Third Sector Trends study has gone incredibly well with 8,630 survey returns in 2025 from across England and Wales so far.

We have 638 responses from Wales. To do analysis in different areas in Wales, though, we could still do with a good few more (our target was 750) before the survey closes tomorrow at midnight (Tuesday 30th September).

If you’d prefer to do the survey in Welsh, you can, just click here.  And if you’re involved with several charities, then choose the one where you are currently spending more time. 

If you’re worried about anything, please feel free to contact me, Professor Tony Chapman, St Chad's College, Durham University, 18 North Bailey, Durham DH1 3RH, tony.chapman@durham.ac.uk.

Respond to this survey

A Toolkit for Supporting Someone with Dementia.

This accredited course is available in October to anybody who would find it useful and will be delivered online to allow for flexible studying.

This short course works through the main issues encountered by many families with practical advice and an assessment that can be used with your loved one. This illness affects people differently and wading through mounds of information can be very demoralising. The course is delivered through mini presentations and the tasks can be worked through at your own pace. Learners will be guided by qualified professionals and learn from the stories of those who have been through the process.

The course fee is only £70 however we offer a Fee Waver Scheme that is currently available to individuals in Wales who would not otherwise have access to higher education including paid and unpaid carers.

For further information about the course and to book, go to: Current Courses  : Lifelong Learning , Aberystwyth University

ASIST & SAFETALK Training

Have You Booked? Places Available

✅ ASIST (2 days) Tuesday 21^st & Wednesday 22^nd October (09:00-17:00). Learn how to intervene and keep someone safe from suicide. Lunch, refreshments provided both days.   

✅ safeTALK (½ day) Wednesday 12^th November (10:00-13:30). Spot the signs of suicide, start the conversation, and connect to help. Refreshments provided.  

Workshop delivery: ASC, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0LT.

Bookings via the web links above.

Big Welsh Rhyme Time 2026

Big Welsh Rhyme Time is our annual celebration of sharing rhymes, poems and songs.

It’s rhyming fun for everyone!

The week-long campaign aims to promote and encourage fun and enjoyable rhyme sharing
activity for young children in Wales aged 0-5, in Welsh and English. It supports early
communication and literacy skills and inspires creativity.

Sharing rhymes and songs is a vital early years activity and can support children to:
• develop their speaking, listening and oracy skills, as well as aiding attention and
concentration
• grow their language and communication skills, including giving them a head start when
they begin to learn to read
• build the confidence to speak, sing and join in
• have fun!

The next Big Welsh Rhyme Time will take place from 2-6 February 2026.
Like in previous years, the campaign theme will be Rhyming Fun for Everyone.

Activities will include:
• Distribution of up to 25,000 updated Big Welsh Rhyme Time stickers and certificates
to schools, nurseries, libraries, children’s centres, childminders and other partners
working with children and families in the early years
• Big Welsh Rhyme Time themed activities and sessions in participating settings
• A social media campaign promoting Big Welsh Rhyme Time and encouraging
families to share rhymes and songs
• PR activities to promote Big Welsh Rhyme Time and encourage settings and families
to get involved
• The sharing of all new content from talented artists, poets and performers

Find out how you can join in and sign up for
your FREE certificates and stickers:

Registration opens on Monday 8th September here:

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/bigwelshrhymetime 

We are delighted to invite you to a special performance at Theatr Soar on Friday 17 October at 7.30pm.

In partnership with Clean Break, Papertrail will present a new play by Siân Owen – A Visit, which explores the impact of maternal imprisonment on women, families and children in Wales. This powerful production features a strong all-female cast including Siwan Morris, Bethan McLean and Lizzie Caitlin Bennett.

Following the performance, there will be a short discussion about the themes raised.
Integrated captions and BSL interpretation will be available.
Age guidance: 12+ | Content warning: references to drug use and imprisonment.

To book your place: please email Cathy Boyce – cathyB@merthyrtudful.org