As Wales has moved into the “firebreak” lockdown, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, called on communities to come together in a safe way to support those who are most vulnerable among us, saying: “Through the strict UK-wide lockdown earlier this year, volunteers, third sector organisations and community groups came together with spirit and conviction to support local communities. We could not have continued to function so well without your help, support and hard work. “You have already…

  Stroke survivors in Cardiff are being encouraged to use their experience to support others who’ve recently had a stroke. Following the celebration of Volunteers Week the Stroke Association is looking for more people like Haydn Canter from Barry, who had a stroke at 59, but has used his experience to make a positive difference. Haydn, who’s now 64, was left paralysed down one side, constantly tired and struggling to regain his independence following his stroke. He found spending time…

A selfless Cardiff woman who continued supporting brain injury survivors after her own breast cancer and arthritis diagnoses has been shortlisted for a national award. Sally Palmer, 63, has been volunteering at Headway Cardiff and South East Wales for more than 20 years and has helped to raise over £150,000. Her incredible achievements have seen her named as one of three finalists for Headway – the brain injury association’s Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors. “I…

Penarth and District Scouts are about to have a change of leader. The current District Commissioner, Julian Jordan, has taken on a new role as Area Commissioner of Cardiff and Vale. Julian has been District Commissioner in Penarth and District for 8 years. In that time he has led the Penarth District though a massive growth period with the membership of adults and young people doubling to over 700 members today. Julian said, “I’ve enjoyed every minute of being District…

Do you have spare time on your hands and a desire to help others? Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is currently looking for volunteers to support their expanding Meet and Greet Service at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales. Support is needed at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales’s main reception and on Gwdihw Ward where meet and greet volunteers provide a warm, welcoming service to our youngest patients, visitors and Health Board staff.  Volunteers help by:…

Marie Curie is appealing for local volunteers to help manage the charity’s collection boxes in and around South Wales. The local Marie Curie fundraising team are seeking Collection Box Co-ordinators to help look after boxes that are on display in shops, newsagents, chemists, pubs and doctors’ surgeries and also place collection boxes in new locations. Sara Bass, Marie Curie Fundraising Manager for Wales says “As a volunteer Collection Box Co-ordinator you’ll help to raise vital money and awareness for Marie…

  Tackling society’s trickiest problems can require some serious innovation. NewLink Wales is a charity that supports people affected by wellbeing issues such as psychological trauma, anxiety, mental health problems, substance misuse and wider social issues – and their team have enlisted some unusual allies. The eight beehives at NewLink Wales’ head office are the perfect community setting for people to put skills they’ve learned in treatment and support into practice.  It’s part of the charity’s Buzzin project, which takes…

Do you have some spare time and want to do something enjoyable, rewarding and inspiring? The Positive Steps project needs volunteers across South Wales to support older people over the age of 50 to regain and maintain their independence. British Red Cross and Royal Voluntary Service charities are working together to enable individuals to take charge of their situation and, with support, become more independent and live more fulfilled lives. Whatever your age, you’ll find volunteering will change your life…

The British Red Cross in South East Wales is looking for compassionate, friendly people to join its volunteering team for services across the region. Anyone interested in volunteering can attend an information event to learn about the services provided by the Red Cross and chat to staff and existing volunteers about the roles available. These events are taking place at the Newport Centre on Tuesday 10May and Cardiff and Vale College on Thursday 12 May. Both events run from 1.30…

Gabby Logan and Together Mutual Insurance search for our ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Community Hero of the Year’ celebrating local volunteers across Britain with national prizes of £25,000 per category.   TV favourite Gabby Logan has launched ‘Britain Has Spirit’, a new campaign searching for the best individual and group volunteers from Wales, Scotland and England. Gabby is calling on the Welsh public to nominate their local shining stars, who selflessly give up time volunteering for nothing in…