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Wednesday, 02 June 2021
Vale of Glamorgan
Today marks the start of Volunteers’ Week and never have the efforts of such individuals been more vital than over the last 15 months. The Council has been working in partnership with Glamorgan Voluntary Service (GVS) to support those most in need since the start of the crisis.
And Cllr Moore has spelled out just how important those people that give up their time to help others have been. “I’d like to sincerely thank Glamorgan Voluntary Service and the raft of people volunteering across the Vale for their efforts. For over a year now, a large number of people have selflessly put others’ needs before their own. “They have helped people placed in difficult situations by the pandemic. For that they should feel extremely proud. “It has been incredible to see the level of community spirit on display throughout the County. Volunteers have long played an important part in our civic life and the Council has always recognised the importance of this. However, the pandemic has seen this activity taken to a new level. “The work of volunteers has made a real difference to people’s lives. It has also allowed the Council to focus efforts on some of our most vulnerable residents. This kind of partnership working means we can support many, many more people. “It is the simple but vital support provided by volunteers such as help with shopping, food and befriending that has been so crucial. “In such bleak times, It has been incredibly uplifting to see so many people come forward to help support vulnerable friends, family, neighbours, and in many cases those that they have never met but who simply need assistance. “Volunteers, alongside key workers from organisations such as the Council, really are heroes.”
GVS played a vital part in establishing the Council’s Vale Heroes directory last year by making available a list of third-party services. Vale Heroes is a searchable database that helps connect individuals in need of support with those offering it. People can register if they need assistance with grocery shopping or medicine collection, for example, as can individuals or groups able to help with such tasks. The Council have also worked closely with Cardiff & Vale Age Connects, directing people to the charity where appropriate, who then make connections with organisations that can help. A number of neighbourhood groups have sprung up across the Vale to help vulnerable members in their communities, while those already established have stepped up activities. GVS support these groups by offering advice on a range of matters, such as how to keep services safe, and also putting them in touch with local charitable organisations like Cardiff & Vale Age Connects, Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern, Penarth Helping Hands and others.
Paul Warren, Operations Manager for GVS, said: “Glamorgan Voluntary Services would like to thank the thousands of volunteers that have given their time to causes they care about and their response to the difficult situations that people have been faced with. Volunteers’ Week allows us all to thank all volunteers, so please get involved by engaging with our social media posts and let’s celebrate their help and support.”