RSVP NEWS FOR ALL REGIONS

Welsh Whispers



RSVP Wales Organisers Meeting - Quality Inn, Cardiff 18 March 2005

Rhos-on-Sea N Wales Organisers 28/04/05

RSVP has received continuation funding from the National Assembly of Wales until March 2005, for our core work for our Active Communities Projects on Anglesey and in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend and Pembrokeshire. However, as this funding is initially for one year only, we do not have the same secure base to develop as three-year funding would have allowed and we will have to bid for Assembly funding all over again - probably in September this year.


We had asked for a slight increase to our Active Communities money and a substantial increase to the contribution that the Assembly makes to our core work but our budget remains the same as last year and that our finances now depend on a budget that was originally set down 5 years ago. Although we are very grateful to the Assembly for their continued support, this means that despite RSVP volunteer numbers doubling since 2000, there is no extra money to support this increase in activity.
Since the 'standstill' funding was announced, I have consulted Volunteer Organisers in South, West and North Wales and all RSVP Wales staff. I'm delighted to report that the response to this new challenge has been nothing but positive commitment from all concerned. Volunteer Organisers and staff are determined that things will not stand still despite the tightness in budgets. They are looking for ways to support RSVP's work locally to supplement our slice of the national cake. On Anglesey, Organisers are applying to Awards for All for funding and Ron Fry, Regional Organiser for Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire has a similar bid in progress. Pembrokeshire have just heard that they have been awarded just over £300 to support their local schools project and David Howells, Schools Organiser for Swansea is currently working with me to tackle the question of financial support from the Local Authority in his area.


To end on a very positive note, RSVP's Senior Volunteer Network project has received funding as part of Age Alliance Wales' Development Plan to deliver the Assembly's 'Strategy for Older People'. £51,000 over the next 3 years will be a timely support for our commitment to share ideas and good practice across Wales.

Welcome to RSVP

We would like to offer a very big welcome to all our new RSVP members, but especially to those hard-working souls who have agreed to take on the role of organiser in their local areas. We are extremely pleased to be able to announce that several new organisers have taken up their posts in recent months. Mr Phil Spivey will be working on the schools project in the Caerphilly area, and Mrs Janet Venn has agreed a similar role in Blaenau Gwent, while her husband Mr John Venn is taking on a wider role as area organiser. Gina Browning has taken on a large role within the Knitting Circle, while Mrs Maureen Probert is breaking new ground for RSVP in the south Powys area around Brecon and Crickhowell. We would like to thank all these people, and the rest of our organisers, for all their hard work.

Goodbye and Good Luck

In 2004 we said goodbye to two RSVP Active Communities Project Development Offficers.

Jill Edge worked for RSVP in Pembrokeshire for four years and, in her own words, has "decided to retire from work and concentrate on my many volunteering roles." Jill's tireless work with RSVP volunteers in Pembrokeshire has led to successful knitting and schools projects. Jill was instrumental in setting up the innovative 'Cars for Carers' project which opened up community transport for over 130 unpaid carers in the county.


Jennifer Rowlands worked for RSVP for four years on Anglesey. When Jen started out there was no RSVP presence on the island but she leaves a fantastic legacy of over 200 volunteers, including a highly motivated group of Volunteer Organisers who are determined to carry on her good work. Jen has plans to use her creative crafts skills to take her career in a new direction.


We all wish Jill and Jennifer every success and happiness and hope they will keep in touch as RSVP members.