5. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on how the Welsh Government is supporting the voluntary sector during the pandemic? OQ56220

In April last year, I announced £24 million to support the third sector in Wales through the pandemic. This recognised the vital role the sector plays and has played in the response to COVID-19. In December, I announced a further £2.5 million to ensure this support continues until the end of March.

I thank you very much for that commitment that is being shown by Government, but it is equally the commitment that voluntary sector organisations give to their communities, particularly in this time of great need. What I want to ask you today, Deputy Minister, is whether you would commit to thanking all of those individuals right across Wales, the charitable organisations that have given their time during the pandemic and have supported both individual people and families and communities from east to west and north to south?

I'd particularly like to thank Joyce Watson for giving me the opportunity to thank those who are volunteers, those third sector organisations that have risen to the challenge of the pandemic. I think everyone here in the Senedd, in all their constituencies, will have seen the results of that incredible volunteering response to the pandemic, in communities, neighbourhoods, and also new organisations are developing, as well as the existing ones, and making sure that they can reach out and support those who are coming forward. So, I'd like to give my thanks in that way, and just in terms of Pembrokeshire, in your community, to recognise the role of the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services. They, of course, receive a grant from us on a regular basis. They receive their core funding from us and, also, they've received extra funding to respond to the pandemic.

Can I also just say, Llywydd, that is has been so heartening to see that Pembrokeshire is a county of sanctuary? And the response that the volunteers have given, as a result of being a county of sanctuary, to those who are residing in the Penally camp, I have to say, is extraordinary. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those volunteers in Pembrokeshire and across Wales, but particularly focusing on those Pembrokeshire volunteers today, when we think of the contribution that they are making to make life bearable for the people residing in the Penally camp.

Thank you, Deputy Minister.