ANNUAL REVIEW 2012-2013

AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 1 Charity Number 1043989. Company Limited by Guarantee Number 2993429 Welcome t gives me great pleasure as Chair of AVOW to introduce our Annual Review for 2012-13 in our he year 2012/13 has certainly seen increasing challenges for voluntary organisations Silver Jubilee Year. and groups with both staff and volunteers, in many instances, finding I Firstly I would like to express appreciation for the considerable contribution made to AVOW by my T more and more people looking to them for help. No matter what type of organisation, predecessor, Mervyn Rosenberg and by former Vice - Chair Gail Thomas, both of whom have decided to retire there has been an increasing pressure on them to find funding to keep their services and as trustees. We have also lost two long serving managers, Cathryn Williams and Ann Vaughan. We wish them support running. The current economic climate is proving very difficult due to donations all well and will miss them very much. We have also said farewell to the Communities First staff at Plas Madoc decreasing and grant funding becoming more competitive and difficult to obtain. following the transfer of the project (and the staff) to County Borough Council. The voluntary and community sector is being urged more than ever to collaborate and work The introduction to last year's report warned of troubles ahead and this is likely to be the case for a few years yet to achieve greater efficiencies. At AVOW we provide practical support for groups and are but AVOW is available to assist third sector organisations in all operational and governance aspects. able to loan a wide range of equipment and resources. We have also seen a major increase The Welsh Government, in 2013/14, will be conducting a very important Review of the Third Sector - the in the amount of information available on our web site to help groups no matter what their outcome of which is likely to influence the way the Welsh Government work with the sector and it is vital that all issues. We don’t, however, wish to lose our personal contact and our staff are always willing organisations engage in the consultation process. to attend meetings to offer support. For 9 years AVOW administered the Community Facility and Activities Programme (CFAP grants scheme). This There are still many opportunities for groups to come together and share their experiences has now been consolidated into a central fund to be administered on an all basis by the Welsh Government and knowledge – it is far better to learn from others than try and reinvent the wheel but we will continue to support local bodies in their applications and endeavour to ensure there is no reduction when someone has already done something successfully. Often it is useful to know when in funds coming to the Wrexham area. something hasn’t worked particularly well so that others don’t make the same mistakes. The Welsh Language Measure will, over the next few years, increasingly affect everyone in Wales who delivers As mentioned by the Chair in his Welcome, 2013 is the 25th Anniversary of AVOW and our services to the public and AVOW will be inviting Meri Huws - the Welsh Language Commissioner - to Wrexham slogan for the year is MAD – Make a difference – a lot can be done by individuals but far to meet with members in order to explain obligations and expectations. more can often be achieved collectively and that is where our strength as a sector should come from. I would like to express thanks to our staff, volunteers, members and my fellow Trustees for all their hard work and above all for the enthusiasm and good will throughout the past year. I wish to thank all AVOW members, Trustees, staff, the increasing band of volunteers and all our partner organisations and agencies we work with for their dedicated work and support I hope you will enjoy reading a review of AVOW's activities over the past year. during the year.

John Leece Jones Chairman John Gallanders Chief Officer

AVOW | Tŷ Avow | 21 Egerton Street | Wrexham | LL11 1ND | Tel: 01978 312556 | Fax: 01978 352046 | [email protected] | www.avow.org 2 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW Who are we? AVOW is the organisation that connects voluntary and community organisations and activities across Wrexham County AVOW Trustees Borough. Welcoming our new Trustees We provide advice, information, financial and community development support services for voluntary and community Stephen Perkins groups as well as having a number of projects to help individuals struggling with the pressures of life. Stephen is a retired company director, and chairs the Carers Information Service Advisory Group and sits on the Health and Social Care Advisory Group. Joyce M’Caw Prior to her retirement at the end of March 2012, Joyce was Chief Executive for Careers Wales North East. Joyce also had significant contact with Welsh Our main aim Government Ministers, Assembly Members and senior civil servants within Is that all voluntary and community groups within achieve their goals the Education and Skills Division. to benefit the community. Peter Webb We do this by: Peter has recently retired after a 35 year career with the public, private and • Supporting the development of individuals and organisations third sectors across a range of disciplines from General Practice Surveying, within the voluntary and community sectors; Facilities Management and Project Management. • Promoting good practice; and VIEWING Farewell... • Consulting, representing and championing the voluntary and View this Annual Review for We would like to say thank you and goodbye to our former Trustees community sectors locally and nationally. Our vision and mission statements reflect this. INTERACTIVE FEATURES & ENHANCED David Galley, Gail Thomas, Mervyn Rosenberg and Wendy Smith avow.org/annual-review-2013 Everyone at AVOW wishes them well for the future. Contents Our Current Trustees 02 Introduction 13 Training Our current Trustees are: Margaret Bryden, Marjorie Dykins OBE, Dave Hylands, Moira Jones, Raymond 03 AVOW Trustees 14 Case Studies Jones, John Leece Jones (Chair), Joyce M’Caw, Stephen Perkins, Barbara Roxburgh, Anne Ryan (Vice-Chair), Peter Webb, Michael Williams, Rosemarie 04 Helping You 16 AVOW in Words Williams. 07 Awards and Recognitions 18 AVOW in Numbers /AVOWWrexham @AvowWrexham AVOW Trustees & Staff To find out more about AVOW Trustees and staff please visit our website 08 Helping your Organisation 19 Accounts www.avow.org AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 12 Giving you a voice 20 AVOW in Pictures 3 Helping You

rom 1st April 2012 – 31st March 2013 the Volunteer Centre Team interviewed over 500 prospective volunteers resulting in 280 volunteer placements. The BIG Volunteering Project runs F in tandem with the Volunteer Centre and has been developed to enable individuals BIG Volunteeringat risk of isolation Project and exclusion to consider volunteering as an opportunity to develop social skills and community participation. One to one time is spent with individuals to talk about the project and inform them of group volunteering sessions or volunteer taster sessions. The aim is to get participants to the stage where they are ready to volunteer independently. AVOW has run Ollie’s Cafe at the Law Courts, Bodhyfryd, Wrexham since Lisa Jones, Project Co-ordinator has so far supported 48 people, 38 of February 2012. whom have been placed in volunteering opportunities. The café helps provide volunteering opportunities within a catering environment for A year into the project we are on target to fulfil the obligations of the individuals experiencing unemployment, health issues and substance misuse. Marie contract awarded from the Big Lottery and many more people are set Dingley-Shortt is the Catering Co-ordinator at the café and has seen it go from strength to benefit. to strength with many volunteers using it as an opportunity to build skills, experience and confidence. Decided by a panel of five young volunteers, £5000 from the Welsh Government was distributed by AVOW via the Gwirvol Youth Led Grants scheme. Out of 14 applications received 11 were successful in gaining funding with successful projects ranging from creating a raised vegetable garden for young people to a group of pupils organising a lunch for local elderly residents.

4 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW Helping You AVOW’s Health & Social Care Team organised a Big Health Day event in May 2012 at Wrexham Memorial Hall in the town centre. Over 40 stands were staffed by volunteers and representatives from a wide variety of groups and organisations. All of these groups had a focus on health and well-being and gave advice, information, free samples and health checks PEER MENTORING to over 350 members of the public during the day-long event. It was a lively and busy day for all involved and another Big Health Day is planned for October 2013 with the theme of older people’s health. PROJECT Over the past year AVOW continued to provide a Peer Mentoring service to people affected by drug or alcohol misuse. he Carers Information Service provide information, Management, Epilepsy, Diabetes and Stroke Awareness. Volunteer Peer Mentors, who had experience of substance misuse themselves, were recruited and trained to support advice and emotional support to unpaid, informal The service works in partnership with a number of people to develop their confidence and equip them with the T carers living in Wrexham County Borough. organisations such as Parkinsons Society, Stroke Association, skills necessary to enter the world of work. Over the last twelve months, the service has helped 1370 Alzheimer’s Society and Hafal to ensure carers have access to carers find out about their rights for both themselves and the a range of services that could assist them in their caring role. The scheme ended in December 2012 but CAIS and AVOW person they care for as well as providing opportunities for A strong partnership has been developed with the British Red have worked together to make sure that support continues them to meet others in similar situations to them by means of Cross to deliver a range of services for carers, including a Carers to be available throughout Wrexham County Borough. support groups, outings Emergency Card, A service user said: and activities. First Aid training The year has seen the and therapeutic “I don’t need drugs now to face things. launch of new training care for carers The Peer Mentors never gave up on me; they sessions specificallyand their loved encouraged me to keep going.” for carers on topics like ones. Manual Handling, Stress

AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 5 Helping You AVOW has a proven track record of people and their families. This year AVOW delivering successful play projects have recently secured funding through Little Sunflowers is a wraparound childcare both as part of the Community First Children in Need to provide additional support service run from AVOW’s site in Plas Madoc. Programme and distinct independent to individual children and families who are Little Sunflowers endeavours to positively respond to projects. experiencing further barriers to accessing play the diverse needs of the children and their families, Play is a significant element of the provision because of disability, segregation or treating everyone as individuals. The child care development work AVOW facilitates by being marginalised. In addition to the large received is adapted to cater for the family needs providing a range of services for the children, numbers of children and young people who - some parents benefit by being able to commit to young people and families that reside within access this provision, significant numbers employment and education opportunities whilst and around the Plas Madoc and Gwenfro of adults, including parents, visit these other families may need respite or emotional support wards. The project expanded into seven new projects to play with their children, speak and encouragement. Parents feel reassured knowing areas in February 2013 under the new Urban to staff and socialise with other adults. The their children are cared for in a home from home Villages Cluster. projects therefore represent a primary form of environment with highly qualified staff who care. The Play Team have an excellent track record community engagement not just for children with regard to consultation with the local and young people but adults as well, and it is community and development of projects from this engagement and on-going social- that meet the needs of children and young interaction that community ownership of these projects has developed.

ith funding from the Kathleen Davies Trust (KDT) AVOW have been able to encourage and develop a culture Victoria Westaway, Regeneration Officer in Plas Madoc said: of participation in a civil society, through creation of opportunities for volunteering and improved social economy within Plas Madoc and the neighbouring communities. “I aim to support initiatives that engage older and W Based at Plas Madoc Opportunities Centre there are numerous engagement groups and activities which aim to empower vulnerable people in an active life within their community individuals through developing their skill sets and self-confidence to make informed decisions about their lives. and encourage inter-generational projects involving schools This is achieved through working with individuals to help them identify and remove any perceived or actual barriers to and youth provisions that benefit both the individuals participation within both community activities and voluntary organisations. involved and the wider community”.

6 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 6 people Ollie’s Cafe The Healthy Eating gained Level 2 Food achieved Level 5 ‘The Land’ has and Being More Active Hygiene at Ollie’s Hygiene Award received international Outcome Group, chaired by AVOW’s Cafe recognition; children and Deputy Chief Officer, was presented with staff have been filmed for a the prize for winning academic poster at the documentary which will be Welsh National Public Health Conference ready in December 2013. by the Chief Medical Officer. This was in recognition of partnership work tackling obesity in Wrexham. AVOW

Louise AWARDS Wrexham Carers Bollington, Carers Information Service Volunteer, gained a achieved the Carers Trust High Sheriff Award Quality Award & for Volunteering

RECOGNITIONS 8 Staff achieved Qualifications Tony Ormond, Service in their area of User Involvement Co-ordinator expertise at AVOW, and three service users were invited to Cardiff in March 2013 to replicate the “Perfect Engagement” event. The group delivered 2 workshops at the Welsh National Best Practice Little Sunflowers Conference arranged by the Welsh Government and received the gold award showcased the ground breaking work to share from the Designed to Smile good practice throughout Wales. A letter of Successful team which recognises 4 years Little commendation from the Welsh Government Re-assessment of of pre-school tooth brushing Sunflowers was received by each representative for Level 2 Green Dragon enrolled on the the tremendous work conducted in Environmental Award Wrexham. healthy pre-schools initiativeAVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 7 AVOW 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 7 Helping your Organisation

THE VOLUNTEER has a responsibility to support voluntary organisations with volunteers and advice about volunteering issues. The Volunteer Centre Team have arranged 10 recruitment sessions at AVOW in the last twelve months. The sessions have enabled 60 organisations to promote CENTRE their opportunities to prospective volunteers who attended the sessions.

During the reporting period, the Community Development Team delivered a “How 2” Event at Village Hall. Short snappy sessions provided organisations & Community Groups with the following topics: • How 2 Understand your organisation’s accounts • How 2 Recruit volunteers for your organisation • How 2 Improve the effectiveness of your organisation • How 2 Benefit from local businesses • How 2 Know what funders want • How 2 Understand Insurance Everyone who attended had positive things to say about the event, and benefited in different ways.

Following the session Maes-y-Pant Quarry, , worked with Business Supporting Communities (B2C), to develop links with local businesses who allow staff to volunteer a day to work in the woodland. They have also successfully attracted a grant to finish laying footpaths and signage throughout the wooded area.

8 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW Helping your Organisation

Help with Grants & Funding eiriog Valley Bowling Club enquired The Wrexham Community Facility and Activities AVOW regularly invite Funders to Wrexham to speak to members, about getting mains electricity to Programme (WFAP) has provided grants to a wide range because AVOW understands that funding is a major issue for most C their clubhouse. The Community of community groups to improve local facilities across the groups. Having the chance to speak to funders before applying Development Team identified a fund, and county. Grants have provided such things as: for grants makes it easier to apply, and can really improve the gave advice on how to apply. • playground swings repairs chances of success. During 2012/13, four Funding Surgeries • maintenance for community buildings were organised, giving AVOW members the chance to have pre- They were successful and received a application chats with representatives from the Arts Council £4000 grant through the Wrexham • timing clocks for homing pigeon societies • creation of woodland footpaths Wales, Cory Environmental Trust in Britain, the Big Lottery Fund Community Facility and Activities and Environment Wales. Programme (CFAP) - now they can • park benches and picnic benches enjoy a well-earned cuppa after their • replacement windows and doors matches! • play equipment for a playgroup • carpets and floorings • computers and digital equipment • kitchen appliances for a village hall.

AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 9 Helping your Organisation

Julie Cooper, Health and Social Care Development Officer for AVOW, is always happy to provide support, advice and signposting as required. The Macmillan Shooting Star Information and Support Centre was the first Macmillan Centre in Wales and opened its doors in February 2009. It became apparent from early on that working in partnership with Voluntary Service organisations would be essential for the service to deliver enhanced support to users of the service. Over the years AVOW has As previously mentioned, Wrexham Carers Service work in continued to provide support to both staff and visitors attending the Macmillan Shooting partnership with many statutory and third sector organisations Star Information & Support Centre. to ensure carers have access to the information and services they Macmillan Information & Support Manager Pam Wedley said: need. Regular newsletter promotes services offered by local and national organisations and how Carers can access these. ”Julie is very approachable and has been able to facilitate additional support in the When arranging large events for carers such as Carers Rights Day and community for cancer patients, their relatives and carers as well as provide me with advice Carers Week, many organisations are invited to join events which give and support.“ carers the full flavour of services available. “AVOW has been extremely supportive of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Julie and the The service has also made numerous referrals to statutory and Third team have provided rooms for meetings, signposting to the carers service at AVOW, advertised Sector organisations across Wrexham and signposted many more. Macmillan events in the AVOW newsletter, helped recruit volunteers to work in the Centre and provided opportunities for additional training to support volunteers in their work.”

AVOW continues to work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to support cancer awareness events and Julie and the team at AVOW have been able to provide/signpost to additional voluntary services and support that are not provided by the Health Board or Macmillan. AVOW also facilitates meetings between local organisations, including Macmillan Cancer Support and regularly provides updates and newsletters for visitors to the Centre on the work of AVOW.

“On a personal note”, Pam said, ” Julie was able to signpost me to a free lip-reading course at AVOW, which I found extremely helpful. “

10 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW Helping your Organisation

The Plas Madoc Community Development team work with other organisations to maintain and develop appropriate services within Wrexham County Borough and regionally, which are available to support the development of participation. The team endeavour to identify and liaise with appropriate partners on possible joint projects that will reduce isolation and foster participation amongst different cultural / social groups within the community.

SUPPORT FOR YOU Our building, Tŷ Avow, Egerton Street, located by the bus station in Wrexham Town Centre, has been developed as a major Resource Centre and is the hub for all voluntary and community groups and provides a myriad of information, advice and resources. AVOWs buildings are accessible in Wrexham and Plas Madoc and provide suitable meeting space, training rooms and office accommodation and both buildings are ideally situated for supporting the community. AVOW also has equipment to hire out to groups such as: • Projectors • Marquees • Fundraising buckets • Presentation boards • PA system We also have basic office facilities such as photocopying, franking, and faxing. We are available to assist all community groups and third sector organisations within Wrexham County Borough. This year saw the launch of the Community Directory which created a one stop shop for the public to find an organisation that can help. The Directory, which can be accessed from our website www.avow.org, contains over 250 organisations and community groups from Aberoer Village Institute to Wrexham Women’s Aid and allows searches by area, activities or beneficiary. We wish to expand the Directory and ask everyone to check details of organisations they are involved with - if they are not listed let us know as it will help to promote your activities.

AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 11 Giving you a Voice aking sure that the voice of Third Sector organisations is heard and taken seriously by health & social care agencies is a key job of AVOW’s Health & Social Care Team. MThe team are passed many documents that propose changes to the way health & social care services are delivered, including changes to the way that healthcare is delivered across North Wales as proposed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). Consultation Events for groups and organisations were arranged to discuss the proposed changes and the effect those changes would have on the people who use their services. The key points were written up on behalf of Third Sector groups and sent to BCUHB as part of its formal consultation process. The sector added its voice to influence the decisions taken by the Health Board when it decided whether or not to put the proposals into practice, and AVOW are grateful for the many contributions to the proposals recieved.

Through AVOW’s Carers Service, Carers in Wrexham have been involved in a range of consultations affecting services both locally and nationally. Some of these include: • The Social Services Well Being Bill • Bowel Screening Test Carer Leaflet • Wrexham County Borough Council Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy • Refreshing The Carers Strategy For Wales, and • The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Carer Information Leaflet

Claire Griffiths, Play Manager, worked in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) to carry out a Play Sufficiency Assessment for Wrexham. The Welsh Government recently passed a law which required all local authorities in Wales to carry out an investigation into the time and space children and young people have for playing. This assessed the quantity and quality of play opportunities for children and young people in the Wrexham area. Claire helped form a parent focus group in Plas Madoc to feedback individuals findings. The information will be used to find ways of protecting and improving the time and space available for young people to play out.

12 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW AVOW Training Throughout the Year INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOOD HYGIENE TRUSTEES ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FIRST AID EQUALITY & DIVERSITY ESSENTIAL SKILLS ENTRY LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION MARKETING YOUR ORGANISATION GRANTS FIT FOR FUNDING HEALTH & SAFETY CHILD PROTECTION SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIRING SKILLS 100% of respondents reported their knowledge had greatly increased as a result of the support received 100% of respondents would return to AVOW for further advice 100% of respondents would recommend AVOW to another person 98% of participants responded that their knowledge had increased as a result of the course 98% of participants responded that the courses were very good/ good 88% of respondents felt support received was either excellent or very good. 12% of respondents felt the support was good 86% of participants achieved their objectives as a result of attending the course of respondents have implemented the advice received with 29% of respondents confirming they intend to implement the advice 71% AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 13 My AVOW Who have we made a difference to? Story by Pete Fuller Dan is a volunteer with AVOW and has been the Chairman of the Wrexham Dan Mackenzie is a recovering alcoholic who has turned his life around after attending a Alliance of Service User Partnership (WASUP) for the past 14 months. He has offered rehabilitation programme at The Elms, Wrexham. He then trained to help people with to take on a new role in WASUP around events and marketing. He has played a leading role in substance misuse difficulties by becoming a Volunteer Peer Mentor with AVOW’s Peer organising and delivering two major Service User focussed events in Wrexham together with Mentoring Project. delivering a workshop at an All Wales Conference. This conference was called to look at ways Dan said: that people who provide substance misuse services, like the local Council and the Health Authority, could engage better with the people who use those services. Dan talked about “I was drinking up to 6 bottles of cider every single day. It was how services are working in partnership with people who use those services in Wrexham. horrible and depressing. I was just drinking to numb the pain.” Free of drink now, Dan said: “I am feeling a lot more confident and now working voluntarily for AVOW and WASUP.”

A Carers Story Steven, aged 52 is married to Elizabeth, aged 44. Steven’s life changed that he has his own identity as well as a caring role, and now attends regularly. dramatically when his wife was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2004. The Carers newsletter keeps him updated on services that could benefit both himself and his Steven worked full time in management and was able to maintain this initially, however, as wife. He has accessed various Carer outings and activities which Steven says provide “nice Huntingdon’s is a degenerative condition Steve’s caring role increased over the years. Sadly, breaks”. Steven felt it necessary to give up work to provide the full time care his wife required. Wrexham Carers Service has been successful in finding a grant for the couple to replace some Steven was handed a leaflet from an Occupational Therapist about The Wrexham Carers carpets within their home and a recent benefit check has resulted in the couple receiving Service and came along in September 2012. After a long chat with a support worker Steven money back from Wrexham Council which was an overpayment on their council tax bill. registered with the service. This was the first time he’d ever considered his own needs. He recalls this as his ‘first step to recovery’. Steven tells us: One of the first services Steven accessed was the Carer Drop In. He found this to be extremely “It’s good to know Wrexham Carers Service are there for me when I helpful and says this has helped him come to terms with his wife’s illness and accept the fact need help and support and I have also made new friends.”

14 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW Life deals both good and bad times qualifications in computer science. I started to offer advice and guidance to local friends My AVOW to us all but some time a bad run and businesses gaining me membership to the Chartered Institute for IT. However, this Story by Pete Fuller stretches longer and longer and all wasn’t the turnaround I had hoped for and I continued to lose everything that I had held your usual strength and resolve gets dear including my marriage in 2009. sapped away in coping. These are the By this time all my lights had gone out. I had battled pain, disability, and the darkest times for anyone and when all your lights go out it is easy to become lost loss of everything but had no help, advice or guidance from anywhere – government and simply give up. But, sometimes a guiding light finds you in your darkness or medical. Until one day my GP suggested I contact AVOW and look at volunteering and illuminates the path back. AVOW was that torch bearer for me. somewhere. I remember thinking volunteering is just a scam for organisations to get work In 2004 I was married with three lovely kids, I owned my own house, had a for nothing but I had nothing and felt totally isolated, worthless and alone and so why not new car, family holidays every year, good friends and a close family. Having served in the …. and I contacted AVOW. Parachute Regiment of the British Army I was now a professional HGV driver, driving up to It was a light at the end of the tunnel from the first moment I spoke to someone 40 ton articulated vehicles, and in my spare time I repaired computers and wrote my own and I will never forget the two people I met that day. Genuine, caring, understanding, with programmes for them. I loved life and with a healthy and happy family I felt invincible - no underlying agenda but to listen and not just offer advice but real guidance. I started to there was no problem I couldn’t face and no mountain I couldn’t climb. help AVOW themselves shortly after and frequently stayed for the full day. Being around Early one morning while unloading a vehicle by hand I collapsed in crippling pain genuine people that care and seeing that I could help them slowly started to recharge my and unable to move. What had started as a fantastic autumn morning was the beginning batteries. I started to feel valued again and they helped me build my confidence in the of the end for life as I knew it. Over the next few years I was in pain every moment of skills I had. Most importantly I started to enjoy being around people again and wasn’t every day and night, standing, sitting, bathing and sleeping were all agony but worst of ashamed or embarrassed about of my health problems and disability. I made not just all for me was the pain of simply walking a few paces. I quickly lost my health, ballooning friends but good friends. in weight from 14 stone to 19 inside of 9 months. Depression quickly followed as I now In 2012 I had an operation on the nerves in my lower back to try to help manage had to rely on friends and family for everything. Medical followed medical and treatment the nerve damage that had caused all my problems and hopefully help me manage the followed treatment but the side effects were frequently as bad as everything else. For four pain and mobility issues. But, thanks to AVOW, their faith in me and support I also gained years there was no answer and little relief - only morphine twice a day. full time employment as a Technical Support Officer. AVOW taught me the true value of During this time my life just fell away. As we struggled to cope I had to watch my helping people worse off and showed me the personal rewards of making a difference to wife manage not just with a seriously disabled daughter but now with a disabled husband. someone who is lost and struggling. Seeing this from both sides I am now fortunate to We had to sell the house and car to cope with mounting debts and we had to move away be in a position where I can continue to do that professionally using the skills I have built, to rent suitable accommodation and slowly lost friends. through adversity. But, I will never forget the people at AVOW and the life skills they taught Pain may be all controlling but it also focuses the mind and if I have one trait it’s me. Without their genuine support, care and assistance I would be lost. that I’m stubborn. I found one way to take the mind off constant pain was to distract it If it is true that Wrexham is a jewel of Wales then it is the people of AVOW that and rather than sit and cry about my problems I started to study with the Open University. keep it polished. A few simple courses lead to more complex ones and soon I had higher education

AVOW 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 15 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 15 AVOW Made a difference to us...

They are always there to help me and provide support. They are a fantastic ...By having people on the end of a telephone who treat you like human beings service and I trust them. answering your questions however small, are willing to come and meet you rather “ Scott Gormally, Carer “ than an automated service. ” David Harris ” ...By always supporting us when we needed it throughout the year. ...By giving us the opportunity to tell more people about our service, and to find Family Friends more volunteers. “ Contact the Elderly “ ” ” ...By providing capital funds through a grant scheme in order for our organisation to set-up and provide the necessary resources to develop and ...By providing grant funding to pay for improvements to our community centre. “ progress our ability to enhance our pupil base in music and drama. This has made a huge difference to the appearance of the hall which has led to an Limelight Productions “ increase in bookings. Garth & Trevor Community Centre Association Management ” Committee ” I would like to thank you for the opportunity AVOW has given me to develop my skills, gain experience and contribute to all the work within the organisation. I can see the big difference how I was before I started the placement and work Just wanted to say “Thank you” so much for having me. I have learnt a lot in the 10 “ weeks I have been here and I would love to come back sometime if any opportunity and now. I’m sure that the confidence I’ve gained and all the experience will help me in my future career. arises. I leave here a different person from when I came and will always remember my “ experience. Marta Karwacka Once again Thank You for the Amazing opportunity! I will miss you… ” Audrey Mukosera 16 AVOW 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 16 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW ” AVOW helped us make a difference by...

...Enabling and empowering us through disseminating ...Providing a unique service to our members at WST. information via website. Wrexham Supporters Trust “ David Harris ” “ ”

...Providing information, advice and training to ensure that Hightown Community Resource Centre Steering Group gained the knowledge and skills needed to take the project “ forward. Wales & West Housing ”

Quotes from The Land: It lets me have fun - child aged 9 ½ “We go on like trips, I can jump in the lake, how awesome is that! - child aged 11 If I didn’t come here I would stay in - child aged 9 If I didn’t come here, I would be sleeping for 1200 years - child aged 11 I can get messy whenever I want - child aged 9 I have learnt to stand up for myself - child aged 11 It’s helped me make new friends - child aged 11 AVOW 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 17 ” AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 17 AVOW in numbers

7,721Views on the jobs page 11,220Enquiries Received and Responded to 12,172Newsletters Distrubuted 38,000Visitors to the website of the AVOW Website

2,743Receiving regular newsletters 7,398Visits to ‘The Land’ £5,617,085Total amount being sought through Grant Enquiries 1,370Carers Enquiries dealt with

Carers376 Counselling & Appointments New carers registered with 500Successful Applicants 350Visitors to the 312 1,223Hours of play provision for the Carers Small & Relaxation Therapies Provided Big Health Day The Carers Information Service Grant Scheme

Funding Enquiries Received 250Cared for each week by 154Beneficiaries on Organisations51 contacted with regards New Volunteering46 Opportunities 290 Training Courses to The Big Volunteering Project and responded to Little Sunflowers (LSCC) created for young people

Forum Meetings for Newsletters Produced 12 E-Briefings to over 150 Achieved Employment or Volunteering Organisations showing the public what 09 Organisations who provide 11 40 14 Through attending Engagement People & Organisations they do at The Big Health Day Health & Social Care services Activities at The Opportunities Centre

AVOW 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 18 Achieved08 Accredited Qualifications Young05 people on the Have Volunteered05 and undertaken Childcare Opportunities02 for Local Groups to discuss 18 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW through attending Engagement Gwirvol Grants Panel Training Opportunities with LSCC Proposed changes to Health & Social Care Activities at The Opportunities Centre Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2013 (incorporating the income and expenditure account) 31st March 2013

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds 2013 2012 Funds Funds 2013 2012 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS

Tangible Assets 244,818 255,194 INCOMING RESOURCES CURRENT ASSETS Incoming resources from generated funds Debtors 125,807 73,605 Voluntary Income 160,901 71,673 232,574 222,756 Cash at Bank and In Hand 519,720 433,718 645,527 507,323 Investment Income-interest receivable 6,077 - 6,077 4,304 Incoming resources from charitable 141,253 1,248,758 1,390,011 1,391,393 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one (254,280) (81,465) activities year Total incoming resources 308,231 1,320,431 1,628,662 1,618,453 NET CURRENT ASSETS 391,247 425,858 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 636,065 681,052 RESOURCES EXPENDED Creditors: Amounts falling due after more (180,700) (187,500) Charitable activities 401,980 1,242,398 1,644,378 1,530,043 than one year Governance costs 18,042 4,429 22,471 17,803 NET ASSETS 455,365 493,552 Total resources expended 420,022 1,246,827 1,666,849 1,547,846 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY: Restricted funds 268,411 367,124 Unrestricted funds Net incoming/(outgoing) resources (111,791) 73,604 (38,187) 70,607 for the year before transfers General reserves 118,640 61,114 Gross transfers between funds 172,317 (172,317) - - Designated funds 68,314 65,314 Net movements in funds 60,526 (98,713) (38,187) 70,607 Reconciliation of funds: TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 455,365 493,552 Total funds brought forward 126,428 367,124 493,552 422,945

Total funds carried forward 186,954 268,411 455,365 493,552

The statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. The financial details shown above are extracts from the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions for companies subject to the small companies’ regime, and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25th June 2013 and signed on its behalf by John Leece Jones (Chair) AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW 19 A copy of the full annual report and accounts can be obtained from: John Leece Jones, Secretary, Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND. Telephone: 01978 312556, Email: [email protected] AVOW Trustee, staff and volunteers at the Big Health Day Ymddiriedolwyr, staff a gwirfoddolwyr AVOW yn y Diwrnod Iechyd Mawr

AVOW Chief Officer John Gallanders AVOW celebrating Queen’s Jubilee Prif Swyddog AVOW, John Gallanders AVOW yn dathlu Jiwbilî’r Frenhines

AVOW Seasonal Celebrations Dathliadau Tymhorol AVOW Louise Bollington won a High Sherriff Award for volunteering for AVOW’s Wrexham Carers Service Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas AM, visits AVOW Enillodd Louise Bollington Wobr Uchel -Siryf Gwenda Thomas AC, y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Wasanaethau Cymdeithasol, am wirfoddoli i Wasanaeth Gofalwyr Wrecsam yn ymweld ag AVOW AVOW

‘Outstanding contribution’ Volunteering Award 20 AVOW 2012-2013 ANNUAL REVIEW for Carol Binnersley AVOW staff at the fundraising event Former Trustees Enillodd y Cyn-Ymddiriedolwr Carol Binnersley AVOW celebrating the Olympics Staff AVOW yn y digwyddiad codi arian Cyn-ymddiriedolwyr Wobr am ei ‘Chyfraniad Eithriadol’ i Wirfoddoli AVOW yn dathlu’r Gemau Olympaidd Minister for Local Government and Government Business Lesley Griffiths AM with AVOW Trustees and staff Lesley Griffiths AC, y Gweinidog dros Lywodraeth Leol a Busnes y Llywodraeth gydag Ymddiriedolwyr a Staff AVOW

AVOW’s DAFFA (Drug and Alcohol Football Association) Team Tîm DAFFA (Drug and Alcohol Football Association) AVOW

Louise Bollington won a High Sherriff Award for volunteering for AVOW’s Wrexham Carers Service Enillodd Louise Bollington Wobr Uchel -Siryf am wirfoddoli i Wasanaeth Gofalwyr Wrecsam Sara Rochira, Older People’s Commissioner with AVOW’s Chair and Vice-Chair Volunteering opportunities through AVOW AVOW Comisiynydd Pobl Hŷn, Sara Rochira gyda Chadeirydd ac Is-Gadeirydd AVOW Cyfleodd gwirfoddoli drwy AVOW

AVOW staff & volunteers, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham at the Sleep Out 2012, to raise awareness and funds for the homeless AVOWAVOW 2012-2013 MAD Grant ANNUAL Fundraising REVIEW Quiz21 2013 Homeless Collection 2012 Staff a gwirfoddolwyr AVOW, gyda Maer a Maeres Wrecsam yn y digwyddiad Cysgu Cwis Codi Arian Grant MAD (Gwneud Casgliad Rhoi i’r Digartref 2012 Allan 2012, i godi ymwybyddiaeth pobl o’r broblem a chodi arian i’r digartref. Gwahaniaeth) 2013 AVOW