Winter has arrived, and with cold, stormy weather moving in fast, finding a warm and safe place to stay comfortable is more important than ever.
Across Bridgend, a number of ‘Warm Spaces’ are available, offering cosy environments where you can warm up, enjoy activities, and meet new friends. Take a break from the chill and discover a welcoming space this winter!
Click below to find your nearest ‘Warm Space’!
BAVO are offering grants of £7,000–£10,000 for innovative, small-scale projects that respond to identified, unmet mental health support needs among residents of Bridgend County Borough. This opportunity aims to support creative, community-based, or partnership approaches that test new ways of supporting mental wellbeing.
What we’re looking for
We’re particularly interested in ideas that:
Do you have an idea? Make sure you submit your application below!
Make sure you read the guidance notes before submitting an application here.
Please note: The deadline is 28/11/25
Couldn’t make the launch event? Watch the keynote presentation above!
You can sign up for the Bridgend Community Lotto now! All you need to do is click the button below, fill in the registration form and we’ll look over/approve your registration form (we’ll be in touch if we need anything else)
Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Heronston Hotel, Bridgend
Join us for BAVO’s Annual General Meeting, where we’ll reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements and catch up with members.
We’re delighted to invite our member organisations to an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community — including afternoon tea and presentations from guest speakers.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:
Meet and network with fellow members
Share ideas and have your voice heard
Take part in the election of Board Members
At the AGM, BAVO’s Trustees will present the 2024/25 Annual Impact Report, including performance highlights and financial statements. The independent auditor will also deliver their report.
Our AGM is open to all third sector organisations. However, member organisations will be given priority.
Reserve your place online or email bavo@bavo.org.uk.
(Please note: A £20 per person charge will apply if you book but do not attend without giving at least 48 hours’ notice.)
Members with voting rights may be asked to vote on current issues, including:
Appointments to the Board of Trustees (where nominations exceed available places)
The re-appointment of auditors
We look forward to welcoming you to this important and enjoyable event.
Would you like to nominate someone to the BAVO ‘Board of Trustees’? Click the links below for more information and nominate the individual. Please note: they MUST be from a BAVO organisation.
Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the ‘Bridgend Community Lotto’, a brand-new, exciting fundraising initiative designed to give local people the chance to win prizes of up to £25,000 while also supporting good causes in their local community.
Developed in partnership with a leading external lottery provider, the ‘Bridgend Community Lotto’ has been created as an engaging way for local people to support the amazing work of community and voluntary organisations across Bridgend County Borough.
Every ticket purchased will directly benefit the ticket-holders’ chosen local charity, voluntary group, or community organisation. With 60% of the ticket price being distributed to local causes, the scheme will help vital community-led activities to continue to thrive at a time when they are needed most.
Community groups will soon be invited to register as beneficiaries, with the official launch taking place at the start of Trustees’ Week on November 3rd at Halo Leisure, Bridgend. Lottery ticket sales will go live shortly after via a dedicated purpose-built website.
The community lotto model has already proved a huge success in other areas of the UK, raising thousands of pounds to support grassroots projects, and now Bridgend County is set to join the growing movement.
The purpose of this funding is to support local communities in developing, expanding, or enhancing existing Warm Hubs. These hubs will provide welcoming, accessible, safe, and warm environments for individuals across Bridgend.
Funding can be used to:
Establish or re-establish community spaces.
Add value to existing facilities.
Support initiatives that promote the economic, social, and well-being of Bridgend residents.
These spaces are intended to be more than just warm places to visit. They should be inviting, inclusive, and open to all members of the community. The focus is on identifying local needs and delivering meaningful responses that meet those needs.
Fund details: The total Budget for the Warm Hubs is £69,036. Groups can apply for grants of up to £4000. Please feel free to chat to our funding advisors before submitting an application if you are unsure, they can give you helpful advice.
Providers of safe and warm places might include: ·
Acceptable Expenditure:
CLOSING DATE 8/10/25 AT 5PM
PANEL DECISION FOLLOWING WEEK – PLEASE DO NOT CHASE US FOR A DECISION
If you would like more information, or to chat to one of our team members, email Grantsadmin@bavo.org.uk.
BAVO are pleased to announce the launch of our ‘Volunteer Passport’ training following the successful completion of our pilot scheme last year.
Taking place on the 23rd & 30th September at The Bridge Community Hub, Bridgend Town Centre, the FREE accredited Level 1 NOCN-endorsed qualification prepared individuals with an overview of volunteering, covering four key modules:
This training prepares volunteers for a wide range of tasks & situations they may encounter whilst volunteering whilst giving them the opportunity to build their skills, boost their confidence, meet new people & make a difference to their communities.
Huw Thomas, who completed the pilot scheme last year said “The Volunteer Passport gives an extra level of credibility to us as volunteers. It shows organisations you take volunteering seriously and helps raise awareness of volunteering in Bridgend County”.
Click here for more information and please share it with any volunteers who may be interested.
Alternatively, please get in contact with Sharonheadon@bavo.org.uk for more information.
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.
