Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of volunteers from across Pembrokeshire have been giving their time to support people who have been shielding and self-isolating.

With shielding being paused on August 16, the Community Hub would like to say thank you and share their appreciation for all of the kindness, commitment and generosity that volunteers, communities and groups have shown during a difficult and distressing time.

While many people who have been volunteering are now returning to work and a ‘new normal’ life, there are still plenty who continue to support people in towns and villages across the county making sure no-one goes without.

During Covid-19 volunteers have been helping with essential support such as shopping, delivering medicine, staying in touch with people who may otherwise be lonely and a whole range of other tasks.

For many people who had previously been shielding and self-isolating, the thought of re-entering the world is still very daunting.

So the role of volunteers continues to be incredibly valuable, both in terms of continuing with the type of support delivered during lockdown, but also supporting people to build confidence to safely leave their homes, get used to the new social distancing requirements and start accessing their communities once again.

During the pandemic, the Community Hub has been putting people who require support in touch with local volunteer-led groups, community groups and local organisations that offer support that is delivered by volunteers.

The Hub team and its partners have been inspired by the kindness and generosity of local people and acknowledge that their contributions have played an important and fundamental role in Pembrokeshire’s response to the pandemic.

Some examples of volunteers’ amazing work can be seen through the Community Champions campaign and the Connect to Kindness initiative and artwork developed by local artist, Gemma Green-Hope.

This provides a powerful representation of acts of kindness and community action in Pembrokeshire during Covid-19.

Rachel Evans, Senior Project Development Co-ordinator from Volunteering Matters said: “I think the current health crisis has brought people together in a way that hasn’t been seen for many years - people have unified against a threat to their way of life.

“In Pembrokeshire it has brought out the very best in people.

“Volunteering Matters in Pembrokeshire has met and recruited kind and motivated people who have been determined to make volunteering part of their already full lives, in order to meet the challenges experienced by friends, neighbours.....and vulnerable people they have never met.

“As a county, we have all pulled together and our sense of togetherness has strengthened. I feel we will all look back on this time with pride in our community.”

As well as the incredible community response to the crisis, the many volunteers who regularly give their time and energy to make Pembrokeshire a better place should not be overlooked.

So much just wouldn’t happen without these volunteers. Some give a few hours when they can; some dedicate a lifetime. 

Paying tribute to their work, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Social Services, Tessa Hodgson, said: “It has been really heartening to see so many people come forward with offers of help and to willingly volunteer to support others in their communities.

“I hope that in the months and years ahead that spirit continues and flourishes and we build on the amazing work and goodwill that this crisis has generated.”

If you know a volunteer, or group of volunteers, who deserve a huge ‘thank you’ for their efforts, you can nominate them for a 2020 Volunteering Award.

There are nine different categories this year, to recognise and celebrate the difference volunteers make to communities in Pembrokeshire.

There are two new categories this year specifically for ‘Community Support’ Volunteers.

For more information (or for a nomination form) contact [email protected] / 01437 769422 or you can complete your nomination online here https://tinyurl.com/volaward20

The deadline has been extended to September 18.

The Community Hub is a partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Delta Wellbeing and Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The Hub will remain open over coming months and can be contacted on 01437 776301 or [email protected]