Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, has been invited to present evidence to the Independent Commission on Social Services in Wales. The meeting will take place on
10 February. If you have any evidence or comments about social services (either positive or negative) that you would like Rhian to include in her presentation, please forward them by 5pm on Monday 8 February to Kelly Stuart at: kelly.stuart@disabilitywales.org If you would like to comment but are unable to do so by email for any reason, please call the office on 02920 887325.

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.

A new information sheet has been added which is called: 4.17 The Independent Safeguarding Authority to the Information Distribution System (IDS). It is available on our information page and provides very useful information for local groups regarding the ongoing changes taking place.

The Social Enterprise Coalition Newsletter has lots of information on Social Enterprise across the UK, including resources available to download, the latest news and upcoming events. If you go to the website you can sign up to receive this information by email.

Vision

The Wales Africa Community Links project develops excellence in community linking between Wales and Africa to build peace, prosperity and understanding, through mutual development. Our goal is that every community in Wales has a partnership link with a community in Africa. Currently there are over 100 links operating across Wales.

Background

Launched by Wales’ First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM on World Poverty Day, October 2007, the UN-endorsed Wales Africa Community Links project recognises excellence in community linking between north and south, founded on principles of inclusivity, sustainability, equality of partnership, and mutual benefit.

Gold Star Awards

The UN-endorsed Gold Star Communities Award Framework underpins, empowers and recognises the contribution of local community groups and civil society – in developing quality project activities that are mutually life-changing for people in Wales and Africa. Community links can aspire to attain a Gold Star for work in the following areas: Health, Youth, Livelihoods, Environment, and Social Harmony

What support can the Wales Africa Community Links team provide

• Development expertise, advice and guidance
• Gold Star Communities UN Award recognition
• Grant funding for Wales-Africa community links
• Networking and training events
• Advocacy profile and representation
• Communications resources and E-Newsletter

For more information please contact Ed Howarth or Craig Owen on 02920 431722 or visit the website.

An article detailing the latest meeting betweeing the Third Sector and the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr. Brian Gibbons is now available to download on the information section of our website.

The International Day of Disabled People is to be held on Thursday 3^rd December 2009 and includes a Community Art Exhibition” at Glyndŵr University where a selection of competition entries and ‘The School Canvas challenge’ will be exhibited plus talks, workshops, and a presentation to competition winners. For more information contact the Centre for Disability Studies. Telephone 01978 293189, e-mail cfds@glyndwr.ac.uk or visit the website.

A new Swine Flu bulletin has been released which summarises all the important information you need to know for getting the right advice and support during the pandemic. It is available for download and highlights the role volunteers and the Third Sector can provide services and disseminate information to a broad section of the community.

Neath Port Talbot CVS has received six nominations to its Board from member organisations.  As there are currently 5 vacancies, an election is taking place. Voting papers were sent to all full members on 23rd October 2009 to be returned by no later than 5.00pm on Monday 9th November 2009.   The result of the election will be announced at Neath Port Talbot CVS’ Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12th November 2009, 5.30pm at Aberafan Beach Hotel, Port Talbot.

For more information or if you have not received your ballot papers please contact Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 765150.

The 101 Non Emergency number in Wales has been officially launched.  The 101 Non Emergency number will reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls the Force receives.  It will also improve the service  given to the public by providing an easy to remember number to call the Police.