Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s Country Cars volunteers

As part of Volunteers’ Week, Carmarthenshire County Council is highlighting the vital role of Country Cars, a community-based car sharing scheme delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service on behalf of the Council. Driven by dedicated local volunteers, the scheme provides essential transport for residents who would otherwise struggle to make local journeys to access crucial services and maintain independence.

Reg has been a volunteer for 15 years and finds great joy in the personal connections he forms on each journey.

I really enjoy the chats I have with passengers, everyone has a story to tell, from stories of milking cows to being the first female lecturer at Trinity College. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my small act of kindness can mean so much to someone else."

For Gwenda, a retired farmer and area organiser, volunteering has helped her stay socially active while making a difference locally.

Before becoming a volunteer, weeks would go by where I wouldn’t see anyone – now I have the chance to socialise and see people regularly,”

She added:

The most rewarding part of volunteering is meeting new people and seeing people I haven’t seen for years. I always get comments from my passengers saying, ‘I don’t know what I would do without you’, it’s very rewarding.”

Whether driving, coordinating rides, or supporting the team, volunteers make a meaningful difference to people in our community every day.

Shirley, who coordinates rides as an area organiser, said volunteering has been transformative for her, especially after the loss of her husband:

With family far away, helping others has given me a sense of purpose and connection.”

Read more about the inspiring stories from our volunteers here: https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/council-services/highways-travel-parking/country-cars/country-cars-case-studies/

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Edward Thomas said:

Volunteering with Country Cars is about providing a meaningful difference in people's lives. For many residents, this service is a vital connection to essential appointments, services, and social contact. Just a few hours of your time can provide someone with independence and peace of mind. If you’re looking to have a real, lasting impact in your community, I strongly encourage you to get involved.”

The Country Cars scheme relies on volunteers from across the county. If you have been inspired to become a volunteer, you can sign up here: Volunteer sign-up form

Find out more about the scheme here: https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/council-services/highways-travel-parking/country-cars/