The first edition of the Valleys Regional Park newsletter has now been published, including details on the Western Valleys Strategic Regeneration Area. The newsletter can be downloaded from here.
Our region has a flourishing Third Sector which contributes to our vibrant communities. We aim to secure its future through an exciting new programme of support to create sustainable organisations. Carmarthenshire County Council has joined together with the County Councils in Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea and the County Voluntary Councils in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea to form a unique partnership to combine resources for the success of the project. For more information go to the newly launched Collaborative Communities website
A copy of the results of the ‘Care at Home’ workforce study is now available on the Care Council for Wales’ website. The study, which was commissioned by the Care Council for Wales and conducted by the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care, the University of Glamorgan, Insight Social Research and the Management Standards Consultancy, looked at:
They invite you to consider and to debate the results of the study and to let them have your views. There will be a major action planning event on 28 September 2010 which will allow the audience to discuss the findings with the researchers and other specialists in the field, and to contribute to determining the next steps. In the autumn, the study and the response we have received from our partners will be reported to the Welsh Assembly led Social Care & Social Work Workforce Task group whose terms of reference include care at home. or more information, for a hard copy of the Care at Home Summary Report and to feed in your comments on the study, please contact Sheila Lyons, Manager, Development and Innovation (Adult Services) by email – sheila.lyons@ccwales.org.uk.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales, the Local Health Board and Public Health Wales have joined forces to look at ways of improving the quality of air we breathe in Neath Port Talbot.
On 13 July, they are inviting the local community to learn more about our work and join them in discussing the challenges and possible solutions to improving air quality in the area.
Click on the link below for agenda and to register, or phone 02920 466 029.
Date:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (GMT)
Location:
Princess Royal Theatre
Civic Centre
SA13 1PJ Port Talbot
United Kingdom
Can you attend this event? Respond Here
For more information click here
The BBC have launched a ‘Budget key points: At-a-glance’ page which gives a very comprehensive summary of the Budget changes. It outlines the key points of Chancellor George Osborne’s first Budget, delivered on 22 June 2010.
The Neath Port Talbot Older Persons’ Council (OPC) are looking for people over the age of 50, with enthusiasm, drive and commitment to apply for selection onto their reserve member list. They are particularly looking for older people who throughout their lives have acquired experiences and skills which could benefit the OPC and their work, or those who are involved in their community and have an overview and understanding of the issues which affect the quality of life of those over the age of 50. The OPC was formed in 2005 as an independent body of twelve people. They receive support and training to develop their expertise and communication skills to further the aims of the Neath Port Talbot Strategy for Older People, along with giving another voice to the older residents of Neath Port Talbot enabling them to contribute towards and influence the provision of local and national services and policies, particularly those that have an impact upon the lives of older people. For more information contact Grace Halfpenny at g.c.halfpenny@neath-porttalbot.gov.uk
The Institute of Leadership and Community Management (ILCM) has launched its new online capability assessment system for VCOs. The assessment will help organisations to focus on the central principles for operating a voluntary or community organisation and have managed to make it free to everyone who uses it. It is known as the ILCM Level 1 Capability Assessment and can be accessed by clicking this website. The assessment will give groups a record of their current capability to use as an action plan and benchmark to prioritise and improve their organisation’s key central processes.
The Appointments to the Community Health Councils in Wales have been announced. The Third Sector appointments for Neath Port Talbot are Mrs Helen Dennis, Mr Alan Bowen and
Mr Clive Owen.
Charity, company and CIC law changes during April have been saved under publications via email – Legal update and are available online at this website from 1 April for charitable trusts, 6 April for all others: Charities and community amateur sports clubs have only four years, not six, to recover gift aid. The period for claiming gift aid transitional relief remains two years. For more information about the gift aid please visit the Sandy Adirondack website.
The Carbon Trust has been working with businesses in the UK to help lower their energy consumption. Their free on-site carbon survey identifies quick and effective ways to reduce energy wastage, on average yielding a 20 per cent cut in a business’s energy costs. Please go to the Carbon Trust website or call 01865 885763
