Could you help to make sure Merthyr Tydfil is represented in national research?

Baromedr Cymru is the new Welsh voluntary sector ‘barometer’ organised by WCVA and Nottingham Trent University. The rolling data source will provide an up-to-date picture on what’s happening across the voluntary sector in  Wales.

In return for completing a short survey each quarter, participants will receive personalised data that could be a game-changer in decision making.

WHAT DO YOU GET ACCESS TO?

Access to Baromedr Cymru will give you evidence to back up your funding applications and inform conversations with stakeholders and decision makers:

Every organisation that contributes will receive a personalised dashboard, showing how your responses compare to others across the sector. It’s a useful way to reflect, benchmark and plan.

Each quarterly ‘wave’ will be accompanied by a short report, highlighting findings and digging deeper into areas of particular interest.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

For those signed up, Baromedr Cymru will involve a short, quarterly survey asking organisations in Merthyr Tydfil about:

• Your financial position
• Volunteer and staffing pressures
• Demand for services
• Confidence about the future
• Plus a rotating section on ‘hot topics’ or areas we want to explore in more depth

Each organisation responds just once per quarter, typically via a staff member or volunteer who understands how the organisation is doing.

You can sign up HERE

Last year following consultation with VAMT members through the training and support questionnaire we circulated, our members said that they wanted more support and information regarding funding and governance.

To ensure we met the needs of our members we facilitated 16 Meet the Funder sessions from April to the end of November. A variety of training opportunities from First Aid, Safeguarding Group B, Bystander Intervention Training to Tea and Tec and Trauma Response, as well as Nest Framework and Chairing Effective Meetings supported 49 individuals with governance.

Here’s what’s coming up so far in January and February, keep an eye on our social media and your emails for further updates.

To book on any of our training and Meet the Funder sessions, contact karen.vowles@vamt.net or emily.whiteman-cranston@vamt.net

The Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Strategy Progress Report 2025 was published on 02 December. Alongside the progress report, we have also published:

• The Child Poverty Strategy Monitoring Framework which reports on robust population level data on a range of child poverty indicators and measures
• Evidence from people with lived experience of poverty to understand how policies and actions are, or are not, making a difference to the lives of children, young people and families at a household level.

The Welsh Government is committed to tackling child poverty as an absolute priority.

We want a Wales where children and young people can access their rights, enjoy wellbeing, and fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances (including their socio-economic circumstances).

We can’t do this alone. The important work of our partners in the public, third and private sectors, working with us, for families in poverty, is crucial if we are to have a real impact on child poverty in Wales.

 Together we can tackle poverty and deliver on the rights of all children and young people of Wales.

Find out more at: Child poverty strategy for Wales: strategy and progress | GOV.WALES

Tackling Poverty & Supp. Families/Trechu Tlodi a Chef. Teuluoedd TacklingPovertyAndSupportingFamilies@gov.wales

WCVA has launched Baromedr Cymru – the new Welsh voluntary sector barometer

What is Baromedr Cymru?

Baromedr Cymru is a new rolling data source designed to give an up-to-date, accurate picture of what’s really happening across the voluntary sector in Wales.

Why sign up?

By taking part, your organisation will gain:

• Personalised data each quarter to support evidence-based decision making.
• Access to a sector-wide dashboard showing key trends and how they are changing over time.

What’s involved?

Participation is simple. Each quarter, a nominated staff member or volunteer from your organisation completes a short survey – taking just 10–15 minutes.

How does it benefit you?

For a small investment of time, you’ll receive insights that could make a real difference – helping you plan, adapt, and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

https://wcva.cymru/views/get-sector-insights-to-support-your-decision-making/

Here’s the link VCSE Analytics Dashboard | Revolutionary Data Intelligence Platform

If you need help completing this then please contact karen.vowles@vamt.net

The CABWI Charity is offering grants to support young people aged 16+ and adults to gain additional skills and confidence to enter the labour market and develop their careers, throughout the UK.

We are looking for projects that work with individuals who face complex barriers to employment, enabling them to move closer or into apprenticeships and jobs. Projects must offer life skills, employability support, new qualifications, work experience, and training.

In line with our heritage, we are also keen to support projects with a particular focus on the water, utilities, and construction industries

Projects can bid for up to £40,000 subject to eligibility requirements.

The next round of funding will open on Monday 5 January 2026. For more information please visit the website www.cabwi.org.uk

We will be hosting a webinar to outline the application process on Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 10:30-11:15 am.  To register and receive a link, send an email with “webinar” in the heading to grants@cabwi.org.uk

CABWI 6 Bevis Marks London EC3A 7BA registered charity 1157706 registered company 02638349