'Volunteering is always valued, but particularly so now'

IT GIVES me great pleasure to highlight the wonderful roles undertaken by two groups – volunteers and carers.

Volunteers are people from all walks of life who give their time and talents freely.

We recently celebrated Volunteers’ Week in Monmouthshire - an occasion when the UK thanks volunteers for their contribution to society – by calling on people to support their communities and make a difference by volunteering.

Volunteering is always valued but particularly so now.

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Volunteers have been vital in helping Monmouthshire’s most vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 pandemic and more than 60 self-organised groups featuring hundreds of willing helpers have emerged in response to current challenges.

They have supported people by collecting shopping and medication, telephone befriending, dog walking, letter posting or delivering recycling bags.

These groups have been quick to act, offering neighbourhood solutions to a national crisis to ensure nobody lacks food, medicine, friendship or support.

It’s community action at its best.

Every day, thousands of volunteers support the county council to give their time, expertise, experience and commitment to make a positive impact on the quality of life locally.

The importance of voluntary contribution to society cannot be underestimated and we are very grateful for this dedication as well as their skills and valuable knowledge.

Volunteers add real value to our public services.

- This week Monmouthshire joins other local authorities to recognise the vital role of carers.

Carers Week (8-14 June), an annual awareness campaign, highlights the challenges carers face and acknowledges their contribution to families and communities throughout the UK.

Carers provide hours of unpaid care so relatives, friends or neighbours can live at home for as long as possible.

Many have given up paid employment to support people with a wide variety of illnesses and disabilities.

While the Covid-19 pandemic persists we’re phoning Monmouthshire’s carers to touch base and they have appreciated the opportunity to chat.

We will also post them an information pack during Carers’ Week with an invitation to join us for a virtual coffee and discussion.

Meanwhile, some carers have shared their recent experiences via video and these will feature on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

And retail chain Waitrose has kindly donated chocolates boxes which we will gladly pass on.

This week national attention will focus on carers who unsparingly look after others and the council will salute their magnificent efforts, but we will also recognise the contribution they make throughout the year.

We will continue to work closely to offer our full support.