Salvation Army Encourages People to Get Involved as Volunteer’s Week Celebrates 42 Years

The Salvation Army is encouraging more people to get involved with their local community to help and support others as we celebrate Volunteers Week.

The 42nd anniversary of Volunteers Week runs from Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June recognising and celebrating the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities every day.
Volunteers across Wales play a vital role in The Salvation Army’s community services whether it is running activities and classes in community centres, preparing and serving food at lunch clubs and community cafés, helping at a charity shop, or serving meals to people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day.

Lyddia Kibaara, The Salvation Army’s Volunteering Manager said: “We’re incredibly privileged to have the support of so many dedicated, kind people who keep our community services running. Time is the only non-renewable resource we have, and our volunteers give it generously. Their time transforms the communities we serve.

“We have families who have volunteered with us through the generations, students who are looking for their first volunteering experiences, people who can cook for a crowd, help others with debt advice, or share their digital skills to make sure others aren’t left behind.”

Anne Evans, 74, retired and was looking for something worthwhile to do when she decided to volunteer at The Salvation Army shop in Newtown. She says it has opened her eyes to the problems people in her community face including poverty, loneliness, relationship break downs or employment issues. She says volunteering is one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“I enjoy talking to people who pop into the shop as everybody has a different story to tell. It makes you realize that you don’t know how many problems people can face. They are glad to have someone who listens to them and takes an interest in their lives. Also, with the rising cost-of-living, people appreciate that we sell items at affordable prices. That’s such an important thing for people right now. Life is becoming more expensive.”

The Salvation Army works with some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities, including people experiencing homelessness, older people, those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, as well as those looking to develop skills for work.

Gary Chapman, 43, is a volunteer at The Salvation Army charity shop in Llanelli. His marriage broke up as he and his wife suffered with alcoholism. After the marriage dissolved, Gary experienced homelessness for a number of years. Gary says working at the shop has changed his life and he hopes he has helped make a difference for other people too.

“We are more than just a shop. We are a meeting place. A focal point in the community. We offer support, love and care in so many ways, whether through a friendly chat, a listening ear over a cup of tea, or practical help in someone’s hour of need. There could be one person comes through a door that’s really struggling. Hopefully I can be there for that person. I enjoy interacting with people and helping them if I can. That’s what we are here for in The Salvation Army. We are here to help people. We are here to listen to their concerns.”

Volunteers’ Week provides an opportunity to thank volunteers for the time, passion and skills they give so generously and is also a chance for more people to get involved with their local community to help and support others.
If you are interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army, please visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer