News

The State of the Community and Voluntary Sector in Powys: Resilient, Valued but Under Pressure
Across Powys, community and voluntary organisations are playing an increasingly vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing and resilience of local communities. Every day, they help prevent crises, reduce isolation,...
14/08/2026
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Community Information Fair
Wednesday 16 September 2026 11am-2pm Wyeside Arts Centre  
12/08/2026
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Extended Menu of Support from Powys Health, Care and Social Care Academy
The Powys Health, Care and Social Care Academy provides a range of organisational development, workforce and change support. This is available to to teams and programmes delivering transformation across the...
11/08/2026
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Cambrian Rail Partnership Cambrian Community Fund 2026
Closing date 9 September 2026 1pm Cambrian Railway Partnership is opening the Cambrian Community Fund. It is a small grants programme offering awards of between £200 and £1,000 to local...
10/08/2026
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North Powys Community and Voluntary Sector organisations share their views on the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub in Newtown
On 28 July, our partners at Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council held a drop-in event for North Powys community and voluntary sector organisations at Hafan yr Afon....
03/08/2026
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YOUTH LED GRANT SCHEME 2026 – 2027 
PAVO is offering grants of up to £500 to help young people in Powys turn great ideas into community action. We’re looking for projects that are planned and led by...
26/07/2026
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PAVO Training
We’re delighted to announce that our training programme is back this September, with a range of practical sessions designed to support voluntary organisations, staff and volunteers. For more information about...
24/07/2026
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Wales Human Rights Congress
The Congress will bring together individuals with an interest in human rights, voluntary sector organisations, academics, and civil society organisations in Wales. Join us to: Cocreate a draft Wales Human...
24/07/2026
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Powys Well-being Assessment 2027 – Public Consultation
Have your say on well-being in Powys. We want to hear what affects your well-being… from health and housing to jobs, the environment and feeling connected locally. Take part in...
23/07/2026
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Engagement on new Government Policy Framework: Emergency and Acute Care
The start of a new government term provides an important opportunity to set a clear national direction for emergency and acute care, aligning partners behind shared priorities to improve outcomes,...
21/07/2026
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Cyber resilience support for the third sector in Wales
We’ve been hearing that many organisations across the sector have concerns about cyber resilience. To help, we’ve pulled together some useful resources and sources of support. Cyber Resilience Centre for...
16/07/2026
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Heading to the Royal Welsh Show next week?
If you’re planning a trip to the Royal Welsh Show, we hope you have a fantastic week enjoying everything the Show has to offer. And while you’re there, you’ll find...
13/07/2026
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Current Powys County Council consultations: opportunities to have your say on issues affecting Powys residents
Powys County Council is currently seeking views on a range of proposals, plans and services that may affect people and communities across the county. Consultations are an important way for...
09/07/2026
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Baromedr Cymru Wave 4 now open: health and social care in focus
Voluntary organisations play an important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing across Wales. They provide preventative support, deliver services within communities, and work alongside health and social care partners...
09/07/2026
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A shared Vision for Voluntary Action in Wales
Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) CEO, explains why Wales needs a shared Vision for Voluntary Action and how organisations across the voluntary sector can help shape...
06/07/2026
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Progress highlighted at Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference
A wide range of practical action is making a difference to Powys children living in poverty, but more work is needed a conference has been told. 3,713 children in the...
03/07/2026
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gofod3: Putting the voluntary sector at the heart of Wales’ future
In the opening address at gofod3 last month, the Deputy First Minister reinforced the importance of placing the voluntary sector at the heart of Wales’ future. From addressing child poverty...
02/07/2026
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Find out more about health and wellbeing plans for North Powys
Would you like to learn more about plans for the new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Newtown? The North Powys Wellbeing Programme team will be at Maldwyn Leisure Centre, Plantation...
30/06/2026
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Get involved: Volunteer at the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women
The host venues for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women have been revealed with Wales hosting stage three and four from Mold to The Great Orme, Llandudno, and Llanidloes...
18/06/2026
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Social prescribing service extended following successful pilot
Our social prescribing service, which launched as a pilot last year, is now available to people aged 18–75 living in Powys. This expansion means that even more people can access...
16/06/2026
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Get Fit for Governance: Governance Training for Organisations
Understanding the role and responsibility attached to being a trustee of a charity, or playing a role in the governance of a voluntary organisation, is key to ensuring effective management...
11/06/2026
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High Sheriff hosts special thank you event for Powys volunteers
Volunteers from across Powys were treated to a special afternoon tea hosted by William Watkins, High Sheriff of Powys, at the Severn Arms Hotel in Penybont on Thursday 5 June,...
10/06/2026
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Volunteering in Powys boosted with announcement of new volunteer hubs
Volunteering in Powys is set to grow following the launch of five new volunteer hubs across the county by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), expanding the existing network of...
01/06/2026
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Volunteers wanted to help with Tour de France stage in Powys next year
Volunteers are wanted to help with the Tour de France stage in Powys next year (4 July 2027). They are also needed for the five other stages of the Tour...
27/05/2026
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Wales’s Volunteers Are Carrying Cross-Border Healthcare
Cross-border health transport is a significant and growing area of need for patients, leading to increased demand on the Community Transport sector. Most of this demand is currently being met...
27/05/2026
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HMRC tax-free mileage allowance increase will ease pressure on the voluntary sector
Following an announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 21 May 2026, the HMRC tax-free mileage allowance will increase from 45p to 55p per mile, backdated to April 2026. The increase...
27/05/2026
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Volunteers’ Week 2026: Celebrating volunteers across the UK
Volunteers’ Week returns this year for its 42nd anniversary, running from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June 2026. We will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the UK...
26/05/2026
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Can you make a difference in North Powys?
Marie Curie are looking for local individual or groups to help in your area.    
26/05/2026
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Mid & North Powys Mind – Free Workplace Training
Free to staff of any organisation based in Powys with less than 250 employees Delivered via Zoom
23/04/2026
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Volunteering in Powys celebrated
Last month, we celebrated volunteering in Powys at events held in Knighton, Machynlleth and Ystradgynlais. The events were organised in partnership with local volunteering delivery partners – Knighton and District...
21/04/2026
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Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership Wins Second Place at National Awards
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership has been recognised at the Community Rail Awards 2026, claiming second place in the prestigious Tourism and Leisure category for its innovative...
26/03/2026
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WCVA and Cwmpas call for a balanced and sustainable funding approach
In a joint statement, WCVA and Cwmpas are urging government to take a more balanced and practical approach to funding and engagement with voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups...
20/03/2026
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Aberystwyth University – Free Short Courses
There is a Fee Waiver Scheme that is currently available to individuals in Wales who would not otherwise have access to higher education including paid and unpaid carers. Thanks to...
18/03/2026
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Young people share powerful ideas to shape a fairer future for Powys
Young people from across Powys came together during the February half‑term for an inspiring countywide engagement event designed to put their ideas, energy and experiences at the heart of local decision‑making....
16/03/2026
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Lessons from COVID-19 highlight need to support voluntary sector resilience
The Welsh Government has been urged to work more closely with the voluntary sector to ensure communities can respond effectively to future emergencies. The call comes in a new report...
16/03/2026
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Charities help 500 older people continue living independently at home
Two charities helped more than 500 older people in mid Powys continue living independently at home last year (2024-25). East Radnor Home Support and Builth and Llanwrtyd Wells Home Support...
13/03/2026
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Newtown health and wellbeing hub takes major step forward
Welsh Government has approved the Outline Business Case (OBC) for a new health and wellbeing hub in Newtown. This is a major milestone and an important vote of confidence in...
13/03/2026
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New Trustee Network launched by WCVA
The Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) has launched a new Trustee Network, created in collaboration with people from across Wales. The network offers trustees the chance to connect with...
09/03/2026
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“We felt heard”: Powys groups welcome Welsh Government visit
Four Powys charities and community groups recently welcomed a visit from the Welsh Government (26th February), sharing how their work supports local people and strengthens rural communities. Chris Buchan, Head...
09/03/2026
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Farming Fit project presented to Full Council at County Hall
An innovative project supporting the health and wellbeing of farmers in Powys was presented to Full Council at County Hall this week (5th March). Farming Fit, an award-winning integrated project...
06/03/2026
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New electronic marketing rules for charities – the ‘charitable purpose soft opt-in’
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, came into effect on 5th February 2026, introducing a new “charitable purpose soft opt-in” to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR)....
03/03/2026
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Seven Powys organisations awarded funding to strengthen community wellbeing
Young people, carers, newly diagnosed residents and families affected by dementia are set to benefit from new projects launched by seven community organisations across Powys. The projects have secured support...
02/03/2026
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Powys volunteers meet The Prince and Princess of Wales during Newtown visit
Forty-two volunteers from across Powys, representing 15 local community groups, met The Prince and Princess of Wales at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown on 26 February. The visit formed part...
02/03/2026
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Have Your Say: Improving access to benefits and home energy support in Powys
Despite high levels of eligibility, Powys currently has one of the lowest take-up rates in Wales for both benefits and home energy efficiency support. We want to understand why many...
28/01/2026
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gofod3 – Save the date
Gofod3, the biggest voluntary sector event of its kind in Wales, returns to Cardiff City Stadium on 17 June 2026. Expect a full programme of: Speakers Masterclasses Panel debates and...
27/01/2026
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Welsh Charities Week 2026: Play your part, change lives
Welsh Charities Week, organised by the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), returns from 9–13 February 2026, now in its new annual home in the second week of February. The...
27/01/2026
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Sector insights to support your decision-making: Baromedr Cymru survey quarterly results now available
Last autumn, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) launched Baromedr Cymru – a rolling data source designed to provide an up-to-date picture of what’s really happening across the voluntary sector...
23/01/2026
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Community Conversations Follow-Up Meetings – January 2026
Last year, people from across Powys took part in local Community Conversations, sharing what matters most to them. These conversations helped shape key priorities in each area and highlighted the...
09/01/2026
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Remembering The Honourable Dame Shân Legge-Bourke (DCVO)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of The Honourable Dame Shân Legge-Bourke (DCVO). Dame Shân served as our President until 2021 and was a tireless champion of the voluntary...
18/12/2025
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Vulnerable groups in Powys risk being left without adequate support in future emergencies
Vulnerable groups in Powys could be left without essential support in a future emergency such as another pandemic, the Senedd Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee has been warned. Speaking...
12/12/2025
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Powys woman represents rural voice at prestigious youth forum
Last month (November 2025), a young Rhayader woman represented Powys at a two-day event that brought together young leaders from across the UK to engage with policymakers and civil society...
08/12/2025
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PAVO distributes record-breaking £2.7 million in funding
Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) has announced that it distributed a record-breaking £2.7 million in funding during the 2024–25 financial year, supporting 199 projects across twelve grant schemes. The...
05/12/2025
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Thriving Welsh Communities – We’ve Launched our Manifesto
We’re excited to share that today marks the official launch of our new manifesto Thriving Welsh Communities. It is the result of months of conversations, workshops, and collaboration with hundreds...
28/11/2025
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What do you, your colleagues, friends and family know about Shared Lives Powys?
Shared Lives is a unique way of supporting people in the community. We’d love to start a conversation and help everyone learn more. What do you, your colleagues, friends, and...
28/11/2025
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Community Conversations: New date added in Talgarth
We’ve added a new date to our series of Community Conversations. We’re inviting local people to help shape the future of their communities by sharing what matters most to them,...
28/11/2025
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Safeguarding – Group C
To register interest in this session, please email training@pavo.org.uk Take a look at other training session we have coming up: https://www.pavo.org.uk/events/
26/11/2025
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New Code of Fundraising Practice comes into effect
The new Code of Fundraising Practice came into effect on 1st November 2025, representing an important milestone for the fundraising community. Shaped by insights from charities, fundraisers and sector partners...
25/11/2025
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The voluntary sector’s manifesto for Senedd 2026
This manifesto represents the collective voice of Wales’ voluntary sector, born of engagement with, and insight from, volunteers, partners, stakeholders and networks. It sets out a clear call: the next Welsh...
14/11/2025
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Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025
Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025: relationships and collaborative working Third Sector Trends has been surveying the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector every three years since 2010....
29/10/2025
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Hire our PAVO conference and meeting rooms
PAVO has a range of Conference & Meeting Facilities for Hire at Unit 30 Ddole Road, Llandrindod. LD1 6DF Hire our PAVO conference and meeting rooms: Fully accessible FREE video...
29/10/2025
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Introducing Our New Social Prescribers
We’re delighted to introduce our new Social Prescribers: Ceri Williams – North Powys Lynda Rogers – Mid Powys Helen Quinlan – South Powys Our Social Prescribers offer person-centred support, helping...
28/10/2025
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What matters to you? Have your say at a Community Conversation near you
We’re inviting local people to help shape the future of their communities by taking part in our Community Conversations. These events give Powys residents the chance to share what matters...
27/10/2025
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Opportunity for Community Groups with Wales Broadcast Archive
 Call-Out to Groups in Wrexham, Ruthin & Newtown! Discover the Wales Broadcast Archive – Your Stories, Your History, Your Voice. We’re inviting community groups around Wrexham, Ruthin and Newtown to...
21/10/2025
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What matters to you? Powys Community Conversations start next week
We are inviting local people to help shape the future of their communities through a series of Community Conversations.  The events will give Powys residents the chance to share what...
10/10/2025
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Youth-led grant scheme empowers young people in Powys
Young people across Powys are taking the lead in shaping their communities through a youth-led grant scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations...
30/09/2025
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Community Conversations: Get Involved This October
This October, we’re hosting our first two Community Conversation events alongside a community fair.  Come and join a focus group to share your thoughts, explore what really matters to people,...
26/09/2025
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Cambrian Railway Partnership awards nearly £7,000 to local community projects and launches second round of Railway 200 Community Grant Fund
The Cambrian Railway Partnership has awarded almost £7,000 to community organisations along the Cambrian Line as part of its Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, supporting projects that celebrate heritage, creativity...
22/09/2025
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Community Conversations: Get involved this September
We’ll be out and about across Powys this month. Here’s where you can find us: 6th September – Sennybridge Show, Dickson’s Field, LD3 8TW 13th September, 10:00–16:00 – Llanidloes Autumn...
05/09/2025
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Updates from the Royal Welsh Show 2025: Third Sector Under Pressure
Two roundtables at this year’s Royal Welsh Show brought together leaders from across the voluntary sector, government, and our communities to explore the opportunities and challenges facing charities and community...
28/07/2025
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One year on – Farming Fit delivers hundreds of health checks across Powys
An award-winning initiative supporting the health and wellbeing of Powys’ rural communities has delivered over 760 health checks in its first year – resulting in 97 individuals being advised to...
28/07/2025
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Community Conversations: Shaping the Future of Powys Communities
From September onwards, we will be working across Powys as part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund programme – listening to local people and community groups to understand your...
14/07/2025
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PAVO Impact Report: October 2024 – March 2025
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO is pleased to share this snapshot of PAVO’s work and impact from October 2024 to March 2025 with you.  Clair said: “As the local County Voluntary...
01/07/2025
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Social Value Forum Development Fund 2025–2027: Nine Powys Organisations Awarded Funding to Boost Community Wellbeing
Nine community organisations across Powys have secured vital funding through the Social Value Forum Development Fund 2025-2027, made available by Powys Regional Partnership Board, to improve local wellbeing and support...
18/06/2025
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Volunteers’ Week 2025 Round-Up
2nd–8th June marked Volunteers’ Week, and our Volunteering in Powys team had a busy week celebrating the contribution of volunteers across the county. Here’s what we got up to: Shared...
17/06/2025
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Top Tips for Navigating the Volunteering Wales Website
New to the Volunteering Wales website? The site is a great place to discover local opportunities that match your skills, interests, and availability but it can feel overwhelming at first. ...
04/06/2025
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We’ve made the decision to step away from X (formerly Twitter) – and here’s a bit about why
After careful consideration, we’ve decided to step away from posting on X (formerly Twitter). Recent changes to the platform — including a rise in hateful, false, and negative content —...
29/04/2025
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Powys volunteers recognised as we launch ‘Volunteering in Powys’
We launched our ‘Volunteering in Powys’ initiative last week, with celebration events held in Brecon and Newtown. Organised in collaboration with the outgoing High Sheriff of Powys, Kathryn Silk, the...
23/04/2025
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International Microvolunteering Day 2025: Small Actions, Big Impact
Every year on April 15th, the world comes together to celebrate International Microvolunteering Day – a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out to create lasting...
09/04/2025
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Organisations share £30,000 grant to help tackle child poverty
Over 35 organisations across Powys have shared a grant worth £30,000 to help deliver a range of activities and events to support families and children experiencing poverty or impacted by...
25/03/2025
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Social Prescribing Day – 19th March 2025
Social Prescribing Day is an annual celebration of the incredible people, organisations, and communities who bring social prescribing to life. This includes local, national, and international organisations, link workers, medical...
18/03/2025
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Historic Investment in Powys Grassroots Infrastructure
Powys communities are benefiting from the county’s largest grassroots infrastructure investment in almost twenty years, with a record-breaking £1.65 million grant managed by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) between...
06/03/2025
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Blue Light Discount for NHS Volunteers
Blue Light Card provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store. Blue Light Card also works with small and large...
20/02/2025
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PAVO Highlights the Value of the Third Sector in Powys at First In-Person AGM and Conference Since 2019
We hosted our first in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference in four years last week (7th November 2024) in Newtown. Over 100 attendees gathered at Cefn Lea Conference Centre...
14/11/2024
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Trustees Week 2024: Insights from departing trustees Dominique Jones and Trish Buchan
This week, we celebrate the contributions of two extraordinary PAVO trustees: Vice Chair Dominique Jones and Trish Buchan, who has been a trustee since 2018.  As they step down, Dominique...
06/11/2024
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£90,000 grant to help tackle child poverty in Powys
Efforts to tackle child poverty in Powys will be boosted thanks to a £90,000 grant from the Welsh Government, it has been announced. Powys County Council has been successful in...
15/10/2024
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Banking for the Voluntary Sector in Wales
Smart Money Cymru Community Bank is a financial co-operative, owned by its members and run by a volunteer board of directors. We understand the banking needs of the voluntary sector....
09/10/2024
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Record-breaking £1.3m awarded to Powys communities in six-month period
We are celebrating a significant milestone after distributing a record £1,342,581.06 to community groups across the county in the first half of 2024. This marks the largest six-month funding total...
27/08/2024
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New improved Voluntary Sector Data Hub launches
Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) is excited to announce an update to their Voluntary Sector Data Hub, featuring a new look and feel along with the most up to...
25/07/2024
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