Word From The Third: Recent Episodes
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance-TVA
The Word From The Third is a podcast based around the Third Sector and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance in Wales, UK. Here we'll have all the latest developments and stories from around Cwmbran, Pontypool, Blaenavon and Torfaen as a whole.
Learning more about Garnsychan Partnership who are based in the north of Torfaen and the support and projects they provide
Matthew is an experienced Christian minister with a demonstrated history of working in religious institutions ( over 30 years). Skilled in pastoral care, theology, biblical studies, and gospel evangelism.
A published author with over 40 titles, mainly in theology, having graduated from both Cardiff and Chester Universities and currently researching Greek Rhetorical Technique in Luke-Acts at Roehampton University, London.
More than a decade of professional editing experience in the academic and commercial sectors, mainly for theological journals and books.
On this edition we catch up and learn more about his work in Pontypool at Sharon Church, and with the charity Hope for the Community.
You can emall him: danielle7@tiscali.co.uk
The public sector can be guilty of talking about our ‘communities’ as if they were simply places where the Council, the health board, or the Police deliver services to people.
But that’s clearly not the case. A community is somewhere where people live, they work, they chat to their neighbours about what’s going on. They go to classes, send their kids to school, and talk to others about what’s going well in their area, and what’s not going so well. They keep an eye on those in need and know when someone’s starting to struggle.
There are many relationships, resources and activities within communities that keep people well. These include the green spaces, sports clubs and allotment associations that get us outside and active, the coffee mornings, quiz nights and local groups that connect us with others and the more formal hubs that people can reach into if they need some support with meeting basic needs.
When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020 it wasn’t governments that were the first to react, it was communities. People shopped for their neighbours, collected medicines for the vulnerable and, when things were starting to improve, organised street parties and celebrations. For every professional referral there are hundreds of occasions where a friend, neighbour or relative “just pops in for a chat and to check everything’s okay”.
And this is important because communities which look out for one another, which participate in public life, which pull together when times are tough, are significantly healthier than communities which are disjointed, disillusioned and disempowered. So rather than seeing ourselves as service providers, our job (in the third sector, and in the public sector) should be much more about how we help our communities to become more resilient, more engaged and, as a result, healthier.
So, Word from the Third will explore why these matters, what we can each do about it, where we can work together, and the difference it can make to peoples’ lives.
Brownies welcomes all girls from 7 to 10 years old for nonstop fun, learning and adventure.It’s full of firsts: she might grow her first plant, cook her first cake, put up (and take down) her first tent, light her first fire, go on her first fun-packed weekend away with guiding friends. With a helpful hand from our encouraging volunteers, she’ll explore her creative side, get out into the great outdoors, and start learning to look after herself, others and the world we live in. There’s something for every girl at Brownies, and plenty of moments she’ll never forget.
In this edition of Word From The Third we talk with Lynda from Blaenavon Brownies and hear her story of what they do in the community and how they can help.
We hear from Brett who explains more about their work.
The Outdoor Partnership work to support the people of Wales and other UK areas to take up outdoor activities as a life-long pursuit. Its new strategy has defined its VISION for the next ten years.
‘Enhancing people’s lives through outdoor activity’.
The Outdoor Partnership was established in 2004 bringing public, private and third sector organisations together to work effectively in the outdoor sector with a common vision.The rationale for the Outdoor Partnership was underpinned by research in 2003 undertaken by Bangor University which showed;* Poor levels of engagement in the sector amongst local people * Leading to low levels of local employment in the outdoor industry * And reduced levels of engagement in local communities * Resulting in low levels of outdoor participation and very few local clubs
Hearing from Dan from The Care Collective about their work across Torfaen
Unpaid carers are at the heart of a collective effort in helping family members and friends when they need support with care, essential daily tasks, or to stay safe.Their key goals are that young and adult unpaid carers are able to help and get help for someone with care and/or support needs in a way that maximises that person’s independence and dignity and that reduces the physical and emotional impact on the health of carers.
Learning more about the work of the volunteers at Forgeside Community Garden and how they've made a piece of wasteland the perfect place for the local community.
Catching up with Anthony Hunt, Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council to hear more about the man behind the role.
Learning about what Deal Me Out CIC do across Wales.
Deal Me Out is proud to deliver the national education and gambling harms awareness programme for
Wales. We aim to reduce the adverse impact of gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals,
families, communities, and society through education, prevention, and support. We do this by bringing
education and training to the population about gambling and gaming-related harms and giving people the tools to help themselves and others.
Hearing from Matthew about the library service in Torfaen and what kind of services they offer.
Learning about the work that Tenovus Cancer Care does.
In 1943 Tenovus Cancer Care was founded by 10 local businessmen supporting a friend in need. Over the years, Tenovus Cancer Care has grown and changed, but some things have remained constant. They continue to care about their community and being there for cancer patients when and where they need them most. They care about finding a cure by funding vital research, and about preventing cancer in the first place. They care about doing this where it matters most; in the heart of the community. This is what is at the heart of Tenovus Cancer Care today.
Hearing about the work of Blaen Bran Community Woodland and the work they do.
Blaen Bran is both a company limited by guarantee and a charity. The charity and volunteers work to maintain, protect and preserve the woodland. The committee and volunteers are all unpaid.
They hope that all the community will be able to enjoy the woodland (and the people you meet) so much that you will want to help care for the woodland. Please help to spread the word if you like it!
On this special festive edition of the Word From The Third podcast, you'll be hearing from some of the organisations and individuals from across Torfaen with some very special seasonal greetings.
Series 2 of the Word From The Third Podcast is coming soon.
If you're a charity or voluntary organisation and want to get your news out there differently, get in touch!
Email info@tvawales.org.uk or find us on socials @TVAWales
Hearing from Business in the Community and their free job coaching offer and the Skills Exchange scheme
On this edition, hearing from Jane Dorrian talking about Walking Rugby, what it is, and how to get involved in your local team.
Walking rugby is a non-contact social sport offering significant social, physical and mental health benefits that have been recognised by Health Boards across Wales.
Hearing about Panteg House situated in Griffithstown, Torfaen.
Learning about its rich and varied history, and the amazing work that's occurred there in the last two years, and looking forward to the future plans too.
On this edition we hear from Sarah Lowther from British Liver Trust Torfaen about the work they do.
Hearing from Llinos Parry from the Stroke Association talking about their work, how they support people and their families with the affects of a stroke, and how Emmerdale's Marlon is increasing people's knowledge of the subject.
Hearing from Chris Daniels who's wife sadly passed from getting Bowel Cancer and his story of how he was supported by Bowel Cancer UK, and the amazing fundraising effort too.
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance's, Patrick Downes welcomes back Sarah Livingstone from the Regional Partnership Team to speak with People First about their thoughts on the Liberty Protection Safeguards. Hear their thoughts on the this episode.
Catching up with some of the winners of TCVA 2021, including Daniel Crandon, Sabrina Cresswell, Matt Cummins and Briony Powell.
And getting ready to celebrate more amazing volunteering across Torfaen with TCVA22 giving us another opportunity for #TorfaenSaysThanks later in 2022.
On this edition you'll hear more about Pontnewydd Male Choir, their history and if you fancy becoming a member
Hearing from the newest member of TVA, Naomi White, the Opening Doors - Connecting Torfaen Development Officer, and hearing more about the projects and community venues she's been supporting.
We recently attended the Workman's Hall in Blaenavon as part of Healthy Blaenavon's event - Your Voice, Your Blaenavon.
On this edition, you'll be hearing from Bron Afon, Citizens Advice, Communities For Work Plus, Torfaen Library Service, Community Connectors, Gwent Police, The Office of the Gwent Police & Crime Commissioner, and Healthy Blaenavon.
Listen to learn more about the support they give in Blaenavon and all across Torfaen
Each county has a Lord-Lieutenant who is the local representative of Her Majesty The Queen in that county. In Gwent, this role is undertaken by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE.
In this podcast you’ll learn more about the process and how to nominate someone for a Queen’s honour such as a CBE, MBE or OBE.
Hearing from Lisa Rees about Bowel Cancer UK and some of the work they do in Wales as well as the signs to look out for.
On this edition we're joined by Tom Grace – Mental Capacity Act Strategic Lead Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Sarah Livingstone from the Gwent Regional Partnership Team.
They're talking about the changes that are coming to a very important piece of legislation called the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019. This legislation introduces a new legal framework that ensures people who lack capacity to consent to their care or treatment arrangements, are protected and their human rights upheld. As we wait for the UK Government to publish a new statutory code, Tom and Sarah answer a few questions to help us to understand what change is coming to help citizens and professionals prepare for the public consultation and have an informed say.
If anyone has any questions or wishes to discuss the change in detail as part of a community or group or professional team, you can contact Sarah or Tom as follows:
Tom Grace - Tom.Grace@wales.nhs.uk
Sarah Livingstone - Sarah.Livingstone@torfaen.gov.uk
On this edition we hear from Carole Jacob from Friends of the Earth Torfaen about the work they undertake within the borough and how helping the planet isn't such a hard ask.
On this edition hearing from about the Welsh Youth Parliament and how to get involved.
Elin Leyshon is an Education Officer at the Welsh Parliament or the Senedd. We last heard from Elin and her colleague Lowri during the Election and Votes@16 campaign and Elin’s here to give us an update as to what’s going on at the Senedd and how you can get involved.
On this edition we hear more about Age Cymru's Hope Project and also talk with one of their volunteers.
On this edition we hear from David from Papyrus. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.
On this special festive edition of the Word From The Third podcast, you'll be hearing from some of the organisations and individuals from across Torfaen with some very special seasonal greetings.
On this edition we hear from Lynne from Costar who in 2021 celebrate 21 Years of supporting the local community and more about the work they do.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we talk with Sue Malsom from The Really Amazing Charity (TRAC2) about their work and the last 18 months.
You can contact them at
www.trac2.org.uk
Address: Shop 2, Church Ave, Trevethin, Pontypool NP4 8DH
Phone: 01495 764078
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we hear about Carers Trust SEW.
Carer Friendly website: www.carerfriendly.co.uk
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we hear about Hope GB.
Hope GB is a registered charity based in Torfaen, South Wales, offering support services to people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs), and their families. As a people-centred organisation, they place great importance on building relationships. It’s their belief that strong relationships can create a solid foundation that enables and encourages positive change.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we hear about the Alzeimers Society in Torfaen and what kind of services they offer.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we talk with Jules Godden from EPP Cymru
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we talk with Sadie Jones from Building Resilient Communities
brctorfaen@torfaen.gov.uk
Building Resilient Communities - Home | Facebook
Telephone: 01633 647429
This is us. Who are TVA, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast you'll hear from all the people behind the scenes that make the Third Sector work in Torfaen through funding, volunteering and governance.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast from TVA, we hear from the Torfaen Employability Team
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we talk with Lowri James telling us more about the Big Lunch in 2021 across Torfaen
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we speak with Esther Weller from Sight Cymru
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we talk with Linda James from Bullies Out to hear about their role and what they do to support people affected by bullying.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we find out about the work Communities For Work Plus do in Torfaen
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we learn all about the Senedd.
With the elections happening on May 6th, here's everything you need to know.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we learn all about the PaCE project and the kind of work it supports here in Torfaen.
We spoke with Angela Jones from DWP about this and how it works.
On this edition of Word From The Third, we learn all about Llamau's project - Supported Lodgings in Torfaen.
On this edition of Word From The Third, we learn about the Census 2021.
Helping everyone in Torfaen to take part in Census 2021, and what the Census is about.
It’s a unique survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a snapshot of all the people in England and Wales.
It tells us what our needs are – helping inform decisions about services, like healthcare.
Speaking with Ellie Barker, Census Engagement Manager of Torfaen, Newport and Monmouthshire. via an online session held on 23rd February 2021.
On this edition of Word From The Third, we learn all about Helping Families Work in Torfaen.
Speaking with Rachel Knight from Bron Afon who's part of this project Club via an online chat we had.
On this edition of Word From The Third, we learn all about Pickleball, it's origins and what kind of sporting ability is required to take part. Speaking with John Killick who's part of Torfaen's Pickleball Club via an online chat we had.
On this edition of the #WordFromTheThird podcast, we hear from many different groups and organisations from here in Torfaen, including Bron Afon Housing, Pontypool Community Council, Action for Elders, Brain Tumour Support, and Member of Parliament for Torfaen, Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Keep listening to the end for something a little extra magical.
Nadolig Llawen - Merry Christmas
On this edition of Word From The Third we catch up with projects that we've funded via our Youth Led Grants scheme.
We hear from Cwmbran Play and Cwmbran Centre for Young People (CCYP) and how being funded has helped them considerably.
On this edition of the Word From The Third podcast, we take a look at what being a trustee is all about. It's Trustee Week so we thought we'd speak with our own trustees here at Torfaen Voluntary Alliance about why they became a trustee, what kind of skills do you need, and who can become a trustee.
The Word From The Third is a podcast based around the Third Sector and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance in Wales, UK. Here we'll have all the latest developments and stories from around Cwmbran, Pontypool, Blaenavon and Torfaen as a whole.