1/6/20

Volunteers across Cardiff are being celebrated this week, including the 1,200 strong Together for Cardiff force who have stepped into the breach during the city's time of need.

During  the annual Volunteers Week celebration (June 1-7), the Council is taking the opportunity to thank everyone who volunteers, especially those who have supported the city's efforts to look after those in need during the lockdown period.

The Together for Cardiff scheme was set up by the Council at the onset of the COVID-19 emergency and residents across the city responded in their droves to help others throughout this difficult time.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "This year, Volunteers' Week falls at a time of crisis, when the global pandemic has dramatically affected the lives of individuals and communities, when neighbours, community members and local volunteers have become more important than ever to supporting those in need.

"So more than ever before, it is important to recognise the contribution that volunteers make, both during this crisis and every day in our city. Thank you. You have done an amazing job and make us proud."

More than 1,200 are now registered with the Together for Cardiff scheme that has acted asabrokering service, matching people who want to help with volunteering opportunities across the city, including  support for council teams to provide essential services for those in need.

Working with Council staff, volunteers have played an important role in preparing and delivering emergency food and essentials parcels for people experiencing difficulties getting supplies during the outbreak because they are self-isolating  or  because of the financial impact of the crisis.

More than 5,100 emergency parcels have now been supplied to people in need since late March.

Volunteers have an important role to play in supporting Council services every day, not just during this emergency period. An award-winning team of volunteers have assisted in hubs across the city over recent years, giving dedicated one-to-one support to customers who need some extra help.

Volunteers help to support staff in Job Clubs, Digital Inclusion sessions and with Money Advice. They assist clients to complete welfare benefit forms and help children at homework clubs.

Cllr Thorne added: "Our city is improved and enhanced every day by the efforts of people volunteering in many aspects of life, but over recent months the response to the coronavirus has been outstanding, whether  as part of our own volunteering schemes or through the Covid-19 Mutual Aid groups, local food delivery groups and local support networks. All the shopping for neighbours, delivering food parcels, collecting medicines from pharmacies, dog walking, welfare checks and wellbeing chats have taken volunteers' kindness, motivation and selflessness to another level.

"We are so grateful."

To find out about Together for Cardiff volunteering opportunities, as well as other schemes and organisations across Cardiff looking for help, visitwww.volunteercardiff.co.uk