Local volunteers’ efforts will be recognised as part of an annual celebration, the county council has confirmed.

Announcing Volunteers Week, Monmouthshire County Council will commend the 2,000 local volunteers who give their time and talent freely, by publishing videos documenting volunteer efforts.

Those thousands of volunteers support the county council by making a ‘positive impact’ on on their communities.  Up to fifty support youth workers and assist in the county’s provisions for young people. 

Willing groups also regularly survey and maintain rights of way to assist Monmouthshire’s Countryside Service, while events organised by the council owe much to the involvement of those acting as marshals or providing refreshments and first aid. 

In outlying areas, the council’s Grass Routes scheme offers a bus service to residents who have difficulty accessing public transport and this relies heavily on volunteers to drive vehicles. 

Volunteers benefit from their participation as it increases their confidence, helps them gain new skills and experience, friends and gives them an increased sense of purpose. Monmouthshire County Council offers support and guidance to ensure that the volunteering opportunity is a valuable, enjoyable experience, a council spokesperson said.

Owen Wilce, the council’s volunteering lead co-ordinator said, “Volunteers Week is an opportunity to raise the profile of volunteering within Monmouthshire and to recognise and look for ways of making the experience even better.”

 Monmouthshire’s Chief Executive Paul Matthews, added, “The importance of voluntary contribution to the community cannot be underestimated.  We are very grateful for their dedication as well as the skills and valuable experience they offer.  We’re acknowledging the contribution of volunteers with a number of posts on our social media channels.” 

For more information, please visit [email protected] or phone 01633 644420.