Volunteers at the heart of Carmarthenshire celebrated during Volunteers’ Week

Carmarthenshire County Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by recognising the vital contribution volunteers make to communities across the county.

This includes community transport volunteers, including Country Cars drivers and those supporting other local schemes, who play a crucial role in supporting residents across Carmarthenshire.

They help reduce loneliness, enable independence and provide access to healthcare by transporting people to GP, physiotherapy and wellbeing appointments.

To find out more or apply to become a Country Cars volunteer, visit: Volunteering for Country Cars - Carmarthenshire County Council

Roy Davies, recently named Volunteer of the Year at the West Wales Regional Partnership Awards, is one example of a volunteer supporting this wider community transport network. Roy helps people access transport and essential services, supporting independence and wellbeing.

Volunteers are also helping to maintain and improve Carmarthenshire’s public rights of way through the Pathways Partnership project, delivered with Ramblers Cymru.

Opportunities include ‘Adopt a Path’, where volunteers help monitor routes and carry out light maintenance, as well as ‘Ranger Days’ supporting more practical improvements alongside the Council’s Maintenance Team. ‘Snip and Stroll’ sessions also offer a social way to get involved, combining group walks with activities such as vegetation clearance.

These efforts help keep paths open and accessible, supporting active lifestyles and connecting communities with the county’s natural environment.

To get involved with the Pathways Partnership project, email: amy.goodwin@ramblers.org.uk

Environmental volunteers continue to make a significant impact through Pride in Your Patch. Activities include litter picking, fly-tipping removal, and general maintenance, as well as creating more wildlife-friendly spaces. The scheme is flexible, allowing people to give as much or as little time as they wish.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, 3.846 volunteers took part in:

·       1,499 clean-up events

·       1,393 bags of recyclable litter collected

·       4,433 bags of residual waste removed

These efforts are improving the local environment and helping inform targeted campaigns across the county.

To join Pride in Your Patch or find out more, email: prideinyourpatch@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Volunteering also plays a key role in supporting culture and community life across Carmarthenshire. At Theatrau Sir Gâr, a growing team of nearly 30 volunteers support activity across all three venues, playing a vital role in helping theatres remain welcoming and accessible to all.

Their dedication and enthusiasm contribute to the development of the theatres and help ensure every visitor feels welcome and valued.

To volunteer at Theatre Sir Gâr, please contact Jo Shackley, Theatre’s Creative Development Officer JShackley@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Volunteers play an important role in supporting sport and physical activity through the Council’s Actif service.

Through the Actif Volunteer Platform, volunteering opportunities are shared with people of all ages, helping connect communities with opportunities to get involved, develop skills and support local activities and events.

Young Ambassador and Leadership programmes continue to make a strong impact, with 85 primary schools involved. Over the past year, 369 pupils received leadership training and 292 took part in mentoring days, helping build confidence and inspire future volunteers.

To explore Actif volunteering opportunities, visit: Search Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are also supporting community wellbeing through Cofio reminiscence sessions.

Working alongside CofGâr’s Museum and Arts Service and Carmarthenshire Libraries, volunteers support sessions in care homes and schools, helping bring people together through shared memories and conversation.

Using local photographs and everyday objects, the sessions encourage storytelling, spark discussion and help participants reconnect with important moments from their past.

These sessions provide opportunities to socialise, build confidence and feel heard, while creating meaningful connections across generations.

To find out more about Cofio or to volunteer, email: info@cofgar.wales

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Linda Evans, said:

Volunteers are at the heart of our communities here in Carmarthenshire.

Whether it’s providing transport, improving local environments, supporting cultural experiences or encouraging activity through Actif programmes, their contribution is invaluable.

I would like to thank all volunteers for their commitment and encourage anyone considering volunteering to get involved.”