Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service was established in April 1997 as a Charitable Company to support, promote and develop the participation of voluntary organisations, community groups and individuals in the voluntary sector in Neath Port Talbot. Neath Port Talbot CVS can offer various support and will: • Help organisations and communities to set up and to develop new projects that meet the needs of the local community, enhance participation and improve the quality of people’s lives • Identify the views of local voluntary organisations through forums and consultation and present these views to decision makers leading to effective outcomes and partnerships • Provide a range of accessible, quality training courses for voluntary organisations, community groups and individual volunteers • Provide an effective volunteering service for organisations looking for volunteers and volunteers looking for new opportunities • Provide a wide range of advice and information to local voluntary organisations on issues affecting them, and to the general public, about the voluntary sector • Provide practical services so that voluntary organisations and community groups may function more effectively We define volunteering as any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment, the community or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. We run a number of volunteering projects, below are just a few: • Community Companions • Family Support Volunteering Project • Link Up Project • Next Steps (25+) • NPT Youth Fund • Social Services Volunteering Scheme