The ‘huge breadth’ of activities offered by the Welsh voluntary sector will be showcased as part of next week’s National Eisteddfod in Llanelli.
Wheelchair skills, Nordic walking, woodcarvings and Welsh love spoons will all be displayed by exhibitors at the stand hosted by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) from August 2-9.
There will also be a number of launches by the third sector umbrella group including a new translation service for WCVA members and a popular annual awards scheme specifically for voluntary organisations.
The Third Sector Awards Cymru invites groups to nominate their own and others they admire to win in one of six categories: the Class award for best communications; the environmental award; the health, social care and wellbeing award; the award for good governance; the award for innovative fundraising; and the award for the most admired organisation.
‘WCVA is always happy to be able to use Wales’s premier cultural event as a stage to show off the huge breadth of what our sector has to offer. WCVA is celebrating 80 years supporting the third sector in Wales, and we are proud of the important role we play in representing the interests of more than 3,000 voluntary organisations across Wales,’ said WCVA Acting Chief Executive, Phil Jarrold.
‘And we’re extremely grateful to sector services specialist Class Telecommunications for supporting the awards for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year – their backing is invaluable in helping us to continue to hold this popular annual event.’
Jonathan Levy, Class Telecommunications’ Chief Operating Officer, said: ‘Every year the Welsh third sector continues to impress with its hard work and determination to make a difference to lives across the country, and we are very pleased to be supporting these awards once again.
‘The Third Sector Awards Cymru are a way to give something back to the groups that make an often unheralded, but very real, positive impact on our communities.’
On Thursday, WCVA and Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru will announce a new, enhanced translation offer for members. WCVA members can take advantage of discount prices on translation and interpreting services from a number of society members.
‘Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru is very pleased to celebrate the WCVA’s 80th anniversary through this member benefit which will assist charities and voluntary organisations to use the Welsh language in their activities, and to emphasise the importance of using the services of a professional translator or interpreter,’ said Geraint Wyn Parry, the Chief Executive of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru.
Visitors to the stand will also be able to view the winning entries in WCVA’s Volunteering in action members’ photography competition.
WCVA stand timetable of events
(Events taking place all day, unless where stated)
Saturday 2 August: somewhereto_, a Big Lottery-funded national initiative to help 16 to 25-year-olds access space, will be presenting its work and showcasing the talents of young people.
Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids Club, which promotes affordable out of school childcare clubs, is running a Welsh love spoon workshop.
Sunday 3 August: Play Right, the Play Association for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, will be highlighting its Playful Communities mobile play project and running a crafts workshop.
Monday 4 August: The Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 initiative is presenting details of its Barry – a New Community project and exhibition about the growth of the town during the First World War.
Wales Remembers is a programme reflecting on the impact that the First World War had on Wales – and the impact Wales had on the First World War.
Also on Monday, family housing and support charity Hafan Cymru will be selling jute bags and announcing details of its forthcoming Masked Ball.
Tuesday 5 August: North Wales-based Business Supporting Communities (B2C), which creates mutually beneficial links between community groups and businesses, is showcasing partnership working.
Whizz-Kidz, a charity supporting disabled children across the UK to become confident and independent young adults, is inviting visitors to navigate a course set up by an expert wheelchair skills trainer.
Wednesday 6 August: At 11am, WCVA Chair Win Griffiths OBE will launch the 2014 Third Sector Awards Cymru, supported by Class Telecommunications.
Throughout the day, the Carmarthenshire branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) will be exhibiting and selling Christmas cards. And RCT People First will be talking about its support of people with learning disabilities to challenge prejudice and discrimination. WEA Cymru is also exhibiting a display of woodcarvings.
Thursday 7 August: From 11am-12pm, WCVA and Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws will be helping visitors find out how their organisation can attract donations with effective bilingual marketing, followed by a Q & A session.
From 2pm-4pm, WCVA and Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru are launching a new translation offer for WCVA members.
Friday 8 August: Welsh homelessness charity The Wallich will be explaining how it works with people who are without homes.
Saturday 9 August: Age Cymru is offering visitors the chance to try Nordic walking and Barnardo’s Cymru will be highlighting and celebrating the work of its volunteers.
