Pembrokeshire charity Paul Sartori Hospice at Home have been celebrating the difference that volunteers make during Volunteers’ Week (June 1 to 7) following the theme of ‘A Time to Say Thanks’.

The local charity has been taking the opportunity to recognise the commitment and dedication that volunteers contribute to the organisation.

Local people are encouraged to look out for displays in all of the Sartori Stores throughout the county which will be themed around ‘Time’ to celebrate the wonderful devotion by many volunteers.

Volunteers, staff and supporters have been encouraged to mark the occasion.

“We are very grateful for the commitment of every one of our volunteers at Paul Sartori,” said Eleanor Evans, Paul Sartori We Care Project Officer.

“The last year or so has been extremely difficult for everyone. We’ve all had to cope with significant changes in our lives and have all had to adapt.

“What has stayed the same is the enormous support and commitment of volunteers at Paul Sartori. Quite simply, we couldn’t do it without them.”

The organisation has one of the largest volunteering programmes in Pembrokeshire with a wide variety of roles available to anyone over 16.

The charity is supported by volunteers in many roles including - sorters, till operators, supervisors, warehouse drivers and assistants, administrative assistants, community fundraisers, complementary therapists – to name a few.

Volunteers are being recruited in a range of stores throughout the county including - Tenby, Pembroke Dock, Letterston, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Neyland and Fishguard.

“This is fundamental to the success of volunteering at Paul Sartori, in that we are able to offer a wide range of volunteering roles and locations for people,” continued Eleanor.

Due to the pandemic, volunteer numbers are critically low. Some Stores have reduced opening days and times. Paul Sartori is actively seeking volunteers to join the team, particularly in Letterston.

More information can be found on the charity’s website at: https://paulsartori.org/ or on the Volunteering Wales website: https://volunteering-wales.net/

Volunteering can offer people many benefits including learning new skills, gaining an increased level of confidence, improving health and wellbeing, is an opportunity to meet friends and can be a stepping stone to employment offering valuable experience and training.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home can contact Eleanor to have an informal discussion on 01437 763223 or email her at: [email protected]

Paul Sartori recently announced that they had been successful in securing funding for volunteering support from the Pembrokeshire County Council Enhancing Pembrokeshire Scheme.

This supports the new Project Officer’s role to develop many initiatives including community engagement in the county.

Volunteers’ Week, which is celebrated nationally, is an ideal opportunity for the charity to thank their volunteers and to celebrate the power of volunteering. It is an opportunity for them to showcase the range of volunteering opportunities on offer and to recruit new volunteers.

Through volunteering, people can make a big difference to causes they are passionate about.