Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

Embracing the Challenges – Changing Conditions at Cardiff City Hall, November 10-11th 2010

Interest in chronic conditions management has grown considerably in the last five years, but has care improved? Has a focus on prevention worked? What have we learnt so far?

This conference draws on the expertise of leading international experts to prevent illness, improve services and find sustainable and affordable solutions for the future.

A collaboration between the Welsh Assembly Government, Welsh NHS Confederation, National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (NLIAH) and Public Health Wales, this conference demonstrates the unique integrated approach to health and social care in Wales.

Further information and booking forms can be found here.

The Wales Innovation Award is a target for Welsh industry and Welsh organisations.  The award recognises organisations that excel at adopting new thought processes or developing new products or services. The deadline for receipt of entries is 31 May 2010. For relevant website/scheme guidelines go to the GRANTfinder report.

NHS Direct Wales has now launched its Welsh language Online Enquiry Service. The Online Enquiry Service can be accessed through the NHS Direct Wales website and allows users to ask questions on a wide range of general health related topics including common conditions, local NHS services, patient’s rights and healthy living. From today, you can now choose to ask your question and receive your reply in Welsh.

Estyn Llaw and the Welsh Language Board are pleased to announce the launch of a new Development Fund for 2010-11. Only organisations with a Welsh Language Scheme which has been approved by the Welsh Language Board may apply for funding.  The Fund was set up to motivate third sector organisations and enable them to implement new initiatives in order to develop good practice in bilingualism, biculturalism and the use of the Welsh language.  Closing date is Friday, May 14th 2010. For more information go to Estyn Llaw’s website. To discuss your ideas or for an application form, please contact

National charity Citizens Advice has launched a new telephone service in Wales and is looking for English and Welsh speaking volunteers from Port Talbot to help answer the phones.

Adviceline Cymru is a bi-lingual service which provides callers with information, can recommend other appropriate local organisations and services and will also set up face to face appointments when needed.

Go to the Citizens Advice website for more information and an application pack, or call: 08451 264 264* (English language line) or 01286 676 514* (Welsh language line).

*Call costs will apply

A proposed Welsh Language Measure that will lead to rights for Welsh speakers to receive services in Welsh, has been published on 4^th March 2010. For more information go to the Welsh Assembly Government website.

The sponsors are looking for a good cross-section of quality Welsh art, ranging from avant-garde to more traditional. A total prize of £2,000 is on offer for the winners.  Winning the competition enables the artists’ work to be seen by a wider audience and provides the opportunity for them to meet other influential world-class artists. The competition is open to any artist over the age of 18, living and working in Wales, and any Welsh artists living in the UK. The 2010 entry deadline is 24 February 2010. For more information please visit the Saint Davids Hall website.

Source: Grantfinder

‘Between the Glass Ceiling and the Mud Floor; Women’s Continuing Inequality in 21st Century Welsh Society’ to be held between 10.30 am – 3.30 pm on Tuesday 16th March 2010 at Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. Registration from 10.00 am

Bake for Bobath  – 1^st March to 8^th March 2010 – Have a Welsh cake and make a difference for children in Wales with cerebral palsy by taking part in the Bake for Bobath week. The event can be held anytime during Bake for Bobath week from 1^st March to 8^th March 2010. To register for your Bake for Bobath fundraising pack, call 02920 522600 or email fundraising@bobathwales.org

We would like to invite the public to take part in a consultation on our revised Welsh Language Scheme.  The consultation will last for 12 weeks, ending on 15th July 2009.

Please email any comments/suggestions to LorraineM@nptcvs.org.uk by 15th July 2009

To request a paper copy, please contact Katherine Pearce, ICT Membership Accounts Officer on 01639 631246 or at KatherineP@nptcvs.org.uk