Voluntary organisations that provide services to communities across Wales are to benefit from £7.2m of new funding from the Welsh Government.
The announcement is supported by local Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths.
During the next financial year, the money will enable the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, County Voluntary Councils and Volunteer Centres to support the non-profit third sector across the country.
Part of the funding is for the ongoing work of GwirVol, who promote youth volunteering in Wales and the Volunteering in Wales Fund that supports projects involving new volunteers who provide community services.
GwirVol’s Youth Volunteering Advisors are located across the country, including one based at AVOW in Wrexham town centre.
In light of the UK Government cuts and with public budgets being squeezed, the Welsh Labour Government is keen to stress the importance of third sector groups to increasingly work together and develop and strengthen their relationships.
Wrexham AM Ms Griffiths said:
“Recent challenging economic times have resulted in the work of volunteers becoming more important than ever, often making vital contributions and providing essential services to communities across Wales.”
“I am pleased the Welsh Government recognises the immense role voluntary groups play in Wales and, despite cuts to their overall budget, is able to announce £7.2m for the next financial year to continue to support their invaluable activities.”
