Come to VCVS’ last Christmas Concert! See page 1 VCVS Secures “Awards for All” IT Equipment See page 2

Need Funding? Don’t miss our Sustainable Funding NewsSupplement, 12 pages packed with opportunities

THE MAGAZINE OF VALE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICES

CYLCHGRAWN CANOLFAN GWASANAETHAU GWIRFODDOL Y FROYr Hydref 2014

Autumn 2014

VCVS Secures “Awards for All” IT Equipment

IN THIS EDITION

Vale Centre for Voluntary Services (VCVS) is a Registered Charity(No 1062388) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No 3332790)

Registered in England and Wales.

VCVS is funded by:

The Welsh Government;The Vale of GlamorganCouncil; Cardiff & ValeUniversity Health Board;The Big Lottery Fund; TheHeritage Lottery Fund;European RegionalDevelopment Fund.

Please send your articles,letters or informationfor the Winter edition

(due out by 15th January)to Mark Stillman (The Editor) by

1st January 2015.

The opinions expressed in thisnewsletter are not necessarily thoseof VCVS. We reserve the right to edit

for publication.© All rights reserved

Do you have a flyer or informationsheet that you would like us to sendout with this magazine? Contact usfor a quotation and to arrangedistribution.

Telephone: 01446 741706Fax: 01446 421442E-mail: mark@valecvs.org.ukWebsite: www.vcvs.org.ukTwitter: twitter.com/valecvsFacebook: www.facebook.com/valecentreforvoluntaryservices

VCVS’ address and hours of opening:

VCVS, Barry Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road, Barry CF62 9DAMonday - Friday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Anyone wishing to arrive outside of these times shouldcontact VCVS to arrange an appointment.

VCVS is dedicated toa process ofcontinuousimprovement, usingthe PQASSO qualitymodel for evaluation. We welcome yourcomments and suggestions.

Office Closures:

4 Nov (1pm-4pm) Staff Meeting5 Nov (10am-1pm) Staff Meeting11 Dec (1pm-4pm) Christmas Concert19 Dec Closed all day24 Dec - 1 Jan Closed for the Christmasperiod

Our mission: “To achieve and inspire excellence involuntary action in the Vale of Glamorgan”

VCVS is committed to delivering a high quality service. If you feel that that we havenot met this standard a copy of our complaints procedure can be can be obtained bycontacting our office, or visiting our website www.vcvs.org.uk and clicking on the‘Contact’ tab on the top navigation bar.

Welcome to theAutumn edition ofVale Centre for

Voluntary Services’magazine.

If you wish to contributeWelsh Language or bi-lingual articles or letters,

2 VCVS Secures“Award for All” ITEquipment

3 Social mediaknowledge gap

4 Meeting room inOgmore by Sea

5 In the Spotlightwith LowerPenarthCommunityAssociation

6 What’s on

8 Sully Remembersthe sacrifice WW1

9 Vale & Hearty

13 Training & Events

16 Citizens AdviceServices in Barry

17 Introducing thenew WitchellCommunity Centre

18 HolocaustMemorial Day

19 New organisationto arrange freedata security

20 Vale VolunteerBureau Column

Inside Back Cover

Epilepsy Support

Outside Back Cover

Digital Inclusion Event

Supplement

SustainableFunding News

Autumn 2014

either are welcome.We look forward to receivingyour news, views andsuggestions.

1

VCVS’ Christmas Concertth December 2014,

Barry Memorial Hall

Exciting programme includingSuperstars in the Making!

The Staff and Trustees of VCVS invite you to join them forfestive songs, entertainment and refreshments on Thursday11th December from 5.30pm to 8pm in the GlamorganSuite, Barry Memorial Hall, Barry. Performances from 6pm.

Last year’s event was truly memorable with outstandingperformances from Superstars in the Making (featuring JodiBird) and the Tenovus Choir.

If you would like to join us for another memorable festiveevening and our last event as VCVS please RSVP (includingif you have any special dietary requirements) by Friday28th November 2014 to VCVS, tel: 01446 741706e-mail: vcvs@valecvs.org.uk, or scan the QR Code tothe right.

IT’S FREE, COME AND CELEBRATE

BOOK NOW TORESERVE YOUR SEAT

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VCVS Secures “Awards for All” IT EquipmentVCVS has recently been successful with an Awards For All bid for ITequipment to use at VCVS offices for training and as short-termequipment loan (terms and conditions apply, please contact VCVS).

The equipment includes:

Digital projector Laptop Tablet devices (Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy & iPads) Bridge camera Small video camera suitable for use “on the go” including on bicycles Display boards

This equipment loan service complements existing items which include sandwich boards, flipvideos, flip chart easel, OHP screen and an overhead projector.

Items for loan are for a one week period and not intended for continuous loan. Tabletdevices, camera and video camera can be used to upskill your staff/volunteers in becomingdigitally literate and being able to promote your organisation more effectively by using socialmedia tools. By using social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr etc) yourorganisation would benefit from free promotion in a social world. For more information onsocial media training please see page three.

If you would like to borrow any of the items above for a specificevent please contact VCVS tel: 01446 741706, e-mail:vcvs@valecvs.org.uk

Bubbins Family: A Barry Family in World War One

The coming of age of the first generation of boys born toBarry Town after the building of the docks coincided with theoutbreak of the First World War, and one of the majoremployers was the Mercantile Marine (which was laterknown as the Merchant Navy).

For many working class families that was how their sonswent to war. One such family was the Bubbins Family. Viewthe Bubbins family video on VCVS’ YouTube Channel at:http://bit.ly/1uDyzx4 or scan the QR Code right.

To find out more about the Heritage Lottery Funded Projectthat conducted this research please contact Jamie Baker,Barry: A New Community Project at VCVS by e-mail:jamie@valecvs.org.uk or tel: 01446 741706.

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Charities: is there a social media knowledge gap at board level?

According to a new report from Grant Thornton, ‘Growing communities: How charity leadersgovern social media globally to thrive online,’ while many charities consider social media asan important tool for communications and fundraising, not many use it to engage with newsupporters. The report interviewed a number of charity chief executives from around theworld on how they are using social media. Brent Kennerley, Head of Not for Profit says thereport highlights a real need for board-level understanding of social media:

“Social media is a game changer. Not For Profits (NFP) organisations looking to engage witha more technology literate audience need to harness the power of this rapidly evolvingenvironment. Without an informed social media strategy – and the internal governance andoperations to support it – funding availability could erode.

“Some NPFs have made great progress and these pioneers will reap the benefits. However,there is currently a social media knowledge gap at senior levels in charities worldwide – thevery people expected to govern the opportunities and risks to achieve their charity’s goals.”

Don’t let social media scare you! Attend VCVS’ social mediafor beginners course

Thursday 22nd January 2015 from 10am – 4pm at VCVS’ OfficesVCVS member organisations have been sending their staff (up to 4 at atime) on VCVS’ course – An Introduction to Social Media training(beginner’s level). The course costs just £40 per person which includes apractical session and lunch!

The course has proved a real hit and has assisted organisations with theirsocial media decisions as well as being able to try out the social mediatools. Delegates have been able to open and use Twitter, Facebook,Tumblr, YouTube, Flickr and Google (forms) accounts. If you are notusing social media to interact with your stakeholders you could be missingout on a vast amount of possible beneficiaries especially as the socialmedia tools are free. At the end of the course, you will be able to:

understand why social media is vital for any organisation identify some of the most important social media tools for your

organisation to use create social media accounts in the practical session (Facebook,

Twitter, Blogging, YouTube, Flickr)

If you would like to attend the course please contact MarkStillman at VCVS for a booking form.Tel: 01446 741706, E-mail mark@valecvs.org.ukIf you would like to book a session specifically for yourorganisation (max 4 people per session) please contact Mark.

“The principlepluses for mewere therelaxed andcomfortableenvironment inwhich the daywas conductedby which Imean both thelocation andthe informalquestion andanswer stylethat you use.This made thelearningpainless andfocussed on myownrequirementsrather thanworking to a‘set text'”.

Phil Gibbins,Valeways

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Voluntary groups approved for VCVS Membership1st Dinas Powis Scout GroupDevelopment of mental, physical and spiritual well-being of young people primarily aged 6 -14 years.

Cowbridge Community AllotmentA mutual association of citizens have taken a long lease on a formerly useless, undevelopablefield to create a new allotment for the purposes of growing food and to enjoy gardening.

Are you a voluntary club or local group looking fora meeting venue in Ogmore by Sea?If you are, then Penybont Lifeguards want to hear from you, especially if youraims are looking to tackle poverty.

The charity lifeguard club is runentirely by volunteers who areorganising a two-phase £1millionproject. Phase one is the new slipwayaccess to the beach and wascompleted last year.

The beach access has alreadybenefitted thousands of residents andvisitors to Ogmore by Sea beach.Penybont Lifeguards are working onPhase two in partnership with Vale ofGlamorgan Council and Big Lottery.

They are planning to rebuild the existing lifeguard building to create a modern, efficient andwelcoming facility. The lifeguards are looking for local clubs and groups to use the newlifeguard station which will be built next year. The project will have a meeting room for upto 40 people and disabled facilities. Work is progressing well and the club already has fullplanning permission.

Mike Allen, Penybont Lifeguards’ Chairperson told VCVS, “We want the new facility to beinclusive and hope that local groups and clubs get in touch to see how we can help them.The existing lifeguard building was built in the 1960s and not really suitable as a meetingvenue. Our new building will bring a much needed community venue to Ogmore by Sea.”

If you think your club or group could use the facility and would like moreinformation about the project, please e-mail Mike Allen:penybontslsc@gmail.com

5

In the Spotlight with …Lower Penarth Community Association

Lower Penarth Community Association, established in 1992, is now facing a period ofsignificant change following the recent AGM, when long-standing officers and committeemembers stood down due to overriding family or work commitments.

The association manages Lower Penarth Community Centre in Brockhill Way, Lower Penarth,near to Cosmeston country park. The community centre serves the whole of Penarth,Cosmeston, Lavernock and Sully, as well as much of the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond.

The community centre is used intensively, providing a wide range of services and facilities forall age groups. More than 20 different regular activities, mostly run by volunteers, are hostedby or were set up by the association: social groups ranging from toddlers’ and pre-schoolgroups through Rainbows, Brownies and Kids’ Club to a coffee club and a quiz club for over-60s; physical exercise groups for all ages, from softball tennis for under-4s, through martialarts for 6 to 16s, to low-impact physical exercise for over-60s, medium-impact exercise foradults of all ages and high-impact (Ultimate Bounce) for the very fit! The community centrealso hosts support groups for vulnerable adults with long-term conditions or addictions.

New regular activities include Strength & Balance classes for “seniors”, and NumberSmashers(numeracy through indoor tennis for pre-schoolers), with plans to start Fit for Fun Plus(physical exercise to music plus indoor games like curling, skittles and bowls) and a Saturdaymorning dance school.

About 350 people use the community centre on a regular basis, with another 200 or morejoining in community events, including an annual charity concert and a Christmas theatreshow, both highlights of the year for many people in the community.

There are numerous rewards in running an amenity for the community. It has been verysatisfying over the years, with help from funding as well as the association’s own resources,to see the transformation of drab, dreary premises into an attractive, well-maintained andwelcoming centre. It is very encouraging to know that all members of the community areinvolved in activities there and that it is fully used throughout the year, especially duringterm-time. It is also very rewarding to provide facilities for people of all ages to improve theirhealth, wellbeing and socialisation, as well as an informal support network for caring andfriendship within and across groups using the community centre.

“New blood” is now essential for the association’s long-term survival. The community, whichvalues the premises as a venue for activities and events, needs to share in the responsibilityfor keeping its community centre open. People may not realise that the community centre isrun by volunteers and is not an entitlement paid for through their community tax.

New members are needed urgently to join the management committee of LowerPenarth Community Association to ensure that this amenity can continue tobenefit the community. For further details please contact Ann Whitfield ontel: 029 2070 3449 or e-mail: ann.m.whitfield@btinternet.com

6

Vale of Glamorgan EventsDisability Half Term Sport Camp

Thursday 30 October and Friday 31 October

Cost: £3 per person, £1 for siblings

For further information and registration please contact Simon Jones, Disablity Sport Wales

Officer, telephone 01446 704728 or email sljones@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Halloween Tea Party and Monsters Ball at Victoria Park, Barry

Friday 31 October, 4.00pm - 7.00pm

Admission: Free

For more information please contact Jon Greatrex 07809 551465 or e-mail

jgreatrex@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Memo Vegas Christmas Party at the Memo, Barry

Friday 12 December, 7.30pm

Tickets: £40 including four course Christmas feast

Celebrate Christmas with The Rat Pack at our night of glitz, glamour, festive food, casino

tables and dancing into the early hours. For further information please visit:

www.memorialhalltheatre.co.uk

VCVS’ Network and Forum NewsVale Health, Social Care and Well Being Network

22nd October in Unit 1 of the Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road, Barry and will

commence at 10 am unless otherwise advised. For information, contact Linda Pritchard, e-mail

linda@valecvs.org.uk

Vale Housing and Homelessness Forum

23rd October in Unit 1 of the Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road, Barry and will

commence at 10 am unless otherwise advised. For information, contact Clive Curtis, e-mail

clive@valecvs.org.uk

Vale Voluntary Action and Community Development Network

14th October in Unit 1, Barry Community Enterprise Centre and will commence at 10 am unless

otherwise advised. For more information, contact Dave Edwards, e-mail dave@valecvs.org.uk

Vale Trustee Network

To be arranged. For information, contact Clive Curtis, e-mail clive@valecvs.org.uk

7

Cymdeithas Archeolegol Caerdydd

Lecture programme 2014 – 2015

2014October 23rd PROFESSOR DAVID AUSTIN - Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, University of

Wales: Trinity St David

Strata Florida: recent work on a Centre of Welsh Cultural Identity

November 6th MR ROBIN WILLIAMS - President of Oxford House Industrial History Society

History of Pontypool Japanware

November 20th ANDY SHERMAN - Assistant Project Officer, Glamorgan and Gwent

Archaeological Trust

The foreshore archaeology of Swansea Bay

December 4th DR MARK REDKNAP - Head of Collections and Research, Department of History

and Archaeology – National Museum Wales

Return to Llanbedrgoch - Viking Anglesey reconsidered

2015January 8th PROFESSOR DENYS PRINGLE - Emeritus Professor in Archaeology, SHARE,

Cardiff University

The walls of medieval Ascalon

January 22nd BILL BRITNELL MBE - Research Associate/former Director Clwyd-Powys

Archaeological Trust

The Walton Basin, Radnorshire: an archaeological microcosm of the Welsh Marches?

February 5th DR STEPHANIE M DALLEY - Assyriologist, Oriental Institute, Oxford

The Hanging Garden of Babylon

February 19th RICHARD OSGOOD - Senior Archaeologist, Conservation, Defence

Infrastructure Organisation

Wollongong to Wallonia – an archaeology of the Great War

Lectures are held in the Small Chemistry Theatre (Room 1.112), Main Building, Cardiff

University, Cathays, starting at 7.15 pm on Thursdays. Visitors are welcome.

For further information contact Brian Davies on 029 2084 2743.

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Sully Remembers

WW1In December 2013, it was suggested thatmembers of Sully U3A’s Local History Groupresearch the lives of the eight men fromSully who died in World War One. Theirnames are recorded on the memorial tabletin St John Baptist Church. There is also astained glass window in the churchdedicated to the conflict.

The project was led by Kathy Beach whoused readily available material on theinternet, in the library and GlamorganRecords Office and research previouslyundertaken by villager Viv John. A visit tothe churchyard provided evidence ofanother three casualties and these men arealso included in the research.

Sully U3A supported the production of abooklet bringing together this research andcollaboration was sought throughout thevillage to include the school, the CommunityCouncil, a local printer and the church. Anappeal was made in the local press forinformation, especially from relatives of themen.

Mandy Best, a teacher at Sully PrimarySchool and a family member of one of thecasualties, organised a “Design a Medal”competition. The entries were judged bythree Sully U3A members. The organisationsponsored prizes for the children and a

donation to the school. The winners visitedthe church, met the Priest in Charge, Rev.Jon Ormrod, saw the memorial tablet, thestained glass window and two gravestoneswhere casualties are remembered on theirparents’ graves. The children also plantedpoppy seeds.

The 40 page booklet ”Sully Remembers1914-1918” contains an introduction to thevillage just before the war, individual storiesof the casualties in chronological order bydate of death, a brief description of themedals of the war and the winning entry ofSully Primary School’s “Design a Medal”competition. It ensures that Sully’scasualties are recorded for posterity – notonly their names but also who they wereand when, where and why they died.

Proceeds of the sale, at £5 per copy, will bedivided between The British Legion andtowards the maintenance/restoration of thegraves where the men are remembered inSully churchyard. The men wereremembered at a service to commemoratethe outbreak of the First World War in StJohn Baptist Church on Sunday 3 August.

The booklet is available forpurchase at Windsor Book Shop,Windsor Road, Penarth, SullyConstitutional Club, South Road,Sully, The General Store and PostOffice, South Road, Sully, Candy andCards, South Road, Sully, Cut Above,Cog Road, Sully and Seashore Grill,Sully.

Vale & HeartyBe at the heart of health and social care in the Vale

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Vale Health, Social Care & Wellbeing NetworkYou are invited to the next Vale Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Networkmeeting on Wednesday, 22nd October, from 10am to 12pm at VCVS.

There will be updates from: Action for Elders Ovarian Cancer Action Tenovus

This will be followed by information sharing and updates on the Intermediate Care Fund,Reshaping Services in the Vale and the seasonal flu vaccine and carers.

To book a place contact Ceri Venners, Tel: 01446 741706, E-mailceri@valecvs.org.uk

Would you like to make links with GPs in theVale of Glamorgan?VCVS is looking for voluntary organisations which would like to make links with GPs and theirpatients in the Vale of Glamorgan. This will involve having an information and advice standin a range of surgeries at a time convenient to you and to the surgery. If you areinterested, please contact Linda Pritchard, Tel: 01446 741706, E-mail:linda@valecvs.org.uk

It would be useful to know the following:

The service users you are interested in reaching (eg older people, children etc) The area of the Vale you are interested in (eg Barry, Eastern Vale, Western Vale or all

areas) If you would like to link attendance to a particular wellbeing event (e.g. Eye Health

Week, Carers Week etc)

This is a great opportunity and could potentially involve organisations working together toprovide information and advice. I look forward to hearing from you.

10

Keep on walking with ValewaysThe many benefits of walking have been outlined recently in a range of studies.

One of these, conducted by the University of East Anglia and the Centre for Diet and Activity,found that commuters feel better when walking, cycling or travelling to work compared todriving. The research studied 18 years of data and 18,000 18 – 65 year olds and came tothe conclusion that stopping driving improved wellbeing. The longer you spend in your carthe worse you feel, whereas the longer your walk to work the better you feel. This studylooked at commuters who had changed their travel mode rather than comparing commuterswho use different travel modes at a single point in time. (Does active commuting improvepsychological wellbeing? 2014)

Not only does walking help you feel better, it can also help reduce the risk of heart disease,stroke and diabetes, alleviate the symptoms of depression and improve survival rates ofsome cancers.

Research by Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory in California (2014) found thatbrisk walking reduces the risk of heartdisease more effectively than running. Thestudy looked at 33,000 runners and 16,000walkers aged from 18 – 80 and observedthem over six years. Walking reduced therisk of heart disease by 9.3% and runningreduced the risk of heart disease by 4.5%.The conclusion was for runners not to stoprunning, but for the benefits of walking notto be overlooked.

“My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-sevennow, and we don't know where the heck she is.” Ellen DeGeneres

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ramblers, in their report Walking Works (2014), foundthat walking a mile a day (about 20 minutes) can reduce the risk of dying from breast orprostate cancer by 40%. The walking should be of moderate intensity; vigorous enough toleave you slightly out of breath. Walking can also help manage the side effects of treatmentsuch as swelling around the arm, fatigue and anxiety.

They calculated that regular walking could save 37,000 lives a year and result in 300,000fewer cases of type 2 diabetes. The Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support stated:

“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to what is a very simple and obvious solution.Physical activity is a wonder drug and health care professionals must prescribe physicalactivity, such as walking, as a standard part of cancer recovery.”

Other research has found that walking helps people sleep better (Oregon State University)and walking can reduce depression and raise self-esteem (Mind). Active commuting bywalking, cycling or using public transport, helps to lower BMI and lower body fat composition(London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 2014). This study looked at the

11

relationship between active commuting and the two known markers for obesity. Activecommuting, compared to private transport, significantly and independently predicted lowerBMI and healthier body composition, for both men and women. The authors suggestfurther research is required in order to confirm the direction of causality in the associationbetween active commuting and body weight.

What about walking and thinking? Stanford Universityfound that walking boosts creative inspiration (Giveyour idea some legs, 2014). They examined thecreativity levels of people whilst walking and sitting, bystudying 176 college students placed in differentconditions and doing a divergent thinking creativitytest.

They found that walking increased creative output by 60% and that it was the walking notthe environment that was the main factor. The increase in output didn’t apply to every taskthough. More focused thinking for single correct answers wasn’t as positively affected bywalking.

William Wordsworth, the Romantic poet, was a great walker. According to Thomas DeQuincey, Wordsworth walked 180,000 miles in his lifetime; an average of 6.5 miles a dayfrom the age of five. Most of us won’t manage to keep up with Wordsworth, but there is nodoubt that walking is hugely beneficial.

Here in the Vale of Glamorgan we are lucky to have Valeways, a unique voluntaryenvironmental organisation which supports a diverse range of volunteers to re-open andpromote the Vale of Glamorgan's glorious countryside. They support self-guided walks,easy walking for people with mobility problems, led walking programmes and Welshwalking clubs.

Valeways works in conjunction with people in the community to enable and promoteaccess to the Vale of Glamorgan. They exist by involving and supporting people of everyage and ability in all sections of their work from practical clearance of routes and footpathinstallations to indoor administrative duties. They provide support, training, life-long skillsand personal development to their expansive range of volunteers.

Valeways enables the community to enjoy and appreciate the environment they areexploring in a responsible manner and provides an enjoyable, valuable outlet for volunteerinvolvement.

So, if you want to gain all the health and wellbeing benefits ofwalking and improve your creative thinking, call Valeways on01446 749000 or email them at info@valeways.org.uk

Valeways can also be followed on their Twitter pagewww.twitter.com/Valeways and Facebookwww.facebook.com/Valeways

For more information about this briefing, please contact LindaPritchard, Vale Centre for Voluntary Services on 01446 741706 oremail linda@valecvs.org.uk

New Cancer Advocacy ServiceAge Connects Cardiff & the Vale (previously Age Concern) have a new Cancer AdvocacyService which provides one to one support to anyone over the age of 50 who is affected bycancer.

This advocacy service is free, non-judgemental and confidential and can help resolve a greatnumber of issues, cancer related or not.

The service is provided through a partnership with Macmillan and the Older PeoplesAdvocacy Alliance.

The cancer support advocates can offer a listening ear to people affected by cancer andprovide relevant information on matters ranging from treatment and care to social,employment and financial difficulties.

This new initiative is a part of a long established Advocacy Service that is provided by AgeConnects which aims to support older people with issues around voice, choice and control.If you know someone who would benefit from this new service or want to find out morethen to get in touch then just contact Age Connects on 029 2068 3681 or e-mailcopa@ageconnectscardiff.gov.uk

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Are you interested in having a presence at theInformation and Support Centre at LlandoughHospital?The Information and Support Centre at Llandough Hospital is welcoming more and morevisitors, with over 250 visitors in the first three months. There was a launch event for theCentre recently, which was attended by third sector organisations, Health Board staff andvolunteers.

If you are interested in having a presence at the Information and Support Centreat Llandough on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, please contact Linda Pritchardat VCVS. E-mail: linda@valecvs.org.uk or Tel: 01446 741706

Free Health e-BulletinVCVS produces a comprehensive time specific health e-bulletin each week which isdistributed by e-mail to interested parties. If you would like to be added to the mailing listplease contact Ceri Venners at VCVS tel: 01446 741706 or e-mail:ceri@valecvs.org.uk

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Additional IT 1-2-1 based courses (delivered by VCVS):VCVS is offering computer based IT training in Microsoft Office 2010, including Word,Publisher and Access on a 1-2-1 basis. The price of this training for a three hour sessioncosts from just £30 per delegate (up to a maximum of £50 depending on your group’sincome). Please contact VCVS before enclosing your fee. IT training can be tailored tosuit the needs of your organisation.

Additional IT 1-2-1 based courses (delivered by an externaltrainer):VCVS is able to offer additional courses for its members delivered by a local trainer. Thecourse being offered is Microsoft Excel. The course fees are £60 for 3 hours per delegate.

For further details or booking the 1-2-1 courses please contact Mark Stillman atVCVS on telephone: 01446 741706, e-mail: mark@valecvs.org.uk

2014 - 2015Training & EventsCourse Date Venue Time Fee

Staff Recruitment & Selection 6thNovember

VCVS 10am - 4pm £20

First Aid - appointed personcertificate

12thNovember

VCVS 9.45am - 1pm £40

Internet Fundraising 19thNovember

VCVS 10am - 1pm £20

POVA Level 1 26thNovember

VCVS 10am - 12.30pm £20

An Introduction to Social Media —an absolute beginners guide (seepage 3 for further details)

22ndJanuary2015

VCVS 10am - 4pm £40

Tackling Twitter Workshop (seepage 15 for further details)

28th January2015

VCVS 10am - 1pm £40

Tackling Twitter Workshop (seepage 15 for further details)

12thFebruary2015

VCVS 1pm - 4pm £40

Please complete the booking form on VCVS’ website at:http://www.valecvs.org.uk/training/training-booking-form or scanthe QR Code on the right.

For a hard copy of a booking form and non-member rates for allcourses, please contact VCVS on 01446 741706 or e-mailvcvs@valecvs.org.uk

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Learning Disability Wales TrainingMaking Information Easy to Read and Understand level 116 October in CardiffA one day course to help you include and inform people by making written information that isclear and easy to read and understand. After the course you will be able to use clear words,sentences and grammar, work out the relevant information to be included in an easy readdocument, use pictures and images to make information clear and get going straight awaymaking accessible documents.

Positive Ways of Changing Behaviour20 November in CardiffThis course will help better understand 'difficult' or 'challenging behaviour' in people with anAutistic Spectrum Disorder and positive ways to help change these behaviours.

Positive and Productive Meetings6 January 2015 in CardiffThis course will help you facilitate meetings where people can listen carefully, think clearlyand make effective decisions together. It will help you make the most of the time we spendin meetings and how to get the best out of everyone there.

For further details please contact:Learning Disability Wales, Direct tel: 029 2068 1174, reception: 029 2068 1160website: www.ldw.org.uk

Learning Disability Wales AnnualConferenceThis year Learning Disability Wales’ annual conference, Shine!, will be held on 25th and 26th

November 2014 in Newport, South Wales.

We will be focusing on the theme of reaching our potential and celebrating achievement andsuccess in the lives of people with a learning disability. We will have a lively mix of interactiveand informative workshops, speakers and drama looking at topics such as:

ways children, young people and adults can reach their potential what services can do to help everyone reach their potential how people can achieve in employment and learning how families and communities can support children, young people and adults to

reach their potential how inclusion empowers people to reach their potential

For further information please visit our website: www.ldw.org.uk If you wouldlike more information on the conference or to book your place please contactHarriett Johnson e-mail: harriett.johnson@ldw.org.uk or tel: 029 2068 1161.

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Tackling Twitter WorkshopsDates of courses: Wednesday 28 January 2015 (10am –1pm) OR Thursday 12 February 2015 (1pm – 4pm)Length of course: 3 hoursPrice: £30 (including light refreshments)Venue: VCVS (Unit 9, First Floor)

This workshop is for “Twitter beginners” and people that want to improve their confidence ofusing it to reach a wider audience. Also if your organisation is not using social media and yourecognise engagement as not just being through face-to-face or e-mail communication thenTwitter is for you! The benefits are endless and it’s a free social media platform.

Learning outcomes:

You will be able to:

set up a Twitter account send, reply to and delete a tweet use handles and hashtags effectively engage in a Twitter conversation use lists recognise Twitter etiquette and good practice choose a Twitter dashboard e.g. Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, Sobees integrate Twitter into your social media strategy

To book on the course please contact Mark Stillman at VCVSTel: 01446 741706, E-mail: mark@valecvs.org.uk or complete theform on our website: http://www.valecvs.org.uk/tackling-twitter-workshop or scan the QR Code on the right.

Digital Inclusion Event 17th OctoberOctober 13th to 19th will see the celebration of digital inclusion during national Get OnlineWeek, with dozens of events taking place throughout the UK. In the Vale of Glamorgan, theheadline event will be Explore Digital, an open door event in Barry County Library with usefuland exciting digital activities and taster sessions for (future) IT users of all ages and abilities.

You are warmly invited to join us on 17th October at 11am to take a look at the differentactivities taking place together with local media and Finance Minister Jane Hutt AM.

You can follow and promote national Get Online Week through the #GOLW hashtag, which isalready trending on Twitter with several posts a day. Please feel free to link into this network,of which you are now part thanks to your contribution to Explore Digital in Barry.

For further details of the event please see the back cover.

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Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan werepleased to launch a new website attheir recent Annual GeneralMeeting. The AGM was wellattended by members andrepresentatives from partnerorganisations and was opened byJane Hutt, AM.

The website, designed by local webdesigner Crystal Hinam of LittleBirdie Studio is a welcome addition tothe organisation. As well as providingup to date information about whatthe organisation offers, it alsocontains useful information on otherkeys areas: partner organisations,current legislation such as the mentalhealth measures, information onwhat’s available in the community, acelebration of recovery with the

Access up-to-date information fromMind’s new website

Citizens Advice Services in BarryCardiff and Vale Citizens Advice Bureau in conjunction with Vale of Glamorgan Communities

First are now having outreach sessions at:

Barry Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road, Barry CF62 9DAEvery Tuesday between 10am-1pm and

Victoria Park Community Centre, Church Road, Barry CF63 1JYEvery Thursday between 1pm-3pm

Visit us for a 15 minute assessment where an adviser will establish how to help you.A further appointment may be necessary.

If you need advice over the telephone:Adviceline Cymru Tel: 08444 77 20 20 Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm

For online help please visit our website: www.adviceguide.org.uk

inclusion of some really inspiring storiesfrom people who access support from Mindin the Vale and much more.

Take a lookat www.mindinthevale.org.uk

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Introducing the new WitchellCommunity CentreBarry has welcomed the opening of a new community facility in the town. The WitchellCommunity Centre, Barry was officially opened with many guests and VIP’s including AlunCairns MP and Jane Hutt AM joining in the fanfare to celebrate.

Local Councillor Richard Bertin officially cut the ribbon to make the centre open for business.He said: “I am really pleased that Sue and Dave Illman with the help of Welsh Governmentfunding helped to deliver this facility for the local community.”

“They spent two hard years on the project with the end result being an excellent newcommunity facility for all the local community.”

Sue Illman added: “I am really pleased with end result and the hard work of everyoneinvolved has really paid off. Thank you to all those who helped make the Witchell facility areality.”

The hall is being used for the following:-

Bizzie Bees Play Group, Mon – Friday mornings Goshin, Tai Chi Mon 5.15 – 6.15pm Goshin Karate Mon 6.30 – 7.30pm Ti a Fi (Mother & Toddler) Tue 1.30 – 2.30pm Welsh Language Adult Learning Wed 3.45 – 4.45pm 2nd/4th Barry Beaver Scouts (6 – 8 yrs) Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm 2nd/4th Barry Cub Scouts (8 – 10 1/2 yrs) Wed 6.30 – 8pm Thursday’s PSCO PACT Meetings every 8 weeks, Treharne

Residents Assn meetings every 6 weeks, plus other ad-hocmeetings or parties

2nd/4th Barry Scouts (10 1/2 – 14 1/2 yrs) Fri 7 – 9pm Saturdays & Sundays free for private hire/parties

To book the hall please tel: 01446 413193 ore-mail: pepsi.cat@ntlworld.com

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‘Why did I survive, when so many died?Perhaps I survived to bear witness, to keepthe memory alive’ Iby Knill, survivor ofAuschwitz.

On 27 January, we mark HolocaustMemorial Day (HMD) by remembering themillions killed in the Holocaust, under Nazipersecution and in subsequent genocidesin Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.We honour the survivors and reflect uponthe lessons of their experiences tochallenge hatred and persecution andprevent future atrocities.

For HMD 2015 we are asking you to keepthe memory alive by exploring and sharingthe powerful stories of survivors in a yearthat marks two important anniversaries –the 70th anniversary of the liberation ofAuschwitz-Birkenau and the 20th

anniversary of the Genocide in Srebrenica,Bosnia.

Over 2,400 local activities took place tomark Holocaust Memorial Day last year –in public spaces, libraries, schools anduniversities, cinemas, prisons, workplacesand many more. Holocaust Memorial DayTrust (HMDT) has a wealth of resources

for people interested in organising an HMDactivity in 2015 – however large or small.

There are some fantastic free resourcesand support available to assist organisers.Please see some handy links on the HMDwebsite. The pack http://www.hmd.org.uk/campaign-pack waslaunched Monday 15 September andcontain lots of information including somelife stories and education resourcestranslated in Welsh language. Go towww.hmd.org.uk to find out more orcontact the National Support Worker forWales – Sally Richards by e-mailingsally.wales@hmd.org.uk

Within the free resources there are somelife stories pertinent for the 2015 theme ofkeeping the memory alive. There are alsobook and film reviews, lesson plans,posters, podcasts, films, presentations etc.http://www.hmd.org.uk/page/resources-your-activity

View the registered events at http://www.hmd.org.uk/events/find/Wales

Holocaust Memorial Day – keeping thememory alive

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Do you enjoy driving? Do you have some free time? Would you like to help people in your local area by becoming a volunteer car driver for

Age Connect Cardiff and Vale?

You can give as little or as much time as you wish whatever fits around your othercommitments. Volunteer drivers are needed in the Barry area to take clients of Age Connectto hospital appointments, doctors visits and shopping. A mileage allowance will be given.

Please contact Nicola Rockett, Co-ordinator for further information tel:01446747654.

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New organisation to arrange free datasecurity support for charitiesA new scheme matching up IT professionals from the private sector to providefree advice on security and data protection to charities has beenannounced. The GiveADay initiative will see senior technology professionals fromUK companies paired up with charities according to their needs. So far almost100 IT professionals, including Andrezj Kawalec, chief technology officer at HP,have joined the scheme.

Amar Singh, GiveADay founder and dataprivacy and security executive said:“Charities are in a particularly vulnerableposition – they hold a lot of sensitive dataon both their service users and donors.” Headded that the requirement for charities toreport data breaches to the InformationCommissioner’s Office “results indisproportionate fines to the third sectorplus the stigma of adverse publicity that canseverely impact on operations andfundraising ability”.

Earlier this year the British PregnancyAdvisory Service was fined £200,000 by theICO after an anti-abortion hacker gainedaccess to thousands of client names,addresses and phone numbers andthreatened to publish them. Norwood hasalso been fined.

The Charities Securities Forum (CSF) haswelcomed the launch of GiveADay. MartynCroft, co-founder of the CSF and chiefinformation officer at the Salvation Army,said:“For GiveADay to facilitate easy access tofreely given expertise in this way is afantastic opportunity for all charities to

further enhance the information security soessential to their work.”

Charities that have already signed up toreceive support include Cancer ResearchUK, Great Ormond Street Hospital’sChildren’s Charity and Future First. IanChivers, director of finance and operationsat GOSHCC, said: “Our members – serviceusers and supporters alike – trust us with alot of their personal data. Protecting theirprivate information is of utmost importanceto us and we are delighted that the UK’sbest talent are willing to help us with this,via the GiveADay movement.”

GiveADay has established an advisoryboard, which is is made up of AndrzejKawalec, CTO of HP; Edward Tucker, headof cyber security at HMRC; Sarah Clarke, anexperienced risk and governanceconsultant; Brian Honan of BH Consulting;Neira Jones, an independent securityadviser; Jason Shankaradasan and JasonWaterman, both of Badenoch & Clark.

Charities can register to receivesupport from GiveADay online athttp://www.giveaday.co.uk/

Nearly New Sale

Saturday 15 November at Bryntirion Comp School, Cefn Glas BRIDGEND CF31 4QR from11.00am–12.30pm. Entrance £1 donation / adult (for National Childbirth Trust Charity no.801395) Baby / kid’s clothes, toys, books, baby equipment, maternity wear, prams etc

For further information please visit: www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/southwales

The Vale Volunteer Bureau column

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VCVS incredibly low printingprices for Members - 70% lower!VCVS Members can now benefit from having full colour printing produced byVCVS from 6.7p per A4 single sided sheet, so why not contact us for a quote?

The new prices are 70% less for full colour printing than we could offer previously. VCVSprides itself on providing the best service possible to its membership. Our black ink printingservice is also very competitive and starts from as little as 2p per A4 sheet. These priceswill help make every voluntary group’s promotional publicity look professional.

VCVS has recently obtained a new photocopier secured through a lease on a WelshGovernment Procurement initiative developed specifically for charities. This initiative isavailable to all registered charities and public sector bodies.

If you would like a quote or further details about the procurement initiativeplease contact Mark Stillman at VCVS for details, tel: 01446 741706,e-mail: mark@valecvs.org.uk

Vale Volunteer Bureau is delighted to announce the launch of a newvolunteers recognition scheme

Volunteer Star Award is an hours based scheme in whichvolunteers can gain certificates for completing 50, 100 and200 hours of volunteering. The aim of the programme is torecognise the effort and time spent by volunteers who givetheir time to help support their local community.

The programme is open to anyone under the age of 14, orover the age over 25. Volunteers aged 14-25 are eligible tojoin the Millennium Volunteers programme.

All volunteers need to do is complete a registration pack, return to VVB and then startrecording their volunteering hours and return to us when a benchmark is achieved. We’llthen invite the volunteer to one of our events to receive their certificate. Registrationpacks and FAQ’s are available on our website or you can collect one in person from one ofour offices.

Barry Office: 34, Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4HD Llantwit Major Office (restrictedopening hours): 21b Boverton Road, Llantwit Major, CF61 1XZ TelephoneNumber: 01446 421782 E-mail: info@vvb.org.uk Website: www.vvb.org.uk