Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

A new guidance leaflet, ‘My Life, My Way’,  which gives young disabled people information and advice on making the right choices about their future was launched on 4^th March 2010 by Deputy Minister for Children, Huw Lewis.  For more information go to the Welsh Assembly Government website. 

Source: Welsh Assembly Government website

The launch of the multi-agency Young Carers Protocol and Neath Port Talbot Young Carers Forum Action Plan 2010 is to be held between 2.30pm and 4.00pm on Thursday 18th March 2010 at The Great Hall, Sandfields Comprehensive school. Please e-mail e.griffiths-hughes@neath-porttalbot.gov.uk before the 12th March with the names of those from your department or organisation who wish to attend.

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 Sandfields Young Business Centre flyer for Supporting Young People in Business is now available from the download page of the website.

As you may be aware, a new physical activity action plan entitled ‘Creating an Active Wales’ was launched by the Welsh Assembly Government on Wednesday 13^th January 2010. Creating an Active Wales sets out the steps the Welsh Assembly Government will take, with partners, to achieve an active, healthy and inclusive Wales.

The action plan focuses on four strategic aims; to develop a physical environment that makes it easier for people to choose to be more physically active; to support children and young people to live active lives, and become active adults; to encourage more adults to be more active, more often throughout life and to increase participation in sport, by all sectors of the population.

The Window of Opportunity Week is now taking place at Cymer Afan Comprehensive School from 1^st to 5^th February 2010. There are a range of workshops on offer including help with job searches and CV writing, computer training taster sessions, cookery sessions, activities for the under 11s and youth activities including circus and rugby skills.

The Assembly’s Children and Young People Committee is currently holding an inquiry into Safe Places to Play Out and Hangout.  This is an opportunity for young people to give their views through submitting questionnaire answers, photos and video evidence.  This can be entered online on The Assembly’s website. If you would like to this discuss further, please contact Rebecca Jayne Spiller on 02920 898807.

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.

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.

Do you want to feel better about yourself, Less stressed, Feel healthier, Fitter and more confident? A New FREE group is meeting between 1.oo-3.oo pm every Thursday starting 14th January. All welcome. It will be a fun course, where you will gain advice, support and learn new ideas. For more information contact YWCA, 23 Depot Road, Cwmafan on 01639 894184.