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Wales TUC Cymru

Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence

No.5 April 2016 Ebrill

Net NewsNet News is sent to Union Learning Reps (ULRs) and learning and education supporters in Wales. Its aim is to share learning, course and funding news and encourage union-led workplace learning and learning in families and communities. Please share!

Skills Work Week: 16th - 22nd May 2016Learning and Work Wales are excited to announce the launch of ‘Skills Work Week’. We are encouraging all workplaces across Wales to run events linked to this national campaign.

Skills Work Week is a new campaign which builds on the success of Learning at Work Day. Skills Work Week will encourage all workplaces across Wales to run branded events linked to a national campaign to promote the value of investing in the development of skills in the workplace. Skills Work Week includes the following theme days: • Monday 16th May: What Employers Want day • Tuesday 17th May: Workplace Mentors and Champions day • Wednesday 18th May: Apprentices and Trainees day • Thursday 19th May: Staff Training day• Friday 20th May: Job Swap day

Skills Work Week can be used as a catalyst for change providing an opportunity to 'rebrand' or refresh learning and development. Activities can range from non-work related and interest-led activities through award ceremonies to business focused sessions. Skills Work Week offers an opportunity to promote and deliver these in a way that is fresh, exciting and engaging.

http://www.learningandwork.wales/our-work/promoting-learning-and-skills/skills-work-week-16th-22nd-may-2016

Learning and Work Institute (L&W) is pleased to launch Innovation Grants for Skills Work Week 2016.

The grants, up to £500 are available to any organisation in Wales who wish to put on activities or events during the Skills Work Week campaign which runs from 16-22 May 2016.

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Innovation Grant 2016 Application for Funding

ULRs, a useful event to put into your diaries – maybe for 2017 if not for this year?

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Potential Redundancies? At risk?The Wales TUC development officers in your area have excellent advice, guidance and information for ULRs and reps that can really help – especially if contacted early. Contact them.North Barbara Hale bhale@tuc.org.uk 07747 775393Mid Mark Rees Mrees@tuc.org.uk 07766 250082West Roger Jones Rjones@tuc.org.uk 07833 158627South Kevin Williams Kwilliams@tuc.org.uk 07747 775658South Deri Bevan DBevan@tuc.org.uk 07769 971336

The development officer in your area can advise ULRs on ReAct Funding (see below) other funding for learning and on the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF). Ideally, ULRs can support and help members before a redundancy situation arises.

The Redundancy Action Scheme (ReAct) is a programme of funding for training provided by the Welsh Government for people living in Wales who are facing redundancy.

You can receive a training award of up to £1,500 to help you get the skills you need to land a job. You can train while you are job hunting or you can go on courses to get the skills you need even if you plan to become self-employed eventually.Download the ReAct Guidance notes (PDF, 1.5MB, link opens in a new window).

Who is eligible?Support under the ReAct scheme is available for individuals who:

have become unemployed in the last 3 months as a result of redundancy, are currently unemployed, and who have not been in continuous employment for 6

weeks or more since being made redundant; or are currently under notice of redundancy; and have not undertaken any publicly funded training since being made redundant,

including the work-based learning suite of programmes.

What is available?There are 3 elements to ReAct:

Recruitment & Training Support Discretionary Award - Vocational Training Discretionary Award - Extra Support

Support is available for eligible applicants to increase their skills and remove barriers to learning, or returning to work.

Under this part of the scheme the following financial support is available: a contribution towards agreed training up to a maximum of £1,500; help towards the cost of travelling to training courses; overnight accommodation costs, where appropriate; a contribution towards childcare costs whilst training (subject to limits and

conditions). exceptional help with the cost of equipment for individuals with a learning difficulty,

disability, or a work-limiting health condition.

You can get more information on ReAct from your local Careers Wales office or by calling our freephone helpline on 0800 028 4844.

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Rep Development DaysWhat are they about?Dementia awareness has been in the news a lot lately. 1 in 5 over 65s currently suffer from some form of dementia, and more adults are now caring for other adults than are caring for children. Some are caring for both. The development day will explore the issue from a workplace point of view; how dementia affects the workplace, how we can care for the carers, and what trade union reps can do to reduce stigma and promote healthy, supportive workplaces.

There will be a mix of speakers and activities, together with stalls from organisations who are experts in the field. When and where?

South Wales: Thursday 21st April 2016 - Redhouse, Merthyr TydfilNorth Wales: Wednesday 27th April 2016 - Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Who?These events are suitable for ALL trade union repsHow much?The development day is free and lunch and all refreshments are included, however the Wales TUC does not pay travel or subsistence costs. Please speak to your own union in relation to these.

What next? If you would like to attend, please complete the form using this link:

         https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WTUCdementia2016If you are unable to access the form please contact the Wales TUC office on 02920 347010 where someone will be able to help you .Linsey Imms Learning Services Project Worker   Tel: 07766 250827

Residential Womens SchoolThis is a diary marker for a fantastic new opportunity for Women Union Professionals in Wales.

As part of the Wales TUC Union Professionals Development programme we are offering a two day residential school aimed at senior women union officers and staff. This free event will be held in Cardiff and hosted by the Wales TUC. The school aims to help Women Union Professionals to succeed in their organisations and will offer both personal and professional development, build knowledge and skills and provide an opportunity to create union networks.

Places are limited. If you or a colleague would like to register an interest in attending please email fstock@tuc.org.uk

Carbon Literacy Training 21 April 2016, CardiffCULT Cymru, Ffilm Cymru and BAFTA are delivering free Carbon Literacy training to help individuals working in film and TV get to grips with sustainability.Successful completion of the course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to reduce your carbon footprints and to create productions in a more sustainable way.

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You are invited to attend:

Wales TUC Equalities Learning Development DaySaturday, April 30, 2016 from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PMWelcome to the 2016 Wales TUC Equalities learning development day.

This year we are going to try something new - a conference on a Saturday. Lots of reps and union members are struggling to get time off to attend so we thought we'd make it a little easier (for some of you at least). Our events are free but spaces are limited. The agenda has not been finalised but we are hoping to confirm workshops shortly. They will this year be on dementia, the menopause, invisible disabilities and mental health.Book here: - http://bit.ly/WTUCEquality

We are asking delegates to arrive from 9:30 onwards, parking will be available.

The building is accessible and please email me at rwilliams@tuc.org.uk if you have any access, dietary or childcare requirements.

The draft agenda is as follows:9:30 Registration, Tea & Coffee10:00 Welcome & housekeeping10:15 Workshop 111:15 Tea and Coffee11:30 Workshop 212:30 Lunch

13:15 Update on the Trade Union Bill in Wales13:45 Workshop 314:45 Tea and Coffee15:00 Workshop 416:00 Close

Ground Floor, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, Cardiff CF11 9SD

WEA YMCA CC Cymru, a provider of the Wales Trades Union Congress (WTUC) courses,We are one of only two providers in Wales that deliver the Wales Trades Union Congress (WTUC) core course programme, providing skills training for trade unionists, including union reps, health and safety reps and union learning rep courses.

Port Talbot Domestic Violence3 days Wed 4th May 2016 18th May 2016 9.30 to 17.00 Venue TBA What is domestic violence? Supporting members Dispelling the myths

Pontypridd Dyslexia Awareness 1 day Thursday 21st April 2016 9.30 to 17.00 Venue TBA Learn to support individuals in & outside the workplace. Specific learning difficulties and their effect Key legislation. Understand impact on employers & organisations

Cardiff Dyslexia Awareness 1 day Thursday19th May 2016 9.30 to 17.00 WEA Cardiff Learn to support individuals in & outside the workplace. Specific learning difficulties and their effect Key legislation Understand impact on employers & organisations

To book a place contact Terri Bishop 01495 369869 terry.bishop@weacymru.org.uk

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Exciting News We’re so excited! You’ve been talking and we’ve been listening – and that’s why we’re so excited. We’re now really pleased to announce that we have a wide range of Health & Safety and Food Hygiene courses online. That’s right – online!So you now have a choice of either joining us on one of our ‘live’ workshops or sitting at your workspace and learning all you need to know via your computer.Check out our online courses here: online courses

Location, Location LocationDid you know we now offer courses in three different towns across North Wales? Yes that’s right, we’re expanding across the region Not only does this mean it’s even easier to get to a Glasdir Skills Academy workshop, you’ll probably get an extra half an hour or so in bed as we’re closer to you than ever before. P.S you don’t even have to get out of bed to take our online courses.. Find out more about our training locations by clicking here.

Awards launched to find Wales' star learners, employers and learning providersThe hunt is on to find the star learners, employers and learning providers involved in the delivery of a range of successful skills programmes across Wales. Applications for this year's prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru are now being invited by joint organisers the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). https://www.ntfw.org/apprenticeships-awards/awards-categories/

New guidance launchedThe TUC have launched new guidance to help recruit more union members and encourage more existing union members to become health and safety reps.

The UK’s current network of 100,000 union safety reps work hard to reduce injuries and ill-health at work, and the TUC trains around 10,000 safety reps every year, who focus on finding and resolving potential problems at work. Union reps first highlighted risks including asbestos, violence at work, RSI, the effects of passive smoking and stress.

Prevention of workplace injuries and work-related ill-health as a result of this ‘union safety effect’ saves the economy the equivalent of £219m-£725m a year at 2014 prices. The contribution of the union safety role in the public sector alone is £130m-£360m.https://www.tuc.org.uk/union-issues/tuc-launches-new-guidance-recruit-more-union-members-and-health-and-safety-reps

Digital Communities Wales’ programme of training Read about these FREE courses in Swansea, Mold, Newport and Caerphilly.

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/digital-communities-wales-8194877384

Digital Communities Wales a Welsh Government project delivered by Wales Co-operative Centre.

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Last Call! Opportunity for apprentices in your workplaceWe are in the process of organising work experience in Europe for UK Apprentices. This will be a fully funded opportunity for apprentices at your workplace. Apprentices will experience the cultures, lifestyles and working environments of a European country and bring back ideas and knowledge to benefit your company.

The work experience is for 2 weeks and will take place during 2016.

If you are interested in hearing more about this, then please get in touch.Regards, Ian Rowley,Unite Union Learning Organiser – N.E. Wales Mobile – 07966 000778

Wrexham ULRs are holding a Local History Evening Where? Wrexham War Memorial Club (by Tesco) When? At 7pm on

Thursday April 21st

Cost? Just £1.50 to cover the cost of the room hire.

The speaker will as always be Mr W. ALISTER WILLIAMS who will be doing his illustrated tours of Wrexham talks.Open to all, so feel free to bring as many guests as you want to. For more info contact Ian Rowley, Unite Union Learning Organiser – N.E. Wales Mobile - 0044 (0)7966000778

www.Unionreps.org.ukUnion reps, have you visited the UNIONREPS website? As well as key events, training and features you can sign up for the bulletin board with wide ranging discussions with other reps from across England and Wales.

Talk TrainingFully-funded, accredited and work-based

‘Advice and Guidance – Level 4 qualification.

Suitable for ULRs that regularly provide information, advice and guidance to colleagues and members of staff.

The qualification is fully-funded and is intended to help individuals to prioritise their workload, provide more effective ways of sharing information and to remind them of the importance of working within legal guidelines. No age restrictions for this qualification.

Contact: Ali, M: 07772 256256 E: AYilmaz@talktraining.co.uk

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Cardiff and Vale CollegeProfessional training courses to meet your business needs.Short business courses brought to you by the Business Insider College of the Year, winner of the Insider People’s Development Award and nominee for the TES Employer Engagement Award.

Our courses have been developed in response to our own training needs research and findings, published in the recent UKCES survey

At CAVC we offer a wide range of professional short business courses designed to meet the needs of individuals and employers. Ranging from 1 day - 4 days the following short courses have been created to enhance the professional development and skills of individuals in the workplace and help boost performance. We work with thousands of employers each year to support their training and development needs to contribute to the growth and success of their businesses.

Contact one of our Business Advisors today: Tel: 029 20 250 350email: commercial@cavc.ac.uk or click here for full details.

Consultation - Support for postgraduate study and part-time engineering, technology or computer science degreesWe are undertaking a consultation to seek the views on the proposed changes to support for postgraduate study and certain part-time STEM degrees.

Statistics

Further education, work-based learning and community learningA report which presents information on enrolled learners and their activities by age, gender, mode of study, type of programme and level of study.http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/further-education-work-based-learning-community-learning/?lang=en

BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training (formerly PTLLS) Monday 25th April 9.30 – 12.30This qualification is for individuals that are involved in identifying learning needs, planning for learning, engaging people who have differing characteristics, and assessing learning. It provides an introduction to basic practical teaching skills, principles and theory as well as study.Suitability:Ideal for individuals with little training experience, as well as those who are keen to enhance their skills and knowledge, in order to deliver training in an effective, interesting, engaging and confident manner.Commitment: Delivered through a series of half day workshops, written assignments and assessed classroom observations completed over 10 weeks. Contact Julian on…01978 367100 www.wrexhamitec.co.uk www.itecwrecsam.co.uk

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Mental Health First Aid training is for everyoneThis 12 hour course does not train you to be a therapist, counsellor or mental health professional but it will teach you to:

Guide people towards appropriate help. Give initial help to someone experiencing a mental health problem Recognise the first signs of someone developing mental ill-health. Deal with a crisis situation

Interested?2 Day MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSECost £85 per person 9.30 – 4.30Swansea 28-29 April Unite Office 19, high street Swansea SA1 1LF.Pontypool 23-24 May Unite Office 3a, High S) Torfaen Pontypool NP4 6EYFlint 27- 28 June Unite Office 64, Chester Street, Flintshire CH6 5DH

The sessions are open to all. Please contact Sue Carlick and find out how you can enrol on this course. E: SueCarlick@hotmail.co.uk T: 07903 343997

Please note: If you are applying for funding to pay for your course fees please contact the ULR at your workplace to find out about WULF Funding. Or, call Project Officer Sue Da’Casto 02920 022759. Sue.DaCasto@unitetheunion.org.uk

WISERD is delighted to announce a one-day conference at Bangor University

'The Welsh language and the Workplace'. 23 May 2016Presenters and spectators are both welcome, and the latter are also welcome to take part in the roundtable discussion at the end of the day.

The plenary speaker will be Prof. John Edwards, of St Francis Xavier University (Canada), http://sites.stfx.ca/psychology/john_edwards , Editor of the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, and prolific author on topics of minority languages, very much including Welsh!

The registration and abstract submission page is here: https://goo.gl/PEJPW0 (includes plenary abstract, conference venue, and directions). Please register whether you're coming in a presenting or non-presenting capacity.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is Tues 19th April, 3pm. The registration deadline for attending in a non-presenting capacity is Mon 16th May, 3pm.

Sponsored by the Language, Culture and Identity Thematic Group of WISERD www.wiserd.ac.uk

'Cyflogaith' Conference coming to Cardiff in JulyFollowing the success of the 'Cyflogiath' Bilingualism@Work Conference that was held in North Wales in January this year, NTfW and Sgiliaith will again be working in partnership and holding a similar event in Cardiff on 21 July 2016.

20 October 2016 Apprenticeship Awards CymruClick here for further information

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Online support for carers If you look after someone or know someone else who does, why not check out our new Being Healthy pages all about carers? We’ve worked with Carers Trust to pull together a list of useful links that can help you use the internet to its fullest, find local services and connect with others in the same boat.Find out more about online support from Carers Trust___________________________________________________________________

Futurelearn 10 new and popular coursesNew courses are now live on FutureLearn, while many previous courses are returning. Here’s what’s new and what’s popular. http://bit.ly/newfuturelearn ___________________________________________________________________Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May – Positive Ageing & Resilience Training (PART)10am – 4pm both days, Chapter Arts, Market Road, Cardiff CF5 1QEThe PART programme aims to support older people to increase their resilience to changes that people experience in later life.

There are 20 places available suitable for anyone aged 50+ The event is free, and lunch will be provided. Positive Ageing recently carried a similar event in Bristol, and got some good local press coverage (available here).

Steve Huxton Tel / Ffôn: 02920 445 036Network Co-ordinator – Ageing Well in Wales

How are You? Sut Ydych Chi?The Wales TUC has been working in partnership with Gofal to produce a Trade Union Equality Representative briefing. This useful workplace guide on mental health and work is available to download in English and Welsh here.http://www.wtuclearn.org.uk/resource/how-are-you-sut-ydych-chi

Mental Health Awareness Week - 16th - 22nd May 2016Mental Health Awareness Week will take place on 16-22 May 2016

2016 Dyslexia AwardsRaising awareness by celebrating the positive aspects of dyslexia! All too often the focus of dyslexia is negative, focusing on what dyslexics ‘can’t do’ or the things dyslexics ‘struggle’ with. Well, Dyslexia Awards aims to turn that on its head by focusing on strengths, positives and achievements!

We dyslexics have a lot to offer the world and Dyslexia Awards aims to highlight and celebrate these strengths and positives!

Read more about the awards and make a nomination here: - http://www.theddc.org.uk/dyslexiaawards/

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Dyslexia in the WorkplaceUnion representatives need to be aware of the full range of workplace problems and solutions related to dyslexia, and be able to empathise with their dyslexic members.

You can download the third edition of this TUC workplace guide to dyslexia here: -https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/Dyslexia_In_The_Workplace_2013_LR.pdf

Welsh National Assembly Hustings 2016Neuadd Ogwen, Stryd Fawr, Bethesda, Gwynedd, LL57 3ANThursday, 28 April 2016 from 19:00 to 21:00

This event gives you the chance to ask the parties standing for the Welsh Assembly elections on May 5th, 2016 for their views and policies about the future of lifelong learning in Wales.

The non-partisan hustings is organised by WEA YMCA CC Cymru in co-operation with Neuadd Ogwenas part of their campaign to raise awareness of Adult Community Education. Join the campaign by supporting the hustings and lobbying your candidates electronically by clicking: http://weaymcacccymru.takeaction.org.uk/lobby/6

Make the most of your moneyLooking to pick up some new skills to help you budget, deal with debt or even find out what benefits you may be entitled to? The Money My Way pages on Learn My Way offer up bitesize chunks of learning so you can jump right into the topics that you need.Take a look at Money My Way topics

People vs. data: open data & the erosion of privacy SWANSEA, 4PM - 6PM, 27 APRIL 2016

Who owns my data? Where and how should my data be stored? Come and join Digital Leaders Wales in Swansea on 27 April where we will be hosting an exceptional panel of expert speakers, including:•Mark Evans, Chief Architect, DVLA•Matthew MacDonald-Wallace, Applications Engineer, DevOpsGuys•Paul Harwood, Director, TechHub Swansea•Matt Roach, Business Services Manager, Swansea University

The session will cover key discussion points such as: how data can be stored and shared within UK government, what the major challenges are when trying to access certain fragments of data and how these challenges can be subsequently overcome.Places are limited, so please register now to avoid disappointment. As always the Salon will be followed by networking with drinks & canapes. http://digileaders.com/event/people-versus-data-open-data-erosion-privacy-2/?mc_cid=90eb7c7210&mc_eid=2cf93b7d4f

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2016 Alcohol Concern Cymru Conference | Saving lives:

Understanding the links between alcohol and suicide22 September 2016 Grand Hotel, Swansea

Join us at our 2016 conference in Swansea, where we’ll be exploring the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and suicide.

Each year in Wales, between 300 and 350 people die from suicide, about three times the number killed in road accidents.

Alcohol use is often implicated in suicides and non-fatal self-harm. A fifth of all suicides are thought to be from people dependent on alcohol, and heavier drinkers are significantly more likely to suffer depression and anxiety.This one-day conference will encourage discussion of key questions including what exactly is the association between alcohol and suicide, who are the groups most at-risk, and how do we best offer support to family and friends after a suicide.Conference delegates will hear from leading experts in the field, including Dr Eve Griffin from the National Suicide Research Foundation Ireland, Dr Ann John from Swansea University and Dr Roger T Webb from the Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester.

For a full agenda, and to book places, go to www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/swansea2016

Who Pays? If the learning/training is essential for the work role then the responsibility lies

with the employer.

If the learning/training would support the work role then the cost could be negotiated and with a little leverage might be paid or part paid for by the employer.

If it’s something that the learner wants in order to progress in the company you need to look at whether the company will see it as a benefit (succession planning) in which case they might pay in full or part pay with Union.

If it’s learning that’s not related current or future roles then the learner can be expected to fund their own learning, perhaps with some financial support from their Union or from a Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project.

Thanks to Angela Baugh for these clear points.

Essential Bike MaintenanceDate: 14 May 2016 Time: 0930–1600Venue: Unit 9 Gabalfa Workshops, Clos Menter, Gabalfa Workshops CF14 3AYPrice: £65This Level 1 bike maintenance course is part of our Fix it yourself suite.It focuses on emergency repair and tuning up brakes and gears, making it ideal for the novice mechanic.___________________________________________________________________

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Worker’s Memorial Day – 28 AprilEvery year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority.

Workers Memorial Day (WMD) commemorates those workers. Workers' Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year.

All over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day. The day is also intended to serve as a rallying cry to remember the dead, and, to fight for the living.

The 2016 theme is “Strong Laws - Strong enforcement - Strong Unions” because across the world we are seeing growing attacks on health and safety protection. In Britain, the Government has removed protection from millions of self-employed workers. In Europe the European Commission is pursuing a dangerous de-regulatory strategy. Strong laws are not enough if they are not going to be enforced. That is why we need proper inspections and enforcement action against those who break the laws.

Here in the UK the number of inspections has fallen dramatically in the past five years; in many other countries enforcement has always been non-existent. We need strong unions. Unionised workplaces are safer, yet the Government is trying to stop unions protecting the health and safety of their members by restricting the right of health and safety representatives to take time off to keep the workplace safer, and trying to reduce our right to strike when things go wrong. The event will be held at 1 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff at 11 am until 12.30. A small buffet will be provided. Contact for further information: wtuc@tuc.org.uk

VQ Awards 2016: nominations invited!The Vocational Qualification Awards are a key part of VQ Day this year on 8 June. The VQ Awards Ceremony takes place on the evening of 7 June at the St David's Hotel and Spa, Cardiff Bay, with coverage of the winners in the media on VQ Day.

Open to both employers and individuals, The VQ Awards recognise and celebrate those who use technical, practical and vocational qualifications to achieve success.The VQ Awards 2016 will recognise the achievements of individuals and employers across three categories:Learner

VQ Learner of the Year (Intermediate Level – up to Level 3) VQ Learner of the Year (Higher Level – Level 4+)

Employer VQ Employer of the Year

If you know of individuals who have used their vocational qualifications to achieve within the last seven years, or a local employer that has championed vocational learning in the workplace, we encourage you to put them forward for a VQ Learner of the Year Award, or the VQ Employer of the Year Award.How to nominateThe deadline for all nominations is midday 22 April 2016. Click here for the nomination forms for the three categories.

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Quick Reads and World Book NightAward-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves is a firm believer in the vital importance of adult literacy, so she was very happy to write a Quick Read for this year’s campaign, and even happier when Too Good to be True was also picked to be one of 15 books to be given away, free, on World Book Night later this year.

World Book Night 2016World Book Night is the annual celebration of reading and books which takes place on the 23rd of April. 2016 will be the sixth World Book Night celebration.

World Book Night is run by the Reading Agency. It includes hundreds of events from small community gatherings to author readings in libraries that celebrate and share reading with the aim of inspiring more people to become regular readers. 15 books are being launched as part of the campaign and this year the books include ‘I Can’t Begin to Tell You’ by Elizabeth Buchan, ‘Someone Else’s Skin’ by Sarah Hilary and ‘Reasons to Stay Alive; by Matt Haig.

For more information visit the World Book Night website: http://worldbooknight.org If you a running an event as part of World Book Night please let unionlearn know by emailing Keith Hatch: khatch@tuc.org.uk

World Book Night Celebration with Abergavenny LibraryAbergavenny Library, Baker Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 5BDWe are holding our World Book Night celebration on Thursday 21st April 7.00pm. Our guest speaker will be local author/historian Mr Frank Olding.Tickets are £3.00 to include a glass of wine (or two). An entertaining evening is assured.

Reading AheadOne in six adults struggles to read. Reading Ahead supports young people and adults who struggle with the written word or who don’t read for pleasure. Reading Groups for Everyone celebrates all the good things that happen when people come together to share reading and Reading Well supports people's health and wellbeing. Because everything changes when we read.

Find out more: https://readingagency.org.uk/adults/quick-guides/reading-ahead/

Adult Learners' Week 25 June - 1 July is the annual campaign which celebrates and promotes adult learning opportunities. Its intention in Wales is to signpost the huge variety of courses available to the adult learner, and to prompt adults across the country into returning to learning. Each year, ULRs in Wales participate in Adult Learners’ Week activities.Find out more here: http://bit.ly/1LQbwUh Follow us on Twitter @LearnWorkCymru #ALWCymru16For information about Adult Learners’ Week in Wales please visit the Learning and Work Institute Cymru website

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Festival of Learning Innovation FundFunding is available for innovative ideas to engage adults in learning!

Learning and Work Institute is pleased to launch the new Innovation Fund for 2016. The Festival of Learning Innovation Fund is available to any organisation working in Wales who wish to put on activities or events during the Festival of Learning period, and particularly focused in Adult Learners’ Week and Skills Work Week.

Click here to find out how to apply!

Depression Awareness Week [18 - 24 April 2016]: aims to raise the profile of depression and end the stigma associated with it. In the UK, depression affects at least one in five people during their lifetime – the vast majority will make a full recovery after appropriate support.

Some tips: Learn as much as you can about depression and its symptoms, even

if you feel well. Sometimes it’s hard to identify depression while you’re experiencing it – having knowledge in advance can help.

If you experience signs or feelings of depression seek expert help – your GP is a good place to start.

Try different ways of coping, e.g. relaxation activities, gentle exercise and continuing with hobbies.

Eat regularly to keep your energy levels up and include fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.

http://www.depressionalliance.org/get-involved/depression-awareness-week-2016

Pre-election campaign 2016Many thanks if you have already lobbied your candidates electronically. Otherwise, why not click the link below? 1850 emails have already been sent as part of the campaign but we need many more!If you have received responses from candidates we would be very grateful if you could share them with us.

Please support WEA YMCA CC Cymru’s campaign for Adult Community Education!It’s so easy! Click the link below and in two minutes you will have contacted all your candidates for the Welsh National Assembly 2016 Election. http://weaymcacccymru.takeaction.org.uk/lobby/6

A wide range of courses for adults is as crucial as ever to secure that our economy is thriving and our communities sustainable. After a period of severe cuts in the field, Wales’s next government could change its emphasis and secure a better educational balance between life stages.

Please read our Policy Statement to view our vision.http://www.weacymru.org.uk/en/about/public-documents/pre-election-campaign-2016We hope that you can communicate to your candidates your appreciation of this kind of education and the work of WEA YMCA CC Cymru.

Many thanks, Mark A. Isherwood Prif Weithredwr / Chief Executive

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Wrexham Carnival of WordsEventbrite listings are being set up as we speak - so you'll be able to purchase tickets online this week to your favourite events. In the meantime, take a look at our fabulous new website and start jotting down which events you want to attend.There truly is 'something for everyone'http://wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com/2016-programme/

The Wrexham Workers’ PoemSaturday 14th May, 1.00pm, Wrexham Library, LL11 1AU - The Wrexham Carnival's closing event begins with a reading of the Wrexham Workers' Poem, then goes out with a bang when author Clare MacKintosh talks about her fabulous début novel. Details and tickets...http://wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com/an-interview-with-clare-mackintosh/During Carnival week, staff at some of the town’s workplaces including PCS members at HMRC in conjunction with Union Learning Representatives and local poets, will go ‘head to head’ in a collective effort to write the Wrexham Workers’ Poem – with the finalised verses being performed in public, for the first time, at Wrexham Library.Tickets: £5 (event also includes an interview with acclaimed début novelist Clare Mackintosh).

Read it, Dream it, Live it!Writer, book blogger and broadcaster, Gwyneth Marshman, takes you on a journey to show you how you can change your life through the magic of reading. Inspired by her blog, the Book Diaries, this will be a practical session, featuring exercises to encourage you to take something useful away from every story you read.Saturday 7 May and Saturday 14 May. 11.30am – 12.30pm. Free Wrexham LibraryEvent details: …READ MORE

See & Hear Shropshire Shrewsbury Sports Village Sundorne Road, Harlescott SY1 4RQ

Wednesday 11th May 2016 10am – 4pmFree Shuttle Bus from Shrewsbury Train Station First bus 9.30 (half hourly)

Do you have sight or hearing loss, know someone that does, or work with people that do? Come along and find out more,

• Hearing Aid Maintenance Clinic, run by Shrewsbury and Telford’s Audiology department

• Friends & Family Sighted Guide Training by Guide Dogs• Seminars and Workshops• ‘Let’s Talk Local’ Drop-in, by People2People• Boccia Tournament, by Shropshire Disability Network• Sports taster sessions, including a Climbing Wall, and Gym • All Ability Cycling on the cycle track, by Quest88• Guide Dog demonstration

www.shropshire.gov.uk search ‘See and Hear Shropshire 2016’

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SuffragettesWednesday 11th May, 6.00pm, Wrexham Library, LL11 1AU - If you've seen and enjoyed the stunningly good movie, Suffragettes, you won't want to miss author, Lucienne Boyce, picking up the story where the film left off and telling you the remarkable story of the part played by North Wales women in that remarkable struggle for the vote.Link here for tickets (£6)...http://wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com/lucienne-boyce/ and the £6 ticket also covers entrance to the 7.30pm show with Jasper Fforde, talking about A Writer's Journey.

Contact WTUCLearnWebsite: www.wtuclearn.org.uk Face book https://www.facebook.com/WTUCLearn/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wtuclearn

And, you can find lots of tweets about the social media courses here: https://twitter.com/hashtag/wtuclearning

Use the contact wtuclearn@tuc.org.uk to suggest articles or to leave comments.

Potential Redundancies?The Wales TUC development officers in your area have excellent advice, guidance and information that can help – especially if contacted early. Contact them.North Barbara Hale bhale@tuc.org.uk 07747 775393Mid Mark Rees Mrees@tuc.org.uk 07766 250082West Roger Jones Rjones@tuc.org.uk 07833 158627South Kevin Williams Kwilliams@tuc.org.uk 07747 775658South Deri Bevan DBevan@tuc.org.uk 07769 971336

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Bernice WaughSwyddog Prosiect/Project Officer Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of ExcellenceFfon/phone 07917 415601e-bost/email bwaugh@tuc.org.uk

Wales TUC Cymru 1 Cathedral Road/ 1 Heol yr Eglwys Gadeiriol Cardiff/ Caerdydd CF11 9SD

"A person who graduated yesterday and stops studying today is uneducated tomorrow."

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