Communities @One in NPT and Ystradgynlais

Open Source Commercial Alternatives

2008-09-29T13:20:00.000+01:00

http://www.osalt.com/

Funding Opportunity - Supporting Talent Nurture Fund

2008-08-11T12:04:00.003+01:00

Just passing on information that you may have already come across regarding the Coalfields Supporting Talent Nurture Fund - http://latent2talent.org/index.html . I’ve just been reading up about it and its very exciting in a number of ways not least the opportunities and the way the fund has been created which can be found on http://www.citylifeltd.org/

Covers: Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, RCT, Caerphilly, Merthyr, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Flintshire & Wrexham (dependent on wards i think?)

Individuals: up to £3000

Intermediate: £3000 - £10000, match funded or stand alone

Exceptional cases: in excess of £10000, max 50% of project total costs.

Will not support: unethical activities; political/religious; statutory responsibility activity; medical or research equipment; previous applicants.

Happy applying! If you know of someone who could benefit from this type of email or if you wish to be removed please let me know.

New Communities @One Website Launched

2008-02-01T09:58:00.000Z

I've not written on my blog for a little while as I've now moved over to writing on our Broker Blog on our new sparkly website - www.communitiesatone.org - its a really exciting move for the project and aimed at everyone interested in Digital Inclusion and the work that is going on - not just in Wales but around the World - lets think BIG!!! You are able to sign up, pose questions, get advice and find out about all the projects funded around Wales. Take a look and get involved as much as you like. Matty

Children Exploitation & Online Protection Centre

2007-11-01T12:12:00.000Z

Children Exploitation & Online Protection Centre is a Central Government resource/website which is set up to assist and support keeping our children safe online.

FREE Broadband Options

2007-10-23T15:55:00.000+01:00

I've just been looking into the various options for Broadband personally and it became really confusing but also surprisingly cheap if you have another services such as a contract mobile, satellite TV or switch phone supplier as some offer Broadband free of charge. I think its good to inform people of these options as many people may qualify for FREE broadband but they may not be aware about it so its good to ask people to check - why miss out!

Become a BBC Learning Partners

2007-10-18T12:35:00.000+01:00

Has your group/organisation thought about becoming a BBC Learning Partner. It will open up access to BBC and other publications and updates around learning and the internet. I've just taken a look at it now and its great!!! It even has a Welsh focused education site which includes localised information and learning Welsh modules as well as external sites of learning :)

Carmarthenshire's Mobile Phone Blogging Project

2007-10-18T12:20:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to bring your attention an interesting project that is being run in Carmarthenshire, which Marc Davies (Communities @One broker in that area) has passed on details about. A partnership project of Communities First wards have been brought together to establish a mobile phone video blogging site. Take a look its a great idea!

Calendar of Religious Festivals - 2007

2007-10-08T15:45:00.001+01:00

As a Diversity Champion at the Wales Co-operative Centre I've recently been learning about all aspects of the topic. As part of this I've found a calendar of religious festivals in 2007 on the BBC website. It's great for everyone to understand what is being celebrating throughout the year in our country. The section of the BBC website contains a host of information and links on religion and ethics.

BBC Click

2007-09-13T09:47:00.000+01:00

BBC Click is a fantastic resource for exactly what our programme is trying to do. It includes Buyers guides on all sorts of digital equipment (well in fact on checking just 5 at the moment) but these include cameras and mobile phones. There's loads of archived stories around technology and a great article about the Digital Divide and how Africa are looking to overcome it. Essential reading for us technology "pioneers" :)

September Results are Out :)

2007-09-11T15:53:00.000+01:00

Our September Grants Panel brought more good news for our areas applying projects.

South Wales Miners Museum based in the Afan Country Park, Port Talbot continued their excellence success rate of funding application by being approved for an exciting project. Using technology to re-produce and store archived photographs, produce a calender and images for re-selling for sustainability and providing exciting camera tours for the many visitors to the soon to be new museum.

West Glamorgan Forum was also approved to provide informal, flexible training to people with disabilities and those home-based in areas throughout Neath Port Talbot. Complementing the People First application which has already been approved this project will fill a definite gap in provision and bring much excitement to many people.

Future of TV

2007-08-23T11:40:00.000+01:00

BBC Article - Future of TV
Great article about the future of TV and all the different options which may help if you're project is talking about the digital TV switchover.

Tech Soup

2007-07-10T13:29:00.000+01:00

Tech Soup is a great sight for hints and tips, case studies and links to free software for not for profit organisations. It includes a forum section for you to pose questions and receive answers. I've just had a little look through and it looks really helpful.

Glyncorrwg Digital Project Approved

2007-07-10T13:17:00.000+01:00

The Glyncorrwg Digital Project was approved at the July panel. This partnership application from 3 groups in Glyncorrwg will include filming, websites and a youth newsletter. Glynca Kids, Glyncorrwg RFC and Village People/Kids have created a fun and exciting project which I'm sure will be a great success!

Case Studies & Learning from Others

2007-07-10T13:04:00.000+01:00

Case Studies
As Communities @One progresses and starts to make a real impact to our communities the project is starting to compile case studies from across Wales which are available on our pages on the Wales Co-operative Centre website.

Learning from Others
Also some of you may have been on the Communities @One training organised by Elizabeth Hudson, our marketing officer. During the sessions run by Terry Price of Scarman Trust and Sangeet Bhullar of WiseKids a Communities @One Blog was created to help projects share information and learn from each other. Its a great way to communicate with projects all over Wales who are using technology to break down social barriers to inclusion.

New Website
Also just to give you a bit of news - we are developing a brand new exciting website to showcase all the wonderful project and work going on around Wales. It will be full of exciting content, places to share ideas and find out more about how we here in Wales are tackling digital inclusion.

June Projects Approved

2007-07-10T12:24:00.000+01:00

We've a 4 more project in NPT approved.

Melin Technology Centre, Payne Street, Melincryddan
Cultural Fusion Wales
Neath Operatic Society
Dulais Valley Partnership - Seven Sisters Youth Project

I will hopefully get round to writing more about the projects soon but these 4 great projects will again help people to enjoy and engage with technology to enhance their lives. Good Luck!

Protecting Children Online

2007-07-10T12:21:00.000+01:00

Protecting children online is very important in order to be aware of the dangers and put things in place to allow them to enjoy and learn from a huge resource of the internet. This article helps with 5 tips in protecting children from unsavoury content online.

Five tips to protect childen from unsavoury online content - Marketwatch

Everyclick - Search and Raise Money

2007-05-18T16:35:00.000+01:00

Everyclick.com is a search engine which can be used in the same way as any other but with the added bonus of donating money to charity everytime you use it - you may have seen the big mouse at events in our area. I've just set mine up and aim to use it everytime I search on the internet as there surely isn't a better way to donate especially if you're a cyber searcher like me. Check out Everyclick and lets raise loads of money for national or our local charities :)

Web 2

2007-05-18T16:22:00.000+01:00

Web 2 is a new word which you will heard of very shortly if you haven't already. In my own words its basically a new wave of internet technology which will make the internet more accessible to users and be more geared at people actively being involved in the internet and not just for using it to access resources. Typical Web 2 applications include things like Facebook, wikipedia and myspace. More about Web 2 can be found at Wikipedia - Web 2 or by looking up web 2 in any search engine - Google / Everyclick (Chairty Search Engine) / MSN /Yahoo

BBC Guide to Using the Internet

2007-05-18T16:20:00.001+01:00

Just come across a BBC Guide to using the Internet which I thought may come in handy it covers things like connecting to internet, basics, web forms, searching, email, staying safe and making new friends. BBC Guide to Using the Internet

What is a Blog?

2007-05-08T11:51:00.000+01:00

A blog is basically a web (website) log. The page you are reading now is one. Its a more interactive and easier to update webpage effectively which is more in line with the next wave of the internet WEB 2 - which I'll write about soon. Many people create blogs these days, from news reporters, people at events and the BBC used them during the Election night recently - it allows the author to post stories up to the web quickly and allow people to comment on them and converse while the author chooses to exert admin control or not.

The reason I'm doing on is simple to pass on what I'm learning, pass out information and as its a great communication tool which allows me to update by emailing in, editing my blog or sending posts from my mobile but I've not done that yet.

From what I know blogs are free and can be found on website such as this one www.blogger.com www.wordpress.com and others. Its basically a fun, easy and great way to communicate.

Briton Ferry Cyber Zone Gains Approval

2007-04-19T23:17:00.001+01:00

A new and exciting Cyber Zone/Education Centre has gained approval for the Communities First ward of Briton Ferry. Based in the Community House alongside the Briton Ferry First team lead by Leigh the new suite will provide training, drop in hours and support from 2 part time staff for the community to engage with and enjoy technology. Check out their website under the links section on the right. Another project which with the people behind it is sure to be a great success :)

Have you lost photos?

2007-04-19T23:11:00.000+01:00

If you have a digital camera and use your computer to store alot of photos there is a great free application out there which searches your whole machine or network for all photos and videos stored. Picasa is a great tool when you want to pull all your photos together, its easy to use, you can tinker around with them or even order your favourites online. Its a google application so it'll probably always be free so download it now it'll change your photography life believe me :)

http://picasa.google.com/

Capturing Pelenna

2007-04-17T12:08:00.000+01:00

In the latest round of funding for our area a digital story project has been set-up in Pelenna. Named Capturing Pelenna the application led by Dan-Y-Coed Community Association and supported by the Pelenna Communities First team was awarded in April. With links already made with groups and schools in the area the project it set to be a great success with local members trained to offer training and mentoring through the Tonmawr and Pontrhydyfen communities.

Useful Websites

2007-04-17T11:55:00.000+01:00

There are many useful websites about for guidance and ideas around technology and its uses. ICT Knowledge Hub Acceptable Use Policy is such one website which includes information including acceptable usage policies for internet usage which is very important when people using technology on your premises. There are also others available on the BECTA website:

and others are available through the following sites:

Setting Up a Website?

2007-03-21T11:51:00.000Z

I get a few enquiries about how best to set-up a website and how to go about it. Basically if you're doing it yourself you have a few options:

1. Buy Software to develop your own site such as Microsoft Frontpage or Dreamweaver
2. Use an online website builder such as www.blogger.com, www.moonfruit.com or www.wordpress.com among others.

In order to launch and set-up you're website for the world to see you will need:

1. A domain name (.co.uk usually used for UK websites, .org or .org.uk for charities and organisations, .com for global or aimed at a global market and the US plus there are others) You can register one of these through searching for domain names on google there are loads about. Depending on what domain you go for you're looking at around £5 > £25 per annum.
2. You will also need web hosting which you can usually get from the same company or use your own with your internet provider. The cost of hosting depends on the size of your size and the expected traffic through it as this adds to the server space required to host and access your website on the webserver at the company you choose. This can vary in price.
3. FTP or method of uploading the website to your webserver/host. This is usually included in the software you purchase and won't affect you if you go for an online builder that will be automatic.

Choice:

If you want to access your website from everywhere and would like flexibility online web-builders are great and do not usually require training so for volunteers and high staff turnover's this is a good option.
For something more flash and unique or with staff members with the skills and wanting to design and maintain your own website getting software to do that is better.

Internet Safety

2007-03-21T11:47:00.000Z

Everyone worries about the internet whether through online banking or protecting your children or even yourself. Its a massive concern but while we worry we should not fear such a wonderful resource which is freely available to us. Its always best to protect yourself and be aware of the pitfalls so you can start to enjoy and trust the internet and its technologies more. WISEKids based in Newport offers training course and seminars for people worried about the internet whilst also promoting its uses and benefits (of which there are loads). Check our their website and the UK Government sites for Internet Safety and protection - lets be careful but enjoy the benefits it brings :)

Don't forget to Skype

2007-03-21T11:44:00.000Z

Just wanted to tell you to remember to download Skype for free calls through you're computer all over the world! If you have skype or any other voice over IP service (MSN etc) on your computer and on the computer of the person you want to talk to simply swap IDs and chat with your headset for free. Great if you have friends and family somewhere else in the world and its all free. www.skype.com

New Projects Approved

2007-02-27T01:00:00.000Z

As I've not updated my blog for a while a few new projects have been approved by the Communities @One Grants Panel which will bring more digital inclusion to our communities in Neath Port Talbot.

Age Concern Neath Port Talbot has received confirmation of application approval which will see 4 of our Communities First areas receive local informal technology training and support so individuals and groups (such as the pensioners group in Melin) will be able to learn about how technology can bring benefit to their lives. The project was approved at the start of 2007 for a start and launch around March. Look out for the project in Melincryddan (Neath East), Cwmavon, Ystalyfera and Lower Brynamman - hope you all enjoy!!!

Enfys Rainbow Boat Trust received funding to develop their own website through a training course. The fantastic group run from the Canal cottage in Resolven runs a disability friendly barge along the Neath canal for people through Neath Port Talbot and beyond. The volunteers and staff have already benefited from the training and will start to create their website which is hoped will help to sustain the wonderful project by allowing our communities to book online and find out more about the project. Users of the boat will also be encouraged to use digital cameras and contribute to the website. Again good luck and hope the funding achieves everything you wanted and more.

Learntrain.net Tutorials

2007-02-27T00:56:00.000Z

There is a whole series of materials which has been developed to engage with people with different interests. Covering a wide range of topics from hairdressing to Leisure and Tourism the materials can be used to engage and train people wherever you have an internet connection. Also all this resource is free and available to every group in NPT and Ystradgynlais. In order to access them you will need to request an account from myself, you will then be set-up as an administrator for your group and be in control of some brilliant and engaging tools for learning and development.

Scottish Project

2006-09-26T17:29:00.000+01:00

The Scottish Executive has a great website on digital inclusion projects, it's benefits and exemplar projects. You can access ideas, worldwide research and information about Digital Inclusion and what it means and why its import. Access the website through http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/communities/index.asp

Cheaper Software for Not for Profit Organisations/Groups

2006-08-24T13:25:00.000+01:00

If you are a not for profit group or organisation (even if you're not a charity or a member of the WCVA) you are eligible to buy Microsoft and other manufacturers products from Pugh at reduced prices. There will be some items of software groups of this type can not buy from Pugh but they will still be able to buy most of the main ones. You can contact them on 01974 200200 or www.pugh.co.uk

PC Care Project Approved

2006-08-22T16:34:00.000+01:00

A groundbreaking new project in Sandfields has been successful in Communities @One funding. PC Care which has been running as a pilot project for a number of years will bring exciting new provision, outreach, informal training and volunteering opportunities to the estate. With the positions now filled the project is projected to start on 1st October 2006 and will be operated out of a renovated industrial unit (not funded by C@1). I'm really excited to see something which will bring new technologies, support and opportunities to one of the areas in Neath Port Talbot. The link to the website is on the right - here's hoping it will reach its potential as a project and become sustainable in the future.

Digital Stories

2006-08-15T11:48:00.000+01:00

Digital stories are now widely being used in all sorts of ways throughout the country. The concept cannot only be fun but also allow people to develop exciting new skills that can be transferred into other avenues or just on a personal level. The concept is simple - creating a small story using digital images with a soundtrack developed to run alongside to give maximum impact.

With all the history and stories within our community this digital method is a great way of capturing that in a way which can be more powerful and effective. There are many ways of putting a digital story together using still photographs, moving images or even animation, they can also range from being a powerful story to something fun.

BBC Wales - BBC Wales have played a big role in digital stories throughout Wales and when they visit towns and cities throughout Wales (Here for You) this concept is always a part from the story boarding to editing to production. Participants of the workshops are trained on how to complete each element transferring skills and abilities (link on the right).

Breaking Barriers - One major success from the BBC model has been Breaking Barriers in Blackwood. Their project has organically grown into something which is having a major impact on the community and regeneration in the area. With over 50 digi stories completed so far the project is still growing and expanding (link of the right). The project works with Promo Cymru a social enterprise based in Cardiff on developing the technology to produce and show the digital stories effectively through different mediums.

NPT - C@1 have many enquiries for similar projects and I'm currently working with a few areas at the moment. Glyncorrwg already has a cluster of groups already using digital equipment and producing fun adverts and shows for charity.

Projects Approved

2006-08-10T16:58:00.000+01:00

6 Months in and we currently have 3 projects approved in NPT and Ystradgynlais. These are:

Riverside Centre Networking, applied for by Upper Afan Communities First

Connection of computers in centre to open up access for community groups and new users who use the centre.
Increase engagement with IT in the Centre and allow open access to equipment throughout the building.
Net nanny security to allow youth to use equipment safely and positively.

DCN – Digital Community Network, partnership application by ARC Centre (Swansea), DOVE Centre (Onllwyn), Amman Valley Enterprise (Tairgwaith), Glynneath Training Centre (Glynneath)

Allows for the continutation of Technical Support for the delivery of degree courses in the centres.
Introduces PC Clinics into areas to support communties and train volunteers.
Introduction of Digital Outreach Worker to ensure people attend PC Clinic and get involved in centres activities around technology.

Youth Web Page Design, applied for by Amman Valley Enterprise for Easter Holidays

6 day course for Youth to enjoy designing and creating web pages for them to develop and maintain.
Attracted 6 youths some of which did not have regular access to equipment.

Afan River Festival

2006-08-09T14:10:00.000+01:00

Both myself and Steph (Broker for Merthyr) joined in the fun at Glyncorrwg Ponds for the Afan River Festival. We were there not necessarily there to promote C@1 but to run a consultation with the kids that use Glynca Kids to find out what they would like if they were to apply for funds. It was very successful thanks to Sharon who ushered the youths to our dartboard encouraging each individual to rate activities AWESOME, HIT, MISS or MAYBE. With 45 people taking part out of the 80 strong group it was a very successful day and thanks to the C1st team for putting me in touch with groups in the area. It was a great day and I left sunburnt and sore but with a great exercise undertaken.

Hello

2006-08-09T13:28:00.000+01:00

Hi All and thanks for visiting my blog. Having started with the Communities @One project in January 2006 we're now 6 months into the project and thought it was time to start my blog, for the very first time. Firstly may I say how much the first 6 months have been enjoyable and thanks for welcoming me - a Rhondda Boy - into your communities. Going to keep this short as I want to update you on some links and whats been happening. Catch you soon.