Led by Soroptimist International Wales South and created in partnership with specialist domestic abuse services, survivor voices and community organisations, these booklets, in English and Welsh, provide clear, practical guidance, options and sources of support for women experiencing abuse — whether they are seeking help or planning to leave safely.
We are proud to share this vital resource, developed to ensure that women have access to trusted information when they may need it most.
Every woman has the right to feel safe, informed and supported.
The booklets are free to access and share:
https://welshwomensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/survivor-engagement/survivor-engagement-resources/

Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM), Regional Advisor for Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)

Safer Merthyr Tydfil in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Bridgend County Borough Council, the 3 Local Authorities representing the region known as Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM), is seeking to recruit to the post of CTM Regional Advisor VAWDASV.

Position(s):    	        CTM, Regional Advisor VAWDASV
Location:       		Cwm Taf Morgannwg (covering Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and
                                Bridgend), through Hybrid Working Home and Office Locations
Hours:            	        30 hours per week (over a 4- or 5-day working week; flexibility is required
                                as evening and occasional weekend work may be necessary)
Salary:             	£32,387 per annum (plus 6% employer pension contribution)
Leave/Benefits:	25 days (or pro rata) rising to 30 after 5 years; plus 8 statutory holiday 
                                and additional SMT discretionary day.
	                        SMT offer hybrid working, flexitime, and a childcare voucher scheme.
Contract:          	Initially to 31/03/2026 – funding is received on an annual cycle; however,
                                the post is integral to the regional VAWDASV landscape

The successful applicants will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of VAWDASV in order to:

•	Support delivery of the key strategic priorities of the Welsh Government’s VAWDASV  
        strategy 2022 - 2026.
•	Participate in the VAWDASV Blueprint workstreams which aim to create a whole system 
        approach to prevent VAWDASV and support those who have or are experiencing this.
•	Support and co-ordinate the regional priorities to inform and produce the CTM VAWDASV
        annual strategy and delivery plan.
•	Identify and communicate available funding opportunities to support the further   
       development of VAWDASV services across the region to meet the strategic priorities and 
       address any unmet need.

A current valid driving licence and the ability to provide a suitable vehicle for work are essential.

This post will be subject to suitable employment screening checks which includes eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and a minimum of two previous employment references. 

It matters to SMT that our workforce represents as many identities and backgrounds as possible, and we welcome applications from all sections of our communities. We always welcome and support applications from those who have lived experiences.

For further information about the posts please email Nicola Mahoney, CEO nm@smt.org.uk  

The closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 23rd February 2025

Interviews will be held on: 5th March 2025

Application Form

Job Description

Privacy Notice

Equalities Monitoring Form

We aim to ensure that every young person in Merthyr Tydfil will have the opportunity to elect a Deputy Youth Mayor each year. We will do this through working with local secondary and schools and the College Merthyr Tydfil to give all young people 11-25 the chance to vote. Young people will elect a Deputy Youth Mayor who will automatically become the Youth Mayor in the following year. In order to stand for the position of Deputy Youth Mayor you need to be aged 11-23 and be living in Merthyr Tydfil.

When you become the Youth Mayor you become a part of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum and Youth Cabinet. The Youth Forum is any young person from across the Borough and the youth cabinet is a group of young people that want to tackle issues and make a difference.  Those who are not successful in becoming the Youth Mayor are invited to become a part of the Youth Cabinet.

Election 2022 – Hystings Dirprwy Maer Ienenctid 2022 – Deputy Youth Mayor Hustings 2022 – YouTube

APPLY NOW:GETTING ELECTED PACK

For more information CONTACT – Chloe Rees – Senior Youth Support Participation Officer. cr@smt.org.uk / 07949684375 

After seven years of supporting residents in Merthyr Tydfil and beyond, SMT’s Reconnect 50+ project will end on 30^th September 2023.  We recognise that post pandemic, beneficiary needs have changed and coupled with the increased opportunities for community activities including warm spaces, community cafes, choirs and groups, the need for Reconnect support has reduced. 

As a volunteer led service, we recognise the invaluable support our volunteers provided to not only beneficiaries but to project staff and we pass on our sincere thanks and gratitude to them.

It has been a privilege to journey alongside the clients we have supported with the knowledge that long lasting, positive change has been achieved for lonely and isolated individuals.   

This year Merthyr Tydfil are celebrating young people’s achievements with an Academy of Success evening to recognise and support the success of young people throughout the Borough. These Active Citizen and Participation Awards are open to all young people, 11 to 25 years of age, living in Merthyr Tydfil.

Please see below applications, there are a total of 11 categories for the awards and each category has a description and criteria, as guidance.

The closing date for all applications is Friday 31^st March 2023.   

NB an individual/group/project can only be nominated for one award and provisions can only apply for a maximum of 3 awards. All applications are to be sent by email to cr@smt.org.uk

As the event is to celebrate young people’s success, we want to ensure that young people are included in the process. 

Shortlisted candidates will be informed week commencing 15^th May 2023 

Academy of Success Applications 2023

]]> https://www.smt.org.uk/children-who-have-experienced-domestic-abuse-will-get-help-and-support-thanks-to-south-wales-freemasons/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:38:20 +0000 https://www.smt.org.uk/?p=4033

More than a hundred local children who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse and violence will receive specialist support thanks to a grant of £60,000 from South Wales Freemasons.

The children face multiple challenges which can include; poor sleep patterns and concentration, hyper vigilance, high levels of anxiety, poor family relationships, erratic or poor school attendance and attainment, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and aggressive and controlling behaviour.

The Comets & Rockets project offers support to children to learn about safety planning, identification of safe people within their support network, methods of positive communication, recognising and understanding feelings and emotions and what constitutes a healthy relationship.  Play therapy may also be offered which uses a variety of play and creative art techniques to alleviate chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions.  Support and training of parents and caregivers is an essential element of the service, which aims to improve understanding of the impact that domestic abuse has on children. 

The grant from South Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Julie Beck, Deputy CEO at Safer Merthyr Tydfil, said:

“We’re very grateful to South Wales Freemasons for their generous grant that will allow us to continue helping children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and violence. The effects can range from an inability to form relationships and poor sleep patterns to a disrupted education. Getting them the support they need is absolutely vital.”

Robert Payne from South Wales Freemasons, said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Safer Merthyr Tydfil with their hugely important programme to reach children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Damaged relationships and a poor performance at school will have life-long effects both on the children themselves and on the next generation.”

Snakes ‘N’ Ladders – The Other Pandemic

]]> https://www.smt.org.uk/ynysfach-allotment-blooming/ Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:38:00 +0000 https://www.smt.org.uk/?p=3868

A BIG thank you to the Reconnect volunteers who have worked hard on creating a peaceful garden and vegetable plot for people in Merthyr to be supported in tackling loneliness and isolation.  

Ynsyfach Wellbeing Group were invited to an afternoon tea to see the allotment in full bloom  and the Mayor Declan Sammon joined the event  and praised the initiative and provision for the town.

The wellbeing group was amazed at the transformation of the waste land and how lovely it was for people to have a place to visit together.

Join Reconnect 50+ on Thursday 12th May for a cuppa and a chat at our Ynysfach allotment between 10am – 12pm. Enjoy the outdoors with others, decorate a flower pot and do some planting.

Other activities can be found here.