Best ever year for Get It Out For Cardiff!

Get It Out for Cardiff (GIOFC), the recycling and re-use campaign aimed at students has just concluded its 2013 campaign and enjoyed its best year yet.

The recycling rates have shot up by 14% with a 28% reduction in complaints recorded in the Roath and Plasnewydd areas over the academic year as our new approach to dealing with waste issues here have been implemented.

Donations are being stored
over the Summer

Cllr Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment was delighted with this year’s success. He said, ‘We have taken the GIOFC concept and introduced key changes as well as changing the general way we deal with waste and litter in the student accommodation areas and the results are there for all to see. We removed the additional weekend collections at the end of term and with our newly installed specialist Roath and Plasnewydd education and enforcement team, promoted best use of the available services such as the weekly kerbside recycling, fortnightly general waste collections and our household waste and recycling centre at Wedal Road.



‘We also promoted the year-round re-use banks provided by our partner, YMCA including the 3 additional banks for GIOFC 2013 and the 18 green sites across the university sites where a huge variety of items including clothing, food, small electrical items, books, CD’s, DVD’s and kitchen items were donated with the food collected re-distributed by Fareshare Cymru to relieve food poverty in our communities.’ 



Donations collected at a Green Zone one week

The total additional waste collected over the GIOFC period was down by 32%, as more people used the regular recycling and waste services correctly, underlining again how the recycling message was hitting home with the new approach meaning fines only had to be issued where necessary. A total of 22 fines were issued this year where our efforts at education and support had been ignored.



Environmental Champions spreading the message
in the student areas!

Cllr Govier added, ‘We cannot afford to rest on our laurels and we will build on this great year. The team has worked tirelessly to improve this historically difficult area to keep clean and I’m so pleased their efforts have been rewarded with such an improvement in recycling rates and reduction in complaints. We also achieved a saving of £26k in the process which just shows what can be achieved by looking again and implementing new and innovative approaches to how we deal an issue that can otherwise detrimentally affect the quality of life for too many people in these communities.’

Proposed 20mph pilot in Cathays and Plasnewydd - Have your say!

Cardiff Council have launched a consultation this week for a proposed pilot area for 20mph speed limits in areas of Cathays and Plasnewydd, which is being funded by Welsh Government through the Safer Routes in Communities project.

It is hoped that, as well as improving road safety and reducing the numbers of those killed or seriously injured on Cardiff roads, introducing 20mph speed limits will also make it easier for people to walk and cycle in the city and create a more sociable environment for people to live. The proposed project in Cardiff will be a ‘signs-only’ scheme. If the proposal is supported by local residents, 20mph limits are likely to be implemented in March 2014.

What do you think of this proposal? Cardiff Council would like local residents to let them know! An online survey can be found at:

English: http://surveys.cardiff.gov.uk/20mph/en/

Welsh: http://surveys.cardiff.gov.uk/20mph/cy/

Further details of the proposed pilot are available on www.keepingcardiffmoving.co.uk/20mph, along with a map of the proposed area, dates of public consultation sessions, an FAQ, and links to more information on 20mph speed limits and campaigns in the UK.

The closing date for this round of public consultation is 12^th August 2013 – please circulate this email and complete the survey before this date. If you have any further queries regarding the pilot, please email 20mph@cardiff.gov.uk

Important notice regarding parking permit applications

From 1 July 2013 the permit office at County Hall will close.

Students who are moving out of halls of residence and into rented accommodation, who are bringing their car to Cardiff, will need to obtain a resident parking permit if they live in a permit area.

All applications to obtain a resident parking permit are to be made by post only and permits cannot be obtained in person at any Council premises.

The postal address is:

Cardiff County Council Parking Services,

PO Box 47,

Cardiff,

CF11 1QB

For full terms and conditions when applying for a permit please visit the website www.cardiff.gov.uk/parking or, alternatively, telephone 029 2087 2087.

The Council are also developing an on-line application system and hope to have this operational later this year.

However, did you know... that estimates suggest bringing a car to University costs approximately £2,200?

Cardiff is a very walkable city and many students choose not to bring their car to University - why don't you make a Cardifference and leave your car at home?

Find out more here: http://cardiffdigs.co.uk/cardifference.htm 

New YMCA banks in Cathays

Another three YMCA banks are being installed in Cathays during the Get It Out for Cardiff campaign throughout the month of June. This is on top of the two permanent banks already present in the area.

 

New YMCA bank on Llanbleddian Gardens

The banks are situated by the Cardiff University Law building, the top of Cathays Terrace by Whitchurch Road and at the end of Llanbleddian Gardens on the corner of Miskin street.

 



Cardiff Council will be teaming up with the Environmental Champions, handing out reusable textile bags to students and residents in Cathays, Plasnewydd and Gabalfa. Textile bags can be filled with unwanted clothes, bags, textiles, books, CD’s/DVD’s and then taken to a YMCA bank.

Emma Robson, Student Liaison Officer, said ‘The new YMCA banks are situated in highly populated student areas and therefore maximise the schemes potential. Last year, the Get it out for Cardiff initiative recycled over 12 tonnes of unwanted items – items that would have otherwise gone to landfill. Having YMCA banks in prominent student locations encourages students to deposit their unwanted items when they move out of their property’.

Get It Out for Cardiff walkabouts

Walkabouts will be taking place in Cathays and Plasnewydd over the next few weeks to raise awareness of the Get It Out for Cardiff scheme. Volunteers are needed to engage with students and residents in the local area, giving them details of their nearest Green Zone and how to recycle their unwanted goods!

We shall be door knocking in Cathays on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd, and then again on June 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th. We will target the Plasnewydd area on June 4th, 5th and 6th. The meeting time and place for all walkabouts is on the third floor of the Students Union on Park Place, outside the sabbatical offices, at 4.30pm.

We would very much like for members of the local community to join together with Cardiff students, and give a little time to try and improve the local environmental quality of the area, and ensure that students are aware of the services available to help them keep Cardiff tidy at the end of term and beyond!

For more information, please call Emma Robson on 02920 871808 or email on emma.robson@cardiff.gov.uk

TV Licensing launches refund campaign for students moving home for the Summer months

As students in Cardiff prepare for their university exams, TV Licensing is reminding those moving home for the summer they might be able to claim a refund on their TV Licence, worth £36.37.

To be eligible, students need to have a TV Licence, be leaving their halls or rented accommodation and moving back home to a licensed address.

Any finance-savvy student who purchased a TV Licence at the start of the academic year will have a full three months remaining on their licence. This means they can now claim a refund for the final unused quarter. The savings could pay for a ticket to a gig, a one-way flight to Amsterdam or night out to celebrate the end of student exams.

Sara Jones, spokesperson for TV Licensing in Wales, said:

“With exams fast approaching and the Easter term coming to an end, the student refund is fantastic news for students who planned ahead and bought their licence at the start of the academic year. It’s vital students understand the law when it comes to watching or streaming live TV or they risk prosecution and fine of up to £1,000.”

Recent research by TV Licensing shows three out of five students watch at least an hour of TV a day, and 71 per cent of students use their laptop to watch TV. A TV Licence is needed to watch, record or stream programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV. This is the case whether you use a TV, laptop, games console, tablet, mobile phone, or any other device.

Phil Davis, Chair of the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA), added: “The summer is a great opportunity for students to repair their bank balances, and it’s important they use every opportunity to do so. Getting a refund on the unused three months of a TV Licence is a really easy step to take.

“It’s important students buy a TV licence at the earliest opportunity when starting university and take advantage of the flexible payment options available to them. Most of all, it’s vital students avoid fines for not holding a TV Licence – a quick visit to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo helps students ensure they are covered to watch TV on a range of devices.”

To arrange a refund, or for further information, simply visit: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo, or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090.

Student and community volunteers recognised at Eastern BCU annual award ceremony

Student volunteers from Cardiff University and community volunteers from the local area have been recognized at an annual award ceremony held by South Wales Police. Students and residents were thanked for their commitment over the previous 12 months and presented with a certificate. Launched five years ago, the aim of the South Wales Police Student Volunteer initiative is to develop stronger community links and enhance the lives of students and local people by making them feel safer in their communities. This year has seen more than 50 new volunteers join the scheme.

PC Tim Davies, Student Liaison Officer, said: “The scheme has gone from strength to strength and the volunteers are very much part of the South Wales Police family. “They are helping bridge the gap between police and traditionally hard-to-reach members of the community improved community relations and making a positive impact on reducing crime figures within Cathays and Roath. We are grateful for them giving up their own time to help make Cardiff safer and it was nice to formally recognise their commitment at the 4th annual award ceremony.”

Get it out for Cardiff is back!

Get It Out For Cardiff, the annual end of term recycling, waste and charity collection, is here once again to ensure that moving out of student accommodation at the end of term is stress-free and leaves our communities clean and tidy.

The scheme includes a re-use and charity collection of unwanted items, so when you clear out, donate it. Why heave all that un-wanted stuff home – donate it to charity!

18 Green Zones are set up in halls of residences and Student Unions across the city where you can donate clothing, food (unopened tins, packets, jars etc), small electrical items, books, CD’s, DVD’s and kitchen items (plates, mugs, utensils, pans etc).

14 YMCA re-use banks are in place all year round to collect clothes, shoes, bags, textiles, small electrical items, books, CD’s/DVD’s.

To find your nearest Green Zone and YMCA bank click here.

Tenants are encouraged to put out their general waste for collection on 29th May, 12th June and 26th June. Recycling and food waste will be collected every Wednesday as normal. Please put recycling and waste on the pavement before 6am on the day of the collection.

A number of charities benefit from the scheme. Food is being collected for FareShare Cymru - supporting communities to relieve food poverty.

Clothing, electrical items, media and bric-a-brac are being collected for the YMCA to directly reinvest in projects and services for homeless people at the Cardiff YMCA Housing Association whilst kitchen items will be stored over the summer by Cardiff Self Storage and sold to students at the start of term at heavily discounted prices with all proceeds going to charity.

Cardiff’s student population responded in style to the Get It Out for Cardiff scheme last year with over 12 ½ tonnes of items collected at halls of residence and Student Unions.

For more information on the Get It Out For Cardiff scheme, contact Emma Robson, Student Liaison Officer, emma.robson@cardiff.gov.uk, or Lucy Prisk, Tidy Towns Officer, lprisk@cardiff.gov.uk

Get It Out For Cardiff 2013 Donation Points

Welsh Varsity 2013

This years Welsh Varsity event welcomed over 16,000 students to Cardiff for a days action packed sporting events. Students from Swansea and Cardiff University celebrated at the events by spurring on their University teams.

Over 60 volunteers helped out on the day, including 23 Student Police volunteers and 40 Keep Wales Tidy volunteers.

Student Police Volunteers supported Police officers, helping to manage crowds, steward the events, and offering help to spectators.

PC Tim Davies, who was managing the volunteers on the day, said ‘The day was very successful and passed with no major issues. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped keep their fellow students safe’.

Environmental Champions joined Keep Wales Tidy volunteers and Cardiff Council to help keep the area clean and tidy. Volunteers collected litter across the sites and made sure bins were in prime locations.

Over 4,500 litres of general waste & 12,100 litres of recycling was collected on the day. Richard Weaver, Project Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, said ‘73% of all that was collected was recycled. This was a herculean effort from all of the Keep Wales Tidy volunteers and their effort and determination enabled them to achieve this incredible task!”

Student Liaison Officer, Emma Robson, ‘Varsity is a fun filled and action packed day. Volunteers showed their commitment to the environment and to the safety of their fellow students. All those involved should be very proud of themselves’.

Thank you to everyone involved!

Filming/Editing Opportunity with Cardiff Council

Become involved in a new volunteering opportunity working with Emma Robson, the Student Liaison Officer for Cardiff County Council on a 2 week filming/editing project.

You need to have basic experience in film and editing and be able to provide a commitment of 2 weeks over the Easter period.

This is a brilliant opportunity where you have the opportunity to work with a number of different departments in Cardiff County Council in order to enhance the Cardiff Digs Website.

Cardiff Digs is a central resources for all students who need information and advice about their housing and living needs. It covers five main areas - Housing, Health and Safety, Community, Waste & Recycling and Sustainability. For each area you will work with Emma to produce a small video introducing each section.

A reference can be provided at the end of the 2 week project. If you are interested in this opportunity or would like extra information can you please email Emma Robson - Emma.Robson@cardiff.gov.uk by Friday 22nd March.

Student Safety Bus Moving Forward

WRISTBANDS with advice on responsible drinking and how to stay safe are being given to students as part of a joint initiative between Cardiff Students’ Union and South Wales Police.


The information bands are provided to passengers on the city’s Student Safety Bus once they have been safely returned home after a night out.

The bands direct the wearer to the Cardiff Digs website containing advice on sensible drinking, personal safety and more information on the bus.

Cardiff Student Liaison Officer Emma Robson said: “The student safety bus has been hugely successful but it was our understanding that some individuals who were taken home or to hospital, may not realise how they got there due to their vulnerable state.

“The student safety bus wristbands have been introduced to promote responsible drinking and hopefully serve as a reminder about how vulnerable they were the night before.

“The bands are not there to ‘tag’ or embarrass individuals – our aim is to encourage students to stay safe when enjoying a night out in Cardiff.”

The Student Safety Bus was introduced in May 2011 to reduce robberies and assaults in the early hours of the morning by identifying vulnerable people and taking them home.

This bus which takes home on average around 6 or 7 students in a night is supplied free of charge by Cardiff Students’ Union and driven by police student volunteers,

Emma Robson said: “Only individuals who may not realise how they got home will receive a wristband. The wristband does not act like a ‘bus ticket’, not everyone who is taken home by the bus will receive one.’

Student liaison officer Pc Tim Davies said: “The Cardiff Students’ Union wristbands are provided to users of the Student Safety Bus once they have been safely taken home.

“They have a QR-code which directs students to a website containing advice on sensible drinking, personal safety and more information on the bus.

“The scheme is just one of a range of initiatives in the Cathays area designed to keep students safe and compliments local policing including increased patrols at key times and plain-clothed operations.

“Cardiff is safe city and we continue to work hard with our partners to keep it that way.”

St David's Day Celebrations 2013

St David’s Day Celebrations– 28 February to 2 March 2013

Gwlad Gwlad! Come along and celebrate St David's Day with us!

On Wales’ National day this year show your Welsh spirit, proudly wear that daffodil, wave your Welsh flag with passion and feel the ‘hiraeth’ running through your veins at Cardiff’s annual St David’s Day Celebrations.

From the 28th February – 2nd March, Cardiff Council with some help from our partners St David's Day Committee, Wales Millennium Centre and the Welsh National Opera have put together an exciting and cultural festival in honour of St David and all things Cymraeg!

Just take a look at our events programme below; there really is something for everyone this year.


Event Programme

St David's Day Market, 28th February – 2nd March
With stalls located across the Hayes area of the city centre, you are sure to find a shopper's paradise full of unique crafted Welsh souvenirs and gifts. So if you are looking for a special gift for someone or simply just love shopping, make your way to the Hayes in Cardiff City Centre. The Market will be open from 10am – 5pm and a warm Welsh welcome will be guaranteed.

St David's Day Parade
The biggest event in the festival calendar is The National St David’s Day Parade which makes its way right across the city centre

Join the carnival atmosphere on the 1st March with colourful street dancers, school children and youth groups dressed in Welsh traditional costume and music. The famous Giants of Wales Owain Glyndwr, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Nessa will also be making a return again this year so look out for these big personalities!

Starting at City Hall at 12.30 pm, the parade will wind its way around the city centre finishing at the Hayes outside St David's Hall at 1.15 pm where the patriotic spirit will continue with a heartfelt rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

Join in the fun and get involved – what better way to spend a Friday lunch break than singing the national anthem with thousands of friends that you don’t know! Everyone is welcome to join the parade, bring your family, your partner, your family or just all your loved ones and make this year’s St David’s Day Parade something to remember.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay – 1st to 3rd March

As well as the St David’s Day parade on the 1st March in the city centre, our friends in the Iconic Wales Millennium Centre in the heart of Cardiff Bay will be showcasing a free medley of Welsh songs by school children from Rhondda Valley and musical performances from schools in Merthyr Tydfil on the Glanfa stage. Soak up the Welsh musical atmosphere or and enjoy a complimentary mini Welshcake and a coffee. Welsh Rarebit and traditional Welsh dishes are also on the menu at Ffresh Restaurant and Bar, where you can taste some of the finest Welsh cuisine!

Throughout the weekend, you will get a flavour of traditional Welsh entertainment with free performances on the Glanfa stage.including performances of traditional and contemporary folk songs from Pembrokeshire singer songwriter Richard James. For full details of events throughout the St David's Day weekend visit www.wmc.org.uk/StDavid

Competition
Get the chance to win a delicious Sunday Lunch for 4 people from a special St David's Day menu at Wales Millennium Centre in the Ffresh Restaurant. You can enter from 18 February – 1 March, so visit www.realradio.co.uk for a chance to win. Winners will be contacted on 1 March to book their table.

Street Entertainment – 2nd March
On St Mary’s Street and the Hayes look out for some interesting characters parading around. Enjoy some fantastic Welsh music and street entertainment from 2nd March.

Welsh National Opera - Various dates
Over the weekend the world class Welsh National Opera presents stunning performances of The Cunning Little Vixen on 28th February and Madam Butterfly on 1 to 2 March. For details visit www.wno.org.uk

Get into the St David’s Day Spirit!

There are lots of ways to celebrate and show your support for St David's Day:

• Pin a daffodil or leek to your clothes

• Wear your Welsh rugby or football shirt

• Bake some Welsh cakes and sell them in work or to your neighbours for charity

• Wear the national costume

• Wear a daffodil-face or a leek head!

• Dye your hear red or paint your face

• If you are brave, wear a Welsh kilt to work

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/stdavidsdayCdf or use the hashtags #cdfdaff #dewisant #dewicaerdydd for all your tweets.

You can also like us on Facebook or view Menter Caerdydd.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus pawb!

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 – Get Involved!

25th February – 10th March

Volunteering Opportunities and Event Line Up.

Fair trade Fortnight is a time to raise awareness of the need for a fairer way to trade, show support for farmers and producers around the world and celebrate Wales’ commitment as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation.

Fair trade Wales are planning an exciting programme of activities and events across Wales and there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved:

Volunteering: Are you passionate about Fair Trade? Would you like to support a Fair Trade event in your area? Why not join the Fair Trade fun and volunteer with us during Fairtrade Fortnight. You can choose to give an hour, a day or however long you want!

Below you can find a list of upcoming events in your area. Job roles include the following:

Job Roles:

• Help set up stalls

• Man the stall, talk to the public and give out leaflets and free Fair trade food and products

• Direct people to Fair Dos/encourage sales and increase awareness of Fair trade

• Set up samples and keep them stocked
• Take photos

Thursday 28th February 2013
Wales & The World &The World in Wales, Senedd, Cardiff Bay 9am – 5pm
Email elen@fairtradewales.org.uk stating your availability or ring 07912 496044 for more information.

Saturday 2nd & 9th March
Fairtrade Bike, Cardiff Central library, 9am-12pm
The Fairtrade Bike will be in Cardiff Central Library to sell fair trade coffee, chai, and fruit.

Tuesday 5th March,
Olive Farmers meeting, Beverton Lecture Theatre, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT, 12 - 2pm,
Meet the Olive Farmers from Palestine with Cardiff University Islamic Society (all welcome)

Tuesday 5th March 2013
Olive Tasting Meet the Producer event, Chapter Arts Centre, 5pm -8pm

Meet the producers at the start of the Fair trade food chain, taste their products and learn about Fair trade!

To get involved, contact Emma Robson, Student Liaison Officer on emma.robson@cardiff.gov.uk

Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th March
Global Festival, Treforest campus 4th March, Atrium campus 5th March, 11am-2pm

Celebrate cultural diversity and raise awareness of Fair trade products in the local area at Fair trade Taster Fayres

To get involved contact Emma Robson, Student Liaison Officer, on emma.robson@cardiff.gov.uk

25th February – 8th March 2013

Fair trade stalls, Cardiff Students Union, any time you wish

Engage with Cardiff University students, increase the awareness of Fair trade products and give out free food!

To get involved contact Megan David, Welfare and Community Officer, on welfareofficer@cardiff.ac.uk

Fair Do's will also be open late on 5th March so you can shop until 8pm for your favourite Fair trade delights!

For more information on events happening in your area, visit http://fairtradewales.com/get-involved/events-3 

Cardiff Metropolitan University Housing Fayre

On Tuesday 15th January, Cardiff Digs joined South Wales Police and the Landlord Accreditation Scheme at Cardiff Metropolitan Universities Housing Fayre. The fayre was an all day event and had information stands for many organisations including Housing Advice Unit, Trading Standards, Fire Service, Student Services, Accommodation Services and Travel Line Cymru.

Students were able to pick up and access the new edition of the housing list, which only promotes accredited landlords in the area, as well as useful information and advice on renting a shared student house in the private sector.

Emma Robson, Student Liaison Officer, said ‘The day was very successful; we spoke to over 150 students who were looking to access the private housing sector for the first time. We gave them advice on where and when to start looking for a house, things to look out for, and information relating to deposits and accredited landlords. For example, many students did not know their deposit had to be protected by a registered government scheme’. Over 150 free Cardiff Digs canvas bags were given out which included copies of our 'Avoiding the Pitfalls' leaflet (found here http://cardiffdigs.co.uk/hallstohouse.htm), Student Safety advice from PC Tim Davies, You're in Now What leaflets and much more.

In November, it came to Emma’s attention that students were rushing to look for houses as they believed there would be no houses left after Christmas. Consequently, a warning to students was put on each Universities Student Union website and was circulated to students via social networking sites. This warning explained to students that houses become available all year round and there are more student houses than students themselves in Cardiff, so plenty of choice and no reason to rush!

Emma said, ‘It is so important that students take their time and understand everything involved with looking for a house. A tenancy contract is legally binding; once this is signed it is almost impossible to get out of. Students need to be sure about what they are looking for in a house and how to ‘avoid the pitfalls’. At the fayre, the majority of Cardiff Metropolitan students we spoke to had seen the warning and as a result, waited to get advice at the fayre before they started looking for a house. I was so pleased to hear this.’

The housing list will be updated regularly after the Fayre and the Accommodation Services are available to advise all students on Tenancy Agreements, Tenants Rights, Landlord Responsibilities, and general information on renting off campus.

If you were unable to make the Fayre, you can access the housing lists via the Cardiff Met Student Portal Homepage. For further information contact Accommodation Services on 02920 416188/6189, or email accomm@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For information on 'Avoiding the Pitfalls’go to http://cardiffdigs.co.uk/hallstohouse.htm or for advice on living in the private rented sector go to http://cardiffdigs.co.uk/living.htm