Newport Third Sector Network - July 2026
- Dan Coast
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
The latest network event took place at The Hive, a relatively new community space provided by CODI at the bottom of Stow Hill in the City centre.
All 25 available spaces were booked for the event from across a wide range of community organisations as shown below to discuss a range of topics at our summer meeting, click the arrow below on each section to read more about the outcomes and next steps from the meeting:
Changes to Funding Surgeries
Following some insight in the number of groups applying for and receiving Lottery funding it was felt it was a opportune time to review how the surgeries were working and what other ways could best support groups in making an application.
Proposals were put forward to the Network of 3 distinct options for these sessions; The Network voted that Option 1 would be the preferred choice with the outline of this as follows.
1) - Groups would apply to be part of a cohort that would support around 8 organisations who have been unsuccessful with an application in the last 12-18 months
2) - Selected groups would then join a series of 3 monthly online workshops aimed at helping them to improve the application to enhance and hopefully gain funding.
This process would be repeated around 3 times per year with a different cohort each time.
Further details on this will be worked on in the coming weeks with the plan to launch the new look approach in September 2026. This is not the only way groups can receive support in making funding applications and groups are encouraged to always reach out to the local GAVO development officer for support in applying for any funding.
GAVO Training offer
Details of the current training offer can be found here on the GAVO learning section of the website
The Network felt that a simplified option of courses to include fixed dates and times would be more beneficial in signposting individuals in the organisations to the relevant courses. The desire to receive any of these courses online was the preferred option. Feedback on all of this will be provided to the GAVO Training officer.
Volunteering update
Adult Volunteering Officer Sam provided an update on the Volunteer survey which was initially developed following consultation at the previous network meeting, a updated version can be viewed in the attachments at the bottom of this page. The plan is to have this as a live form on the GAVO website by early September. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email these to Sam by 20 August 2026
Funding Updates
Dan provided details of some of the upcoming funds that will be closing in the coming weeks and reiterating the funding page, this page highlights the grants that have application cut-off date rather than funders (like the National Lottery) who remain open throughout the year. Groups are encouraged to keep an eye or bookmark this page to see the latest opportunities or alternatively reach out to Dan to talk more about your project in mind and the funding needed and he will look to point you in the direction of the relevant potential funders.
Pill MasterPlan & Pride in Place programmes
Unfortunately Paul Macey who leads on the Masterplan was unable to attend the meeting but has included the presentation he hoped to give to the Network (Attached PDF at bottom of this email)
Dan provided a brief overview of the Pride in Place programme which has now appointed it's Chair, Rusna Begum from Kidcare 4U which helps to ensure the Local Third Sector is represented in this group which are coming up with the plan of how to best utilise the £20m investment made by the UK Government into areas of the city centre. The network will reach out to Rusna to see if it is possible for her to attend the next Network meeting and provide some more detail and possible opportunities for the sector before submissions need to be made to the UK Government at the end of the year - Further info can be found on the councils website here
Neuroinclusive Newport
Elected Third Sector Network forum member Tessa Polniaszek made a presentation to the network around a piece of work she is undertaking alongside one of the councils working groups and the steps needed to promote Newport as a Neurodiverse city after being passed by the council last July- Read here
To ensure the voice of the third sector groups and organisations working in this space across the city Tessa is proposing that a working groups is formed within our network.
At this early stage we are encouraging everyone to take a look at the attached presentation and if it sounds like something you could be part of? please complete the short form here to register your interest
Digital Literacy
Zoe- Our Health Social Care and Wellbeing officer is looking to set up a project to help our community groups members to receive some basic training on digital literacy around everyday use that many take for granted such as accessing council services, setting up and using email and attachments and other online services. If your group works with members who you think may benefit from this please email Zoe to express your interest in this project Zoe.Paterson@Gavo.org.uk
