AVOW Update May 2021: AVOW have been as busy as ever and bring you an update of what they’ve been doing over the last few weeks.
AVOW Recruit Community Response Volunteers
Over 40 new volunteers have signed up for the AVOW Wrexham Community Response Team.
The team will work with regional emergency response services and local community contacts to respond to emergencies such as floods, missing person searches or extreme weather situations. They will be able to offer volunteers to support Public and Emergency Services.
Volunteers have access to free training and a free DBS check. Their training includes first aid for mental health, food hygiene, first aid, safeguarding adnd data protection.
These free training courses and DBS checks are also available for any volunteer registered with an organisation or community group in Wrexham County Borough.
Calon FM Community Radio Station Acquisition
Wrexham Community Broadcasting have acquired the assets of the former Calon FM Community Radio Station.
AVOW have been hosting a series of sessions, Q&As, and liaising with numerous groups across the region to appoint a group that will take over the former Calon FM radio station assets. The community radio station ceased broadcasting in January after 13 years in the area.
John Leece Jones, Chairman of AVOW, said, “We were extremely pleased with the level of submissions. Wrexham Community Broadcasting will now take their proposal to Ofcom. They have several volunteers who worked previously with Calon FM and will now be seeking support from across our community.”
A spokesperson from Wrexham Community Broadcasting said, “After eight weeks and a tough application process, we’ve met every requirement laid out in front of us. We are very happy that we have retained the community radio license for Wrexham. So much hard work from an incredible group of volunteers went into securing this licence.”
Please express your interest in being a part of this project by contacting calon@wrexhamcb.live
Voluntary Services Emergency Fund Distributes over £51,000
Over the last 12 months, AVOW have distributed £51,000 worth of funding through the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund with Comic Relief – Big Night In.
The funding has supported over 48 organisations across Wrexham County Borough during the Covid pandemic. The Funding and Advice Service at AVOW has been responsible for the distribution of the funding. This service provides organisations and the third sector with guidance on the funds available and signposting to available funding options. Alongside the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund, AVOW have supported over £354,000 in funds throughout Wrexham County Borough.
Funding Officer for AVOW, Nigel Davies, said: “The funding aims to prevent escalations of need in these uncertain times rather than waiting for organisations to fall into crisis. The funds have helped children survive and thrive through the pandemic, giving them the best start in life.”
Organisations who sign up as members to AVOW can attend regular workshops, funding surgeries and access bespoke guidance for funding. There are many platforms to engage with the service, including the AVOW Facebook group ‘Funding with AVOW’, the AVOW website at avow.org or contact our funding officer below.
Following additional funds from the Welsh Government, applications are now open again. Previous applicants are welcome to apply.
Please contact Funding Officer Nigel Davies on 01978 312 556 or at nigel.davies@avow.org
About AVOW
AVOW connects voluntary and community organisations and activities in Wrexham. Furthermore, it coordinates advice, information, financial and community development support services for charities and community groups. To that end, AVOW can easily signpost individuals to appropriate sources of support. They also deliver high-quality services to carers, citizens with particular needs and those seeking employment.
We hope you enjoyed our AVOW Update May 2021. Please click here for more of our articles on local charities.
