IT is often said that volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Having spent many years as a Member of the Senedd, I could not agree more.

Time and again, I have been inspired by the dedication, compassion and commitment of volunteers across our communities.

That is why I was delighted recently to meet with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) to discuss its work in Monmouthshire. As it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, GAVO continues to play a vital role in supporting volunteering and community development across our area.

However, one aspect of our discussion did concern me.

Too many young people, GAVO told me, have a very narrow understanding of what volunteering actually involves. In a recent classroom poll involving around 40 pupils, 38 associated volunteering primarily with working in a charity shop.

Let me be clear: charity shops depend on dedicated volunteers who provide an invaluable service. But volunteering is not only that.

Volunteers can help organise community events, help others, raise funds, provide advice and information, contribute to environmental projects or help conserve wildlife. – to name a few.

As someone who worked in the voluntary sector before entering politics, I know first-hand how transformative volunteering can be. It not only benefits the organisations and communities involved but also provides opportunities for personal growth and development.

Research shows volunteering can improve wellbeing, help people build connections, develop new skills and boost confidence. For young people, it can provide valuable experience, open doors to future careers and help them discover talents and interests they may never have realised they possessed.

That is why I welcome GAVO's work to broaden understanding of volunteering among young people through pilot sessions in local schools. It is an initiative that deserves support. Indeed, I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Education to highlight GAVO's concerns and back its efforts to ensure young people gain a fuller picture of the opportunities available.

Volunteering remains a way for individuals – young or old – to contributes to individual and community well-being. If you are looking for a new challenge, a chance to meet new people or an opportunity to support your community, I would encourage you to consider getting involved.

In my experience, those who volunteer almost always find they get back far more than they put in. That is what makes volunteering truly priceless.