Cardiff Children, Young People & Families Network

The Cardiff Children, Young People and Families Network (CCYPFN) is a network of nearly 400 members of third sector organisations and community groups who work to benefit and improve the well-being of children, young people, their families and carers in Cardiff.

The network co-ordinates and maintains communication channels between the third and statutory sectors, supporting third sector representatives to various strategic groups across Cardiff.

The CCYPFN provides members with the opportunity to:
•    find out more about the work of other third sector organisations in Cardiff;
•    share information and best practice, and exchange ideas with colleagues both within and across sectors;
•    be part of a collective voice for the third sector in Cardiff;
•    campaign for better services and influence local, national and regional policy and strategies;
•    raise issues and identify gaps in service delivery.

Free membership

Membership is free and opened to members of C3SC working with children, young people (aged 0-25), their families and carers in Cardiff. This can include national or regional third sector organisations' local projects or offices if they are based in Cardiff.

Network events

The next network meeting will be:

Training and events

• Cardiff Council Adult Community Learning has organised an addition Childcare course in the Llanedeyrn/Pentwyn area. The Managing Children’s Behaviour course will take place in Pentwyn Leisure Centre on Wednesdays 09:30-11:30 for 11 weeks, starting 3 May 2017. It is accredited through Agored Cymru at Level 1. The course is free for people meeting eligibility criteria, i.e. seeking work, on benefits and 50+. To secure a place it would be beneficial if potential learners enrolled over the phone by calling Severn Road on 029 2087 2030. They can however also enrol with the tutor in the first session. Places are limited to 12 learners.
• Using Appropriate Touch with Children and Developing an Effective Policy for your Workplace - Children in Wales training on Tuesday 6 June 2017.
• ADHD Cardiff runs weekly parent and carer support sessions on Thursdays from 6-8pm, and a monthly parent and carer support group session on the last Friday of every month from 2-3pm. For more info, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Stop it Now! Wales is a child sexual abuse prevention project which works across Wales to keep children safe. Here are details of their training for those working with children and families.
• Open training with Children in Wales -  find out more at www.childreninwales.org.uk/items/category/open-training/
• Free Restorative Approaches Training for third sector practitioners: Restorative Approaches Family Engagement Project (RAFEP) is based within Tros Gynnal Plant and has been commissioned through the Welsh Government Children and Families Development Grant for three years. The project is now going into its third year and aims to help identify and increase the engagement of ‘seldom-heard’ families through the use of Restorative Approaches. RAFEP is primarily looking to engage with third sector organisations who have practitioners offering direct support to parents or carers with children aged 0-25, and could be identified as being a part of a seldom heard group.
• Are you working with young people? NuHi Training provides substance misuse awareness workshops for all.
• Bipolar Support Group, Cardiff for 18- to 25-year-olds.
• 'Train the Trainers - Children Rights and the UNCRC': free training from Children in Wales.
• Free training from Children in Wales - find out more.
• Esteem Train - Children in Need funded training for children and young people: Esteem Train is aimed at vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in South Wales.
• First Aid workshops for 10- to 19-year-olds.
• Workshops for 10- to 19-year-olds challenging the stigma around migration.

Funding opportunities

• #iwill Youth Social Action Fund - Open: 10th April, 2017 to 12th May 2017 (midday)

• Bupa UK Foundation’s ‘Healthy Future’ Programme. The deadline for first stage applications is 19 May 2017.

• Children's Health Fund - holiday food provision grants now available.
• Funding opportunity: The Paul Hamlyn Foundation Youth Fund - www.phf.org.uk/funds/youth-fund/
• Youth Service Commissioning Project Group: GwirVol youth-led grants information - following on from the September 2014 Project Group meeting, details of the GwirVol youth-led grants panel process is available here (see 'GwirVol Youth-led Grant Day information') and in this report.
• Prince's Trust Development Awards:The Prince’s Trust currently has funding available to help young people aged 14-25 to access training and employment opportunities. They could be awarded up to £250 to help them to attend interviews, start a course or help them cover travel costs until they receive their first pay at a new job. The Prince’s Trust also currently has money specifically for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-related opportunities.

More funding opportunities...

Consultations

• National standards and outcomes framework for children and young people - closes on 23 June 2017.
• Welsh Youth Parliament Consultation - the consultation will be open 28 April 2017 to 30 June 2017.

More consultations...

Cardiff Council Scrutiny

Do you have a question for Cardiff Council?
City of Cardiff Council scrutiny seeks to ensure the voice and concerns of the public influence policy and service improvements. You can submit your question direct to Cardiff Council or by emailing C3SC's Operations Manager Mary Duckett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Date of next Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting: to be announced.

News and other info

• Families First Report approved by Cabinet. You can find the cabinet meeting papers: http://cardiff.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=151&MId=3063&Ver=4.
• The new Third Sector Representative for the Education Development Board for Cardiff is Anthony Houlston Clark from the Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP).  He has been chosen following an expression of interest and voting process which was put out to the Cardiff Children, Young People and Families Network and the Cardiff Third Sector Learning and Enterprise Network.  For more information, please contact Natasha Applasamy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Here is a 'thank you' letter (dated 12 April 2017) to professionals and organisations involved in the Population Needs Assessment for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
• Download the March 2017 edition of 'The Index' - the newsletter for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
• Here are details of the Romani Cultural & Arts Company's 'Design-a-Bandana' art competition 2017. Entries close at 5pm on Monday 22 May 2017.
• We’re looking for a Chair for the Cardiff Children, Young People and Families Network. Find out more here. The deadline for applications is Monday 17 April 2017.
• Read Cardiff Youth Service's Education and Training Newsletter.
• Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is conducting research with families and professionals in Cardiff exploring how families with complex needs can best be supported. They are looking to speak with any young people who may be happy to be part of the Stakeholder group - this group will meet to discuss the findings from the research and give opinions on prototypes of support that are developed. They are also interested in meeting with any existing groups of families/parents/young people so that they can take their findings to them to elicit their opinions. If you are interested in taking part, please email Becky Wright at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her on (029) 2087 0246.
• The Children's Commissioner for Wales has created an intergenerational resource with the Older People’s Commissioner that aims to encourage schools and groups of older people to establish Intergenerational groups - find out more at https://www.childcomwales.org.uk/our-work/resources/intergenerational-resource/

• Over £31m to improve health services for mothers and babies - Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has approved over £31 million of investment for child health, premature babies and obstetric services in South Wales (article dated 13 January 2017).

• AGENDA: A Young People’s Guide to Making Positive Relationships Matter, is an online tool-kit produced with young people for young people. It aims to support young people to safely and creatively raise awareness of gender inequalities, sexual harassment and violence in schools and communities. Agenda showcases examples of the work young people are already doing in order to inspire and support others to speak out about what matters to them. It includes a wide range of activities and resources. Issues covered include: addressing gender discrimination, consent, LGBT+ rights, bullying, street harassment, FGM, sexual exploitation, relationship violence and many more. *AGENDA is available in English and Welsh. The guide and supporting resources are free to download at www.agenda.wales

• Find out about Challenge Wales's free accredited skills development on Wales's Tall Ship.
• Family Fund Wales: Have you previously received a grant from The Family Fund but now unable to access this due to Welsh Government funding being cut by £2 million? Funds have not been cut in Northern Ireland, Scotland or England. Contact a Family and Carers Wales is doing some campaigning and publicity work around this.
• Read Cardiff Council Children's Services and Signs of Safety: Information for Families and Professionals.
• Talking Future Generations Report: Following 100+ events across Wales to increase awareness of the implications and requirements of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, the Future Generations Commissioner Wales has produced a summary report of the issues raised by those who attended. The report, entitled 'Talking Future Generations: the story so far' gives an overview of the priority areas the Commissioner is seeking to focus on. If you would like to share your comments about the report or the priorities outlined please email the Commissioner's office direct at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• You can download the Play Wales magazine from their website.

• Children's Zones: On 11 October 2016, the Cabinet Secretary for Children and Communities announced the phase out of the Communities First programme and the introduction of a new Wales-wide approach which would focus on employment, early years and 'empowerment'. Among these was developing resilient communities in order to prevent and protect children from the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences. The letter for expression of Interest from the Deputy Director - Children and Families Division of the Welsh Government, invites organisations to provide information on:

  • the place which you believe would benefit from being a children’s zone
  • the difference you think could be made from taking this new approach
  • who the anchor organisations would be
  • any support you think would be needed
• New Child Safety Toolkit from Children in Wales, in partnership with Public Health Wales - Keep Kids Safe 2017.
• Youth Workers and Youth work support staff registering with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) – what you need to know.
• Join the Dots is a young people’s mental health involvement group. The group can have a direct influence on local mental health services, find out more about what’s available, learn new skills, share experiences with others, and lots more.
• FamilyPoint Cymru is for parents, carers and anyone responsible for children and young people. It provides families with local and national support, information and news. Find out more at https://familypoint.cymru/
• Our values into action - listening to patients and families: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has launched a major programme to translate the values expressed in Shaping Our Future Wellbeing into tangible behaviours aimed at improving the experience patients have in our care and staff experience working in the UHB. A key part of the ‘Our Values into Action’ campaign is a series of listening sessions where we are asking patients, families and carers to share their experiences of our care in a series of ‘In Your Shoes’ workshops in the second half of September, and through a survey. Please encourage people to complete the survey at https://eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Yd0eWov3G3Moux and to register for the In Your Shoes listening sessions where patients, families and carers will have an opportunity to share their experiences of the UHB's care. For further details, please visit www.cardiffandvaleuhb.wales.nhs.uk/v2a

• Nesta and Family and Childcare Trust report: The report makes the case for innovation to make childcare more affordable, more accessible and more flexible to parents and families.

• Tender opportunity: East Wales ESF Programme - Inspire to Achieve Project.
• Play Wales has produced an information sheet: 'Participation and consulting with children'. Download the information sheet | View the information sheet online

• Families come in all shapes and sizes, and having a disabled child affects all members of the family. No matter if you're a new parent, or an experienced one - everyone can react in different ways to the news that their child has a disability or medical condition. Contact a Family has produced guides for fathers, grandfathers and siblings - download them from the Contact a Family website.

• C3SC visited Place2Be during Volunteers' Week 2016. Place2Be is a leading provider of school-based mental health services working with children and young people, engaging early and in the safety of the school environment.
• The Sexual Health Outreach Team have recently updated their referral form.

• Rock Academy Wales is a Community Interest Company/training provider designed to build confidence and leadership skills within young people and adults through the medium of popular music. Find out more at www.rockacademywales.com

• Find out about Learning Disability Wales's 'Valued Lives' project.
• Children and Young People's Service development update - April 2016.
• Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Children & Women’s Clinical Board: Charitable & Voluntary Stakeholder Reference Group – Briefing for Third Sector following the meeting on the 14 April 2016.
• Read the Cardiff Youth Council Digital Hustings Shout-Out - special 2016 Welsh Assembly Election Edition.
• Here's a link to Play Wales's information sheet 'Promoting physical activity through outdoor play in early years settings'.
• ProMo-Cymru wins new contract for Meic Helpline.
• Find out about SEF Cymru's homework clubs.
• 'Young Person's Clinic - What's It All About?' See a short film that made by young people in partnership with YMCA Cardiff, the Department of Sexual Health and ProMo-Cymru. Funded by Cardiff Partnership Team.
• FamilyPoint Cymru is now available across Wales, offering families a simple way to find information and access to services via the website, phone, text and instant message.
• We received this tweet @C3SC on Thursday 29 October 2015 in case any CCYPFN member organisation is interested:
  LittleWarriorsRugby ‏@littlewarriors9 Looking to work in partnership to promote a FREE girls only taster session in January for ages 3-6 #workingtogether
• Children and Young People's Neurodevelopmental Disorder Service: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) has recently secured funding from the Welsh Government to improve services for children and young people with a neurodevelopmental disorder, and for their families or carers.
• Read an update on the Cardiff Family Information Service - Directory of Support Services in Cardiff.
• Red-Button is a website for young people in Cardiff and the Vale. It’s a one-stop shop for information and advice on substance misuse. http://red-button.org/practitioners/
• Prince's Trust is looking for young ambassadors.
• Cardiff Family Information Service - Directory of Support Services in Cardiff... including your service details in the directory is FREE.
• Opportunity to help with research (related to children with learning disabilities).
• Read the first (August 2015) edition of the 'Together for Children and Young People' newsletter. It introduces the National ‘Together for Children and Young People’ (T4CYP) Programme, and what the programme aims to achieve in the future.
• 4Children Inquiry – Britain’s Families: thriving or surviving? Find out more about this major inquiry into modern life in Britain.
• Find out about Prince's Trust Cymru's Enterprise Programme.
• Welsh Government has released the latest children’s health survey results for 2014. Among other things, this survey shows a slight rise in consumption of fruit and vegetables in children. If you are interested in reading the report, please follow this link: http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/welsh-health-survey/?tab=previous&lang=en#?lang=en
• ‘Save a Life September’ with St Johns Ambulance: In September 2015, St John's Ambulance will be running a campaign to get more people in Wales qualified as first aiders. If your school is interested in running a 90-minute session this September for children aged 7 and up, then do register your interest with St John's Ambulance. For more information, email Bernadette Davies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Work-based learning for 16- to 24-year-olds - a programme by Horn Development Association.
• Are you (or do you know of) a provider of Independent Visitor Services?
• Coming in September 2015... Touchbase Wales - a community support base for young people aged 18+ with a multi-sensory impairment, or a single-sensory impairment with an additional need.
• Help families in Wales get healthier with Change 4 Life sugar swaps.
• Can you help Tros Gynnal Plant's Fair & Square project with their mapping exercise of the provision of services in Cardiff & Newport for young asylum seekers and refugees?
• Important information from the Charity Commission.
• Please consider completing the Third Sector Apprenticeships survey.
• A new service to speed up the adoption process in Wales has been launched by Welsh Government.
• Read C3SC's response to the review into the role of the Children's Commissioner, Wales.
• Keep up to date with WCVA's Criminal Records Unit's DBS updates, safeguarding training and more on the WCVA website.
• Engage4Life is incredibly proud to be bringing National Citizen Service to Wales this year, in partnership with the Cabinet Office and Welsh Government. The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity which has transformed the young people who have taken part. It develops them as people, teaches them a wide range of new skills and allows them to make a positive difference in their communities by planning and implementing a social action project.
• Research - Children's participation at SEN Tribunals in Northern Ireland and Wales.
• Launch of All Wales Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training Pack.
• Download the Welsh Government's Family Support Bulletin.
• Read about the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill.
• Child and Family Poverty in Wales: A snapshot of key issues raised by families - Children in Wales report on family poverty.
• Families First Welfare Benefits Advice - Disabled Young People aged 16-25.
• As part of a local campaign, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale and Vibe Experience have produced an information booklet on positive ways to tackle ageism.
• Charities call to end 'market' in children's services - read this article on the Children and Young People Now website.
• Promo Cymru's application for the Informed Families Project had been successful.
• Your Assembly - Your Say, Your Way: Presiding Officer unveils National Assembly Charter for youth engagement.
• Support Play Wales: read a message from Play Wales following the recent announcements of Welsh Government funding.
• Media Academy Cardiff is running an accredited eight-week programme for 16- to 25-year-olds living in Llanedeyrn, Llanrumney, Pentwyn, Rumney, St Mellons and Trowbridge to learn photography and video making techniques.
• Could you partner with 'Stop It Now! Wales'?
• The Campaign to End Child Poverty has published new figures that provide a child poverty map of the whole of the UK. The figures are broken down by parliamentary constituency, local authority and ward. You can download the child poverty map on the End Child Poverty website (PDF).
• Pop Up, Pop In and Play project for disabled children and young people.
• ‘Innovative’ new child abuse review programme takes effect.
• Find out about the Service Misuse Service for 18s and under in Cardiff and the Vale.
• New plan to improve opportunities for children announced by Welsh Government.
• Bursary funding available to all young people’s groups in Cardiff.
• Volunteers needed for The Moving Forward project.
• Easier way to apply for free school meals - Cardiff Council explains.
• Volunteers needed for hospital Meet and Greet Service.
• Disclosure & Barring Service – a duty to refer, and new developments in DBS checks.
• DBS checks: update service and single issue cert announcement.
• Towards children's well-being in Europe: Explainer on child poverty in the EU.
• ‘It’s Your Choice’ is an apprenticeships e-booklet is an apprenticeships e-booklet - a bi-lingual digital resource, featuring case studies of young Welsh women who have successfully undertaken apprenticeships in non-traditional areas. The booklet is designed to specifically appeal to young women (primarily aged 13-16) at a time when they are beginning to think about the options open to them.
• Have you heard of Cardiff YMCA's Young Carers Project?
• FREE for a limited time - How to involve children and young people in commissioning 'How to' guide.
• On 1 December 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Re-Create Cardiff and Vale Play Services Association is running FREE 'Scrap, Stop and Play' sessions on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Re-Create, Ely Bridge Industrial Estate and on Fridays at North Ely Youth and Community Centre at the same time. The sessions are funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
• Changes to how referrals need to be made for Cardiff Children’s Services
• Children's Commissioner for Wales publishes Child Poverty Strategy 2012 onwards (PDF)
  The Children's Commissioner for Wales has released his child poverty strategy, outlining a child-centred approach to tackling poverty and deprivation.
• New Play Wales website
  Play Wales has a new website which has new and updated content such as play sufficiency and a section for schools.
• Third Sector is plugged into the heart of Department for Education and Skills priorities
  A programme to help get young people into the workforce, sustainable development and European Structural Funds post 2014 were all on the agenda at the recent ministerial meeting with Education Minister Leighton Andrews AM.
• Social Services (Wales) Bill Consultation
  Following our consultation event earlier in May, the CCYPFN has submitted a consultation response to the Social Services (Wales) Bill consultation.
• Welsh Ministerial Statement - March 2012
  The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services has written a ministerial statement on the expansion of the IFSS. 
• ASH Wales Plain Packs campaign
  ASH Wales, the public health charity tackling tobacco use in Wales, is campaigning for a 'plain packaging' law to make cigarettes less appealing to young people.
• Report shows improvements in social care
  The annual Chief Inspector's report for the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales has found that improvements were made to services during 2010-11, but more work is needed to deliver consistently good services.
• Council of Europe Strategy for the rights of the child
  The Committee of Ministers has adopted the new Council of Europe Strategy for the rights of the child for 2012-2015.

Useful Links

The CCYPFN has a wide variety of resources available for members to tap into. Here are some useful links you might like to look at.

You will also find more useful information in the CCYPFN Document Library.

To find out more:

Email Natasha Applasamy or call her on (029) 2048 5722 if you'd like to find out more about joining the network.