I hope you're having a lovely spring here is what is in store for May ... Download your copy at the bottom of the page. The May newsletter includes the following topics: May is Local Community History Month - We're looking at Free Bikes 4 Kids who have done a lot for our community! Changes to Office of the Public Guardian’s investigation process “At breaking point” The urgent need to improve support for unpaid carers Gwent Third Sector Provider Forum - summary from the last

Our latest Development Newsletter will be published on this page by the 1st of each month. You can access the newsletter through the link provided below, which will take you to our MailChimp page. There, you can also browse previous editions and choose to subscribe. Subscribers receive the newsletter around five days before it appears here, giving you an early look at upcoming events, funding opportunities, and other updates for the third sector. In the May edition: Volunteer

Rachelle Pawley joined the Newport team at GAVO in 2025 as Youth Volunteer Officer, supporting young people and third sector organisations across the city to develop and access meaningful volunteering opportunities. Rachelle’s role focuses on promoting youth volunteering as a positive pathway for personal development, wellbeing, and future opportunities. She works closely with schools, youth groups, community organisations, and partners to raise awareness of volunteering oppo

'Free marketing training for small charity staff doing comms by default: ​This practical, friendly training session is designed for those working in small charities and third sector organisations in Wales who manage social media, newsletters, or websites alongside many other roles. ​If you’re already posting now and then but it doesn't feel effective, this session is for you. We won’t tell you to be on every platform or create more content. Who is it for? ​This training is pe

Community organisations across Wales are invited to apply for funding to deliver activities celebrating National Windrush Day 2026, which marks 78 years of the Windrush generation in Wales. The Windrush Cymru @79 Grant supports projects that recognise and promote the historical, cultural, and social contributions of the Windrush generation and Commonwealth communities. The grant programme is Welsh Government funded and administered by Race Council Cymru, led by Windrush Cymru

Over the winter period, Warm Hubs across Newport have once again played a vital role in supporting residents through some of the coldest and most challenging months of the year. Between September and the end of March , a total of 1,257 Warm Hub sessions took place across the city, welcoming 18,654 attendances . These sessions were delivered by 40 different community organisations , all working collaboratively to support local people using a share of £199,046 in funding made

This summer, communities across the UK are coming together for something special—and you’re invited. From 5–8 June 2026, The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up for one big weekend of friendship, food, fun and action. It’s a chance for all of us - neighbours, volunteers, community groups and organisations - to come together, connect, and make a difference locally. At GAVO, we see every day how powerful community action can be. This weekend is a chance to be part of

The Caerleon Sunshine Community Grant Scheme is now open and inviting applications from groups within Caerleon and those delivering services and projects to its residents. Eligible applicants can receive up to £4000 to fund projects that benefit the local community. About the Grant Funded by profits from the local solar farm, this grant is available to community groups, registered charities, CiCs, CIOs (Not for profit groups), schools and social enterprises that can provide a

Spring is here and everything is waking up! It has been a very busy month so expect a very full Newsletter for April! Download your copy at the bottom of the page. The April newsletter includes the following topics: April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Information to share about screenings Free NHS Screening Awareness Sessions Gwent Women's Health Hub News on The National Health Service (Direct Payments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 Meningitis Vaccination Update - Checking y

During Tree Planting Week (23–27 March), Rhymney Memorial Park was transformed thanks to the incredible efforts of 77 volunteers from a range of organisations. Coordinated by GAVO in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) and the Public Services Board (PSB), the initiative brought the community together with a shared goal: creating a greener, more resilient local environment. Despite challenging weather conditions, volunteers successfully planted 1,500 sapl

Cwtch Communities is a Wales-wide grant programme funded by Comic Relief and delivered by WCVA . It has been created to support small, grassroots organisations that play a vital role in strengthening their communities. The programme recognises that meaningful and lasting change often begins at a very local level, where community groups understand the needs of local people and can respond quickly and compassionately. Through grants ranging from £15,000 to £35,000, Cwtch Commu

Welcome to the homepage of Newport's Third Sector Network, the Network exists to help facilitate conversations, connections, shared learning and partnership within the Third sector working in Newport. Meetings typically take place each quarter and are open to any third sector organisation based in or serving Newport residents. Further details of upcoming sessions and notes from previous meetings can be found below. Third Sector Network events The next Network event took place

To find out more about any of the schemes click the link in the grants name and complete the short form to receive further details Grant Name Closing Date Information Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant (VWSG) 22/5/26 The grant, offering awards between £50,000 and £100,000 for projects lasting up to 18 months, is designed to help organisations test new ideas, grow proven models, and build long‑term infrastructure for volunteering. Priority will be given to initiatives working

Across Wales, community groups, charities, social enterprises, and local organisations are working every day to build stronger, more resilient communities. Now, a major new funding opportunity is available to help them take the next step on their sustainability journey. Ynni Cymru, the Welsh Government's programme supporting Smart Local Energy Systems, has launched its 2026–2027 Capital Grant Scheme , offering up to £10 million for projects that cut carbon, lower energy bill

Do You Live with Chronic Pain? Or care for someone who does? Join our Free Introduction to Pain Management course at Bulwark Community Centre, Chepstow, starting Tuesday 14th April 2026 for 6 weeks, 10:30am – 1:00pm. Can’t attend in person? The course is also available virtually. All courses are led by trained tutors who live with a health condition or care for someone with a health condition. 📩 To book or for more info: Email epp@gavo.org.uk

We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) Third Sector Grants 2026. Delivered by GAVO in partnership with TVA and the Gwent Regional Partnership Board, this funding offers an opportunity for community groups and third sector organisations across Gwent to access grants of up to £20,000. This fund is focused on supporting projects that support work that promotes early intervention and prevention, helping people to stay well

Gwent Regional Partnership Board have agreed to provide a small grant fund through the Further Faster Programme. This scheme is aimed at providing additional funding to community groups and the third sector to support the themes of Early Intervention and Prevention and support people to remain well. Closing Date: Monday 27th April 2026 at noon. This is a short-term fund and all funding must be spent by 31 March 2027. Applications can be made for projects to a maximum of £2

Uskside Amateur Radio are a Newport community group that uses amateur radio technology to support visually impaired people—and their journey began with guidance from GAVO. The group had long been passionate about radio communication and wanted to create an accessible, confidence‑building activity for people with sight loss. However, they were unsure where to find the right funding or how to develop the idea into a structured project. Through GAVO’s community development suppo

For three decades, Newport Women’s Forum has been championing women across the city supporting their ambitions, recognising their potential and helping them break down barriers. As the Forum celebrates its 30th anniversary, its long‑standing commitment continues through the Annual Bursary, which offers up to £1,500 to women in Newport who want to pursue a personal goal, develop new skills, or bring a project to life. The bursary is open to women aged 18 and over, as well as g

GAVO is delighted to share an exciting opportunity for adult community groups across Newport, Caerphilly and Torfaen to take part in Voices for the Future — a creative heritage project led by the National Literacy Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund . This inspiring initiative celebrates the powerful legacy of the Newport Rising and the wider Chartist movement, whose struggle for democratic rights helped shape modern Britain. Now, local people are being

This page has been created to help you and your Recreation/ Sport group have access to all the support GAVO has to offer your group and to accompany the event on 6th March 20206, entry is free to all groups on the day with no booking required, just arrive any time between 10-2pm. What are the challenges sporting groups face in Newport? The Active Newport Report , brings together feedback from grassroots sports clubs, community groups and local stakeholders to understand the c

There’s something truly special happening at Little Pips Cuppa Club 💛 Recently crowned winners at the MVA 2025 (GAVO and Monmouthshire Housing Association Volunteer Awards) as ‘Business in the Heart of the Community’ , Little Pips is shining brightly — and after seeing it for ourselves, it’s easy to understand why. My colleague, Chris Irving, and I had the pleasure of visiting Claire Duddridge, the heart and driving force behind Little Pips, to see Little Pips Cuppa Club i

Download your copy of the March newsletter looking at the following topics: The Growing Space Rainbow Connector Project. Support for Carers supporting someone who is neurodiverse - March 17th 10.00am-12.00pm The Mental Health and Wellbeing Show 2026 May 15, 2026 from 8 am to 4 pm. Collaborative legal approaches to social change - Webinar Thursday 19 March,10:00-12:00 Your Voice Your Decision – Lasting Power of Attorney Campaign Engagement Event - Gwent Regional Partnership B

A major funding opportunity has opened for organisations looking to strengthen and innovate within Wales’ volunteering sector. The Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant (VWSG) —now launching its second round for 2025–28—aims to support a small number of ambitious, strategic projects that can improve volunteering at scale across the country. The grant, offering awards between £50,000 and £100,000 for projects lasting up to 18 months, is designed to help organisations test new id