The Voluntary Sector

Part of Questions to the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip – in the Senedd at 2:41 pm on 2 February 2021.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:41, 2 February 2021

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.