Royal Voluntary Service, one of Britain’s oldest and largest volunteering charities, has launched a major new volunteering campaign calling for volunteers to step forward and offer their time and talents to help their local communities and hospitals in South Wales.

The recruitment drive – supported by Legal & General, is looking to recruit hundreds of volunteers in South Wales.

There are currently a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, from supporting an older person with companionship in their home, to becoming a volunteer driver taking clients to GP, hospital and dental appointments, out on shopping trips and to local social groups and activities, to volunteering in a hospital café, shop or on ward trolley service providing healthy snacks and refreshments to staff, patients and visitors.

Volunteers are also being encouraged to set up their own activities or groups such as lunch or dining clubs with full support and advice from the charity.

Rowena Thomas, has been volunteering for the charity since 1985 and currently works in the Llandough Hospital outpatient’s department shop.

She said: “I volunteer in the shop one morning a week and I really enjoy it; we serve visitors, patients and staff who often are on the go, so they appreciate the service we provide.

"Volunteering is so rewarding. You get to meet so many different people from all walks of life and you get such a boost knowing you’re supporting the NHS and the staff, patients and visitors you meet.”

Rebecca Kennelly, Director of Volunteering for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We want people of all ages and backgrounds to be able to integrate volunteering into their everyday life and benefit from the experience. Volunteering should be as accessible as possible so it’s not a huge undertaking but a pivotal part of people’s everyday life.

“There is something to suit everyone, whether it’s providing an older person with company at home, running a games group or putting culinary skills to use at a lunch club, our volunteers make a tangible difference to so many people, with millions of acts of kindness. The sense of purpose and joy that can be derived from volunteering and supporting others is incomparable and stays with our volunteers for life.”

In the past year alone the equivalent of 1.3m new volunteers stepped forward, with social issues such as community cuts, concern for older people and disconnection from communities being significant motivators.

For more information on volunteering in South Wales visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk