As part of Volunteers’ Week 2026 - PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) held the ‘Big Do’.

The idea was simple, come along for a few hours to do something, and stay for a celebratory lunch (a bit of a ‘do’).

Held at The Centre, in Simpson Cross, over 45 people attended, to have a go at some fantastic indoor – and outdoor – volunteering activities. Everyone was amazed at what was achieved in just 2 hours. In the Community Garden the group planted 150 wildflowers (plug plants from Keep Wales Tidy), weatherproofed the garden fence with paint, weeded the vegetable and flower patch, cleared out the shed and had a general tidy up. Inside 15 letters were written to be sent on to individuals feeling lonely or isolated in our community, kindness badges were made (to wear or give away), arts and crafts created and help provided with exhibition boards for a local history project.

And a huge curry lunch was cooked by The VC Gallery volunteers for everyone who attended.

Louise Wilkinson, Senior Volunteering Development Officer at PAVS said: “It was a lovely day and we had such a good reaction from those who came along it would be great to do it again. People told us how it made them feel, from finding the letter writing therapeutic to saying the whole event was ‘uplifting’, it just proves the feel-good factor you can get from volunteering.

“Everyone really got stuck into the activities and so much got done, as well as all the chatting and networking that was going on. The weather was also kind to us which was a bonus and the lunch was delicious.”

The event was supported by a number of organisations who provided the activities including: 2 Wish Cymru, Cwtch Postbox, Pembrokeshire FRAME, St Madoc of Ferns Community Group, The Centre, Simpson Cross and The VC Gallery.

If you are interested in volunteering, or just finding out a bit more, contact the Volunteer Centre based at PAVS (01437 769422 / [email protected]) or visit https://www.pavs.org.uk/help-for-people/volunteering/.