www.avow.org

Issue No. 64 Autumn 2014

Charity Number 1043989 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 2993429

www.avow.org

For regular news and updates, follow us on:

/AVOWWrexham @AVOWWrexham

NEWS More cuts on the way?WCBC have been made to identify another £4m in savings for the budget 2015/16 – this is in addition to the £8m already identified for the same year. Cuts to services are inevitable and in the Council Executive meeting on 5th August 2014 it emerged that a total of £500,000 might be cut from Third and Faith sector and Advice services.

It was stated at the meeting that none of the proposals are set in stone and that a longer and fuller consultation will be conducted. A report on the Third Sector Review will go before the Council’s Executive at its next meeting on 9th September 2014. This will be available on the WCBC website nearer the time and questions/statements can be presented at these meetings subject to protocol.

Further information can be found on page 8, but find your voice for the future of the Third Sector in Wrexham.

2 www.avow.org

030405060708091011121314

IN THIS ISSUEAVOW Sponsored Walk 2014

Nelson Mandela Day/AVOW AGM

AVOW Christmas Reception

AVOW Health and Wellbeing Day

The Noticeboard

Third and Faith Sector Review

Heart of Volunteering/Volunteering Celebration

Only men in the Kitchen/Office Accommodation

Heritage Lottery Fund Surgery/Landfill Community Fund

Play team update/Employers increase in sick pay

Change the channel

Training

3 www.avow.org

IN THIS ISSUE

AVOW Sponsored Walk 2014In July members and staff from AVOW together with volunteers from Wrexham Carers, Breakthrough Foundation, ADHD North Wales, New Broughton Community Centre and Splash Community Trust braved the stormy and wet weather by taking part in a sponsored walk from Trevor to Llangollen and return.The AVOW group were raising funds for the M.A.D (Make a Difference) grant scheme to distribute to worthwhile community projects in Wrexham County Borough. 100% of the funds that are raised are distributed locally, and in the past 12 months more than £8,000 has been allocated.

Other organisations joined the event to raise funds for their own causes.

There were two walks available to accommodate all needs and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite the weather. Collectively just short of £1,000 for was raised the sector.

Because of its success, it’s likely AVOW will do another walk next year for organisations to raise their own funds and strengthen the Third Sector in Wrexham County Borough. AVOW staff, volunteers and Trustees will also enjoy another social walk in late September 2014 – let us know if you’d like to join us on either of these walks.

If anyone wishes to make a donation for the M.A.D fund to recognise the valiant efforts of the walkers, go to www.avow.org and click on the donate icon at the top of the page or send to AVOW, Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND.

4 www.avow.org

AVOW Celebrates Nelson Mandela Day

AVOW AGM

Trustees, Staff and Volunteers of AVOW celebrated Nelson Mandela Day by participating in 67 minutes of volunteering (representing his 67 years fight for freedom) at the Salvation Army, Wrexham.Participants laboured away in the sun clearing weeds, moss and litter that had accumulated in the grounds of the Citadel. Major Ian McCredie of the Salvation Army was overwhelmed by the response of AVOW and the work carried out. As it said on one person’s T-shirt “we’re in it for the outcome, not the income!”

If you wish to volunteer for your community, please call in to the Volunteer Centre, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, to discuss the large variety of volunteering opportunities available.

This year the AVOW AGM was held in conjunction with Nelson Mandela Day and hosted a number of African community groups and voluntary organisations.BAWSO, Gobaith I Ethiopia, Kenyan Schools, Maelor School African link, Coleg Cambrian – Challenge South Africa and The Christ Apostolic Church all had stalls to share information about their respective services. It was great to see the diverse African communities of Wrexham together in one place.

John Leece Jones, Chair of AVOW said “Thanks to those who came to the AGM following the last minute re-arrangement due to the clash with the Freedom of the Borough Ceremony. Despite the change in timing it was good to welcome the Minister for Local Government and Government Business – Lesley Griffiths AM as guest speaker and to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day and many thanks to those who volunteered in the morning.”

5 www.avow.org

AVOW Christmas reception

Friday 19th December, 201412noon to 2pm

Catrin Finch CentreGlyndŵr University

The AVOW Christmas Reception is an ideal opportunity to network with the wider voluntary and community sector of Wrexham County

Borough

For more information;Email kate.davies@avow.org or call 01978 312556

Diary marker

6 www.avow.org

AVOW Health and Wellbeing DayTo help AVOW implement its Health and Wellbeing Strategy, all staff, trustees and volunteers were invited to an Away Day of workshops and guidance on being healthy and looking after your wellbeing.The strategy has been devised as part of AVOW’s Silver Award of the Small Healthy Workplace Awards and the Away Day was a consultation exercise to explore what people feel about health and wellbeing and what AVOW can offer as a good employer.

It was a really successful day with everyone participating and some really great innovative ideas coming forward. Next step is an action plan to implement some of the proposals.

If any organisation would like help devising a Health and Wellbeing Strategy or even facilitating an Away Day please contact Victoria Milner on 01978 312556 or victoria.milner@avow.org

6

7 www.avow.org

Men given time off for antenatal appointmentsOn 1 October 2014 employees will get the statutory right to take time off to attend antenatal appointments if they are in a “qualifying relationship” with a pregnant woman. Male employees will be able to request time off to attend a maximum of two antenatal appointments (up to six and a half hours for each one) but such time off doesn’t have to be paid.

The Noticeboard

Right to flexible working

From 30 June 2014 every employee has

the statutory right to request flexible

working after 26 weeks employment

service. (Before 30 June 2014, the right

only applied to parents of children under

the age of 17 (or 18 if the child is disabled)

and certain carers.

Right to work - a new online checker

Help from Gov.uk. There can be serious consequences for

an employer if they employ someone who doesn’t have the

legal right to work in the UK.

The government has launched a new online tool that allows

employers to check whether or not someone has the legal

right to work in the UK. Simply answer the five questions -

there’s no need to give any names - and all will be revealed at

the end.

https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk

Welcome to scope

AVOW is pleased to welcome Scope as a new Licencee

at Ty Avow. Scope have recently taken occupation of

room 18 in the building

Scope exists to make the country a place where

disabled people have the same opportunities as

everyone else.

7

www.avow.org

8 www.avow.org

You can read AVOW’s Newsletters online, visit www.avow.org/publicationsYou will find there AVOW’s quarterly Newsletter; Health, Social Care and Wellbeing and Wrexham Carers

Service Newsletters as well as Funding Bulletin.

Third and Faith Sector Review,

Reshaping Services – and Together in

WrexhamIf you are associated with a Third Sector organisation in Wrexham County Borough you must have heard about the above initiatives. All of which are in some way designed to save public money whilst improving the relationship the Local Authority has with its providers and citizens. AVOW has found it challenging to engage with the processes but we have:

• Worked through the Third Sector Liaison Group

• Worked with the Council’s Contracts and Audit Departments; and more latterly;

• Through communication with Council Directors and Lead Members.

Whatever the perspective, there is less money available and it is important to work more economically and collaboratively. However when making decisions about future funding of organisations or services it is vital that those involved understand:-

• The cumulative effect of such action on communities

• The potential for destabilising an organisation which provides a range of additional much needed activities and;

• The risks of losing substantial funding from charitable sources should they choose decommissioning.

“Together in Wrexham” is the Council’s framework to reframe its relationship with the community; they say;

“The core purpose of Together in Wrexham is to empower communities in Wrexham to take more responsibility and more control for improving services, relationships and the quality of life in the places where they live, thereby making communities more sustainable in the future.”

The Framework is still under development and isn’t publicly available; however a recent WCBC Executive Board report referred to Time Banks. This is a system which rewards volunteering by giving vouchers or credits for hours of volunteering which can be exchanged for services locally. Whilst Time Banks are a means of engaging people, they do not really increase volunteering since the activities are undertaken for a reward thereby detracting from the altruistic act of selfless giving for community benefit. Introducing Time Banks might actually impact negatively on current volunteering.

There is a lot to consider but we all need to be part of these processes. AVOW will be pushing to have an open and public debate and to review the Third Sector Liaison Group to make it fit for purpose for the complex and challenging environment we operate in today; but organisations should:-

• Keep an eye on budget reports to the Council’s Executive Board

• Be alert and respond to the current consultation on Time Banks; and

• Participate fully in the expected Budget Consultation this September

otherwise the full impact of potential cuts to your organisation and your beneficiaries may go unnoticed until you receive a letter of termination of contract.

9 www.avow.org

Heart of Volunteering Day

AVOW Volunteer Celebration Summer Event

Saturday 7th June saw the start of National Volunteers Week and National Heart Week. To celebrate AVOW held a “Heart of Volunteering” fun day in the heart of Wrexham! The event kicked off with the Official Opening by The Mayor at 10.30am at Queen’s Square. There was entertainment on the main stage all day including music, dancing theatre and sign language dance. Over 30 voluntary organisations had stalls, providing a range of activities and information for all ages. This year AVOW had organisations focusing on health, where there were tips and information about keeping healthy and independent. AVOW Mascot Ollie was on hand for photo opportunities and helped fundraise for AVOW’s Making and Difference Grant Fund for local charities. There was something interesting and fun for all the family – despite the rain!

AVOW Trustees and Staff held its Annual Volunteer Celebration event at Wrexham Memorial Hall with the Heart of Volunteering as a theme. This year, over 27,000 volunteering hours from volunteers of all ages were celebrated in Wrexham County Borough.John Leece Jones, Chair of AVOW, presented Volunteer Star Awards and Millennium Volunteers Certificates to volunteers and Long Service, Outstanding Contributions and WCVA Volunteer of the Year Highly Commended Awards were presented to volunteers by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham; (Councillor T Alan and Mrs Glenys Edwards.)

A special mention was made of the voluntary work of Ellie De Bolla, who was awarded the WCVA Volunteer of the Year Highly Commended Award as well as the Millennium Volunteer and Volunteer Star Awards Certificates and to Louise Bollington, who volunteers her time as a Counsellor for carers in the Wrexham area via Wrexham Carers Service.

Entertainment was provided by Dylan and David and Singing Hands, and guests were served a healthy lunch by volunteers from WARM (Wrexham Addictions Recovery Meetings) Recovery Café and cupcakes prepared by EmzCakes: The Creative Café.

Anyone who wishes to find out more about volunteering in the Wrexham area can contact Wrexham Volunteer Centre on 01978 312556 or email vb@avow.org. Volunteers can also visit www.volunteering-wales.net to view opportunities online.

10 www.avow.org

Only Men allowed in the KitchenWith funding from the Sainsbury’s Welsh Community Fund, Wrexham Carers Service has enabled male carers to brush up on their cooking skills.

The 7 week ‘Community Food & Nutrition Skills’ course was put on at the request of male carers who wished for additional support with providing nutritional meals for themselves and their loved ones.

Topics included the eat well plate, benefits of good nutrition and adapting recipes to make them healthier and the men got to practice their skills by making a healthy nutritious meal from scratch.

Roger Moore of Wrexham Carers Service said, “The aim of the course was to introduce male carers into the kitchen environment and teach them various cooking techniques aimed at preparing and cooking a healthy and nutritional meal for their loved ones.”.

There are over 17,000 carers living in the Wrexham area alone. If you would like to find out more about Wrexham Carers Service or the Male Carer Support Group, please contact us on 0800 276 1070 or email carers@avow.org, or simply pop into AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham for further details.

FacilitiesCentral Location (adjoining bus station)Furnished or unfurnishedPassenger lift to the first floor available

For more information please contact Ken Rowlands: ken.rowlands@avow.org | 01978 312556

Office Accommodationat Ty Avow

Reception, Internet & Telephone facilitiesMeeting / Conference roomsPhotocopying services on site

11 www.avow.org

Heritage Lottery Fund surgery

Landfill Community Fund (LCF) – the Future?

Monday 13th October 2014At the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) we know that some community and voluntary groups are nervous of filling in grant application forms. This is why we offer a one-to-one advice service where you can meet officers and talk through your project and the process of applying for a grant. We have a clear heritage focus but that doesn’t just mean old buildings. It can also include history and heritage reflected through communities,

people’s memories and stories, and working with young people to explore ideas of identity and place.

Sally Roberts and Julie Furber, Development Officers at HLF, will be offering one-to-one advice sessions between 1 and 4 at the AVOW Offices, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND on Monday 13th October 2014.

If you would like to book a 1:1 slot please contact Emmelia Booth on 029 2034 3413 or Emmelia.booth@hlf.org.uk.

You will need to provide us with some basic information before the meeting itself and ask that is done via our website www.hlf.org.uk/english/howtoapply

Do you manage a community building or facility?Does it need an upgrade or repair?Are you considering applying for a grant from the Landfill Community Fund?If so, we would urge you to do this sooner rather than later, as proposed legislation may affect the LCF in Wales, and change the purposes for which it can be used.

As the Landfill Community Fund (LCF) originates from the Landfill Tax, it is likely to be affected by the proposed Wales Bill, which intends to devolve tax and borrowing powers to the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government has a policy of allocating funds in accordance with their strategic priorities, so when this legislation is passed, there will be no guarantee that the LCF will continue in its current form. So, if you are eligible for a grant under the current criteria, you would be well advised to apply sooner rather than later ~ just in case.

Under the current Landfill Community Fund (LCF) criteria, grants are available for:

• Improvement to community amenities or facilities, for a recreational or leisure activity.

• For the conservation of identified species or habitats that, are detailed in a Biodiversity Action Plan.

• To maintain, repair or restore places of religious worship, or listed historical buildings or structures.

Eligible applicants can be charities, voluntary and community groups, environmental organisations, constituted not-for-private-profit organisations, local authorities and even government bodies. Projects must be based within 10 miles of a landfill site. There are a number of different LCF distributors across Wales. Those in Wrexham are listed below;

• WREN, located at the Pen-y-bont site, Chirk. Website: www.wren.org.uk

• Cory Environmental Trust in Britain. Located at the Hafod site, Johnstown. Website: http://www.coryenvironmental.co.uk/page/cetbhomepage.htm

• Cemex – Located at Ballswood Quarry, Gegin Lane, Llay. - Website: http://www.cemexcf.org.uk/

For more information, contact Heather Hicks at AVOW: 01978 312556 or heather.hicks@avow.org

12 www.avow.org

Play teamThe AVOW Play Team have had another extremely successful summer providing free, open access play sessions to hundreds of children within Wrexham County Borough. The team work across Brynteg, Brymbo, Cefn Mawr, Gwersyllt, Llay, Pant, Penycae & Pentre Broughton, as well as in their flagship project ‘The Land’ which is an Adventure Playground based in Plas Madoc. ‘The Land’ has received worldwide recognition for the opportunities it provides and children who use it are also about to star in an upcoming documentary which was made by American filmmaker Erin Davis and her crew during a month long visit to the Playground last year. The documentary film is due to be released in Autumn 2014. We can’t wait to see it!

During the summer the AVOW Play Team helped in this year’s Playday which was attended by thousands of people, from children right through to grandparents. Playday is the UK wide annual celebration of Children’s Right to Play and takes place every August on the first Wednesday of the month with this year’s theme being “Play is…?” Wrexham celebrates National Playday each year by holding a large scale, free and open access play event in Wrexham town centre on Queen’s Square and Llwyn Isaf.

If you would like any more information regarding what we do or the sessions we provide i.e. days, times and locations of sessions etc. then please contact Claire Griffiths (Play Department Manager) on 01978 813912.

Employers face an increase in Sick Pay costsAlthough it is a legal requirement to pay SSP to eligible employees, did you know that SSP has become an absolute cost to the employer from 6th April 2014. The Percentage Threshold Scheme (PTS), which allows employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in certain circumstances, was abolished from 6 April 2014.Under PTS employers can reclaim SSP where the SSP paid is more than 13% of the Class 1 NIC due for the month. Employers are not entitled to recover any of the SSP paid to their employees unless they qualify for the reimbursement scheme.

The government has announced that the current PTS funding will be moved into a new scheme to help employees who have been incapacitated for four weeks or more get back to work as part of the government’s Health Work and Wellbeing Initiative. This scheme is expected to be available by the end of 2014.

13 www.avow.org

MUSIC-DANCE-DRAMAFriday 21st November 2014William Aston Hall, Wrexham

Following on from last year’s successful Extravaganza Concert, AVOW are putting on another show just for you! We are looking for groups to be involved in the production as well as organisations able to promote and sell the tickets (on a profit share basis). Please contact Victoria Milner if you are interested;

victoria.milner@avow.org

THE ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN WREXHAM PRESENTS

13

£5 Per Ticket

14 www.avow.org

Training courses from AVOWA full description of each course can be found on our website.

To book onto any of these courses, visit www.avow.org, call us on 01978 312556 or email communitycourses@avow.org.

All courses are at Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND (unless otherwise stated)

TrainingUpdates and upcoming training courses

www.wcva.org.uk

www.flvc.org.uk

Employment Law 17th September 2014

Confidence & Credibility 30th September 2014

Data Protection 16th October 2014

Other CoursesNone of the below courses are run by AVOW.

Please contact the respective organisation/trainer for more information on the course and how to book

All courses are at Workforce Development Learning Centre, Library HQ, Mold, Flintshire. CH7 6NW (unless otherwise stated)

Blood borne Virus Training17th September 2014Training to Train 22nd September 2014Carer’s Needs Assessments22nd September 2014Dementia Awareness Level 1 24th September 2014

Writing your Safeguarding Policy 23rd September 2014, RhylWales Third Sector Funding Conference 2014 2nd October 2014, Rhyl