A project has been launched to recruit volunteers and create more volunteering opportunities in rural Carmarthenshire.
The Rural Volunteering Programme, which is being led by the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) aims to tackle a range of issues around volunteering in rural areas, including broadening the scope of opportunities, providing training for volunteers and promoting the health and wellbeing, social and community values of volunteering.
The project will also reach out to more rural communities through its mobile volunteering unit.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for communities and rural affairs, Cllr Cefin Campbell, said: “The benefits of volunteering are numerous. It can broaden horizons and skill sets for those volunteering and improving employability. Volunteers can also be a great asset to organisations and companies who recruit them.
“This is a fantastic project to help our rural areas and we are delighted to be supporting it.”
The Rural Volunteering mobile unit will be exploring the Tywi area throughout February, visiting as many areas as possible. Other areas to be visited throughout the year include Whitland and St Clears, Llanybydder, Newcastle Emlyn, Llandeilo and Llandovery, the Gwendraeth and Glanamman. A timetable for the project’s visits is available at www.cavs.org.uk.
The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP), which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Rural volunteering officer Jamie Horton said: “We aim to reach as many rural communities as possible, no matter how remote, with the goal of encouraging volunteering and promoting volunteering opportunities across the area.
“We are open to suggestions as to where we can visit - if individuals or groups would like us to visit their community, just let us know.”
People can get in touch by email at admin@cavs.org.uk or by phone - 01267 245555.
People are also being asked to complete an online questionnaire to help build a better picture of volunteering in the county. Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ruralvolunteering
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