Category: Uncategorized

We want to send out a special Good News Only newsletter featuring info of some of the amazing international projects our Members have been a part of recently.

It has been truly inspirational to see some of the trips you have been able to take young people on and the best part of my job is hearing about opportunities like these, that wouldn’t exist without our tireless youth groups across Wales applying for funding, organising and looking after your young people before during and after your journeys!

Honestly, after the surreal summer we’ve had (record-breaking for the wrong reasons), and the ever uncertain times ahead, I think a bit of good news goes a long way in a climate like ours currently.

So please please send me your stories, your posts, your photos, to helen@cwvys.org.uk

ProMo Cymru have a new national research project and is looking for people to join a Lived Experience Panel to help guide it. 

The study focuses on Wales’ new “open access” mental health services, which aim to allow people to choose the support they want and get help on the same day they ask.

We’d love your support in sharing this opportunity with any professional contacts you know who culd circulate this with their communities. The panels are open to those aged 14+ and will comprise a young people’s group (14-20) and an adults’ group (18+).

All interested participants will also need to have:

• experience of mental health difficulties
• used NHS mental health services, or tried to access support

Please could you send out the opportunity to your contacts asap? Applications close 27^th September. 

The links to the opportunity are here: 

• English
• Cymraeg

Here you can find multiple graphics that can be shared;

PDF CYM OAMHS Recruitment Adults Graphic

PDF CYM OAMHS Recruitment YP Graphic

PDF ENG OAMHS Recruitment Adults Graphic

PDF ENG OAMHS Recruitment YP Graphic

 

Please see below a message from colleagues at the Welsh Government:

Now that Dysgu, our national professional learning and leadership body, has been established, we have decided that responsibility for the PLP will transfer from the Education Workforce Council (EWC) to Dysgu from September 2028. We are grateful to the EWC for developing and maintaining the PLP to date.

Dysgu’s programmes are focused on school practitioners, but in relation to the PLP specifically it will be able to provide services for other practitioners if that is the preferred option which emerges from the discovery and engagement process.

The ambition behind this change is to continue to support reflection, enquiry and a coherent professional learning journey throughout a practitioner’s career, while aligning more closely with wider professional learning and leadership arrangements in Wales.

We recognise the importance of working closely with partners, stakeholders and users to ensure that future arrangements meet the needs of the education workforce, and of programmes and activities that currently use the PLP. We are therefore at the beginning of a discovery and engagement process, during which we will work collaboratively with you to understand current usage, identify future requirements and consider the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition ahead of September 2028.

There are no immediate changes for PLP users and maintaining continuity of service throughout the transition period will be a key priority. We recognise that some programmes and activities currently supported through the PLP will continue beyond September 2028 and we will work closely with affected providers and participants to ensure appropriate transitional arrangements are put in place. Future services beyond September 2028 will depend on feedback from users and other stakeholders.

To support this work, Annex 1 (attached) sets out a draft high-level project plan for the transition, which will be led by the Welsh Government. The plan will continue to be refined through the discovery phase as governance arrangements, roles and responsibilities, and key milestones are developed.

We will provide further information on planned engagement activity and opportunities to contribute in due course.

In the meantime, please feel free to share this update with colleagues for awareness. Should you have further questions or concerns, please contact IsadranYmarferwyrYsgolion@llyw.cymru.

Thank you in advance for your support and involvement in this important piece of work.

Kind regards 

School Practitioner Division

Welcome to the Nicofiends! Find out more from ASH in their words here;

Can your young people spot a Nicofiend? Nicofiends is a creative ASH Wales campaign bringing the pressures around smoking, vaping and nicotine to life.

Through free activities, games and creative challenges, young people explore things like fitting in, dares, stress, boredom, marketing and online influence, then turn what they have learned into something creative.
Schools, youth groups, clubs, community organisations and families across Wales can take part, with resources for different ages and a national competition for children and young people aged 4–17.

Find the free resources and competition at https://ash.wales/nicofiends/

Or download their handy pdf to learn more; Nicofiends Communications Pack

We want to hear from you

As a CWVYS member, your views help us understand what we’re doing well, what could be improved and what you would like to get from your membership.

We’d really appreciate you taking 3–5 minutes to complete this *short survey*

Your feedback will help shape our communications, member services and priorities for the future.

Please be honest — we’re interested in hearing what works for you as well as what doesn’t.
Thank you for helping us make CWVYS stronger for its members and the wider voluntary youth sector in Wales.

The deadline to reply is 11/9/26

Youth Cymru are recruiting trustees, this is what they’re looking for, in their own words;

Help shape the future of youth work in Wales.

We’re looking for passionate people to join the Youth Cymru Trustee Board and help inspire young people to thrive.

Whether your experience is in; finance, youth work, HR, fundraising, or digital communications, your skills could make a real difference.

No previous trustee experience?
No problem. We’ll provide a full induction, training, and ongoing support to help you succeed.

We’re committed to building a diverse board that reflects the communities and young people of Wales. We particularly encourage applications from young people, people living with physical or mental disabilities, and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

📅 Applications close: 30th September 2026

Apply in the way that suits you best: whether that’s a one-page letter, your CV or LinkedIn profile, or a short video or audio recording.
Send your application to gov.support@youthcymru.org.uk

Together, we can empower young people, strengthen youth work, and create lasting change across Wales.

The Awen Project is a community driven charity, passionate about alternative education, giving
children who slip through the cracks of the mainstream educational system the chance to learn,
grow and thrive. We are creative, collaborative and democratic in how we work and we’re looking
for two new trustees to help guide our next chapter.

Who We’re Looking For
We currently have two specific opportunities to join our Board of Trustees:

1. A Trustee with Fundraising Experience
Someone who understands the fundraising landscape, whether through grants, trusts, corporate
partnerships, community fundraising or events and can help us build a sustainable and diverse
income base.
2. A Trustee with High Net Worth Networks
Someone who is either high net worth themselves or has strong connections within HNW circles,
and who can help us build meaningful relationships to support the charity’s longterm growth.

Alongside these specific skills, all our trustees share a passion for alternative education and a belief
that every child deserves the chance to learn in a way that works for them. We’re looking for
people who are confident making decisions and comfortable stepping into a leadership role, while
still valuing a collaborative, democratic way of working. We are a community that care deeply
about each other and the Village that we have created – so although the time commitment to this
role is relatively low – we hope that you can give passion and energy to the project.

What Does Being a Trustee Involve?
Being a trustee is a voluntary role, but it comes with real responsibility; trustees are legally
responsible for the governance and oversight of the charity. In return, you’ll have a genuine say in
shaping the future of an organisation making a tangible difference to children’s lives.

Time Commitment:
Quarterly trustee meetings (required)
Occasional additional or special meetings as needed
Visibility at events or activities when practical

What We Offer:
Full induction and training
Reasonable expenses covered
The chance to be part of a warm, creative and genuinely community driven charity

Voluntary Role | UK based | Make a real difference to children and young people’s lives
About Us

Who Can Apply?
To become a trustee, you must:
Be a UK resident
Be aged 18 or over
Not be disqualified from acting as a charity trustee
Never have been declared bankrupt or disqualified from acting as a company director

How to Apply
Please send your CV along with a short covering email telling us a bit about yourself and why you’d
like to join us to:
hannah@theawenproject.com
Application deadline: 31st August 2026

Sifting and interviews will take place during September 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed).
We can’t wait to hear from you.

CWVYS are hosting an online session about the opportunities under Erasmus Plus for Members only.

We will be joined by the Head of Youth Sector at the British Council, who will outline the roles of the organisation as the UK National Agency, as well as the application processes;

Date: 14 September
Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Place: Teams

Should you wish to attend, please notify Paul@cwvys.org.uk by e-mail by no later than 7 September.

You will then be sent the joining details and further information.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Wales National Safeguarding Week 2026 will run from 9 to 13 November

With events across Wales aimed at raising awareness, sharing best practice, and supporting safeguarding professionals and the public.

Purpose and Theme

The week is coordinated by the five Regional Safeguarding Boards in Wales and is dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring people are supported to live full, safe, and happy lives.

It offers a platform for safeguarding professionals, partners, and the public to engage in activities, training, and awareness‑raising sessions.

Find Your Regional Board – Safeguarding Board Wales

 

From 1 September 2026, child-facing volunteers may need an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

The change mainly applies to volunteers who directly teach, train, coach, care for or supervise children often enough to meet the regulated activity rules.
This could include youth groups, sports coaching, playgroups and children’s activities.
Charities should review affected roles, update safeguarding and recruitment processes, and identify any new checks needed from 1 September 2026.

More info here;

Change to the definition of regulated activity with children from 1 September 2026 – GOV.UK

There are currently 3 vacancies with Viva LGBTQ+, now part of The YEW Collective, they are looking to recruit;

Viva LGBTQ+ Lead Arweinydd Viva Lead
Youth Support Worker Gweithiwr Cymorth Gwaith Ieuenctid Viva Youth Work Support Worker
Outreach Youth Worker Gweithiwr Ieuenctid LHDTC+ Allgymorth Viva LGBTQ+ Outreach Youth Worker

The closing date for all vacancies is the 10^th of August.

Play Wales are recruiting;

Policy Officer https://play.wales/work_with_us/policy-officer/

Bilingual Communications Officer; https://play.wales/work_with_us/bilingual-communications-officer/

closing date for both is the 14^th of September

Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales still have a few places available for their Cardiff Half Marathon team.

By joining their team, every step you run and every pound you raise will help create opportunities for young people across Wales to develop confidence, build connections and enjoy positive experiences. In their words;

Your fundraising could help to provide:
• £20 – A young person’s weekend of adventure at our residential centre, The Lodge
• £50 – New sports equipment for a local youth club
• £250 – A place on our Young Leaders course, helping young people develop skills and confidence
• £500 – Training for six volunteer youth workers to better support young people
• £2,000 – Supporting 12 young people to take part in the 100-mile Canoe Challenge

Every contribution helps us continue providing life-changing opportunities for young people across Wales.

Interested in joining Team BGC Wales? Complete our expression of interest form or scan to QR code to secure your place. Cardiff Half Marathon 2026 takes place on the 4th of October.