ORGANISATIONS came together across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire during this year’s Volunteers’ Week to celebrate and say a heartfelt “thank you” to the incredible people who give their time to support others.

Senior leaders from the Health Board joined celebrations across the three counties to show their appreciation in person during Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7).

In Pembrokeshire, Dr Bruce Bolam, Deputy Director of Public Health, took part in a community event at Simpson’s Community Hall and Gardens. The event was organised and funded by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) and brought together partners including Community Connectors, Bluestone, South Hook, 2Wish and the VC Gallery, who provided a much-enjoyed lunch for attendees.

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, attended a vibrant multi-agency event at Parc Dewi Sant, organised and funded by Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) and supported by Lucy Cummings, New Business Development Officer.

The gathering brought together a wide range of organisations supporting local communities, including Dolen Teifi, Angor, People Speak Up and many more. Carmarthenshire County Council Chair, Councillor Giles Morgan, was also in attendance.

Professor Kloer said:

“Health Services make just a small contribution to our health and wellbeing – connection, belonging, education and opportunity make a significant contribution to our health and wellbeing.

“The Health Board is keen to recognise and celebrate the fact that everyone has a contribution to make. I want to thank organisations and our partners across the region who work together to grow this understanding and important work on behalf of the Health Board.”

Meanwhile, in Ceredigion, Megan Harris, Consultant in Public Health, joined an event in Llandysul to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

Across all three counties, the events were marked by warmth, gratitude and a shared recognition of the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing in local communities.