Now in its third year, nominations are now open for Cardiff Against Bullying’s Inspire Awards – the awards scheme that seeks to recognise and celebrate people across the city who go the extra mile to offer friendship and support to others.

The awards are a fantastic way to say thank you to people who have made a difference and enhanced the lives of a friend, peer, pupil or colleague.

Cardiff Against Bullying (CAB) is Cardiff Council’s anti-bullying team, who work in partnership with schools, charities, the Police, parents and young people to support those experiencing bullying or bullying others.  Bullying can have a devastating effect on the lives of children and their families and so CAB aims to work to reduce incidents and create a supportive environment where children and young people feel safe.

There is a great deal of work and effort being put in at schools and communities across the city to make a difference and tackle bullying, and CAB would like to say a big thank you to those who are helping in the effort to create positive, supportive and caring environments.

Nominations for the Inspire Awards are open until October 20. This year there are six categories in which to nominate deserving people – primary pupils (aged 4 to 11yrs), secondary pupils (aged 11 to 15yrs), secondary pupils (aged 16 to 18yrs), peer-led group project, teacher – primary or secondary and community representative – this can be anyone who works within the community.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday November 17 during Anti Bullying Week.

Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “Now in their third year, these awards could not have been better named as the stories we hear each year about people, young and old, across the city who are willing to lend their support to others experiencing difficult times is truly inspiring.

“This year there are even more categories for people to nominate some of these special people and to have their selfless acts of kindness recognised. I look forward once again to hearing about these unsung heroes in our community and to having the opportunity to give something back to them by celebrating their efforts.”

To nominate someone who has shown outstanding acts of kindness towards others suffering from bullying in any of the six categories, visit www.cardiffagainstbullying.co.uk

Rt Hon Peter Hain

New funding arrangements for Wales will ensure a fair deal for the people of Wales for years to come. Under the deal negotiated with the UK Treasury the UK will take action if Wales becomes disproportionately disadvantaged by the Barnett formula.

Mr Hain said “This commitment is a major breakthrough for Wales. The Barnett formula has served Wales well over the years but action was needed to ensure that funding did not fall below what Wales needs”.

“The financial situation is tough right now but we must not forget our principles. I am committed to the devolution process. For it work the right level of funding is needed. This shows the Government is committed to making devolution work. Next year the Welsh budget will rise to almost £15.5 billion, helping to ensure the delivery of front-line services that the people of Wales need. This deal will ensure Wales will always get the best possible deal in the future”.

Mr Haid added ” The Holtham commision made clear that, if we do not take action, spending could decline relative to the rest of the UK. That is not acceptable. And that is why I have fought so hard for this new commitment from the Treasury to assess the impact of future spending reviews in Wales. If a spending review results in a bad deal for Wales, if Wales is disproprtionately disadvantaged compared to other parts of the UK, then we now have a mechanism to take action”.