That is the focus of the latest Bayside Radio conversation with Bev Garside, who joins Simon to explore what flexible and part-time working really looks like in the charity sector.

With rising costs putting pressure on charity finances, more organisations are looking at different ways of structuring roles, including part-time hours, compressed working arrangements and remote or hybrid positions.

But Bev warns there is a danger in treating flexibility as simply doing a full-time job in part-time hours.

The result can be increased pressure, blurred boundaries and burnout – particularly when expectations haven't been clearly discussed between employers and employees.

In the podcast, Bev talks about the importance of setting realistic expectations, maintaining clear boundaries and making sure people working remotely or part-time don't become disconnected from their colleagues and the wider organisation.

It's a conversation about something that can sometimes get lost when we talk about flexible working: flexibility has to work for both sides.

Bev brings more than 30 years' experience of working with public and voluntary sector organisations. She describes herself as a qualified change agent and has worked with organisations to support change, leadership and sustainable development.

Through The Female Alchemist, Bev provides consultancy covering areas including change management, interim management, leadership and coaching. The organisation says it has supported hundreds of charities and public-sector bodies.

Bev is also associated with Charity Job Finder, giving her a valuable perspective on the recruitment and employment challenges facing the charity sector.

This isn't the first time Bev has joined Bayside Radio. In an earlier podcast, she explored how people can get into the charity sector and why skills gained in other industries can be valuable to charities.

This time, the conversation moves on to a question that is becoming increasingly important:

How do we make flexible working genuinely flexible – without creating more pressure for the people doing the work?

Listen to the full podcast to hear Bev's thoughts, advice and practical considerations for both charity employers and employees.

Find out more here:

The Female Alchemist

Charity Job Finder

And if you're working in the charity or voluntary sector, we'd love to hear your experiences of flexible working. Get in touch by emailing studio@baysideradio.co.uk

The annual day, marked on 21 August, was established by the United Nations to highlight the contributions of older people, raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with ageing, and promote the importance of dignity, wellbeing and inclusion in later life.

For Bayside Radio, it was an opportunity to do just that.

We visited Southern Care Home in Abergele, where residents were marking the occasion with an afternoon of activities, conversation and, naturally, plenty of tea and cake.

There was fresh lemonade, afternoon tea and opportunities for residents, relatives and staff to spend time together.

But behind the celebrations was something arguably even more important – connection.

Care Coordinator Ashley Howard explained how activities such as themed days can give residents something to look forward to while helping support their mental and physical wellbeing.

And when you start talking to the residents, it quickly becomes clear that every person has a story to tell.

During our visit, we heard memories of travelling the world, growing up in North Wales, family experiences and some of the major events that have shaped people's lives.

There were also stories of mountains and adventure, including memories of climbing Snowdon, while some recollections offered a poignant reminder of how closely the lives of today's older generation are connected to the defining events of the 20th century.

But the conversations weren't simply about looking backwards.

The residents also had plenty of advice for those of us who are still making our way through life – and one message in particular stood out: don't underestimate the value of talking to people and maintaining human connection.

That might sound simple, but loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on older people's health and wellbeing. Days such as International Senior Citizens Day provide an opportunity to think about how communities can make sure older people remain involved, valued and heard.

And perhaps that's what makes a visit like this so special.

It's not simply about celebrating someone's age. It's about celebrating the life behind the age – the places they've been, the people they've known, the challenges they've overcome, the things they've achieved and the memories they have accumulated along the way.

Our presenter Jasmine spent time speaking with residents and staff at Southern Care Home, capturing some of those stories and discovering their advice for the rest of us.

We've deliberately left plenty of those conversations for the podcast because, quite simply, they're much better heard directly from the people themselves.

So take a little time, make yourself a cup of tea and have a listen.

You might hear a story that makes you smile, a memory that takes you back, or perhaps a little piece of advice worth carrying with you.

And if there's one message we can take from International Senior Citizens Day, perhaps it's this:

Keep talking. Keep listening. Keep smiling. And never underestimate the value of spending time with another person.

A huge thank you to Ashley, the team at Southern Care Home and all the residents who welcomed Bayside Radio and shared their stories and memories with us.

Happy International Senior Citizens Day from everyone at Bayside Radio.

The 2026 theme is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, recognising that while young people's experiences may be very different, they share many of the same hopes for opportunity, belonging and a positive future.

We've been marking International Youth Day right across Bayside Radio, and as part of our coverage Simon was joined by Scott Jenkinson from Youth Shedz Cymru to talk about the fantastic work being done with young people across North Wales.

Youth Shedz is an award-winning North Wales initiative providing safe, welcoming spaces where young people can develop skills, build confidence, discover their strengths and find a sense of belonging. Its ethos is centred around giving young people a place to belong, a purpose to pursue and an identity to celebrate.

The organisation was founded by Scott after his own experiences of addiction, homelessness and time in prison. He went on to rebuild his life through education, eventually qualifying as a teacher, and says that experience of finding a new identity and purpose helped shape the idea behind Youth Shedz. The first Youth Shed was developed following work with young people in Denbigh, with an ambition that every town could eventually have its own Shed.

Today, Youth Shedz provides opportunities for young people to learn new skills, work alongside positive role models and get involved in projects that benefit their communities. The approach is deliberately inclusive, with young people having a say in how their local Shed develops and the activities they take part in.

The organisation has supported young people through activities ranging from practical skills such as woodwork and bike repairs to creative projects, volunteering, sport and community initiatives. Youth Shedz has also worked with young people in places including Colwyn Bay, Abergele, Kinmel Bay, Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

And that makes our conversation with Scott particularly fitting for International Youth Day – because it is ultimately about giving young people the space, encouragement and opportunities to discover what they are capable of.

Listen to Simon's conversation with Scott Jenkinson and hear more about Youth Shedz Cymru, the challenges facing young people and the positive difference being made in communities across North Wales.

To find out more about Youth Shedz Cymru and its work, visit Youth Shedz Cymru

For some young people, results day will bring exactly the grades they were hoping for, and perhaps a place at university or a clear idea of what they want to do next. For others, the results might not be quite what they expected – and that can leave you wondering what your options are and where to turn.

And even if you’ve got the results you wanted, you might still be asking yourself: “What do I actually do now?”

Well, there is help available. Joining Simon is Pip from the Conwy Employment Hub, who’s here to talk about those all-important next steps.

The Conwy Employment Hub provides fully funded training, career mentoring and specialist advice to help young people and residents make sense of their options and find the right route forward.

So, if your results haven’t gone to plan, don’t panic – there may be more options available than you realise. And if you’ve got the grades but you’re still unsure about what comes next, the Hub can help you work through those choices.

Conwy Employment Hub
01492 575578
ceh@conwy.gov.uk

They are based at Coed Pella, Conway Road, Colwyn Bay, and are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

In this special Bayside Radio podcast, Bev Garside and Simon explore how to start or develop a career in the charity and voluntary sector — and why your existing skills could be far more valuable than you realise.

The charity sector is one of Wales’ biggest employers, offering thousands of opportunities across a huge range of roles, from community development and fundraising to communications, finance, digital, project management, HR and leadership.

But one of the biggest myths is that you need previous charity experience to get started.

In this podcast, we look at why charities recruit people from all backgrounds, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, banking, local government and many other industries. We explore the transferable skills employers are looking for, why values and attitude matter, and how volunteering or becoming a trustee can help open doors.

You’ll also hear practical advice on:

- creating a CV that stands out to charity employers

- making successful job applications

- preparing for interviews

- finding opportunities that match your skills and ambitions

The podcast also features advice from Charity Job Finder, a specialist platform helping people discover charity careers across Wales and the UK.

Whether you’re looking for a career change, returning to work, or simply want a job with a greater sense of purpose, this podcast will help you understand how you can take your first steps into the charity sector.

Listen now and discover why the skills you already have could help you make a difference.

Find out more:

Charity job opportunities and career advice: Charity Job Finder

Support and resources for women building careers and businesses: The Female Alchemist

Across North Wales, many people face different barriers when it comes to finding and staying in work — whether that’s long-term unemployment, health challenges, lack of confidence, or needing new skills to take the next step in their career. Connect to Work has been created to help break down those barriers and provide a clear, supportive pathway forward.

Delivered in partnership across local authorities and employability services, the programme focuses on personalised guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. That means working closely with individuals to understand their goals, build confidence, and create realistic plans to get into sustainable work or meaningful training opportunities.

Support can include help with CV writing, interview preparation, accessing training courses, wellbeing support, and connecting people directly with local employers who are looking for talent. It also works alongside existing services, ensuring people can access the right help at the right time without being left to navigate the system alone.

In North Wales, the programme is part of a wider effort to strengthen communities and local economies by improving access to employment and helping businesses find the skilled workers they need.

In this podcast, we’ll discuss how Connect to Work North Wales operates on the ground and how it can help you if you're facing a barrier. Gary from Connect to Work talks to Simon.

Whether you’re looking for work, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in how local employment services are evolving, this series will shine a light on a programme built around opportunity, confidence, and second chances.

More details about Connect to Work North Wales can be found at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/connect-to-work-north-wales/about.aspx

Jasmine joins Simon is the studio on Carers Week to talk personally about her reflection podcast on the Bayside Radio website and how life as a young carer shaped her and changed her life. 

Before you hear Jasmine being interviewed by Simon, listen to Jasmine's reflection here: https://baysideradio.co.uk/podcasts/catch-up-bayside-featured-community-highlights-186/growing-up-as-a-young-carer-jasmine-pilling-1584

In this personal reflection, Jasmine shares her experience of growing up with her brother and the caring responsibilities that became part of everyday life long before she understood what being a young carer meant. Jasmine's hope is that by sharing her story, she can support other families, siblings and young carers who may recognise parts of their own journey in it.

Looking back on childhood memories, family routines and key moments that shaped her understanding of the caring role, Jasmine explores both the challenges and the strengths that emerged along the way.

From her earliest memories as a proud big sister to recognising in adulthood how deeply those experiences shaped her identity, this is a story about sibling caring responsibilities, resilience, determination and pride. It is also a reminder of the often-unseen role that young carers play and the lasting impact that role can have throughout their lives.

Most importantly, it is a reminder that while caring for others is important, taking care of yourself matters too.

Our thanks to Jasmine for sharing such an important story. Please listen to it here on the Bayside Radio website.

Sally joined Tracey Toulmin on her Saturday show at the weekend to speak candidly about the disease, the lack of awareness surrounding it, and why more women need to feel confident seeking help if something “doesn’t feel quite right”.

The emotional and informative conversation has now been turned into a Bayside longer-listen podcast in the hope that more people will hear Sally’s message, share it with friends and family, and help break down the stigma surrounding women’s gynaecological cancers.

Sally described vulval cancer as “a rare cancer that affects women” and warned that awareness remains far too low compared to cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

She pointed out that approximately 1,400 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with vulval cancer — a figure that is rising — with around 80 per cent of cases affecting women over 60, although diagnoses among younger women are also increasing.

According to the NHS, symptoms of vulval cancer can include persistent itching, pain or soreness, changes in the skin, lumps, ulcers, bleeding, or changes to moles on the vulva. While many symptoms can have non-cancerous causes, experts stress that women should seek medical advice if anything unusual persists.

During the interview, Sally spoke about the importance of ending embarrassment around the subject.

“There is no shame or embarrassment in vulval cancer, just as there is none in prostate or breast cancer,” she said.

She drew comparisons with the way public awareness campaigns transformed attitudes towards breast cancer and prostate cancer over previous decades, helping to secure more research, better treatment and improved outcomes for patients.

Sally also raised concerns that vulval cancer and other gynaecological conditions are still not receiving enough attention and called for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and improved support for women across Wales.

She urged women to check themselves regularly in the same way breast awareness campaigns encourage women to know what is normal for their bodies.

“If anything looks or feels ‘not quite right’, go to the doctor immediately,” she said.

The interview has already prompted strong reactions from listeners, with many praising Sally for speaking so openly about a subject that is rarely discussed publicly.

Bayside Radio says it hopes the longer-form podcast will encourage more conversations within families and communities, with Sally urging people to “tell your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, aunts, mothers — and grandmothers.”

Listen to the full conversation with Sally and Tracey Toulmin.

This is the first ever Senedd election to use the brand-new voting system introduced across Wales. The old constituency and regional model is gone, replaced by larger super-constituencies and proportional representation, fundamentally changing how Welsh politics works and how governments in Cardiff Bay may now be formed.

For the first time ever, 96 Members of the Senedd will be elected — an increase from 60 — while 16 and 17-year-olds have also had the chance to vote in a Senedd election for the very first time.

And here in North Wales, the changes are especially significant.

Communities that once voted separately are now grouped together in huge new constituencies including Bangor Conwy Môn, Clwyd, Fflint Wrecsam and Gwynedd Maldwyn, meaning tonight’s results could reshape the political map of the region for years to come.

Throughout the programme Kai and Taffy bring you analysis of the results and talk about what this means for North Wales and Wales as a whole. They discuss what the new voting system means, and a closer look at which parties are emerging strongest as the race to form the next Welsh Government develops.

Because with 96 seats now in play and 49 needed for a majority, coalition talks and political deal-making could become just as important as the results themselves.

So wherever you are — in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno, Rhyl, Wrexham, Bangor or beyond — here you'll find comment and chat about a very historic, and some would say, memorable day for Wales.

This is the Bayside Radio Senedd Election Special with Kai and Taffy.

Known as “The Female Alchemist”, Bev works closely with charities and third sector organisations, helping them navigate challenges and build sustainable, successful futures. With a clear and practical approach, she supports clients through both internal and external pressures—turning uncertainty into opportunity.

In this episode, Bev challenges common assumptions about marketing, explaining why the biggest barrier is not money, but clarity and consistency. She explores how many organisations are “doing activity, not marketing” and why being clear, consistent and useful matters far more than being everywhere.

Bev shares simple, practical strategies that cost little or nothing, including:
- how to clearly define your message and explain what you do in one sentence
- using social media effectively without overcomplicating it
- why real stories and authenticity outperform polished content
- how to get featured on local radio and in the press
- building strong networks that create real opportunities
- simple, time-saving marketing habits that fit into busy workloads

With a focus on what actually works, this episode is packed with actionable advice for organisations looking to create impact without a big budget.

Bev's links:

The Female Alchemist https://thefemalealchemist.com/

Charity Job Finder https://www.charityjobfinder.co.uk/

All political parties standing in the new enlarged constituency were invited. An apology was received from the Monster Raving Looney Party, while no response was received from the Heritage Party or the Socialist Labour Party despite an open invitation.

The 2026 election takes place in a new context, with newly drawn constituency boundaries and the extension of the vote to 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. These changes framed much of the evening’s conversation, with a strong focus on accountability, inclusion, and the future of public services.

Summary of Candidates’ Positions

Jaime Fitter – Communist Party of Great Britain
Emphasised opposition to any marketisation of the NHS, calling for fully public health services and adequate statutory funding. Raised concerns about the Third Sector being used to plug systemic gaps in provision.

Elfed Williams – Plaid Cymru
Highlighted a commitment to a distinctive Welsh NHS, stronger regional planning, and co‑production with the Third Sector through long‑term funding arrangements.

John Clark – Reform UK Wales
Focused on efficiency, patient choice, and ensuring public funding is linked to measurable outcomes.

Tomos Iwan Barlow – Wales Green Party
Presented a rights‑based and preventative approach, opposing market models within the NHS and calling for sustainable funding for the Third Sector as a strategic partner.

Janet Finch‑Saunders – Welsh Conservatives
Drew attention to expanding patient choice and the use of cross‑border capacity to address waiting lists, emphasising value for money and efficient delivery.

Joanna Stallard – Welsh Labour
Emphasised a commitment to a public and integrated NHS, recognising the vital role of the Third Sector in prevention and early support, alongside clear statutory responsibility.

Leena Sarah Farhat – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Focused on fairness, transparency, and service‑user involvement, calling for clearer pathways for neurological care and more stable funding for the Third Sector.

Reflections

The hustings highlighted broad agreement on the pressures facing public services in North Wales, alongside clear differences in policy approaches. Contributions from the audience  reflected high expectations around accountability and values‑based decision‑making.

CVSC thanks all candidates who attended, CVSC staff and volunteers, Bayside Radio for recording the event, and everyone who contributed to a constructive and respectful discussion.

Roedd Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) yn falch iawn o gynnal Husting Etholiad y Senedd 2026 yn Neuadd Ni. Cafodd y digwyddiad ei gadeirio gan Brif Swyddog CVSC, Elgan Owen, a ddaeth â’r ymgeiswyr, sefydliadau’r trydydd sector, a’r gymuned ehangach ynghyd ar gyfer trafodaeth agored a pharchus ar faterion sy’n effeithio ar gymunedau Gogledd Cymru.

Anfonwyd gwahoddiad at bob plaid wleidyddol oedd yn sefyll yn yr etholaeth newydd fwy. Derbyniwyd ymddiheuriad gan y Monster Raving Looney Party, ond ni dderbyniwyd ymateb gan The Heritage Party na’r Socialist Labour Party, er gwaethaf gwahoddiad agored.

Mae Etholiad y Senedd 2026 yn nodi newid pwysig, gyda ffiniau etholaethol newydd a’r bleidlais bellach ar gael i bobl 16 a 17 oed. Cyfeiriwyd at y cyd-destun newydd hwn drwy gydol y noson, gyda phwyslais ar atebolrwydd, cynhwysiant a dyfodol gwasanaethau cyhoeddus.

Themâu Allweddol

Bu’r ymgeiswyr yn ymateb i gwestiynau ynghylch:
A ddylid cyflwyno Right to Choose yn y GIG yng Nghymru
Sut i sicrhau bod datganiadau ansawdd ar gyfer cyflyrau niwrolegol yn arwain at wasanaethau effeithiol i gleifion yng Ngogledd Cymru
Sut y caiff y Trydydd Sector ei drin fel partner cyfartal mewn atal ac ymyrraeth gynnar, yn hytrach nag fel dewis rhatach i wasanaethau statudol dan bwysau

Crynodeb o Safbwyntiau’r Ymgeiswyr

Jaime Fitter – Communist Party of Great Britain
Pwysleisiodd wrthwynebiad i unrhyw farchnadeiddio o’r GIG, gan alw am wasanaethau iechyd cwbl gyhoeddus a chyllid statudol digonol. Mynegodd bryder ynghylch defnyddio’r Trydydd Sector i lenwi bylchau systemig.

Elfed Williams – Plaid Cymru
Amlygodd ymrwymiad i GIG Cymreig unigryw, cynllunio rhanbarthol cryfach, a chyd-gynhyrchu gyda’r Trydydd Sector drwy drefniadau cyllido hirdymor.

John Clark – Reform UK Wales
Canolbwyntiodd ar effeithlonrwydd, dewis cleifion, a sicrhau bod cyllid cyhoeddus yn gysylltiedig â chanlyniadau mesuradwy.

Tomos Iwan Barlow – Plaid Werdd Cymru
Cyflwynodd ddull hawliau-seiliedig ac ataliol, gan wrthwynebu modelau marchnad yn y GIG a galw am ariannu cynaliadwy i’r Trydydd Sector fel partner strategol.

Janet Finch‑Saunders – Ceidwadwyr Cymreig
Tynnodd sylw at ehangu dewis cleifion a’r defnydd o gapasiti trawsffiniol i fynd i’r afael â rhestrau aros, gan bwysleisio gwerth am arian a chyflenwi effeithlon.

Joanna Stallard – Llafur Cymru
Pwysleisiodd ymrwymiad i GIG cyhoeddus ac integredig, gan gydnabod rôl hanfodol y Trydydd Sector mewn atal a chymorth cynnar, ochr yn ochr â chyfrifoldeb statudol clir.

Leena Sarah Farhat – Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru
Canolbwyntiodd ar degwch, tryloywder, a chynnwys defnyddwyr gwasanaeth, gan alw am lwybrau cliriach ar gyfer gofal niwrolegol a chyllid mwy sefydlog i’r Trydydd Sector.

Myfyrdodau

Amlygodd y Husting gytundeb eang ar y pwysau sy’n wynebu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yng Ngogledd Cymru, ynghyd â gwahaniaethau clir mewn dulliau polisi. Roedd cyfraniadau’r gynulleidfa yn adlewyrchu disgwyliadau uchel o ran atebolrwydd a gwneud penderfyniadau ar sail gwerthoedd.

Mae CVSC yn diolch i’r holl ymgeiswyr a fynychodd, i staff a gwirfoddolwyr CVSC, i Bayside Radio am gofnodi’r digwyddiad, ac i bawb a gyfrannodd at drafodaeth adeiladol a pharchus.

Based in Llandudno and supporting communities across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, St David’s Hospice provides vital, free care to people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families and loved ones — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each year, its work touches the lives of many local people, made possible largely through the generosity of the community.

Joining me to talk about the latest developments at the hospice, and the exciting programme of events coming up this spring and summer, is Richard Jones — speaking with me, Simon Wynne.

From financial pressures to safeguarding, staffing and reputation, Bev breaks down the most common risks in a clear and accessible way. With practical tips on using simple tools like risk registers, recognising early warning signs, and building an open, supportive culture, this session offers a straightforward guide to staying in control, protecting your organisation, and making confident decisions for the future.

Presented by Bev Garside, The Female Alchemist - https://thefemalealchemist.com/

In association with Charity Job Finder - https://www.charityjobfinder.co.uk/