Argyll Voluntary Action in Bute and Cowal
Community Education Centre Edward Street Dunoon
PA23 7PH
TEL: 01369 700100 or email on michaela@argyllcommunities.org.uk
Welcome to the local page for the Cowal and Bute Argyll Voluntary Action. We will be updating this site regularly with information on community and voluntary organisation support and advice, funding information in local area, volunteer opportunities and anything else that we think may be of interest.
Timebank drop-ins
All are invited on the last Friday of each month (11-1) to the AVA office in Dunoon – find out about Timebanking and volunteering – make exchanges with other Timebank members, have a good cup of tea, home made cake and a blether!
Timebanking and sharing resources
Third Sector Forum
A reminder that the Forum is rescheduled for Wednesday 18th April – see Third Sector Forum Cowal agenda April 2012 - the Forum is open to all groups and social enterprises to share information and ideas – it will take place from 11-1 and then after a short lunch break (lunch provided if you book a place) there will be informal workshop on funding from 1.30-3.30. Please let us know if you can attend, on 700100 or michaela@argyllvoluntaryaction.org.uk
BIG News Flash……. to anyone looking for funding ……
As part of its roll out of the Coastal Communities Fund, the Big Lottery are running a series of presentations up and down the country. Argyll and Bute Council are hosting a “BIG Info Day” event in Argyll.
Attached you will find an invitation giving you the information of how to book a place at one of the presentations or a personal signposting session.
Please respond quickly, time is quite tight as the event falls just after the Easter Weekend. Big Info Day Flyer v1 2
Third Sector Forum (Cowal)
Monday 27th March (11-1) will be the next Third Sector Forum – to which all voluntary groups and social enterprises are invited – whether you have been before or not. We will be discussing training, funding, local issues, and new projects in the area. Lunch will be provided – but please let me know on 700100 or michaela@argyllcommunities.org.uk if you are attending for ordering. Afterwards we will have a short informal session on how to fill in successful funding bids – call us to book a place!
Woodland Gym has started in Cowal!
A good chance to get outdoors, get fit, and meet new folks! For more information on the Woodland Gym, and how to get involved, call us on 700100.
Happy New Year!
Why not pop in and have a chat with us about your new year resolutions – whatever they are we might be able to help you achieve them, through volunteering, training, or help from someone in the Timebank. Pop in, or call us on 01369 700100 to make an appointment.
During these dark winter nights, why not fill in one of our cryptic quizzes – at a cost of £1, but with the chance of winning £25!
Viewpoint!
You are invited to come along to see an inspiring drama about life in Argyll, and afterwards to stay and contribute your feedback to the play, and on local issues and your inspirations for the area. The event will happen at 7pm on Wednesday 25th January at the Community Education Centre on Edward Street in Dunoon. Contact us for more information.
Minute taking course - we offered a short course on the afternoon of the 7th September – which was well-received – please call Michaela or Andy if you are interested in a further course.
Third Sector Forum (Cowal)
The latest Cowal Third Sector Forum was held on 8th August in Dunoon. Minutes are available here: TSF Cowal Minutes 8th Aug 2011
Voluntary organisations and social enterprises received feedback from the Local Area Community Planning Group, and raised issues affecting the Third Sector to be added to the agenda for the next LACPG. We discussed Third Sector grants, funding opportunities, training, consultations, and other topics. Full minutes will be available soon. Let Michaela know if you would like to be added to the mailing list for the Forum. The next meeting is on 30th September – if you would like to come along, or have items to add to the agenda, please let Michaela know. The agenda is available here: Third Sector Forum agenda September 2011 (2).
Digital Switchover in Cowal
People in Cowal were supported through the digital switchover for Darvel and Rosneath at our to our advice point.
Training available for women in Cowal
Yes We CAN flyer and reg form 2011
Engender is hoping to run this four day course in Dunoon or somewhere in Cowal in June. Actual dates will be set with the women who register in an attempt to ensure that all who are interested can take part. It is free, travel and care costs paid. Contact Michaela for more information.
‘CELEBRATING VOLUNTARY ACTION’ VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL
For more information on this prestigious event please see http://argyllcommunities.org/?p=3362 .
Spring Into Action! We held a busy open day in June – people that came along found out more about Timebank and to join in the blether. we had a display of projects that Timebank members have been working on, such as a beautiful clock made by someone who has recently had lessons in wood-turning, and lovely baby clothes knitted by ten different Timebank members for a new mum. We also enjoyed home made cakes. Don’t miss out – come along to the next get-together, or in the meantime do get in touch – call us on 01369 700100.
Get Involved Get Inspired Get Volunteering!
Argyll Voluntary Action held a volunteering event on Saturday 8th of January at the Burgh Hall, Dunoon from 11.00 am till 3.00 pm. Many people came along and found out about how to learn new skills, build their CV, meet new people or simply keep busy, by meeting staff from AVA, and representatives from your local voluntary organisations. A big thank you to the organisations that came long on the day to support the event, and to Nick Snith who was available all day to offer workshops as a life coach. Thanks too to Ballochgoy Family Project for providing children’s activities. It’s not too late though to find out more about volunteering and the Timebank – just give Michaela or Andy a call on 01369 700100 or email cowal.tfc@tiscali.co.uk.
Training Courses Available with AVA
Argyll Voluntary Action offer many training courses, including…
Time management - This training will give participants an opportunity to step back from their work situation, to review and analyse how they use time and how they can improve areas of weakness. Participants will do this by keeping a log diary for one day, reviewing their use of time, reflecting on their work habits and starting to plan to improve their use of time.
Motivating and retaining volunteers This 4 hour course teaches participants what motivates/de-motivates people in paid and unpaid work, how to recognise volunteers and why volunteers leave. Other topics covered include identifying signs/causes of de-motivation, various ways of dealing with de-motivation and how to deal with dissatisfaction.
If you would like more information on any of these courses, to book a place or simply to discuss what else Argyll Voluntary Action can offer please contact us on 01369-700100 or email us on dunoonadmin.abvc@tiscali.co.uk
Are you a member of our timebank?
We would like to meet up with you again, see what matches we can make for you, and make sure you are as involved as you would like to be! Please give us a call to make an appointment on 01369-700100. Come in and meet up with the team! Come in and see us at our Edward Street Office!
