We currently have a dozen of funders to choose from, and more are being added!
Meeting with a funder will help you ensure you are targeting the right ones, and that you know how to pitch your application. Remember, funders are connected to their assessors and will be able to give some good tips on how to write a successful bid.
Equally if they aren’t able to fund your particular project due to it not falling into their priorities, it can save you valuable time and help you focus on the right funders.
It is essential to book your time slot (up to 20 mins each funder). These slots get booked quickly so to avoid disappointment email alisonmawby@bavo.org.uk or call 01656 810400 – priority is given to member organisations!
Take a look at our newly launched and extensive training programme by visiting our Training web page HERE
There are over a dozen to choose from, whether you want a quick ‘bite’ size refresher, or an accredited course – there are plenty of options available!
All of our sessions are heavily subsidised which means we can offer many of them at a low cost or free of charge.
Please remember though, it still costs our charity substantially more to run them.
Unfortunately we have had far too many instances where people have cancelled with very short notice or have not turned up at all. This makes a session costly and unviable.
As such we have had to amend our policy to account for those late cancellations and no-shows. Our training figures are affected
in these situations and we need to re-coup the costs and arrange a re-run of the session.
Communications and Engagement Officer
BAVO is about to launch our new strategy and forward programme of work and we are looking for someone who can lead and transform our digital comms and pull together the marketing and engagement work of the organisation.
Our new officer will have a can-do attitude, be dynamic and will already have a wealth of social media and digital tools in their skill set in order to hit the ground running with some pieces of work.
We offer:
We are a supportive organisation. Our team is our greatest asset, they have been instrumental in elevating BAVO’s reputation for delivery and to creating the successful organisation that we have become.
Staff wellbeing is important to us. We care for our staff and equally, our staff care about BAVO. We are looking for someone to join an awesome and dedicated team with the same level of care and enthusiasm.
We offer guaranteed interviews for those with disabilities, armed forces veterans and reservists who meet the essential criteria.
CLOSING DATE 15th September 2024 at 2pm
Fo an application pack, click here
A new screening resource has been launched by Public Health Wales, aimed at community workers and health professionals supporting ethnic minority communities. If you are a community signposter, this will be important information for you to know.Deadline: 1st September 2024
The aim of the funding is to help young people to volunteer aged 14 – 25 to be more involved in community and voluntary organisations in their local community.
How much money can I apply for?
You can apply for the maximum grant of up to £2,000.
The funding panel is made up of a group of young people aged 14 – 25 living in Bridgend County Borough and are supported by BAVO staff. The scheme is funded by Welsh Government.
The funding wants to achieve a step-change in youth volunteering for young people aged 14 – 25, offering them a variety of good voluntary and community opportunities. The funding’s purpose is to identify ways to engage more young people from disadvantaged and under-represented communities.
Who is eligible for the grant?
Projects must have a community benefit to the communities of Bridgend County Borough. The funding is to support young people aged 14 – 25 to volunteer.
Other information
Take a look at our funding guidelines here before completing application form
Please return completed application BY NO LATER THAN 1st September 2024.
For further details call BAVO, T: 01656 810400.
Funding needs to accounted for by 10 March 2025 and all receipts need to be submitted by that date.
The contribution of volunteers from across the county was celebrated on Friday, 7 June at the annual BAVO ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards and formed part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of ‘Volunteer’s Week’
The ceremony, arranged by Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO), was held at The Best Western Heronston Hotel. The event was attended by over 100 volunteers and guests, including His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, Dr Richard Lewis, MBE D CStJ FRCGP and The worshipful the Mayor of Bridgend County, Cllr Heather Griffiths.
The awards celebrate individual and group contributions of volunteers in eight categories. Earlier in the year residents were invited to nominate volunteers in their communities who go above and beyond expectation.
A local panel then shortlisted candidates after careful consideration, and the selected finalists and the eventual winners were notified on the night.
The evening was hosted by Heidi Bennett, BAVO CEO, and Lee Jukes, Radio presenter. Awards were presented by a range of guests including The High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, The Mayor for the County Borough and local Senedd members.
Guests were entertained by local harpist Angharad Edwards and the amazing ‘Sing with Us’ Tenovus Choir.
Heidi said: “ We had a huge number of nominations making it a very difficult decision for the panel. However everyone who was nominated has received a certificate of recognition and every single nominee can be proud. We are always incredibly humbled by the time, energy and commitment so many people put into volunteering and helping others.”
Steve Curry BAVO Chair of Trustees, said: “Volunteering has such a positive impact in our communities and people’s lives and the real life stories given at events such as this really demonstrate that impact on a very personal level.
“Congratulations to all our nominees and a huge thank you for everything you do and the difference you make.
“An incredible amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make the night happen so thank you to everyone involved. And thank you to BAVO staff for all your hard work year round.”
The categories and finalists were :
Libby Phillips – Nottage & 2nd Kenfig Hill Brownies & Newton Rainbows (Winner).
Lara Birtles – Boys & Girls Club of Wales
Seren Kenny – Nantymoel Boys & Girls Club
Lyn Williams – Wyndham Boys & Girls Club (Winner)
Josh Anscombe – The Wallich
Kerry Evans – Cornelly Development Trust
Western Beacons Mountain Rescue (Winner)
Cornelly Outreach Group
Greenspace SOS
Richard Howe – Bridgend Herons FC (Winner)
Theo Vine-Roberts – Raw Performance
Billy’s Gym & Wellness Centre CIC
Gareth Goth – Welsh Ambulance Community First Responders (Winner)
Sharon Lima – Nottage & 2nd Kenfig Hill Brownies & Newton Rainbows
Byron Lock– Nantymoel Boys and Girls Club
Porthcawl JOY-Riders (Winner)
Inclusability
Techtivity
Rob Williams – Boys & Girls Club of Wales (Winner)
Paula Lunnon – KPC Youth and Community
Manuela Hiett – The Bridge MPS
The panel also decided to pull out two groups for special recognition
It’s recognised that sometimes people need immediate help and support for their mental and emotional wellbeing, and now people across Wales can access free online therapy without needing to go through their GP.
Self-help Support
SilverCloud is a free online therapy treatment promoted by the NHS in Wales that uses proven methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people aged over 16 manage a range of mild to moderate mental health conditions. The different programmes available cover depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety and health anxiety, as well as OCD, panic, and phobias.
You can sign-up for a free 12-week course of SilverCloud online therapy via smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
To find out more about SilverCloud please SilverCloud – Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)
More detail about SilverCloud here……..
SilverCloud is a completely confidential internet-based system or platform developed by SilverCloud Health that delivers online therapeutic and psycho-education programs. A variety of programs aim to offer information and support for people experiencing problems related to mental health. The programmes consist of six to seven modules which can be completed at a time and pace most convenient to the user. Each module contains text, video and audio clips as well as interactive and engaging activities, applications and quizzes that can be completed as the user moves through the module.
SilverCloud is your space for thinking and feeling better. Most of us face challenges in our lives. From stresses caused by a particular situation at work or home, to deeper and more lasting feelings of anxiety or depression. No one teaches us how to handle these situations and so we’re left to think that there’s something wrong with us, that we’re ill. It does not have to be this way.
With the right insight, advice and actions, most people can take an active role in thinking and feeling better. And they deliver programmes that build on this belief. SilverCloud is clinically validated and is the result of over 17 years of clinical research and studies have shown that it works.
Third Sector Grant Scheme (Dementia Care): Revenue Grants
Deadline – 5pm, Thursday 28th March 2024
Supported by the Welsh Government Regional Integration Fund
Grants of up to £150,000 pa for a 2 year delivery period are available for projects
led by voluntary and community groups/organisations based and working in
Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil or Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Purpose:
Who For?
Projects will need to support one or more of the following beneficiary Groups:
How?
Application Form and Guidelines available from vamt.net/en/services/funding/
For more information contact:
Laura Dadic – BAVO: 01656 810400 lauradadic@bavo.org.uk
From time to time we all need some help and support.
With the rising costs of living, many people in Wales need that help now.
The Welsh Government is doing everything it can to put money back into people’s pockets.
There is support available to you that could help you with some of your living costs.
If you are unsure about what support is available to you, Advicelink Cymru can help you check what you are entitled to and to claim what’s yours.
When you call Advicelink Cymru, on 0808 250 5700, you will get free and confidential advice about money you may be entitled to.
Advicelink Cymru can help you:
The Advicelink Cymru helpline can also arrange for you to get help with debt and personal finance issues.
Call the free helpline on 0808 250 5700 today to speak to an Advicelink Cymru advisor.
Lines are open from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm. Croesawir galwadau yn Gymraeg / Calls are welcomed in Welsh.
When you contact Advicelink Cymru, a trained advisor will talk to you about your circumstances and help you find out what support is available.
You will be offered support with the claim process and help to fill in any claim forms. Advisors can also let you know what evidence you will need to support your claim.
Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service designed to help people who are most in need of advice services, particularly those who would not usually seek advice.
As the Charity Commission’s current five-year strategy draws to a close, the Commission will be holding an event that will set out what you can expect from their new strategy, ahead of its formal launch in February 2024.
The Commission’s Chair, Orlando Fraser KC, and Chief Executive, Helen Stephenson CBE, will share how the Commission intends to achieve its ambition of being the expert Commission that operates with fairness, balance and independence.
The Commission’s Chair and Chief Executive will be joined by Board members, including Pippa Britton OBE, the Charity Commission’s Welsh Board Member. The Commission intends to keep the formalities to a minimum, allowing opportunity for informal discussion and networking.
The event will be held on 30 January 2024 at Makers Guild Wales, arrival from 6pm until 7.30pm.
The event is open to Chairs and Chief Executives of registered charities. If you wish to attend, please register in advance by contacting events@charitycommission.gov.uk
