Charity and Voluntary Sector

DFID: Britain has set out its commitments on international development over the next 2 years of government. The Coalition government underlined its promise to deliver real results from UK aid whilst ensuring value for money for taxpayers in a mid-term review of its programme so far. It also reaffirmed its commitment to spend 0.7% of the UK's national income on overseas aid by the end of 2013 – and to put this pledge into law.
Press release & links
 
BHFBritish Heart Foundation’s Furniture & Electrical Stores are calling on people to donate their unwanted household goods after buying new items in the January sales (they offer a free collection service).  

Shockingly, 18% of people even admitted that they throw away their unwanted furniture & electrical items after buying new goods! Their Stores are always looking for donations of sofas, chairs, dining sets, beds & wardrobes plus an array of electrical items including TVs, Hi-Fis, washing machines, fridges and dishwashers.
Press release & links
 
BIG: An innovative project to use urban horses to help rehabilitate substance misusers in Swansea and a project to help hundreds of women ex-offenders to settle back into their communities are among the range of projects throughout Wales to share in more than £2.2m awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Press release & links
 
DCMS: Rule changes announced last week will mean that community venues – including community centres, schools, village halls & hospitals – will be exempt from licensing restrictions on a range of entertainment and cultural events – See ‘Legislation / Legal’ section for more information.
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story