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  1. Celebrating 2 Years of EVI Pantry and Repair Cafe

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    Last week, we celebrated two years of EVI Repair Café and EVI Pantry! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for birthday cake, repairs, and community support. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces coming together to mark this milestone.

    Since launching in February 2023, both the Repair Café and Pantry have made a huge difference in our community.

    EVI Repair Café:

    EVI Repair Café is a community initiative where volunteers offer free repairs on the third Monday of every month, fixing household electricals, bikes, clothing, jewellery, and more—helping people save money, reduce waste, and learn new skills!

    Over the last two years:

    – 268 items repaired, saving 564kg of waste from landfill and preventing over 11,000kg of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere

    – Over £27,000 saved in replacement costs

    EVI Pantry:

    EVI Pantry is a community food initiative that helps households across Blaenau Gwent cut their grocery bills while reducing food waste. Open every Monday, members can fill a basket with up to £20 worth of groceries for just £5!

    Over the last two years:

    – 470+ households supported across Blaenau Gwent

    – Over 5,200+ visits, saving the community £73,600 on grocery bills

    – 190 Christmas & Easter hampers distributed to those in need

    These amazing achievements show what we can accomplish when we come together—saving money, reducing waste, and supporting each other as a community!

    Thank You!

    A big thank you to our volunteers, funders, donors, and everyone who has supported EVI Repair Café and Pantry. Whether you’ve repaired an item, stocked shelves, visited us, or simply spread the word, your contributions have made a real impact.

    Join Us & Get Involved

    EVI Pantry: Open every Monday (10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm). Members can fill a basket with up to £20 worth of groceries for just £5! Find out more and become a member here.

    EVI Repair Café: Runs on the third Monday of every month. The next session is Monday, 17th March – bring your broken items and get them repaired for free! Do you have repair skills (sewing, electricals, etc.)? Come and lend a hand!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

  2. Help Us Shape Our Community Wellbeing Spaces!

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    Could you spare just 3 minutes to complete our quick survey and help us create the health and wellbeing services our community needs?

    Health & Wellbeing is our most precious gift; it enables us to cope better with the stresses of life, realise our potential, work and learn well, and contribute to our community.

    Please take the time to complete our quick 3 minute survey here:

    We’d love to hear from you – thank you for helping us make a difference!

    Click here to view our current weekly health and wellbeing classes.

  3. [CLOSED] Business Support Intern (Paid Internship)

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    (Part time internship – perfect for students or graduates) Are you looking to kickstart your career in the Third Sector? ProMo Cymru (custodians of EVI) have a 6-month opportunity for a paid intern to gain hands on experience with the operational functions of a business experiencing growth. Join our team! 

    Why you’ll love working at ProMo Cymru: 

    – Flexible and hybrid working: We will work with you to decide the hours that work for everyone (within office hours), and you can either work from our office in Cardiff or from home anywhere in Wales.  

    – Making a change: We are a Third Sector organisation that works with people and communities to ensure that they are heard.  

    – Being part of a team: You will be working alongside a dedicated team with a wide range of experience.

    – Learn and grow: Develop your skills supporting the growth of a fast-paced organisation. 

    What you’ll be doing: 

    – Collaboratively working across two departments  

    – Maintaining the purchase ledger along with other financial processes 

    – Getting involved in administrative support 

    – Supporting various HR functions including policy and health and safety 

    Get in touch if: 

    – You are working towards or have a degree in a Business-related area 

    – You are interested in gaining experience in a Third Sector organisation 

    – You are eager to learn and develop your skills 

    Location: Work from our Cardiff Office and/or home  

    Salary: Real Living Wage of £12.60 per hour 

    Hours: 21 hours per week 

    Closing date: 31st January 2025 

    Interviews: 13th February 2025 

    Find out more about ProMo Cymru: www.promo.cymru  

    Interested? We’d love to hear from you!

    Enquiries: people@promo.cymru or 0736 634686 

    Please email your completed Application Form to people@promo.cymru.

    Download the Job Description

    Download the Application Form

  4. Making Maths Fun for Families This Summer

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    This summer, Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) was buzzing with energy, laughter, and learning as we brought families together for free events that made maths fun and accessible.

    We helped over 100 adults improve their understanding and use of maths at our community and cultural centre with their families by putting on a range of fun activities during the school holidays. Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), we were able to create a space where everyone could enjoy learning while making memories together.

    Bringing Numbers to Life

    Maths can sometimes feel a bit intimidating, so we found a fun and creative way to make it easier to enjoy. We wanted to show that maths isn’t just about numbers—it’s a useful skill that can be part of everyday life in a fun and simple way.

    Louby Lou’s Beehive brought a buzz of excitement to EVI with interactive storytelling that blended numeracy with the importance of saving bees. Families learned how to “bee-kind”, while also solving fun number puzzles and colouring. 

    Our EVI Family Fun Day was another highlight of the summer. The day was packed with activities designed to bring families together and spark curiosity about numbers and problem-solving. From fun numeracy games to classic activities like a bouncy castle, face painting, biscuit decorating, hook-a-duck, and circus skills, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

    Community Coming Together

    The summer holidays can be challenging for families, with activity costs piling up and children sometimes missing out on learning opportunities. That’s why we organised free events to bring everyone together, offering families a fun, safe, and welcoming space to spend time, try new activities, and enjoy the summer. Over 180 children joined us, making the most of the chance to learn and have fun.

    By adding maths into games and storytelling, we showed families that maths isn’t scary—it’s something they already use every day in fun and helpful ways.

    A big THANK YOU to our staff team, volunteers, and everyone who joined us this summer and made these events possible.


    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

  5. (Now Closed) Job Opportunity: EVI Centre Manager

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    Are you passionate about community development and ready to make a real difference? 

    We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced EVI Centre Manager to lead our vibrant community hub. As our Centre Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to create a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving space for everyone. 

    What you’ll do: 

    • Lead with Passion: Inspire our team and community members to reach new heights. 
    • Manage with Efficiency: Oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring a smooth-running centre. 
    • Develop with Vision: Identify opportunities for growth and implement innovative programs. 
    • Collaborate with Purpose: Build strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and tenants. 
    • Engage with Enthusiasm: Foster a sense of belonging through engaging events and activities. 

    What you’ll need: 

    • Passionate: A true believer in the power of community and committed to making a positive impact. 
    • Organized: A skilled multi-tasker who can juggle various responsibilities with ease. 
    • Creative: A visionary who can think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. 
    • Collaborative: A team player who can work effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
    • Resilient: Adaptable to change and able to overcome challenges with a positive attitude. 

    What you’ll bring: 

    • A deep-rooted passion for community development and cultural initiatives. 
    • Proven experience in project management, team leadership, and financial management. 
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with people from all walks of life. 
    • A creative and innovative mindset, always seeking new opportunities to enhance the Centre’s offerings. 
    • A self-starter attitude with the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently. 

    Join us in creating a brighter future for our community! 

    Enquiries: people@promo.cymru  or 0736 634686 

    If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge, please submit your application. 

    Starting Salary: £37,000 with annual increments.

    Closing Date: November 30th, 2024, 12pm 

    Interview Date: December 17th,18th 2024. 

    Application packs can be downloaded from Home – ProMo Cymru  

  6. Summer 2024 EVI Hospitality Training Academy

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    Want to renew or learn new skills? Eager to start your own business or up-skill your team? Looking for a career change or hoping to start a career in hospitality? This is the FREE course for you!

    We’re excited to partner with Communities for Work Plus and Adult Learning Wales again to offer our free 2024 Hospitality Training Academy! Gain essential hospitality skills and accreditation for employment through our friendly, face-to-face course covering Food Safety, Customer Service, Health & Safety, First Aid, Barista Training, and more. Perfect for school leavers, business owners (and their team), those looking to retrain, and anyone interested in hospitality!

    This training opportunity is funded by the UK Government* and is free of charge to people living in Blaenau Gwent aged 16+. We strongly encourage you to attend the entire course and complete the academy. Click on our brochure below for full course details and scroll down to learn about last year’s Academy. Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Hospitality Training Academy brochure

    Register Here!

    “Employing someone who I know has done this course would be very reassuring.”

    – Business Owner & 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    “Great for my CV and future job applications. I’ve learnt lots of new skills and had new experiences. Also very helpful for my confidence!”

    – 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    EVI’s 2022 Hospitality Academy

    We are also able to offer a number of follow up opportunities and can signpost you to additional support in seeking employment, work experience and so on. Communities For Work Plus can also provide you with a personal mentor who can apply for funding to help remove hurdles such as transport, training, and childcare to get you the training and jobs you need (T&Cs apply). Free lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge throughout the course.

    Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Register Here!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is R.png

    This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled-design-60-1024x256.png

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  7. Reflecting on Over a Year of Community Impact: Case Studies from Our Centre

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    Reflecting on Over a Year of Community Impact: Case Studies from Our Centre

    We are thrilled to share the remarkable impact and stories that have unfolded within our vibrant community and cultural centre over the past year. With funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund* and the dedication of our staff and volunteer team, our centre has been able to thrive and make a meaningful difference in Blaenau Gwent through multiple projects and initiatives we’ve developed.

    We invite you to delve into a selection of our projects through the case studies captured in the infographics below!

    (Figures correct as of May 2024.)

    EVI Community Pantry: Softening the Blow of High Living Costs

    Since its launch in February 2023, our Community Pantry has flourished into a bustling hub of community support, providing access to quality produce and fostering friendships every Monday. The project offers the community a way to reduce their weekly grocery bills significantly. Stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, fridge and freezer essentials, pantry staples, and more, over 273 households in Blaenau Gwent benefit from this service. By paying just £4 per shopping trip, households have saved hundreds on their grocery bills. To date, 3,466 visits have been made to EVI Pantry, saving the community an estimated £48,524! You can learn more, join, or support EVI Pantry here.

    EVI Repair Café: Giving Your Belongings a Second Chance

    Also launching in February 2023, our EVI Repair Cafe transforms our centre once a month into a space where your broken and damaged items are given a second chance at life. The project brings the community and volunteers together to share skills, save money, and reduce waste sent to landfill. Our Repair Café has successfully repaired 181 items to date, including jewellery, household electricals, bikes, furniture, clothing, and more. That’s 403 kg of waste saved from landfill, avoiding 8,219 kg of CO2e emissions entering the atmosphere, saving our community an estimated £23,480 in replacement costs! For upcoming dates and to get involved, head here.

    Training, Volunteering, and Support Opportunities: Supporting People to Reach Their Full Potential

    Over the past year, we’ve offered a wide range of training, support, work experience, and volunteering opportunities to the community. This includes our free Accredited Hospitality Academy (in partnership with Communities for Work+ and Adult Learning Wales), along with our advice and guidance service. We’re proud that 19 individuals completed work experience programmes with us in a variety of roles, and 115 people have gained qualifications or completed courses with our support! Additionally, our advice and guidance service, providing free support with benefit checks, form filling and more, has resulted in an annual benefit gain of £15,367!

    While our volunteering opportunities offer a range of benefits to the individual, volunteers are crucial for the success of our projects —we extend a big thank you to our 70 volunteers from the last year!

    EVI Journeys: Inspiring Personal Stories from Sue, Lynne, and Connor

    Click on the images below to explore the experiences of three of our volunteers and work experience participants through their EVI journey. These stories showcase the valuable contributions of team members Sue, Lynne, and Connor, whose work has greatly benefited our centre and supported the community, while also leading to personal development and wellbeing.

    Thank you for reflecting on the last year at Ebbw Vale Institute with us. We’re not finished yet! We’ve been busy planning numerous new initiatives and developments for the next year. Keep an eye on our website and social media for what’s coming next!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    *Ebbw VaIe Institute is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

    —–

    EVI Pantry has recently received £19,919 from The National Lottery Community Fund. Thank you!

  8. Distributing 110 Food Hampers Across Blaenau Gwent

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    We teamed up with Nick Smith MP and the ‘Everyone Deserves…’ campaign this Christmas and Easter to distribute 110 food hampers to EVI Pantry members across Blaenau Gwent, providing a much-needed boost during the holidays.

    Here at Ebbw Vale Institute, the holiday seasons of Christmas 2023 and Easter 2024 were marked by our part in this heartwarming initiative to support our community members. During the lead-up to Christmas and Easter, our amazing staff and team of volunteers joined the production line in Swansea to help pack the hampers, and then organised and distributed them across Blaenau Gwent. Each hamper was brimming with all the yummy ingredients needed for a Christmas or Easter dinner, including fresh and frozen meat and veggies, as well as festive treats like mince pies, gift sets, hot cross buns, Easter eggs, and other goodies. 110 food hampers were distributed in total to members of our EVI Community Food Pantry.

    Volunteers Sue and Ceri, Sian (EVI Centre Manager), and Nick Smith MP helping pack hampers
    An Easter Hamper
    EVI staff and volunteer team with Nick Smith preparing to distribute hampers

    The “Everyone Deserves…” campaign, pioneered by Carolyn Harris MP in Swansea to tackle holiday hunger, has grown to encompass neighbouring areas like our community here in Blaenau Gwent.

    Nick Smith MP expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the work of those at the centre of this campaign and the army of incredible volunteers, not least Sian and her team from the EVI, hopefully what would have been a difficult time for many will be made a little easier.”

    We were so pleased to hear about the positive impact these hampers had in supporting our Pantry members. Many reached out to share messages of thanks and appreciation:

    “Thank you so much for doing this! My Mum received a hamper today and it filled the cupboards!”

    “I received a hamper today, thank you so much it was fantastic everything I could have wanted is in it.”

    EVI Pantry member receiving a hamper from Sue (volunteer)
    A thank you card from a Pantry member
    EVI Pantry member receiving a hamper

    We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative, from our hardworking volunteers to the generous leaders and supporters of the campaign. Together, we were able to make a meaningful difference in our community, easing the financial pressure of celebrating the holidays with family and friends.

    EVI Community Food Pantry is just one of our multiple community projects at the centre. It is open every week to Blaenau Gwent residents, helping the community reduce their grocery bills and access support. Become a member today, join our lovely volunteer team, or donate today!

    Discover EVI Community Pantry! Click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    EVI is currently funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

  9. [CLOSED] Job Opportunity: Community Support Officer

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    Cymraeg

    ProMo Cymru Ltd has a new and exciting opportunity for a Community Support Officer to join our enthusiastic team at Ebbw Vale Institute. 

    The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation and development of a Community Luncheon Club, Afternoon Film Club, and a Dementia Café to support people living with and affected by dementia.  

    Contract: 24 months fixed contract 

    Location: Ebbw Vale Institute 

    Salary: £24.410 pro-rata 

    Starting Salary:  £24,410 pro-rata 

    Hours: 17.5 hours per week 

    Job Description 

    We are eager to recruit an enthusiastic and well-organised Community Support Officer to further develop activities within EVI to: 

    – Create and develop a Community Luncheon Club 

    – Create and develop an Afternoon Film Club 

    – Create and develop a Dementia Café to support people living with and affected by dementia 

    – Engage with the local community to encourage participation in the new activities 

    – Work closely with the EVI team to support the community of Ebbw Vale and wider Blaenau Gwent through the development of services and activities 

    – Support the monitoring and reporting to UKSPF Community and Place through Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council 

    Employee Specification

    RequirementEssentialDesirableHow Identified/Assessed
     Education/Qualifications: Level 3 or above qualification    Application form
     Experience: Experience working in a similar role within the thrid sector/charity organisation  Application form and interview   
     Skills/Knowledge:-Microsoft Office i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint 
    -A good understanding of the third sector/charity organisations  
    -A good understanding of community development and the local area.     		          Application form, Presentation and interview 
     Personal Attributes:-Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
    -Enthusiasm 
    -Well-organised with the ability to coordinate a range of  projects     		   Interview 
     Other requirements:    Welsh speaker Application form 

    Closing Date: 7th February 2024 

    Contact:  info@promo.cymru 

    APPLY TODAY! Join the EVI team and help make a difference. Email your application form (below) to info@promo.cymru to apply.

    FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

    DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    EVI is currently funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and i

  10. 2024 EVI Hospitality Training Academy

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    Whether you’re looking to renew existing skills, acquire new ones, or embark on a new career in hospitality, this is the course for you!

    We’re excited to partner with Communities for Work Plus and Adult Learning Wales again to offer our free 2024 Hospitality Training Academy! Gain essential hospitality skills and accreditation for employment through our friendly, face-to-face course covering Food Safety, Customer Service, Health & Safety, First Aid, Barista Training, and more. Perfect for school leavers, business owners (and their team), those looking to retrain, and anyone interested in hospitality!

    This training opportunity is funded by the UK Government* and is free of charge to people living in Blaenau Gwent aged 16+. We strongly encourage you to attend the entire course and complete the academy. Click on our brochure below for full course details and scroll down to learn about last year’s Academy. Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Hospitality Training Academy brochure

    Register Here!

    “Employing someone who I know has done this course would be very reassuring.”

    – Business Owner & 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    “Great for my CV and future job applications. I’ve learnt lots of new skills and had new experiences. Also very helpful for my confidence!”

    – 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    EVI’s 2022 Hospitality Academy

    We are also able to offer a number of follow up opportunities and can signpost you to additional support in seeking employment, work experience and so on. Communities For Work Plus can also provide you with a personal mentor who can apply for funding to help remove hurdles such as transport, training, and childcare to get you the training and jobs you need (T&Cs apply). Free lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge throughout the course.

    Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Register Here!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is R.png

    This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled-design-60-1024x256.png

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

    

  11. Celebrating 150 Successful Repairs at EVI Repair Café!

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    Celebrating 150 Successful Repairs at EVI Repair Café!

    We are thrilled to announce a fantastic milestone – 150 items repaired and restored at the EVI Repair Café since its launch in February 2023. This achievement has been made possible by the dedication of 17 wonderful volunteers who have supported us throughout the year.

    One Monday a month since February 2023, our Repair Café has been a bustling hub of activity, with our wonderful volunteers skilfully repairing a diverse range of items, including clothing, textiles, bicycles, tech, household electricals, jewellery (complete with a free jewellery cleaning service!), woodwork, toys, and much more. But it’s not just about fixing things; it’s also about helping Blaenau Gwent save money, reduce waste in landfill, seek advice (sometimes an item is simply beyond repair), share skills, and come together as a community. Scroll down for our 2023 repair success stories!

    We want to extend a massive thank you to our volunteer and staff team who have put so much into this community initiative this year. As we celebrate these successes, we would love to invite more volunteers to join our repair team and make a difference in our community in 2024. If you’re handy with a sewing needle or machine, can fix electrical items or have other repair skills, come and join the team (you don’t have to be an expert!). Email gavin@evi.cymru or drop by to find out more.

    Repair Success Stories & Testimonials 2023

    A heartwarming success story from our Repair Café – the restoration of Richard’s cherished binoculars case. Initially in complete disrepair, Sue, our talented sewing volunteer, meticulously restored it to its former glory. With immense sentimental value, the case was a cherished gift from a dear friend years ago, with the friend’s name inscribed.

    ‘A big thank you to Sue and the entire EVI Repair Café team for a tremendous job. I’m thrilled to see the binocular case restored in my friend’s memory.’ – Richard, EVI Repair Cafe Visitor

    A big thank you to David, an electrical fixer volunteer, who has given his time and expertise to EVI Repair Cafe this year, successfully repairing numerous items and saving them from landfill!

    “The Café has allowed me to “give back” some of my skills to help local people with their faulty equipment.  I get so much joy and such a warm feeling from talking to the local people who are so grateful that we can even look at the problems and, on many occasions, repair the item!  I do get frustrated when I cannot repair the items but even at these occasions our customers are so thankful for even trying but also get such a lovely feeling when we can repair these items and send our customers home with a smiling face.” – David, Electrical Fixer Volunteer.

    “I was really impressed! First-time visit, really warm welcome, and a massive thanks to Howie for being so creative at trying to find a way to repair my son’s rucksack! The repair cafe had a great buzz about it, lots of repairs happening in many different categories – I wouldn’t hesitate to come along again if something needs repairing, thank you. We’re so pleased”  – EVI Repair Cafe Visitor

    “Thank you all so much in the repair cafe! My blind is now up and looks beautiful! Here’s a picture of it up in my house :)” – EVI Repair Cafe Visitor

    “What a warm and friendly welcome when I popped into EVI Repair Café . What a brilliant idea to save our landfills. There was a short queue.. but honestly with a free cuppa the time flew. I’d highly recommend.” –  EVI Repair Cafe Visitor

    “Great work everyone. Thank you EVI and volunteers for running these sessions. What a great way to prevent items going to landfill and a fun way to develop and learn new skills at the same time” – Keep Wales Tidy Blaenau Gwent 

    EVI Repair Cafe will be back in 2024. Keep an eye on our socials and Repair Cafe webpage for upcoming dates and info!

    Discover EVI Repair Cafe! Click here.

    We have a range of other community initiatives at EVI, from our EVI Pantry and Community Bank, to volunteering opportunities, info & advice, and more. Head here to discover what’s on!

    EVI Repair Cafe is part of the Repair Cafe Wales network.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    Diolch / Thank you to our contributors. EVI is currently funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

  12. [CLOSED] Job Opportunity: Volunteer Coordinator

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    Promo Cymru Ltd has a new and exciting opportunity for a Volunteer Coordinator to join our enthusiastic team at Ebbw Vale Institute.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and coordination of all volunteer activities, ensuring a positive and rewarding volunteer experience within EVI.

    Contract:               12 months fixed contract

    Location:               Ebbw Vale Institute

    Salary:                   £24,410 – £28,627

    Starting Salary:      £24,410

    Hours:                   35 hours per week

    Job Description

    We are eager to recruit an enthusiastic and well-organised Volunteer Coordinator to support and mentor our growing team of volunteers through their volunteer journey at EVI.  The role will involve:

    -Engaging with the local community to recruit new volunteers.

    -The completion of enrolment and volunteer agreement forms.

    -Mentoring volunteers and ensuring the completion of My EVI Journey, our volunteer individual learning plan.

    -Volunteer Induction, including Health & Safety training.

    -Working with Tempo Time Credits, Elite Clothing, Communities for Work Plus, and other community organisations to further promote and support volunteering opportunities within EVI.

    -Supporting existing volunteer opportunities within EVI and creating and developing further opportunities.

    -Working closely with the EVI team to support the community of Ebbw Vale and wider Blaenau Gwent through the development of services and activities.

    -Supporting the monitoring and reporting to UKSPF People and Skills through Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

    Employee Specification

    RequirementEssentialDesirableHow Identified/ Assessed
      Education/ Qualifications:  Level 3 or above qualification       Application form
      Experience:  Experience working in a similar role within the thrid sector/charity organisation   Application form and interview      
      Skills/Knowledge:-Microsoft Office i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint  
    -A good understanding of the third sector/charity organisations  
    -A good understanding of the Investors in Volunteers Award.      		                     Application form, Presentation and interview  
      Personal Attributes: -Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    -Enthusiasm  
    -Well-organised with the ability to coordinate a range of  projects          		     Interview      
      Other requirements:       Welsh speaker  Application form

    Closing Date:         27th October 2023

    Interview Date:      w/c 6th November 2023

    Contact:                 info@promo.cymru

    APPLY TODAY! Join the EVI team and help make a difference. Email your application form to info@promo.cymru to apply.

    DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    EVI is currently funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  13. 2023 Work Experience Placements

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    We’re delighted to release our five EVI 2023 work experience placement opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds in Blaenau Gwent. Explore future careers, boost your CV, and increase your chances of employment!

    Five work experience placements are available at our vibrant community and cultural centre this year thanks to recent funding from the UK Government*. Roles available include hospitality, retail, customer service, admin, finance, social media, and facilities work experience. These placements will be two days a week for eight weeks. (Inductions will be given to all placement holders.)

    Successful applicants will be fully supported in skill development and provided with opportunities to practically apply knowledge, experience the world of work, and attend accredited training and development sessions relevant to your role. Click on the booklet below for role descriptions and more info!

    2023 Work Experience Info Booklet


    To apply, email CVs to sam@evi.cymru, making sure to state which role/s you are interested in. We would love to hear from you!

    We are pleased to offer complimentary lunch and refreshments and contribute to travel expenses during your time at EVI.

    Be part of a friendly and supportive team, work in an inspiring heritage building, and help make a difference in your community!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  14. 2023 EVI Hospitality Training Academy

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    Whether you or someone on your team is planning to renew or learn new skills, looking for a career change, or hoping to start a career in hospitality, then this is the academy for you!

    We are delighted to be working in partnership with Communities for Work Plus and Adult Learning Wales to deliver our free bespoke 2023 Hospitality Training Academy, designed to support you to gain the necessary skills for employment within the hospitality sector. Our accredited training course will be held face-to-face in our vibrant and friendly Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) community and cultural centre, and will cover Food Safety, Customer Service, Health & Safety, COSHH, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, First Aid, Basic Maths for Hospitality and Barista Training. Great for school leavers, business owners, those looking to retrain, and anyone with an interest in hospitality! 

    This training opportunity is funded by the UK Government* and is free of charge to people living in Blaenau Gwent aged 16+. We strongly encourage you to attend the entire course and complete the academy. Click on our brochure below for full course details and scroll down to learn about last year’s Academy. Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Hospitality Training Academy brochure

    Register Here!

    “Employing someone who I know has done this course would be very reassuring.”

    – Business Owner & 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    “Great for my CV and future job applications. I’ve learnt lots of new skills and had new experiences. Also very helpful for my confidence!”

    – 2022 Hospitality Academy Graduate

    EVI’s 2022 Hospitality Academy

    We are also able to offer a number of follow up opportunities and can signpost you to additional support in seeking employment, work experience and so on. Communities For Work Plus can also provide you with a personal mentor who can apply for funding to help remove hurdles such as transport, training, and childcare to get you the training and jobs you need (T&Cs apply). Free lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge throughout the course.

    Please email megan@promo.cymru with any questions!

    Register Here!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  15. [CLOSED] Job Opportunity: Cook at Cafe@EVI

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    Job Opportunity: Cook at Cafe@EVI.

    ProMo Cymru is looking for a Cook to join their team at Ebbw Vale Institute, (EVi).

    You will be joining a team that is fully committed to making a difference to the lives of the community we support.  Our aim is to provide healthy meals for the community to enjoy within the café, or at home, for all dietary needs.

    You will work closely with community volunteers and work placement students and will be responsible for supporting them as they develop their hospitality skills.

    You will be responsible for:

    – Preparing, cooking, and serving meals as required, in a timely manner.

    – Providing a varied diet, catering for the cultural preferences of those who use our services.

    – Catering for service users, training/conference events and small meetings.

    – Ordering supplies within the catering budget, using approved suppliers.

    – Creating meals using FareShare ingredients.

    – Maintaining accurate catering records in accordance with HACCP.

    – Participating in inspections by Environmental Health and Local Authorities.

    – Maintaining a high standard of hygiene within the kitchen by adhering to HACCP and COSHH guidelines.

    – Ability to manage volunteers and work placements and work alongside other staff.

    Salary

    • £11.92 – £13.01 per hour

    (which equates to £21,706 – £23,680, pro rata, depending on experience)

    Working Hours

    • 25 hours per week

    Closing Date: 11th August

    APPLY TODAY! Join the EVi team and help make a difference. Email your CV to pat@promo.cymru to apply.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    EVI is currently funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  16. EVI Receives £250,000 from UK Gov to Strengthen Community

    Comments Off on EVI Receives £250,000 from UK Gov to Strengthen Community

    We’re delighted to have received £250,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*. Over the next 2 years, we’ll continue working with the community to build a brighter future for Blaenau Gwent by supporting health & wellbeing, providing skills development opportunities, and much more.

    We’re very excited to have received this significant funding to build on the success of our 2022 UK Gov funded Community Renewal Project.  Last year, we reopened our doors to the community after partial closure during the pandemic. We held a hugely successful reopening week jam packed with wellbeing, cultural, family and community activities. We also delivered our bespoke training academies, welcomed new volunteers and staff members, opened a community café, had a very merry EVI Christmas, and much more!

    The funding also allowed us to focus on setting up new 2023 projects including our EVI Pantry and Repair Café, which have gone from strength to strength this year. 

    EVI Pantry
    EVI Repair Café
    EVI Voxpop Choir

    Full steam ahead!

    Working with the community and our partners over the next 2 years, we’ll deliver our bespoke Hospitality training academies, support wellbeing classes and activities, put on family and cultural events, grow our volunteering and placement opportunities, build on existing projects and establish new ones such as a community transport scheme.

    Our enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers here at our vibrant community and cultural centre are thrilled to embark on the next phase of our community journey. EVI holds a rich tapestry of history and stories. We’re looking forward to creating many more with you. 

    Hospitality Training
    Community Garden
    EVI Pantry Volunteer

    Sign up to our e-newsletter and follow our socials to stay up to date with everything EVI. Join us and become a part of the journey!

    Secretary of State visits EVI to recognise the success of our 2022 UK Community Renewal Project.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

    Funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

    *The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

  17. EVI Car Scheme – Share Your Thoughts!

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    EVI is excited to propose a new community car scheme, aimed at providing affordable door-to-door transportation for Blaenau Gwent residents who face challenges accessing public transport. We would love to get your thoughts.

    This service will offer a convenient means for community members to access the centre and benefit from the services we offer, including EVI Pantry and Repair Café, community health and wellbeing activities, our community café, and much more. The scheme can also be used to help people get to health and other appointments, as well as for other everyday needs. Volunteer drivers will use their own cars and will be reimbursed for expenses up to 45p per mile. To help us plan the service effectively, we would like to ask a few questions to explore community interest and gather feedback. Thank you for your time!

    CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE OUR SHORT 3 MINUTE SURVEY

    If you would like to volunteer as a driver or help us set up this exciting new project, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Gavin at gavin@evi.cymru, or pop in!

    Take a look at our other community projects!

    WHAT’S ON AT EVI

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  18. Down the Rabbit Hole at EVI

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    We visited Alice in Wonderland for an egg-citing community Easter treat with Louby Lou’s Storytelling.

    Over one hundred children and their families joined us at EVI as we spent the day travelling through the Wonderland of our imaginations; encountering the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter and Alice herself along the way! It was great to welcome the brilliant Louby Lou’s Storytelling once again after the success of EVI’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry last year.

    The day was free to all thanks to a very generous donation from a community member. A big thank you to everyone who made the day such a success – including our volunteers and all the lovely children and families who came along. Take a look at our gallery of pictures from the day below!

    All guardians were made aware that a photographer was present and had the opportunity to object. Please email megan@promo.cymru if you would like any images to be removed and we will do so immediately.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  19. A Very Merry EVI Christmas

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    It’s been a wonderful and busy year here at EVI, so we put on a week of community festive cheer to celebrate.

    At the beginning of the year, we were granted substantial funding from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund*. This meant we’ve been able to host and launch many community events and initiatives over the past 12 months. From our Open Week, training academies, cultural exhibitions and workshops, to launching the ‘Café at EVI’, a community banking hub, community choir, and more – we’ve had a very busy year!

    This funding has also provided us with the resources to plan and set-up even more community initiatives for 2023, such as the EVI Community Pantry and Repair Café.

    To celebrate all we’ve achieved this year, we put on a week of festive cheer for staff, volunteers and the community.

    Miracle on 34th Street

    The Lighthouse Theatre Company kicked off our festive season with an outstanding sell-out Live Radio Play of the Christmas classic, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. It was an evening stuffed with seasonal tunes, mulled wine, mince pies and a captivating Christmas tale enjoyed by all.

    12 Days of Christmas

    A big well done to our EVI Voxpop community choir who put on a packed Christmas concert. Led by our dedicated volunteer and choir leader, Alison, the choir has gone from strength to strength since they formed less than 4 months ago. The audience joined in for a rendition of ’12 Days of Christmas’!

    Christmas Dinner

    For our final Christmas celebration, the Café at EVI put on a delicious 2-course turkey roast. EVI staff, volunteers, tenants, and other BG community organisations joined us to celebrate a year of bringing wellbeing, entertainment, education and support to the communities of Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent. A big thank you to all who’ve made this year a successful one and to our wonderful community. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    All community events and initiatives mentioned within this article have been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

    *The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  20. EVI’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

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    Louby Lou’s Storytelling magically transformed EVI into a School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a spooktacular community Halloween celebration.

    90 local children and their families joined us on Halloween for a magical and immersive storytelling experience with Louby Lou’s Storytelling. Children zoomed around the building exploring the possibilities of their imagination and getting lost in the make believe. They took part in three Witchcraft and Wizardry lessons with a different witch or wizard – ‘The Magic Potion Pot’, ‘Zoom on a Broom’ and ‘Charms and Spells’ – free to all thanks to a generous donation from a community member.

    A big thank you to all that came and those who made the day possible!

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  21. Thousands Listen to Talented Budding South Wales Musicians

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    A talented group of young people in Blaenau Gwent have released their very own single, ‘Summer of Love’ by KRU (ft. Kidz R Us), and it’s already hit over 5.5 thousand YouTube views and over 3000 streams on Spotify! 

    EVI worked in collaboration with music producer Nick Brine (Oasis, Stone Roses) to enable an inspirational group of young people from Kidz R Us in Blaenau Gwent to write, create, record, and promote their very own single – funded by the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun scheme through CWVYS.

    ProMo-Cymru (EVI’s custodians) joined KRU and Nick Brine at their state-of-the-art recording studios in EVI for the recording session of their original single, ‘Summer of Love’. Find out how they got on!

    ‘It’s been an amazing experience from start to finish. We’ve had so much fun and learnt so much!’

    – KRU Member

    An uplifting and upbeat song to get you through the colder months. Take time to listen and support them by watching on YouTube and listening on Spotify.

    KRU and Nick Brine at EVI

    Also at EVI…

    ProMo-Cymru also used their digital expertise to deliver free training at EVI as part of our Summer of Fun. Local young people took part in graphic design workshops, accredited video production and TikTok creator sessions throughout the summer.

    Picture taken at the Accredited Video Production course delivered by ProMo at EVI.

    “I’ve just finished uni and keen to add more skills to my CV as I search for jobs. The trainer explained everything very well, I understood everything! The sessions were really useful.”

    “I’ve learnt graphic design skills that will help with my own career path and improve the appearance of the YouTube and TikTok videos I already create!”

    Find out more about ProMo’s training sessions here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  22. Miloedd yn Gwrando ar Gerddorion Newydd Talentog o Dde Cymru

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    Mae grŵp talentog o bobl ifanc ym Mlaenau Gwent wedi rhyddhau sengl eu hunain, ‘Summer of Love’ gan KRU (gyda Kidz R Us), ac mae dros 5.5 mil wedi gwylio ar YouTube a dros 3000 wedi gwrando ar Spotify yn barod!

    Bu ProMo-Cymru yn gweithio mewn cydweithrediad â’r cynhyrchydd cerddoriaeth Nick Brine (Oasis, Stone Roses) yn eu Canolfan Cymunedol a Diwylliannol, Institiwt Glyn Ebwy (EVI), i alluogi grŵp o bobl ifanc ysbrydoledig o Kidz R Us ym Mlaenau Gwent i ysgrifennu, creu, recordio a hyrwyddo sengl eu hunain – wedi ei ariannu drwy gynllun Haf o Hwyl Llywodraeth Cymru trwy CWVYS.

    Ymunodd ProMo-Cymru â KRU a Nick Brine yn y stiwdio recordio o’r radd flaenaf yn EVI i gynnal sesiwn recordio o’r sengl wreiddiol, ‘Summer of Love’. Dyma sut yr aeth pethau!

    “Mae wedi bod yn brofiad anhygoel o’r cychwyn i’r diwedd. Cawsom cymaint o hwyl a dysgu llawer iawn!”

    – Aelod KRU

    Cân sy’n codi’r galon i’ch cario chi trwy’r misoedd oer o’n blaen. Dangoswch eich cefnogaeth wrth wylio’r fideo ar YouTube and gwrando ar Spotify.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  23. Liz’s EVI Journey

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    A big congratulations and thank you to Liz, a successful graduate of our Hospitality training academy and an invaluable ‘Café at EVI’ volunteer.

    Liz began her EVI Journey with us in the summer, coming to us with her aspiration to become a chef, work in catering and improve her cooking skills after a period of being unable to work. She enrolled on our Hospitality Training Academy*, where she successfully completed 9 different courses from essential training qualifications such as first aid, food safety and customer service to practical bar and barista skills.

    Liz then undertook a volunteer placement in our community ‘Café at EVI’* to put her newfound skills into practice. Working with Amanda, our café cook and trainer, Liz practiced lots of new recipes, front of house skills and learnt about the general running of the café. 

    “The best thing about being involved with EVI is meeting new people. I’m feeling so much more sociable, even my back is feeling better, my confidence has improved, and nothing makes me happier than happy customers. I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing what I do now. It’s given me the motivation and time to really develop myself and skills”

    – Liz

    The EVI team have helped Liz update her CV, rehearse interview skills and start to apply for local hospitality jobs. We’ve also helped taste-test many of her delicious bakes and have welcomed her into our EVI Voxpop community choir! 

    Liz singing in our EVI Community Choir
    James (EVI staff member and fellow volunteer) with Liz at our Community Christmas Dinner

    A big thank you to Liz and all our volunteers who are essential to our community and cultural centre and the successful delivery of our community projects. 

    Liz’s EVI Journey has been supported by funding from the UK Government*.

    EVI are looking for volunteers to help support the many community services and activities available at the centre. Help us make a change in your area – meet friends, gain work experience and help others! Find out more about our volunteering opportunities here. 

    *We were able to open the Café at EVI, deliver our Hospitality Training Academy and support Liz on her volunteer journey due to funding from the UK Government through our UKCRF project.

    *The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  24. 30 People Graduate From EVI’s Training Academies

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    30 People Graduate From EVI’s Training Academies

    Congratulations to our 2022 Hospitality and Teaching Assistant Academy graduates!

    EVI partnered with Communities for Work Plus and Adult Learning Wales this year to deliver Hospitality and Teaching Assistant training academies – bespoke courses designed by us based on community need. Funding through the UK Community Renewal Fund* meant that these were free of charge to the people of Blaenau Gwent and included delicious daily buffets from the community Café at EVI.

    30 people gained a range of qualifications and skills from barista and bar skills, first aid and customer service to autism awareness, paediatric first aid, anger management, safeguarding of children and more. 

    Celebrating Successes

    4 people have already gained employment as a direct result of attending the academies, with others boosting their confidence and their CV’s with qualifications and skills to help gain future employment, access volunteering opportunities and support their business. 

    We recently held award ceremonies for our graduates. Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

    Just some of the many Hospitality Academy graduates.
    Teaching Assistant Academy graduates.

    The feedback from the academies has been overwhelmingly positive;

    “Great for my CV and future job applications. Also very helpful for my confidence.”

    – Hospitality Academy Graduate

    “Employing people who I know have done this course would be very reassuring.”

    – Business Owner & Hospitality Academy Graduate

    “[It] Benefitted me by giving me skills and qualifications that I can use to get a job in a career that I’d always wanted.”

    – Teaching Assistant Academy Graduate

    Further Opportunities

    Our skilled EVI team were on hand to offer support throughout the course, working with participants to define what they would like to achieve, barriers, future plans, and signposting further opportunities such as training and volunteering. Communities for Work Plus also provided help in removing financial hurdles such as transport, childcare and training to help them get the job they need. 

    Look out for more EVI training academies in the future! Find out more about one participant’s journey below.

    Read about Liz’s EVI Journey here.

    *The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  25. Ukrainian and Welsh Mini-Festival at EVI

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    ‘Industrial Dreams’, a free half-day festival, was held at EVI recently as part of the University of St Andrews: Donbas in Focus project in collaboration with Gwent Archives. The project explored industry, archive, erasure and community resilience in Ebbw Vale and the Ukrainian East. 

    Ukrainian filmmakers, artists and people feeling conflict joined with people from Ebbw Vale and historians, archivists and journalists from across Wales for ‘Industrial Dreams’, a free half-day festival exploring how the histories and experiences from industrial areas in the Ukrainian East and South Wales intertwine. The event culminated in a UK film premiere.

    Industrial Legacies

    Both Ebbw Vale and Mariupol, Ukraine were once two of the largest steel producing complexes in Europe. Today both are gone, as a result of de-industrialization in the case of Ebbw Vale, and Russia’s devastating war of erasure in the case of Mariupol.

    This event explored the industrial legacies of these places and how they speak to each other through archival images of the steelworks, moving images and personal testimony, as well as post-industrial projects like the Ebbw Vale Garden Festival and Welsh / Ukrainian contemporary art.

    Cllr Dai Davies talking passionately about Ebbw Vale and EVI’s history.

    Ebbw Vale Institute was a particularly apt venue for the event as the 170-year-old building is itself a reflection of the social and industrial heritage of the town of Ebbw Vale, previously providing training in iron, steel and coal for the area. 

    Attendees wrote heartfelt and moving postcards to pen pals in Ukraine telling them something about their lives in South Wales, showing solidarity for the violence and terror Ukraine is now facing.

    Postcards through time.

    UK Film Premiere at EVI

    The day culminated with the UK premiere of “EuroDonbas”, a documentary film revealing the last footage of Eastern Ukrainian towns before Russian invasion, directed by Kornii Hrytsiuk and produced by Anna Palenchuk. The film brings to life the foreign heritage of Eastern Ukrainian cities, including the history of Welsh labour migration to Hughesovka, today’s Donetsk. Kornii and Anna came online to cheers and long applause from the Ebbw Vale audience and answered audience questions.

    Kornii and Anna joined us live from Kyiv.
    A young Ukrainian woman giving a moving rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem.

    Event organiser Victoria Donovan from the University of St Andrews said, “Wales and Donbas have much to learn from each other’s histories of political and cultural resilience. We are excited to get new generation artists from the two countries talking to each other across borders, and thinking together about their post-industrial futures,  particularly at this incredibly difficult moment of full-scale Russian war against Ukraine.”   

    Picture Gallery

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  26. Celebrating Black History in South Wales

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    Cymraeg

    70 community members joined us to celebrate an important part of Welsh history as we put on Afternoon Tea and a film showing to celebrate hosting the ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing’ exhibition.

    EVI have been privileged to host the inspiring ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing’ Exhibition from Swansea University South Wales Miners’ Library, chronicling the inspirational life of actor, singer and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson. In celebration, we hosted a sumptuous Afternoon Tea from the Café at EVI and The Proud Valley (1940) film showing, free to all due to funding through the UK Community Renewal Fund*.

    Welsh History

    The incredible exhibition explores Robeson’s journey against prejudice and intolerance, his connection with the miners of South Wales, and his work to promote diversity and racial equality.

    We have been proud to bring Robeson’s story back to Ebbw Vale, 64 years after his famed appearance at the 1958 Ebbw Vale National Eisteddfod in which he told the crowd, “You have shaped my life – I have learned from you.” 

    EVI itself plays an important role in the history, past, present, and future of Blaenau Gwent and the surrounding areas. The 170-year-old building is a reflection of the social and industrial heritage of the town of Ebbw Vale, previously providing training in iron, steel and coal for the area. 

    Throughout time, EVI has kept education at its heart. This work continues here today, as we work with local communities and beyond to create a centre of excellence to be proud of, in which people can participate, learn, create and be entertained, in keeping with the original ethos of the Ebbw Vale Institute.

    Launch Success

    The exhibition launch was a great success, with rave reviews for the Cafe at EVI and an afternoon well spent socialising, learning, and reminiscing;

    “The afternoon was most enjoyable. Great insight into life in South Wales coal mines and the inspiring life of Paul Robeson.“

    “A wonderful afternoon spent socialising with great company and meeting new people. Lovely Afternoon Tea from the Cafe, and I enjoyed seeing ‘The Proud Valley’ again for the first time in 40 years.”

    As the exhibition draws to a close this week, we would like to thank the South Wales Miners’ Library and all community members who have visited to learn about Robeson’s story and his important role in Black and Welsh history at EVI, the oldest institute in Wales.

    Take a look at our upcoming events here.

    *The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  27. Dathlu Hanes Pobl Dduon De Cymru

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    English

    Ymunodd dros 70 o aelodau’r gymuned â ni i ddathlu cyfnod pwysig yn hanes Cymru gyda The Prynhawn a dangos ffilm i ddathlu’r arddangosfa ‘Gadewch i Paul Robeson Ganu’ a gynhaliwyd yma.

    Mae Institiwt Glynebwy wedi bod yn falch iawn o gael cynnal yr arddangosfa ysbrydoledig ‘Gadewch i Paul Robeson Ganu’ gan Lyfrgell y Glowyr De Cymru ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe, yn dangos bywyd ysbrydoledig yr actor, canwr ac actifydd hawliau sifil, Paul Robeson. I ddathlu, roedd EVI wedi creu Te Prynhawn blasus yng Nghaffi’r EVI a dangoswyd y ffilm The Proud Valley (1940), am ddim i bawb diolch i arian Cronfa Adnewyddu Cymunedol y DU*.

    Hanes Cymru

    Mae’r arddangosfa wych yma yn edrych ar siwrne Robeson wrth iddo wynebu anfantais ac anoddefgarwch, ei gysylltiad gyda glowyr De Cymru, a’i waith yn hyrwyddo amrywiaeth a chydraddoldeb hiliol.

    Rydym wedi bod yn falch iawn i gael dychwelyd stori Robeson i Lyn Ebwy, 64 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach ers ei ymddangosiad enwog yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Glyn Ebwy 1958 lle dywedodd wrth y dorf, “Rydych chi wedi siapio fy mywyd – rwyf wedi dysgu gennych chi.”

    Mae’r EVI ei hun yn chwarae rhan bwysig iawn yn hanes, gorffennol, presennol a dyfodol Blaenau Gwent a’r ardal gyfagos. Mae’r adeilad 170 oed yn adlewyrchu treftadaeth gymdeithasol a diwydiannol tref Glyn Ebwy, oedd cynt yn darparu hyfforddiant haearn, dur a glo i’r ardal.

    Mae’r EVI wedi cadw addysg wrth ei galon dros y blynyddoedd. Mae’r gwaith yma yn parhau yma heddiw, wrth i ni weithio gyda chymunedau lleol a thu hwnt i greu canolfan rhagoriaeth i fod yn falch ohoni, lle gall pobl gymryd rhan, dysgu, creu a chael eu hadlonni, gan gadw i ethos gwreiddiol Institiwt Glyn Ebwy.

    Llwyddiant y Lansiad

    Roedd lansiad yr arddangosfa yn llwyddiant mawr, gydag adolygiadau gwych i’r Caffi yn EVI a phrynhawn da yn cymdeithasu, dysgu, ac yn hel atgofion.

    “Roedd yn brynhawn dymunol iawn. Mewnwelediad gwych i fywyd pyllau glo De Cymru a bywyd ysbrydoledig Paul Robeson.”

    “Prynhawn hyfryd yn cymdeithasu gyda chwmni gwych a chyfarfod pobl newydd. Te Prynhawn lyfli gan y caffi, ac roeddwn i wedi mwynhau gweld ‘The Proud Valley’ unwaith eto am y tro cyntaf ers 40 mlynedd.”

    Wrth i’r arddangosfa ddod i ben yr wythnos hon, hoffwn ddiolch i Lyfrgell y Glowyr De Cymru a holl aelodau’r gymuned sydd wedi ymweld i ddysgu am stori Robeson a’i ran bwysig yn hanes Du a Chymru yn EVI, yr institiwt hynaf yng Nghymru.

    Ewch i weld digwyddiadau sydd i ddod yn EVI yma.

    *Mae Cronfa Adfywio Cymunedol y DU yn rhaglen Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer 2021/22. Y bwriad ydy cefnogi pobl a chymunedau sydd â’r angen mwyaf ledled y DU i gynnal rhaglenni peilot a dulliau newydd i baratoi ar gyfer Cronfa Ffyniant Cyffredin y DU. Mae’n buddsoddi mewn sgiliau, cymunedau a llefydd busnesau lleol, ac yn cefnogi pobl i mewn i swyddi. Am wybodaeth bellach, cliciwch yma.

  28. Families Get Hands On With Nature At EVI

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    Cymraeg

    Over 80 local children and families visited our historic Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) during our Open Week recently to take part in a variety of free natural outdoor crafts and wildlife educational workshops.

    Local families had the opportunity to spend quality time together, learn outdoors and receive free, healthy children’s lunchboxes from the Café at EVI this summer holidays due to UK Community Renewal Fund funding.

    Getting Creative

    EggSeeds (an educational charity) carried out workshops, sharing their passion and innovative ways to inspire and connect with children and families through natural crafting. Activities included pyrography (the art of decorating wood with burn marks), driftwood craft, pebble painting and making and sowing seed bombs to decorate the EVI community garden and take home with them. Children were excited to return to EVI’s garden in the future to see how their insect friendly plants and flowers had grown, and hid their painted bug themed pebbles around the garden.

    Driftwood Craft
    Pyrography
    Seed Bombs

    Building Bug Homes

    The Gwent Wildlife Trust also took part in the week, helping everyone to build bug homes and identify different moths in moth boxes (a friendly and harmless way of collecting moths). They explained the important nocturnal pollinating role of moths and how they use their long proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. They also shared interesting information with the group about other pollinating insects like bees, butterflies and beetles. Surrounded by flowers, plants and insects in the beautiful outdoor sunshine, families worked on their bug homes and learnt how important they were in providing a safe space for bugs to live, lay eggs, raise their young, and seek refuge from predators.

    One parent commented, “There’s so much plastic and pointless waste involved in children’s activities. It’s great to come here and use natural and sustainable resources for crafts that are fun, educational and have an actual purpose. They can take them home, put them to use, be reminded of what they learnt and discover even more when the insects come to stay. It’s great for them to be surrounded by the environment that they’re learning about.”

    Hands On Learning

    Lastly, the Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary visited with their rescued owls and birds of prey, using the centre and its garden to give families the chance to interact with them and find out about their natural habitats, diets, and conservation. 

    Sian Tucker, EVI Centre Manager stated, “It’s magical to see all these families here at the oldest institute in Wales learning about the importance of biodiversity, nature and wildlife – just like generations did 170 years before them when the building was a Scientific Institute. A focus on sustainability, the environment and education are a key part of our community ethos here at EVI”.

    Click here for our Open Week picture gallery!

    EVI’s Open Week activities were funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, secured by ProMo Cymru for EVI.

    *The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, click here.

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

  29. Teuluoedd yn Dysgu am Natur yn Institiwt Glynebwy

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    English

    Ymwelodd dros 80 o blant a theuluoedd lleol ein hadeilad hanesyddol Institiwt Glynebwy (EVI) yn ystod ein Hwythnos Agored ddiweddar i gymryd rhan mewn amrywiaeth o weithdai addysgiadol crefftau awyr agored a bywyd gwyllt.

    Cafodd teuluoedd lleol y cyfle i dreulio amser arbennig â’i gilydd, dysgu yn yr awyr agored a derbyn pecynnau bwyd iach am ddim i blant o’r Caffi yn EVI dros y gwyliau haf.

    Bod yn Greadigol

    Roedd EggSeeds (elusen addysgiadol) yn cyflwyno gweithdai, yn rhannu eu hangerdd a ffyrdd arloesol i ysbrydoli a chysylltu gyda phlant a theuluoedd gyda chrefftau naturiol. Roedd gweithgareddau yn cynnwys pyrograffeg (y gelf o addurno pren wrth ei losgi), crefft broc môr, peintio cerrig bach a chreu a phlannu bomiau hadau i addurno gardd gymunedol EVI ac i fynd adref gyda nhw. Roedd y plant yn gyffrous iawn i gael dychwelyd i ardd EVI yn y dyfodol i weld tyfiant y planhigion a’r blodau sydd yn gyfeillgar i chwilod, ac aethant ati i guddio cerrig wedi’u peintio ar themâu chwilod o gwmpas yr ardd.

    Crefftau Broc Môr
    Pyrograffeg
    Chreu Bomiau Hadau

    Adeiladu Cartrefi Chwilod

    Roedd Ymddiriedolaeth Natur Gwent hefyd yn rhan o’r wythnos, yn helpu pawb i adeiladu cartref chwilod eu hunain ac i adnabod gwahanol wyfynod mewn bylchau gwyfod (ffordd gyfeillgar a diogel i gasglu gwyfod). Eglurwyd pwysigrwydd y gwyfod i beillio gyda’r nos a’r ffordd maent yn defnyddio’u trwyn hir i yfed neithdar o flodau. Rhannwyd gwybodaeth ddiddorol gyda’r grŵp am bryfaid peillio eraill fel gwenyn, pili-pala a chwilod. Yn gweithio yn yr ardd braf, gyda blodau, planhigion a chwilod o’u cwmpas, roedd y teuluoedd yn gweithio ar y cartrefi chwilod ac yn dysgu am eu gwaith pwysig fel rhoi lle diogel i chwilod fyw, gadael wyau, magu a chadw’n ddiogel o reibwyr.

    Dywedodd un rhiant, “Mae gweithgareddau plant yn aml yn defnyddio llawer o blastig a gwastraff dibwynt. Mae’n wych dod yma a defnyddio deunyddiau naturiol, cynaliadwy ar gyfer crefftau hwyl, addysgiadol ac sydd â phwrpas. Gallant fynd â nhw adref, eu rhoi ar ddefnydd, a chael eu hatgoffa o’r hyn dysgwyd yn ogystal â dysgu mwy pan fydd y chwilod yn dod i aros. Mae’n wych iddynt fod yn yr amgylchedd maent yn dysgu amdano.”

    Dysgu Ymarferol

    Yn olaf, daeth Gwarchodfa Tylluanod Glynebwy draw gyda’r tylluanod a’r adar ysglyfaethus sydd wedi’u hachub, gan ddefnyddio’r ganolfan a’r ardd i roi cyfle i’r teuluoedd gysylltu gyda nhw a darganfod mwy am eu cynefin naturiol, diet a’u gwarchodaeth.

    Dywedodd Sian Tucker, Rheolwr Canolfan EVI, “Mae’n hudol gweld yr holl deuluoedd yma yn institiwt hynaf Cymru, yn dysgu am bwysigrwydd bioamrywiaeth, natur a bywyd gwyllt – yn union fel yr oedd pobl 170 mlynedd yn ôl pan roedd yr adeilad yn Institiwt Gwyddonol. Mae canolbwyntio ar gynaladwyedd, yr amgylchedd ac addysg yn rhan allweddol o’n hethos cymunedol yma yn EVI.”

    Ariannwyd gweithgareddau Wythnos Agored EVI gan Lywodraeth y DU drwy Gronfa Adnewyddu Cymunedol y DU.

    *Mae Cronfa Adfywio Cymunedol y DU yn rhaglen Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer 2021/22. Y bwriad ydy cefnogi pobl a chymunedau sydd â’r angen mwyaf ledled y DU i gynnal rhaglenni peilot a dulliau newydd i baratoi ar gyfer Cronfa Ffyniant Cyffredin y DU. Mae’n buddsoddi mewn sgiliau, cymunedau a llefydd busnesau lleol, ac yn cefnogi pobl i mewn i swyddi. Am wybodaeth bellach, cliciwch yma.

  30. Open Week Success & Picture Gallery

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    Over 350 members of the community helped us celebrate our jam-packed Open Week recently, taking part in a wide variety of free wellbeing, cultural and educational workshops and activities.

    EVI was able to reopen to the public this year after partial closure during the pandemic, due to funding from the UK Government*. To celebrate, we put on an eclectic Open Week full of free activities for the community. From digital skills training, wellbeing classes and a Paul Robeson exhibition, to family crafting and educational workshops, providing free healthy children’s lunches in the summer holidays, and a chance to socialise at Afternoon Tea – the week had activities and sessions for everyone. Click the images below and scroll through!

    Open Week Timetable

    Our Open Week was funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund*

    *The  UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fundprospectus

    ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

Foundation Funders:

National Lottery Community Fund Logo
Welsh Government Logo

Current Funders:

Lloyds Bank Foundation Logo
Landfills Tax Scheme Logo
WCVA Logo
Blaenau Gwent County Council Logo
UK Gov Wales

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