Latest news with #WalesCouncilforVoluntaryAction
South Wales Argus
15 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Nominations open for the 2025 Welsh Charity Awards
Nominations are open for the 2025 Welsh Charity Awards, organised by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), which honour the contributions of charities, community groups, and not-for-profits. The deadline for entries is June 30, 2025. Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, chief executive of WCVA, said: "We are fortunate enough at WCVA to regularly hear just some of the countless inspiring stories from every corner of Wales. "We're proud of our awesome everyday heroes, but many frontline charity services are facing increasingly high demand while at the same time financial pressures are putting them at risk of closure. "We need to share their stories and show the world what they mean to people and how we simply can't do without them. "These awards are a chance to recognise the tireless efforts and innovative approaches of those who go above and beyond to support others." The awards ceremony will take place on October 16, 2025, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Categories include Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Fundraiser of the Year, Champion of Diversity, Use of Welsh Language, and Organisation of the Year. Nominations are free and can be submitted through the Welsh Charity Awards website.
Business News Wales
20 hours ago
- General
- Business News Wales
Deadline Nears for Welsh Charity Awards Nominations
The Welsh Charity Awards, organised by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), are making a final call for nominations. The awards, which aim to shine a spotlight on the impact of charities, community groups, not-for-profits, and dedicated volunteers across Wales, close on June 30. 'We are fortunate enough at WCVA to regularly hear just some of the countless inspiring stories from every corner of Wales,' said WCVA Chief Executive, Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce. 'We're proud of our awesome everyday heroes, but many frontline charity services are facing increasingly high demand while at the same time financial pressures are putting them at risk of closure. We need to share their stories and show the world what they mean to people and how we simply can't do without them. 'These awards are a chance to recognise the tireless efforts and innovative approaches of those who go above and beyond to support others. We urge everyone to think about the individuals and groups who have made a real impact and give them the recognition they truly deserve before the nomination window closes.' The 2025 Welsh Charity Awards ceremony will be held on 16 October 2025 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Categories include: Volunteer of the Year (26 and over) Young Volunteer of the Year (25 and under) Fundraiser of the Year Champion of Diversity Use of Welsh Language Most Influential Small Organisation Health and Wellbeing Organisation of the Year Submitting a nomination is free and can be done easily online via the Welsh Charity Awards website: . Full details on each category and the nomination process are available on the site.
Pembrokeshire Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh Government extends funding for coastal capacity building
Coastal Capacity Building Scheme extended for two years to support fisheries and coastal communities with sustainable growth and diversification COASTAL communities across Wales – including Pembrokeshire – will benefit from a fresh injection of funding as the Welsh Government extends its Coastal Capacity Building Scheme for another two years. The scheme, delivered in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), will provide £260,000 per year from 2025 to 2027 to support grassroots environmental projects aimed at restoring and protecting the marine environment. Since launching in October 2023, the scheme has already funded eleven projects that connect people with the coastal environment, helping communities understand their role in tackling nature loss. In Pembrokeshire, groups such as the local Biodiversity Partnership and marine awareness organisations are understood to be exploring applications for the next round of funding. The next phase of the scheme will have a particular focus on fisheries, aiming to boost community capacity and ensure people living along the coast have the skills and evidence they need to support sustainable development and nature recovery. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: 'This funding extension reflects our commitment to improving resilience in our coastal communities. These locally-led projects are exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need – bringing together communities, local authorities and businesses to protect our precious marine environment while creating sustainable opportunities.' One of the current projects is the Coastal Connections initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council, which has delivered beach cleans, seashore safaris, and even a marine mammal medic course. The aim is to reconnect people with the coastline and highlight habitats that are often overlooked in post-industrial landscapes. Rebecca Sharp, Countryside and Wildlife Team Leader for Neath Port Talbot Council, said: 'Neath Port Talbot's coastline is generally associated with its rich industrial heritage rather than its habitats and wild spaces. The Coastal Connections project aimed to change that narrative – and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.' Locally, similar projects could include work with school children, harbour users, conservation groups and the fishing industry, particularly in areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard, Tenby and St Davids. Applications for the next round of funding are now open. Interested groups should contact their Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator, who will act as the lead applicant. Further information is available by emailing lnpcymru@
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government Coastal Capacity Building Scheme extended
The Welsh Government has announced a two-year extension of its Coastal Capacity Building Scheme, which will continue to support community-led environmental projects through funding of £260,000 per year from 2025/26 to 2026/27. Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy First Minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, said: "This funding extension reflects our commitment to improving resilience in our coastal communities. "These locally-led projects are exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need – bringing together communities, local authorities and businesses to protect our precious marine environment while creating sustainable opportunities. "The scheme strengthens the connection between local coastal communities and nature, helping people understand the actions they can take to make a difference." Delivered through the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), the scheme has already supported 11 projects since its launch in October 2023. One of the funded projects is the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership, which ran workshops to connect people with coastal habitats and raise awareness of environmental protection. Rebecca Sharp, countryside and wildlife team leader at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "The aim of the Coastal Connections Project was to get people engaged with the coastline in Neath Port Talbot and raise awareness of the amazing habitats and species we have along our shores. "Neath Port Talbot's coastline is generally associated with its rich industrial heritage rather than its habitats and wild spaces. "The project therefore aimed to highlight the area's often-overlooked natural beauty and encourage a broader appreciation of its ecological importance." Activities included beach cleans, seashore safaris, and a marine mammal medic course delivered in partnership with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue Organisation. Funding applications remain open to new and existing partners interested in supporting coastal communities. Organisations are encouraged to email lnpcymru@ to apply.
