Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

The Riverside Centre is looking for volunteers from the community who would be interested in improving their knowledge of local wildlife by taking part in wildlife surveys. No previous knowledge is required as expert help will be on hand. However anyone with some identification skills will also be very welcome. The birds that we identify will go onto a list which will be used in considering how to manage the park for wildlife in the future.

For each survey there will be morning and afternoon sessions. Morning sessions will start at 10am, afternoon sessions at 1pm. Participants will be free to come out on one or both sessions and on as many of the surveys as they like. Surveys will be on 20th & 31st of January & 3rd & 16th of February 2012 . Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided.

If you are interested in taking part please contact Roger on 01792 864194 or email riverside@arenapontardawe.com.

For directions go to www.arenapontardawe.com/riverside/directions

These surveys are funded by Environment Wales and the Riverside Project by the Big Lottery Fund

See flyer for further information on Riverside.

Please see the flyer and booking form for a special event introducing the new QALL programme. This programme presents a very exciting opportunity for third sector organisations across Wales to support the development, and/or delivery of specialist and unique training that can be quality assured, accredited and then promoted as part of a national learning framework. The QALL sits within the Credit and Qualifications Framework Wales, and is being fully supported by CCW.

Further information on the QALL can be read in the attached document ‘QALL info’ or visit the CCW website.

Just a quick reminder that if  you would like any articles/events published in the next edition of the RDP Newsletter the information will need to be sent to Leane Woodley by Monday 23rd January 2012.  l.woodley@npt.gov.uk

Holocaust Memorial Day Event – Nidum Theatre, Neath Campus, NPTC

Tuesday 31st January 2012 5.45pm to 7pm

Please accept this as an invitation to this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event; we would be delighted to welcome you and guests to join us.

The event aims to ensure that the experiences of the Holocaust are appropriately commemorated and the lessons of the past are kept alive and relevant for all sections of the community.

On 31st January 2012, a short programme of music, drama and poetry will allow us to reflect on the personal experiences and stories of those who witnessed and suffered during the Holocaust.

If you wish to share this invitation with friends and colleagues, please feel free to do so.

We would be grateful to have confirmation of attendance by Monday 23rd January to ensure we have sufficient seating. Please let us know of any specific access requirements you may have.

If you have any questions or require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Lesley Blower

Senior Officer: Diversity

Neath Port Talbot College

Dŵr-y-Felin Road

Neath SA10 7RF

01639 648175

Local Health Boards (LHBs) are responsible for planning, designing, developing and securing the delivery of primary, community, in-hospital care services, and where appropriate specialised services for the citizens in their respective areas to meet identified local needs within the national policy and standards framework set out by the Minister.

Independent Members for LHBs

Independent Members are expected to work with their Executive Directors to develop strategy, policy and ensure sound governance. In addition they are expected to bring an independent view to the Board to challenge as appropriate financial and service plans.

The vacant posts are as follows.

•  Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board (Band 4) – Community position
• Hywel Dda Local Health Board (Band 3) – Community position

The Independent Members will be appointed for up to four (4) years and the post is based on a notional time commitment of a minimum of four (4) days per month, but this will be subject to organisational demands. They are eligible to receive a remuneration of £15,936 (Band 4) and £13,344 (Band 3) and per annum for 4 days per month.

We are particularly interested in hearing from under-represented groups such as women, disabled people and ethnic minority individuals.

For more information or to apply go to website or for queries contact HR Helpdesk at the Welsh Government by e-mail: hr-helpdesk@wales.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: 029 2082 5454.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 16 February 2012. Please note that there is a separate application form for each position. Please ensure you complete the correct one. It is expected that the interviews will be held in the week beginning 19 March.

A large print, Braille or audio version of this advert can be obtained on request from 029 2082 5454.

If you live in Neath Port Talbot and are interested in issues affecting those over 50, would you like to be one of the voices of older people in the area?

The Older Persons’ Council is looking for enthusiastic and committed people who are in regular contact with older people in the community.

The Older Persons’ Council is a link with those over the age of 50 and the Local Authority, the Welsh Assembly Government and organisations that have an influence over the lives of all older people, on topics such as:

• Health & Well Being
•  Lifelong Learning
• Community Safety
•  Care and Accommodation
• Work/Volunteering
• Community Involvement

Following the announcement by the Welsh Government that the CTCFI scheme will end on 31 March this year, CTA Wales has been asked by its members to set up a petition on the National Assembly website to press for the continuation and expansion of concessionary fares on all community transport, on a separate fares basis. They would be grateful if you would consider lending your support to this campaign and also bring this to the attention of your members (individuals and groups) in your area. They realise that not all of them will have online access, but perhaps other members of their families may have. Alternately , also available, are postal proformas’ which can be completed by individuals or a group of people. Naturally, the petition can only be signed once by each person, and it is open for signature until 9 March. Although technically they only have to receive 10 signatures for the petition to be considered, it is important that we demonstrate the strength of feeling on this issue with as many signatures as possible.

• e-Petition
• Postal Petition
• Individual Postal Petition

Free training from NSA see flyer for full details.

The Glynneath Training Centre Is offering a Free Employability Course.  See flyer for full details.

Comic Relief has launched a new grants programme: Managing Money Better. The programme is particularly focused on addressing the many ways in which people over 65 are often disadvantaged due to complexities in understanding financial matters, are often exposed to the dangers of financial abuse, and the difficulties involved in making ends meet while coping with rising prices. The programme will be open for applications from 16 January 2012, with a closing date of 17 February. There will also be a second cycle in April 2012. If you would like to discuss the programme, please contact anyone in the Older People grants team on 0207 820 2000 or visit the Comic Relief website.

Source: WCVA Members E-Briefing