The Paul Sartori Foundation (PSF), Pembrokeshire’s only Hospice at Home Service, has just launched a new volunteer recognition scheme to show appreciation to its volunteers and the dedication that they show to the foundation.

The new scheme, launched in conjunction with PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services), is a great way for the foundation to show its appreciation for all the hard work, effort and time volunteers contribute throughout the varying roles available within the charity. Volunteers are the backbone of the organisation with PSF being blessed with over 340 volunteers carrying out roles varying from volunteer retail and to volunteer complementary therapist.

“We could not provide the vital Hospice at Home services within the community without their help,” added Sandra Dade, charity manager.

Volunteers can obtain certificates for 50, 100 and 200 hours of volunteering. There are two different schemes depending on age: millennium volunteers are aged 14-25 and 25+V is for those aged over 25 years. Any volunteer in Pembrokeshire can start counting hours and claiming certificates by registering with PAVS (01437 769422/[email protected]); or for Paul Sartori Volunteers by contacting Judith Williams at the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The recognition scheme is a great way to reward all existing and new volunteers. Judith Williams, head office volunteer administrator at PSF, is delighted to be introducing this scheme to the volunteer programme, stating: “This scheme is not necessarily everybody’s cup of tea, but could benefit those volunteers who are in between employment, looking to improve their CV, in education and could develop their skills. I would encourage anybody interested, to get in touch with PAVS whether volunteering for us or another organisation.

“The millennium volunteer scheme is nationally recognised, the 200 hour certificate is signed by the First Minister of Wales, whereas 25+V is a local scheme,” said Louise Wilkinson, volunteering development officer for PAVS, adding: “Signing up to either scheme shows a commitment to volunteering and can help with building experience and skills. We are very pleased to working with Paul Sartori as they promote the scheme across Pembrokeshire.”

Volunteers are crucial to PSF and a vital support network to the foundation and help in many ways from fundraising, assisting in the shops, trustees, van drivers and complementary therapists, to name, but a few volunteering roles. The foundation invests over £2,365 a day to deliver its services and is only able to achieve its critical work through the team of valued volunteers who last year, assisted in the Sartori Stores raising over £500,000; fundraisers who helped raise £18,000 by supporting locally organised events and collection box agents who raised over £20,000.

PSF are seeking volunteers in Fishguard, Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest, and Tenby. If you can spare a few hours a week at any location, please get in touch.

The services provided by the Paul Sartori Foundation are free of charge, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and enable people who are living in the later stages of any life limiting illness to die at home if that is their wish, with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear. Further information on the charity and volunteering, please visit www.paulsartori.org, or ’phone 01437 763223.