Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

Neath Port Talbot CVS has organised three local information and funding events, one was held in January and the other two (which were postponed due to poor weather) will be held in March. Information stands will be available from local service providers and funding advice/support will be given. They will be held between 1.00pm and 6.00pm on:

• Thursday 18th March, Peniel Hall,  Glynneath

• Friday 19th March,  St Theodore’s Church, Port Talbot

For more information or to attend please contact Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631246

The Volunteer Centre would like to notify you of the decision to extend the deadline for applications to the youth opportunities bank by one week. This means the deadline for Neath Port Talbot CVS to receive applications is now Friday 22nd January.  This decision is due to the snow experienced in the past two weeks and the impact this has had on organisations. If groups would like any advice on their applications or need any further information please contact Nigel Cram, Youth Volunteering Development Officer, Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631387 or nigelc@nptcvs.org.uk.

The DWP Financial Inclusion Champions are seeking proposals from Third Sector not for profit organisations to support small-scale financial inclusion initiatives.

The Financial Inclusion Champions Initiative is designed to help tackle Financial Exclusion by working with partners and delivery organisations. This includes the raising of awareness of financially excluded people so that they are able to use the services available to help them to manage their money better, including how to set up basic bank accounts, access financial services including low cost loans, start saving, and where they can get financial and debt advice.  The closing date is 29th January 2010. The details can be found online.

Please also be aware that the Financial Inclusion Champions Team in Wales is willing to discuss any ideas or proposals that organisations may have before they submit. Whilst the team is not able to endorse or write individual proposals on the behalf of organisations they are able to talk over planned activity and offer suggestions for your consideration prior to submission.This opportunity is being offered to all third sector organisations across the UK and funds are limited, so it is important that any proposals made are clear in how they will demonstrate a positive and long term impact.

Any of the three Welsh Financial Inclusion Champions can be contacted on;

Katija Dew

02920 556 156 or 07771 821 676

Ryan Jones

01443 742 143 or 07900 167 904

Rhian Hughes

01492 641 641 or 07747824063

Swansea Bay Deprived Areas Fund – Sponsored by the DWP and the Welsh Assembly Government and managed on their behalf by Swansea Council For Voluntary Service and Carmarthenshire County Council. Deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 15th February 2010. Applications to grants@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.

In addition to the information contained in the DAF Outcomes Framework document, the DAF Grants Panel identified the following potential gaps in provision which applicants may wish to consider:

• Innovative local community based outreach activities which attract economically inactive individuals to become engaged in work focussed activities
• Focussed training initiatives which engage with economically inactive individuals, enhance their employability and make them more work ready
• Transport initiatives which make it possible for people more remote from where workplaces are sited to get to and from work – including access to driving skills.
• Transitional Employment Initiatives (TEI’s) designed and delivered by communities

For more information go to SCVS’ website.

Due to the adverse weather conditions the locality event due to take place in St Theodore’s Church Hall, Taibach on Thursday 7th January 2010 has been postponed.  Details of the re-arranged event will follow shortly.

Do you know a young person who has used their computer skills to help others get online? If so, why not nominate them for a BT Internet Ranger of the Year award?  The lucky winners will receive an HP laptop plus £250 worth of IT vouchers*. It’s easy to apply.  Simply go to the BT Internet Ranger’s website for an online application form.  The closing date for this exciting award scheme is Friday 15th January 2010 and winners will be notified by 12th February 2010.

3 ‘Flip Video Mino HD’ Camcorders to be Won!

To celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary the National Assembly for Wales is inviting school and college pupils under the age of 18 from across the country, to create a short film entitled ‘If I were an Assembly Member’

Submissions should be no longer than 3 minutes in duration. CD / DVD copies should be sent to:

Freepost SWC 3358

Education Team

National Assembly for Wales

Cardiff Bay

CF99 1NA

Alternatively you can upload your entry to a video sharing website of your choice and email the link to  education@wales.gsi.gov.uk The closing date for this competition is 8 February 2010

The third round is now open for applications, but the deadline is closing fast!  The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 14th December 2009. Applications need to be sent to grants@carmarthenshire.gov.uk . For more information go to Swansea CVS website.

Neath Port Talbot Youth Opportunities  Bank is run by young people who will be providing grants of £50-£500 (applications for more will be considered) to fund young  people’s activity ideas in their local community.

Do you have what we are looking for…

• Are you aged between 16-25? (although your activities may benefit young people outside of this age range)
• Are you a group or individual living in Neath Port Talbot?
• Does your activity benefit your community?
• Does your activity provide new skills or experiences?

To receive further information and an application pack please contact Nigel Cram on 01639 631387

or email NigelC@nptcvs.org.uk. Deadline for applications is Friday 15^th January 2010

WCVA will be re opening the Engagament Gateway PQQ round on the 6th November 2009.   PQQ briefings will be held to follow this re release of the PQQ. Please find the schedule for the PQQ briefings attached in English and Welsh. The deadline for the submission of PQQs will be 29 January at 1pm. To book onto the event email gatewaypqq@wcva.org.uk