TRAINING COURSES: Here is a list of all courses currently planned and available to you all. If anyone is interested in any of these, please contact Jane or Ian at the Gaer Community Centre.

ACTION PLANNING: Turning group ideas into actions. November 5, WCVA, Merthyr. Designed for anyone who needs to plan projects and activities that rely on full group participation and responsibility.

Participants will have an opportunity to see ways for their groups to rapidly pull together an effective plan, organise needed resources and mobilise individuals' energies. Excellent for planning short-term projects or completing projects that have stalled, or for getting on with day-to-day activities.

GROUP FACILITATION METHODS: November 8 and 9, WCVA, Cardiff. This course is aimed at those who want to facilitate groups more confidently and effectively, including team leaders and managers within organisations, community workers and those working with partners and external stakeholders.

It gives a structured introduction to the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods for consulting with/involving young people, explore the values of meaningful participation, and learn new skills.

CHARITY FINANCE: The Effective Fundraisers' Introduction To Charity Finance. October 3, UWIC, Cyncoed, Cardiff. Learn how to understand financial information - the raw material of sustainability, and how to use it effectively. This course is especially for fundraisers and trustees. The course covers: A dummy's guide to charity accounting format and finance vocabulary; your annual reports and accounts - relevance for fundraising; sustainability factors - the basics of reserves policy and full cost recovery.

Participatory Approaches - how to train others. October 15, 16, 17, Church Village, RCT. This three-day course is ideal for staff whose role is to train and develop others in participatory approaches as part of their work. The course will introduce you to the principles and skills of participation and will develop your confidence in designing and delivering training, a support in participatory approaches.

INTRODUCTION TO PARTICIPATION: October 22, Cardiff Bay. This course will introduce principles, process and methods of participatory appraisal and demonstrate how these can be used to involve and empower community members.

SKILLS FOR HANDLING CONFLICT: October 24 and 25, YMCA, Newport. When people are involved in organisations because of string beliefs and commitment, differences of approach and style can quickly become issues. This course is for those who are actively involved in organisations and need to handle difficult situations and conversations in their groups. The course is designed to generate understanding of the skills and the techniques to get the best from conflict situations.

Sight Loss and Accessible Housing. October 9, Cardiff.

Colour And Tonal Contrast Training. November 7, Cardiff.

Telephone the Gaer Community Centre on 01633 784068.

CHURCH NEWS: The Reverend Ruth Wood has also sent me some information on church activities at the Gaer Baptist Church, Shakespeare Crescent. C Club is looking for new members.

It's a mixture of games, free play, Bible stories, music and crafts for children aged four to seven years. We meet every Friday and each session is £1.25 per child. (£1 each for two or more from the same family).

FOR THE LITTLE ONES: Poppets, a new group for babies, toddlers (up to three years) and their parents/grandparents, carers. Starting Monday, October 1, from 1.30pm-3pm weekly. Cost £1 per week. Ring 01633 222073.