What is CAVS?
CAVS is an independent charity and the umbrella body for the third sector in Carmarthenshire.
CAVS provides information guidance and support to organisations and community groups enabling them to become sustainable and effective.
CAVS Mission Statement
To nurture, develop, expand and support a sustainable and vibrant third sector, where volunteering and volunteers are valued, for the benefit of communities and the citizens of Carmarthenshire.
To provide guidance, help and support to organisations and community groups, enabling them to become sustainable and effective. Working in partnership and responding positively and creatively, we aim to strengthen and empower third sector organisations in Carmarthenshire.
TSSW – Third Sector Support Wales
CAVS are part of Third Sector Support Wales
Our shared goal is to enable the third sector and volunteers across Wales to contribute fully to individual and community well-being, now and for the future.
We work across 4 pillars Good Governance, Sustainable Funding, Engagement and Influencing and Volunteering to support the third sector and work with key partners across the public, business, research and funding sectors.
Good Governance
CAVS development staff are able to assist you to identify, develop and register the right structure for your organisation, they can also help to review and update your governing documents, policies and procedures.
See our Good Governance section
- Sharing information and advice
- Constitutions and legal structures
- Providing learning and development opportunities
- Promoting quality assurance systems
Sustainable Funding
CAVS aims to support organisations to secure and generate the resources they need to grow, survive and be sustainable.
See our Sustainable Funding section
- Sharing information and advice
- Enabling access to practical services and benefits
- Providing access to funding
- Providing learning and development opportunities
- Supporting new initiatives and service delivery models
- Free-to-use funding search platform – Funding Wales
Engagement and Influencing
CAVS provides opportunities for you to network, learn, support each other and share best practice.
See our Engagement section
- Amplifying the voice of the 3rd Sector
- Providing Policy information and advice
- Supporting campaigning
Volunteering
CAVS Volunteer Centre can support individuals interested in volunteering and help organisations with volunteer recruitment and management.
See our Volunteering Section
- Providing grants
- Enabling volunteer recruitment and placement
- Supporting volunteer management
- Facilitating networks and communication
- Championing recognition and reward
- Providing learning and development opportunities
TSSW - Third Sector Online Resources
TSSW have developed a suite of websites providing free online resources to support the Third Sector across these 4 pillars.
Learning and development
CAVS provide learning and development opportunities to enhance the skills, behaviours and knowledge of staff and volunteers in third sector organisations in Carmarthenshire.
We believe that by creating a culture of continuous learning, organisations can constantly evolve and develop and thereby contribute to a more effective and resilient voluntary sector.
See our Learning section and online learning portal.
CAVS Office Support Services
CAVS also provides many practical services such as loan of training equipment, and meeting room hire at the Carmarthen office – see CAVS Office Support Services (We regret we are currently unable to provide these services because of the pandemic. )
CAVS Membership
Membership of CAVS is open to all third sector community groups and organisations who are based in or provide services in Carmarthenshire. See CAVS membership.
CAVS AGM November 2023
CAVS held its Annual General Meeting at The Mount on Thursday 23rd November 2023.
The meeting also included a summary of CAVS’ work over the last year and an outline of our future plans.
Annual Report for 2022-23 is available to download below:
