This year sees the 40th anniversary of International Volunteers Day, December 5, and Carmarthenshire has more to celebrate than most.

The benefits of volunteering are numerous; making friends, learning new skills, sharing knowledge, and enjoying the many physical, mental, and emotional rewards it can bring. Volunteering can also improve skills for employment, often leading to successful career development.

With the support of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund many new and unusual opportunities will be created in the County.

Why not give one a go?

  • Passionate about our planet? Carmarthen Together are a new climate and environment centre looking for volunteers to help support their café sessions, workshops, events and film screenings. To find out more: https://carmarthen-together.vercel.app/en
  • Regular hero? Join St John’s Ambulance Cymru on their mission to save lives and enhance the health and wellbeing of Welsh communities. To find out more: Volunteer with St John Ambulance Cymru
  • Engaging…The John Burns foundation have developed the Engage project, offering an opportunity to explore the range of new volunteering roles they have created. To find out more: johnburnsfoundation.org
  • Not sure where to start? Carmarthen Association of Voluntary Services, provide specialist guidance for anyone who is interested in volunteering but would like support to get going. They also support third sector organisations to manage and direct volunteers. Find out more: www.cavs.org.uk
  • Sporty? Actif Sports and Leisure have launched a new volunteer platform with lots of sporting opportunities. Go to: https://volunteer.actif.wales.
  • Want to go further afield? Volunteering Wales will give you access to volunteering opportunities across Wales. Go to: https://volunteering-wales.net

With the New Year fast approaching, it’s a great opportunity to start something new and become part of a bigger community. Our wide range of projects have various volunteering opportunities to have a go.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “This volunteer’s day, why not give something new a go? Thank you to the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for creating so many opportunities for Carmarthenshire residents, whether it be for recreational purposes, or to boost job applications for the future, I would encourage anyone to get involved.”

There are many other ways you can get involved in volunteering.

Become a Carmarthenshire Tourism Ambassador during Volunteer week, the scheme provides people with training on Carmarthenshire's tourism offer.

The online course is Free to sign up and is open to everyone. It is a great way to learn more about the unique characteristics of the county, learn more about our history and of the cultural stories that add meaning and significance to the county’s landscapes, improve dwell and linger time and increase secondary spend.

Rewards including certificates and badges are sent to everyone who completes the levels, and all successful ambassadors are invited to an official award ceremony.

In 2025 there will also be opportunities for Ambassadors to attend learning journeys across the county. Aimed at complementing the knowledge that the Tourism Ambassadors have already gained through the online learning. It’s also a chance for the Ambassadors to get together! Sign up now Carmarthenshire Tourism Ambassador

As part of Volunteers’ Day, Country Cars is highlighting the invaluable contributions of its dedicated volunteer drivers and area organisers, who help Carmarthenshire residents make essential local journeys. Volunteers provide a vital service by organising and offering lifts to those who might otherwise struggle to access transport, ensuring they can reach appointments, essential services, or social activities. Country Cars welcomes volunteers to join its community-focused initiative and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.

To learn more about volunteering, please contact the Royal Voluntary Service on 07585 997091 or sign up via www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk