Merthyr Tydfil's Unsung Heros

Throughout 2016 St Tydfil Shopping Centre has been recognising amazing people in the local community with the Star Awards programme and it has one more unsung Merthyr hero to reward before the end of the year. 

The shopping centre is searching for an angel that deserves to be named Merthyr’s Christmas Star.  If you know someone who has dedicated their life to volunteering, or someone who is always putting others first, or maybe someone who has made a positive impact on the town, the shopping centre would like to hear about them.

To nominate, simply email sttydfil@pmwcom.co.uk or post your nomination to St Tydfil’s Christmas Star, c/o PMW Communications, PO Box 167, Devon, EX39 9DU explaining why they deserve to win. 

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Sunday 11th December and the winner of Merthyr’s Christmas Star competition will win a selection of prizes. All entries should include both the nominator and nominee’s names and contact telephone numbers.

FREE Volunteer Management Training for groups working in Merthyr Tydfil

Dates have been set for the ever popular Volunteer Management training run annually by VAMT and Interlink, and thank to Cwm Taf Social Care Workforce Development Partnership we have up to 15 FREE places for groups working in Merthyr Tydfil.  For 2017, the training is being run over 4 days rather than 6.
Dates are:
11 and 12 January (at Interlink) - Introduction to Volunteering, Preparing for Volunteers, Recruiting Volunteers

25 and 25 January (at VAMT) Volunteer Selection and Induction, and Getting the Best from your Volunteers.

Places are limited - email training@vamt.net  to book your place now.

3Gs Marks retirement of two of its long serving volunteers

Ann Berry and Mary Hagerty who finished volunteering at 3Gs last week ; they have been volunteering for over 15 years, collecting for the Credit Union at 3Gs along with many other duties over the years. They are both local residents.

Cheryl Hagerty said "We are eternally grateful to them. Without fail every Tuesday they came to 3Gs to staff our collection point. W e presented them with flowers and chocolates to say a massive thank you for the commitment they have shown ."

Looking for a Grant?

Why not find out more about Merthyr Valleys Homes Grants and Sponsorship here

Merthyr Tydfil Mendicants win the Nicola Park Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering

Congratulations to Merthyr Tydfil Mendicants who won the Nicola Park Award 2016 which was presented at VAMT's AGM on 18 November. 

John Goff is pictured being presented the award by Dawn Bowden AM and Ian Davy, VAMT's Chief Officer here

Read more about the Mendicants plus a review of the AGM in Inform, VAMT's hard copy magazine which should be with you next week.

VAMT's Annual Report

VAMT's  Annual Report is now available to view here

Come along and join in the fun of walking football - right here in Merthyr Tydfil

Free Information Day - Fertility Network UK

Quick Reminder - Inform December 2016

Just a reminder that the deadline for news for December's Inform is Tuesday 15 November.  Many thanks, and look forward to hearing from you,  Send any information you'd like to see published to Hilary.edwards@vamt.net

Job Vacancy with Drink Wise Age Well

Drugaid currently have a vacancy for a Prevention Worker with their Drink Wise Age Well project.    The job description is available here

An English job advert is here  and a Welsh job advert here

Inform December 2016

The closing date for articles for the December edition of Inform 2016 is 15 November 2016.  If you've got something you'd like to share with the sector across Merthyr Tydfil, a new service or event, a funding success or just what you're up to, then articles are always welcome.  Just email hilary.edwards@vamt.net

We've also got the Focus On slot free, so if you'd like to showcase your organisation please let me know asap - first come, first served.

Previous editions of Inform are available at www.vamt.net

Safeguarding Level 1 Training 15 November

A Safeguarding Level 1 course will run on Tuesday 15^th November 4pm - 6:30pm  in the JM room at VAMT, which is free of charge 

The Learning Outcomes are…

¢  Have an awareness of what is meant by child abuse and neglect and learn about the possible signs, symptoms and indicators of abuse and neglect

¢  Understand the main legislation and policies for working together to safeguard children,

¢  Know how to report any concerns that a child had been abused or neglected

If you'd like to attend, please email training@vamt.net