The Welsh Government have announced a celebration of the charitable sector in Wales in the form of a statement to mark Welsh Charities Week. According to the Welsh Government 27% of people in Wales volunteer formally with charities and organisations, bodies that form the backbone of community services and spaces across the country.
The Welsh Government will provide £10.9 million to support the third sector this year, an increase of £2.3 million compared to last year. The Government is also investing more than £3.57 million directly to support volunteering this year, an increase of £1.76 million compared to last year. The aim of this support is to help volunteer centres to connect people with opportunities to take part in order to help and meet community needs. The Welsh Government notes that support is also provided through the WCVA and the County Voluntary Councils.
One organisation that has benefited from this investment is GISDA in Gwynedd, which support young people between 16 and 25 who face homelessness or disadvantage. Gisda provides accommodation, training opportunities and mental health services, all bilingually, from hubs in Caernarfon, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Pwllheli, by helping young people find security and plan for a positive future.
In a statement published by the Welsh Government, Chief Executive of GISDA, Siân Tomos, said:
“Every young person we work has their own personal story, and it’s so powerful to see them grow in confidence and begin shaping a more positive future. Working closely with partners in the public sector ensures young people receive the support they need, and the backing of Welsh Government helps make this possible. It’s a privilege to come into work each day and be inspired by the determination and resilience of the young people we support, as well as the commitment of our volunteers.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said:
“Charities like GISDA show the life-changing difference the voluntary sector makes every day, with young people who once faced uncertainty now gaining skills, confidence and hope.
During Welsh Charities Week, I want to thank every volunteer and charity worker across Wales for their dedication, and I encourage everyone to continue supporting the charities and volunteering efforts that enrich our communities.
Our investment of nearly £11 million this year reflects our commitment to ensuring charities have the support they need to thrive. Together, we are building stronger, more connected communities across Wales.”
You can learn more about the support available to those organisations and individuals working in the charitable sector by following this link to the WCVA’s website.
