LATEST NEWS
28/03/2023
We're so excited to share our new name with you... Community Volunteers Wales
Since we began 3 years ago, the charity has grown beyond our wildest dreams and therefore we felt our name needed to evolve with it.
Our new name is more inclusive and encompasses everything we do and who we are. We'll still work in the same way - for the community now and always.
Keep your eyes peeled for our new website, coming very soon!
It's thanks to all the support we continue to receive from the community that we're able to do what we do. We can't wait to see what this next chapter brings!
2/02/2023
Starting this Friday we'll be including Words for Wellbeing at Friendly Friday!
This is a series of poetry workshops that explore writing as a tool for mental wellbeing, resilience and transformation.
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed? Anxious? Powerless? Depressed? Do you feel trapped in the fight or flight response?
These sessions could be for you- even if you have never written a poem before, pop in and let us start the year with light and hope.
Free food and drinks are available, everyone is welcome to join
Thank you to Llenyddiaeth Cymru / Literature Wales for supporting this initiative!

4/02/2023
To help keep you warm at home, thanks again to The National Grid Community Matters Fund, we’ve been able to secure some electric blankets, thick duvets, thermal throws, and electric heaters to give to those who need them for free
To apply to receive some of these packs, please email info@rcvuk.org.

6/02/2023
As we approach warmer months, make the most of our Community Bike Hub to get out and about
We offer refurbished bikes and essential bike maintenance. Whether you need a bike for yourself or a child or have an old bike that needs tuning up, we can help. Find out more, and get in touch here http://ow.ly/Y0Bm50MIV7F
This is all part of our We Share value - giving everyone in the community access to a hand up, not just a handout.

8/02/2023
In our mission to end food waste and fight food poverty, we've partnered with Hubbub to bring the first community fridge to the area.
Take what you need. The Community Fridge is open to all.
Got unopened surplus food? Bring it along to We Connect to donate.
Available all day, Monday - Saturday from We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry

12/02/2023
Join us for our first pop up at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry with Toast!
On 18th Feb, they'll be serving up a Chilean street food classic, Completos! Be prepared to get very messy with this loaded hot dog treat
Spaces at this one-time event are limited! Booking is essential. To book, contact Gaby and Marcus at Toast via their Facebook page Toast
We can't wait - find out more about Toast and the pop up here: http://ow.ly/4jEt50MQfTp

16/02/2023
We LOVE to hear your feedback
If you want to share yours, you can do so on our Facebook page or Google (search We Connect Risca and click on 'Google reviews').
As a small business, each review really makes a difference to us
16/02/2023
Join us tomorrow evening for another Words for Wellbeing at Friendly Friday!
We'll be exploring writing as a tool for mental wellbeing, resilience and transformation.
This lovely poem is from a group member who gave us permission to share what they wrote last week.
Free food and drinks are available; everyone is welcome to join
Thank you to Llenyddiaeth Cymru / Literature Wales for supporting this initiative!

20/02/2023
We've got some fantastic opportunities for 16 - 24 year olds looking to gain work experience and help their community!
Why volunteer?
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Great work experience for your CV
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Make friends in the local area
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Help others in the community
...and much more!
So, if you're looking to volunteer, or know someone who is get in touch to find out more!

21/02/2023
Today marks one year of We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry! We can't believe how fast time has flown, and how much love and support the coffee shop and pantry has received from the community.
On that note, we have a VERY exciting announcement to make...
The pantry's success means it has outgrown its space in We Connect and will be moving into 49 Tredegar Street as its own shop, The Pantri very soon! With this move, we'll be able to offer more access to eco-food shopping on a budget. Follow our new Facebook page to stay up to date with all that's going on
In line with this, we'll also be evolving the coffee shop to be the Snug Coffee Shop. We'll still be offering the same food, drinks, community atmosphere and events, just with a cosy new name to reflect the feel of the shop
More details about both will follow soon. Once again, a HUGE thank you to everyone who's made this vision come to life, we can't wait to move into this next chapter of the charity with you

1/03/2023
Join us every Wednesday morning for a Wellness Walk!
Fill up with a free breakfast at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry from 9.30am, then join us for a group walk from the coffee shop at 10.30am. Perfect for anyone who wants to get out and about, meet new people and stay active!
This activity is in partnership with Walking Friends Wales and Living Streets, book your place by either emailing walkingfriendswales@livingstreets.org.uk or by calling or texting 07566 777410.
We look forward to seeing you there!

3/03/2023
Tin on a Wall street collections for Saturday 11th March
RISCA
Snowdon Close · Pine Close · Elm Drive · Penrhiw Road · Vale View · Aster Close · Maple Avenue · Park Place · Station Road · Malvern Terrace · Exchange Road · Grove Road
CROSSKEYS
Gladstone Street · Salisbury Street · Bright Street · Cobden Street · Woodward Road · Woodward Avenue · Tredegar Street · St Catherines Court · Tredegar Terrace · Waunfawr Park Road
ROGERSTONE
Court Gardens · Courtfield Close · Thornhill Way · Vicarage Gardens · Acer Way · Broom Close · Cornflower Close · Crocus Close · Fuscia Way · Hollyhock Close · Iris Road · Lily Way · Lobelia Close · Lupin Grove · Michaelmas Close · Narcissus Grove · Tulip Walk · Dewberry Grove · Camellia Avenue · Delphinium Road · Burberry Close · Campanula Drive · Jasmine Close
Don't see your street listed? Message us to get involved.
3/04/2023
Coming soon: The Pantri
49 Tredegar Street, Risca
More details to follow!
Keep up to date with all the latest news by following their new Facebook page!
4/03/2023
Afternoon Tea
For just £15 per person, you get a selection of sandwiches, cake and sweet treats as well as tea, coffee and herbal tea
Must be prebooked, pop into the coffee shop or call us on 01633 837133 to book!
P.s. they're a great Mother's Day gift

6/03/2023
We are thrilled to announce that The Pantri will be opening on Wednesday, 8th March!
Pop along to 49 Tredegar Street to The Pantri - Risca's newest eco-shopping experience. Our members help divert perfectly usable, in-date food from landfill, saving money in the process.
Join us this Wednesday and find out how you can help the environment on a budget
12/03/2023
THANK YOU!
A massive thank you to everyone who donated and collected for Tin on a Wall this weekend!
We've got a big donation going to Pantside Foodbank, and were able to provide an emergency food package for a local family.
As with every collection, we're blown away by the generosity of our community!
If you want to get involved as a street champion, email info@rcvuk.org

22/03/2023
We're delighted to share that we're now called Snug Coffee Shop!
We'll still be bringing you the same food, drink and service as ever, but with a new name that matches the cosy, welcoming feel we hope we give all our customers when they visit
We can't wait to share this next chapter with you all!
3/04/2023
What's the difference between a Community Food Pantry and a Food Bank?
The answer is simple; a food bank provides those in desperate need with a vital handout to get through their financial crisis. It is a short-term solution.
A community food pantry, like ours (The Pantri), is a hand up to those who need it. A long-term shopping solution for those looking to be more economical and ecological with their grocery shopping, and EVERYONE is welcome.
Read our blog to find out more: http://ow.ly/NlYR50NfZz4

5/01/2023
Friendly Friday is back! Join us tomorrow for:
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Games
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Socialising
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Work space
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Food - pay what you can!
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Cost of living advice and support
This is our initiative, in collaboration with Caerphilly County Borough Council and St Vincent de Paul Church. We look forward to seeing you there!

6/01/2023
Meditation Monday starts again this Monday 9th Jan, 6.30pm at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry!
Join our weekly session for a group guided meditation practice. Learn how to reset and start 2023 calm, collected and ready to face whatever the year throws at you.
Discover the benefits of meditation by reading our blog here http://ow.ly/tAe750LOoYg

8/01/2023
New year, a new you at RCV UK?
Whether you waved goodbye to your best year yet or were glad to see the back of a difficult 2022, we hope you are looking forward to new opportunities in 2023!
We have a whole new set of projects alongside our usual ones for you to get involved with. So make 2023 the year you volunteer in your local community with RCV.
Read how some of our current volunteers enjoy working with us in our latest blog: https://www.riscacv19volunteers.com/.../new-year-a-new...
Or discover our volunteer opportunities here: https://www.riscacv19volunteers.com/volunteerwithus
9/01/2023
Did you know our pantry is open every Monday & Tuesday 4pm - 6 pm at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry
Our food baskets are just £4 each, with a choice of what you receive. Meaning you can plan your meals and take control of your food bills. Take a look at what's included here: https://www.riscacv19volunteers.com/.../shop-for-4-at-we...
All are welcome to use the pantry to give everyone who needs it the opportunity to have a hand-up rather than just a handout, so make sure you share this with anyone who might need it.
15/01/2023
We now offer Transport to Health in collaboration with GAVO and Aneurin Bevan
From just 50p per mile* Transport to Health gives access to healthcare appointments for those who would be otherwise unable to attend them.
Find out more about how it works here http://ow.ly/KP6U50MraG1
Interested in booking transport with us? Contact Sue now on 01633 848899. If you would like to register as a driver volunteer, you just need a full, clean drivers licence and apply via info@rcvuk.org.
*£5 minimum trip fee, 50p per mile there after

16/01/2023
Fancy a pick-me-up this Blue Monday? We're offering 20% off at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry today for anyone who shares our Facebook post.
24/01/2023
Get Toasty with RCV UK and National Grid UK Community Matters Fund
Every Friday morning, we'll be hosting Get Toasty - a warm space with free hot drinks, cake, crafts and company. Everyone is welcome to attend, so please come along and join us!
Find out more here: http://ow.ly/Gc4850MyXKm
Share this post with anyone who you think would enjoy the morning.

26/01/2023
Want to help us plan and run our fundraising events?
We’re forming a fundraising committee of 5-10 members to help coordinate our fundraising activities for 2023, including Fun on the Field, Gala Nights, Bingo and parties.
No prior experience is necessary, but if you have any experience securing sponsorships or bid writing, then we want you in the team!
If you're keen to get involved, email us at info@rcvuk.org to register your interest.

30/01/2023
We have lots of activities going on for you to get involved with. Here's an overview of our weekly ones:
MONDAY
4 - 6pm - Pantry at We Connect Coffee Shop & Pantry
6.30 - 8.30pm - Meditation Monday at We Connect (first Monday of the month is replaced with a Death Cafe)
TUESDAY
4 - 6pm - Pantry at We Connect
WEDNESDAY
9.30 - 10.30am - Breakfast Club at We Connect (followed by optional walking group)
FRIDAY
10am - 12pm - Get Toasty coffee morning at Channel View Community Centre
5 - 7pm Friendly Friday - warm space & Words For Wellbeing poetry session at We Connect
You can find out more on our website: http://ow.ly/Xanm50MEo3N
31/01/2023
Join us next Monday at 6.30pm at We Connect for a Death Cafe!
If you have opinions or thoughts about death, but are worried about bringing up this potentially emotional topic, this one is for you.
Learn more in our blog here http://ow.ly/72YV50LUmpz
2/02/2023
Tin on a Wall is back Saturday, 11th February, and we need your help!
Please help us make this our most generous collection yet and become a street champion! Food banks and local charities are experiencing unprecedented demand during this cost of living crisis.
Comment on our Facebook page or message us if you are interested in collecting in your street this month.
