Volunteers looking after their neighbours
VOLUNTEERS in Merthyr Tydfil have stepped up to help out their neighbours in need during the coronavirus crisis.
From churches to youth groups, volunteers are ensuring the most vulnerable members of Merthyr Tydfil’s communities are able to get the support they need.
One of these groups is the Stephens and George Charitable Trust, based at Dowlais Community Centre.
Originally established by the Stephens and George Print Group as part of its centenary celebrations, the charity initially focused on children and young people and literacy.
Now it’s distributing free food parcels, and carrying out a home shopping service and prescription delivery.
The volunteers have also put many of their services for children – such as story time and art sessions – online.
Helen Hughes, from the charity, said: “The community of Merthyr Tydfil have come together as one – fighting against the effects and impact of Covid-19.
“People have lost jobs, families have no money for food, people are in isolation with no support and people need collected.
“There are people suffering domestic violence, families with children with disabilities and medical conditions.”
She said Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) have helped support the charity with volunteers, grant assistance and weekly online Zoom meetings.
“They are supporting the trust every step of the way. We couldn’t do this without them,” she added.
“We have turned the charity on its head.
“One minute we were organising Spread the Word Festival, The UK’s largest festival celebrating World Book Day, the next moment we are delivering food parcels.”
The probation service has also supported the charity and Mark Williams from the community payback team has even come in to support the charity on his days off to assist people in need across Merthyr Tydfil.
The charity now has 42 volunteers supporting its Covid-19 programme.
One of these is Jonathon Bowen who travels to the Dowlais Community Centre every day from Pontypridd.
On the bank holiday he drove from Ponty just to support one older lady who needed milk and bread. prescriptions
Karen Locke has been furloughed from her work and volunteers every day supporting people in the community. She volunteers up to 10 hours a day until every new referral has their needs met.
Hayley Morris is one of the charity’s home shoppers.
She volunteered from the onset of Covid-19 and has a team of clients she supports, treating each client as if they were her own family ringing them daily and checking they are in good spirits and putting a smile on their faces through lockdown and self isolation.
One 89-year-old whom she helps said: “Hayley is an angel I am surprised she arrives in her car; I thought she could fly as angels have wings.”
Ms Hughes said: “Never before have communities been hit by a pandemic. Today more than ever your community needs your help.
“We are pulling together supporting people every step of the way through this and will continue to do so right until the end of lockdown and to the time when our lives resort to normality.”
Ian Davy, VAMT’s chief officer, said: “We know that Merthyr Tydfil is a special place, with special people.
“The response to the Covid-19 outbreak shows how keen people are to help others.
“As well as the opportunities on Volunteering Wales we know that hundreds of people are volunteering in their local villages, communities and streets, doing shopping and delivering vital services.
“Almost anyone can volunteer, given the range of opportunities which are available, from telephone befriending and providing virtual support, to becoming a charity trustee.”
■ To find out more about the service call 01685 377688, and to find out more about volunteering in Wales visit volunteeringwales.net/vk/volunteers/indexcovid.htm