Public Appointments Throughout Wales committees are set up to offer independent advice on the public services that affect us all every day. These committees, known as public bodies, provide advice on all kinds of subjects from art to education and tourism. Public appointees sit on these committees and share their experiences and knowledge to make a difference to the vital services that affect us all. As an appointee to the Sports Council for Wales, Adele Baumgardt gains a lot from her role. “It‟s great to see your ideas put into practice and improve people‟s lives.” Darren Harris, who represents Great Britain at Judo, agrees. “I gain so much from my appointment on the Social Services Complaints Panel. I am developing new skills and finding talents that I didn‟t realise I had!” For more information or to attend a free training course on becoming an appointee, call 029 2082 5372 or email publicappointments@wale s.gsi.gov.uk
Spotlight: Bi Wales Bi Cymru/Wales was set up as a community voluntary organisation in 2007 by a committed team of volunteers, who felt that bisexual issues were not understood well enough by either straight or lesbian and gay people. Bi Cymru/Wales is the all-Wales network for bisexual people and those who think they may be bi. The organisation aims to provide an all-Wales network to bring together bi and bi-supportive people from across Wales by providing a bridge between decision-makers and bisexual people in order to challenge biphobia, promote bisexual inclusion, and promote and foster local bi groups in Wales. We asked Ele Hicks, treasurer of Bi Wales: “What the organization achieved so far?” Ele: “Since we started we have achieved a lot on a very tight budget, mainly funded by membership and donations. We delivered training on bisexual issues and supporting bisexual people, set up 2 local groups, carried out surveys into bisexual people‟s needs and issues in
Have you got some spare time to help and support the Excellence Centre? Would you like to learn new skills and get involved in rewarding activities all over Wales? There is no other requirement than wanting to help and we can match you to a member of staff that will help you along the way so that you can gain confidence whilst helping us! For more information, email: volunteering@ecwales.org.uk
Wales and bisexual workplace, and several successful events.” “Did any particular event stand out?” Ele: “Yes, the Christmas “bringand-buy sale and cake-off” between Bi Swansea and Bi Cardiff with live music. That was a lot of fun!” “Anything to look forward to?” Ele: “We are very proud to bring the first ever “Wales BiFest”, a one-day event open to anyone bi supportive with workshops, information stands, chill out space and evening entertainment” “And where can people find out more about you, guys?” Ele: “To contact Bi Cymru/ Wales for more information to join as a member or supporter; buy a T-shirt; ask about our training; enquire about local groups and more people can email: bicymru@yahoo.co.uk; visit: www.bicymru.btik.com; text: 07982 308812; or write to: Bi Wales, c/o Box 101, LGF, 105-107 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD. The Bi survey can be downloaded on www.ecwales.org.uk/research Wales BiFest will be on Saturday 24th April, 12noon until late, 4th floor, Cardiff University Students' Union, £10 waged, £5 unwaged for the whole event.