ANNUAL REPORT 2022/2023/2024 **CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION REG. NO: 1160733** ## Introduction Our Annual Report highlights the differences we have made to the community of Ystradgynlais and neighbouring communities across Powys and Neath Port Talbot during the year 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2024. ## Who we are YVC is a registered charity. We work with volunteers and the third sector to improve the wellbeing of people in Ystradgynlais and neighbouring communities. Together we aim to build a rich and vibrant community through our work in volunteering and recycling. ## Collaboration We know first-hand that for voluntary organisations to meet the challenges of the future we must work together, to organise and look ahead to prepare for the future. We continue to collaborate and connect with local people, organisations and services through strong partnerships. ## Some of Our Working Partners/Memberships PAVO NPTCVS SCVS Job Centre Plus Remploy Probation Service Western Valleys Communities First Powys County Council Community Repaint People Plus ## **South Wales Stick Makers** We continue to provide a resource to our partners to facilitate activities at the centre - for example workshops for people who want to learn the craft of stick making. ## Trustee’s Report Welcome to YVC Annual Report for 2022-2023-2024 As trustees we would like to offer our thanks to the staff and volunteers for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the Centre. There have been many new developments over the past twelve months or so. For example, Ti a Fi Cafe has become well established attracting new customers as well as regular return visitors. The Christmas lunches were a great success as was the craft fair. The Mens Shed is now unrecognisable after refurbishment and public workshops have taken place there. New signage and graphics have been installed bringing a strong identity to the centre. We have received grant funding from PAVO and Coalfields and the Food Bank was supported by the sum of £500 from the town council. The activities of the Centre is offering opportunities to develop relationships with new partners and strengthen our relationships with existing ones for long terming sustainable projects. Going forward, we are making available professional development courses to our staff and are looking at the possibility for Lottery funding to upgrade the building. We are also looking into buying a new van and the community garden being transformed into allotments. As always, the Board is seeking new members and volunteers to help carry forward all the good work being undertaken by Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre. This brief highlight of a selection of activities and developments is to show the overall health and vitality of the Centre and its contribution to the life of the town. There are many more things I could list but I feel the most important is many thanks for all the incredibly hard work and commitment from staff and volunteers. You should all feel justifiably proud of everything you’re achieving. Thank you! Paul Emmanuel ## Volunteering A vibrant and enriched community is where every person feels connected to their community through active participation in volunteer related activities - YVC promotes the value of volunteering and enhances the range and quality of volunteering opportunities and experience. ## Our Achievements The diversity and support that volunteers provided to local business and community projects has made a real difference. **2022/2023 2023/2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
New volunteers placed
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67 69
Ages of volunteers placed
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Under 18 18-25 26-35 36-50 51-65 Over 65 Unknown
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## Volunteering A vibrant and enriched community is where every person feels connected to their community through active participation in volunteer related activities - YVC promotes the value of volunteering and enhances the range and quality of volunteering opportunities and experience. ## Areas Volunteers Placed ## **April 2022—March 2023** ## **April 2023—March 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
25
20
15
10
5
0
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## Recycling Working with our communities to value the importance of the three ‘Rs’ to protect our environment - reduce, reuse and recycle - to promote and educate the environmental and economic benefits of reduce, reuse and recycle - to conserve and protect the physical and natural environment through the reduction of waste and the promotion of sustainable waste management - to re-purpose household and other goods for sale or use in the community ## Our Achievements Total amount saved from landfill ## April 2022 – March 2023 Tons **40,918 Powys 18,538** **Neath Port Talbot 15,818** **Swansea & Other 6562** ## April 2023 – March 2024 ## Tons **29,737** **Powys 15,475** **Neath Port Talbot 8958** **Swansea & Other 5303** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2500.00
2000.00
1500.00
Powys
1000.00 NPT
Swansea/Other
500.00
0.00
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## YVC Volunteer Hours **----- Start of picture text -----**
April 2022 –
Trustee Time
March 2023
YVC Shed
Furniture/Admin/Ebay
Foodbank
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Trustee Time
April 2023 –
March 2024 Cafe
Mens Shed
April 2022 – Furniture/Admin/Ebay
March 2023
Foodbank
52
YVC 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
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**52 YVC volunteers** contributed April 2023 – March 2024 **5455 hours £51,822** Monetary benefit **43 3400 £35,428 YVC hours** Monetary benefit **volunteers** contributed ## Ystradgynlais Foodbank Our foodbank service helps people and families in need facing financial and other hardship. The Foodbank is based at Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre. ## Food Parcels Provided Each Month **----- Start of picture text -----**
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Apr 22 May 22 Jun 22 Jul 22 Aug 22 Sep 22 Oct 22 Nov 22 Dec 22 Jan 23 Feb 23 Mar 23
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## **April 2022 – March 2023** **April 2023 – March 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
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## YVC Community Garden The Community Garden is an excellent facility that offers the opportunity to plant and grow a variety of fruit and vegetables. Last year we had a brilliant crop of various fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, this year we have not had any volunteers to manage the plot so we have had to temporarily close it down, we hope to reopen the garden as soon as possible. ## Ti A Fi Cafe Our Community Cafe is a fantastic place to come and relax as well as meeting new friends. There is always a warm welcome from our superb Staff and Volunteers. The cafe serves amazing food and drinks at reasonable and affordable prices. All our food is freshly prepared and cooked on site. ## YVC Shed We received a grant in April 2023 from The National Lottery for £10,000 to set up the YVC Shed which we are still in the process of developing. Our volunteer numbers are growing on a weekly basis. The YVC Shed gives the opportunity to both male and female volunteers to come and try their hand at new skills or offer their expertise to others. A few ongoing initiatives are making Welsh love spoons, bird boxes and repairing and upcycling furniture. Beyond the practical aspects of building and creating, the YVC Shed is also a social space. Members can chat and share stories over a cup of tea or coffee, or participate in social activities like outings and events. Overall, it is a place where people can find companionship, purpose, and a sense of community. It provides an opportunity for men and women to connect with others, share their skills and knowledge, and make a positive contribution to their community. ## Buying Social - Ethical & Sustainable Ystradgynlais Community Recycling is proud to be a Social Enterprise. Social Enterprises are changing the world for the better. Our aim is to create positive social change. When you buy from a social enterprise you are choosing to spend your money with a business that is giving something back. A social enterprise helps to create employment, helps to improve peoples life chances, provides training and employment opportunities, support communities and helps the environment. ## Helping those in most need We are regularly called on to support social services and community partners in rehousing a cross section of people from families in crisis, to those needing emergency new housing because of; domestic violence or eviction, to people who are destitute and have had to flee their homelands (immigration) so as to avoid persecution. Over the year we have helped many families in need through the provision of household furniture, bedding, clothing and other support. We also ensure families are signposted to other agencies and support groups for financial and other help. We also make a valued contribution to assist integration of people into the community. ## Ethical & Sustainable Purchasing - Buying Preowned Items We promote conscious purchasing choices to encourage consumers to make environmental choices. **Saves Money** Preowned items are a lot more affordable than purchasing the same or similar product new. **Helps the Getting more for Excitement Environment your money** Everyone loves Choosing to purchase Taking the time to finding a bargain. It items that may have have a look and may require a little ended up being explore will allow more time and effort, thrown away, even you to have a wider but nothing beats the though the item is in choice and you may feeling of finding an perfect condition find an item that may item for a fraction of prevents the amount be just as good the price. of waste that quality reaches our landfill. or even better. ## Management Committee ## 2022/2023 **Trustee** C **hairperson:** Paul Emmanuel **Treasurer:** Gabe Thomas **Minutes Secretary: Trustee Members:** Hywel Joplin Steve Rose Paul Hibben **Accounts:** Fergusons and Peters **Human Resources:** Mr D Williams ## 2023/2024 **Trustee Chairperson:** **Trustee Chairperson:** Paul Emmanuel **Treasurer:** Gabe Thomas **Minutes Secretary: Trustee Members:** Steve Rose Paul Hibben **Accounts:** Fergusons and Peters **Human Resources:** Mr D Williams ## YVC Staff ## 2022/2023 - Keiron Burke - YVC Manager Josie Bailey - Recyling Manager Elizabeth Davies - Volunteer/Client Coordinator Carol Gordon - Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Karl Lewis - Recycling Van Driver Aidan Wilcox - Recycling Technician Caroline Burke - Cafe Manager ## 2023/2024 Keiron Burke - YVC Manager Josie Bailey - Recyling Manager Elizabeth Davies - Volunteer/Client Coordinator Karl Lewis - Recycling Van Driver Aidan Wilcox - Recycling Technician Caroline Burke - Cafe Manager Aidan Radjenovic - Cafe Assistant Howard Betsworth-Informal Volunteering Officer ## Antur Ystrad Directors 2022/2023/2024 Keiron Burke ## Contact Details ## **Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre** The Old Remploy Factory Wind Road, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais Swansea Valley SA9 1AF Tel: 01639 849 192 Email: yvcvolunteering@gmail.com ## Information Website / Promotion & Publicity is managed and monitored between staff & volunteers Our Website: http://www.ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/ystradgynlaisvolunteercentre https://www.facebook.com/recycling.ystradgynlais https://www.facebook.com/ystradgynlaisfoodbank ystradvc We promote volunteering opportunities with the all Wales volunteering website at https://volunteering-wales.net/ CIO 11607J) YSTRADGYNLAIS VOLUNTEER CENTE