The Volunteers’ Week campaign was started in 1984, which means this year marks the 39th year of formally saying ‘thank you’ to volunteers. This Volunteers’ Week everyone is encouraged to take the time to celebrate, and thank, their volunteers and to inspire others to get involved!

Volunteers are active in the heart of every community in Pembrokeshire. They are behind many of the services we all rely on. Volunteers give their time, energies, and skills to many aspects of life in Pembrokeshire, in sports, the arts, education, health, faith-based organisations, the environment, public sectors, in the Welsh language and to a range of communities. Across Wales our villages, towns, cities, rural landscapes, the surrounding coasts and environment are improved and enhanced by volunteers.

So, if you are a volunteer, we want to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank You!

For those new to the idea of volunteering it can be a great way to try something new or pursue something you are passionate about. Share your skills or learn new ones – the choice is yours.

Depending on what you would like to get out of your volunteering you can try something flexible which fits around your other commitments, or it may be something you choose to do on a more regular basis.

You can give as much, or little time, as you have and there are lots of flexible roles available across the county, or even something you can do from home.

You might be surprised at the variety of things on offer. You could help someone in your community with errands after their stay in hospital, provide a warm welcome at a heritage centre, café or museum, help at art sessions or with gardening, support someone to get the best out of local activities or being outdoors, get involved with upcycling recycling and repairs, fundraise for a charity by helping in a shop or attending events or festivals, and so much more.

If you are inspired to find out more about volunteering, or would like know what volunteering opportunities are available in your area, you can contact the Volunteer Centre at PAVS (01437 769422 / volunteering@pavs.org.uk) or visit the Volunteering Wales Website (https://pembrokeshire.volunteering-wales.net/).

#YearOfTheVolunteer #VolunteersWeek