1. Bring People Together Wrthi’n Dod A Phobl Ynghyd

2. OUR PURPOSE HASN’T CHANGED SINCE 1938...
Organisation operating since 1938
Established during WW2 to support local communities and the war effort
In 2013 rebranded from WRVS to RVS to be more inclusive
This year we are celebrating 80 years
What is obvious is that our core purpose from 1938, inspiring the gift of voluntary service, is still as relevant today as it was then. However this evolving world means we must move and adapt with the times
We believe we are as relevant today as we have always been and are well placed to deal with the social needs of our time, which is of enriching the lives of older people.
Our purpose…
HQ/P/MDAM/MDMC004 – WRVS
WRVS/HQ/P/OPW/LUNC003 - British Official Photograph Crown Copyright
“To inspire and enable the gift of voluntary
service to meet the needs of the day”
Stella, Lady Reading, speech made to the American Red Cross, October 1950, It’s the Job That Counts
And today we believe the biggest social need is to ensure older people live a fulfilled life.
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3. We are only activated by one desire – what we can do for the community and how we can help the nation strengthen itself.
Lady Reading founder of Royal Voluntary Service
Founder Lady Stella Reading
Remains core part of the organisation & as relevant today as then

4. Commissioned Services
The organisation
Retail Services
Hospital shops
Tea bars
On ward trolley services
Commissioned Services
Camau Cadarn / Positive Steps
Hospital Meet & Greet
Home from Hospital
Social Action
Lunch Clubs
Social Groups
Community Transport
Community Companions
2017 major restructure – new chief executive
3 core areas of the organisation
Traditional view of RVS is hospital services and teabars but we are much more than that
Retail
Commissioned services
Social Action – be more responsive to needs of local communities and also saw a need for the community based activity to supplement and complement the work of the other areas esp commissioned services

5. January 2018 launched Bring People Together campaign
Currently in 11 areas of the UK (soon to be 15 areas)
In North Wales cover Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire & Wrexham
Core purpose is to encourage people to come forward to start new community based activities that will have a positive impact on the lives of older people
As we all know loneliness and isolation are big issues in our society today and we as an organisation wish to make a positive contribution to alleviating this and supporting communities to make this happen

6. Our Delivery Model
We are wanting to recruit Volunteer Coordinators who have an idea wish to start something new in their community
We will then support this coordinator and any other volunteers who wish to come forward to develop their idea and get the project up and running.
Prior experience isn’t necessary as full support will be given but may be helpful
We help ensure everything will run in a safe and legal manner

7. Types of Group Activity
Art/Craft Group
Walking Group
Lunch Club
Gardening Group
Book Club
Dance Club
Intergenerational projects
It really is open to imagination and can be based on Volunteers own hobbies and interests if they have some knowledge that there may be other older people in their community who would also like to take part
We will support a wide range of clubs and groups including lunch clubs, gardening groups, and even skateboarding!

8. 3 levels of support A Branch is….. Supported by…… Independent……
A legal part of Royal Voluntary Service
Full training and support
Entirely volunteer led and is operated independently depending on local need
Supported by……
Is a group who want to create/ run their own constituted group but are looking for the expertise of Royal Voluntary Service
On going relationship with RVS, renewed annually to support them to and run safely & legally.
Independent……
Are constituted community groups entirely independent of Royal Voluntary Service and who set up and operate under their own governance structures
We can provide 3 different levels of support.
The most popular being we would help the Volunteers to become a branch of RVS which ensures they are covered by all our branch rules, policies and procedures, they would get full RVS training packages and support including insurance cover for the activity and group. It is all run however in the way the local volunteer wishes in terms of where they meet, how often and membership etc
Supported by – is where group wish to set up as their own group but they may want the support and guidance of RVS to get established and operate their project safely and legally
Independent – this may be an existing group who have their own governance structure but may wish to set up a new activity for older people. We can assist with this
Small grant for seed funding these projects no matter what relationship the group wish to have with us

9. Any Questions? Thank You / Diolch Sarah Mylchreest
Community Engagement & Development Worker
(Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham)
Please help me to spread the message about this project and make contact if there are any groups you know of who will benefit from my support
Also have a new project called First Time for Everything – colleague who is to run one off sessions in the community across N Wales to get people more active and out and about. If you know of a community / location you think will benefit or appreciate a session being held (can be anything) then please get in touch