Safeguarding Standards
Nomination Form: Please complete the nomination form here and email it to SCWDP@bridgend.gov.uk no later than 4 weeks before start of each course.
Lunch will not be provided.
Refreshments will be provided.
If you require any further information, please email SCWDP@bridgend.gov.uk
Applications from voluntary and community groups and not-for-profits that want to help improve the lives of those who may be struggling to keep warm this winter are still open.
The funding can support community organisations and venues that are currently acting as a warm hubs in their areas so that they can continue or extend their work. The panel will also consider applications for new warm hubs where there is no existing community warm hub provision or activity.
How much money can I apply for?
The total amount available is limited to circa £68k, so please only apply for what you need. Value for money will be considered by the panel. You can apply for up to a maximum of £2000.00
Examples of eligible spend includes but is not limited to:
Who is eligible for the grant?
The Warm Hub Grant is available to community groups and not for profit organisations serving the communities of Bridgend County Borough.
Other information:
The Warm Hub fund is being administered by BAVO – the umbrella body for community and voluntary groups in Bridgend County, and is funded by Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council.
Take a look at our funding guidelines here before completing the application here.
Please note: the new deadline is 14/01/25.
For further details call BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or email: grantsadmin@bavo.org.uk
Through the Weston Charity Awards, unrestricted grants of £6,500 are available for up to 22 ambitious charities.
To be eligible to apply, you must have:
Your charity must also be working to alleviate disadvantage in one or more of the following fields:
Charities that have applied previously can apply again, but only if there has been significant changes in their circumstances. Winners will be selected based on their willingness to benefit from Pilotlight 360. The leader of the charity applying must be willing to travel to central London for a minimum of four out of ten meetings.
For more information and instructions on how to apply, click here.
