A NEW report has urged the Welsh Government to work more closely with voluntary organisations to ensure communities are better prepared for future emergencies.

The call comes from the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, which examined how lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped Wales’ current emergency planning.

The report highlights the crucial role played by voluntary groups during the pandemic, particularly in supporting vulnerable people and responding quickly to rising community needs.

Clair Swales, Chief Executive of the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), welcomed the committee’s findings and its recommendation that government bodies strengthen collaboration with the voluntary sector and commissioning organisations.

The recommendation includes making greater use of long-term funding arrangements to support infrastructure investment and improve the sector’s ability to respond to sudden surges in demand during emergencies.

Giving evidence to the committee last November, Swales warned that continued financial pressures across the sector could weaken its ability to respond effectively in future crises.

She said: “If I was asked to bring the third sector together to respond to an emergency at this moment, I could. However, future involvement may become more challenging as the sector continues to face significant financial and capacity pressures.”

The committee’s report, published on Tuesday (Mar 11), explored how the Welsh Government and public bodies responded to the pandemic and what improvements have been made since.

It also considered findings from Module 1 of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, which examined resilience and preparedness across the UK.

Swales said the report recognises that the work carried out by voluntary organisations during the pandemic came at a significant cost to the sector.

She added: “Evidence from a number of voluntary organisations shows the sector is facing considerable funding and resource challenges.

“We will continue to work with commissioners and the Powys third sector to maximise opportunities, represent the sector’s voice in policy and investment discussions, and ensure rural communities are considered when funding and commissioning services.”

The report has been submitted to the Welsh Government and will be debated by Members of the Senedd during a plenary session on Wednesday (Mar 18).

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations is the County Voluntary Council for Powys and operates offices in Newtown and Llandrindod Wells.

COMMUNITY food organisations and food banks across Wales are to receive an additional £1 million in emergency funding from the Welsh Government to help support families struggling with the rising cost of living.

The funding increases the Welsh Government’s total investment in emergency food aid this year to £3.44 million.

Ministers say the money will help charities and community groups buy, store and distribute food, including surplus food that might otherwise go to waste. The aim is to boost their capacity to meet increasing demand while ensuring households facing financial hardship can still access nutritious food.

The announcement comes as economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East raises concerns that global market pressures could push up the cost of everyday essentials.

The Welsh Government says the funding forms part of wider support measures aimed at helping households cope with financial pressures. Between 2022 and 2026, ministers say more than £7 billion has been invested through a range of programmes designed to reduce household costs, maximise income and provide financial support.

Through the Claim What’s Yours campaign, which directs people to Advicelink Cymru for free and confidential advice, more than £10.5 million in unclaimed financial support has been secured for people across Wales since 2020. The service helps residents access benefits, pensions, council tax reductions and support with care costs.

The Welsh Government also provides more than £30 million each year to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, which offers free energy efficiency improvements to low-income households. Since 2022, a further £7.4 million has been allocated to the Fuel Bank Foundation to run a national fuel voucher and emergency heat fund in Wales, supporting more than 230,000 people with energy top-ups and fuel deliveries, particularly those living off the gas grid.

In addition, eligible households receiving both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Disabled Band Reduction are receiving a £100 winter payment through their local authority.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said the funding was intended to help people facing ongoing financial pressures.

She said: “The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the war in the Middle East may drive up prices, adding to the anxiety many people already feel about putting food on the table, paying their bills and heating their homes.

“Supporting people through these pressures is a priority for us and we are doing all we can to help those who need support. This additional £1 million will help community organisations and food banks reach more people as part of our wider work to tackle poverty.”

People seeking financial advice or support can contact Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 for free and confidential guidance.

A COMMUNITY football club has raised £1,000 for Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital following a successful charity guest speaker evening in Saundersfoot.

New Hedges Saundersfoot United Football Club organised the annual event on Saturday (Jun 28, 2025) at the Regency Hall, bringing supporters together for an evening of entertainment and football stories from former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.

The event was organised in memory of Gareth Allen, a much-loved former player who died in 2023.

Simon Brace and Stuart McLaren from the club said the fundraiser was a way of honouring Gareth while giving something back to the hospital ward that cared for him.

They said: “New Hedges Saundersfoot United Football Club is a local amateur junior and senior football club based in the Saundersfoot community.

“This year’s event was organised in memory of Gareth Allen, a much-loved former player who sadly passed away in 2023. We wanted to honour Gareth and show our appreciation for the care he received by donating the proceeds to Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital.”

The donation was welcomed by Hywel Dda Health Charities, which supports services across the health board.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you so much to Simon, Stuart and everyone at New Hedges Saundersfoot United Football Club for selecting Ward 10 as one of the beneficiaries of your charity night.

“Your generosity is a lovely tribute to Gareth, and the donation is truly appreciated by the team on Ward 10. We are extremely grateful for your support.”

She added that donations from local communities help the charity provide services and equipment beyond what core NHS funding can offer across the Hywel Dda region.

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.

Photo caption: Stuart and Simon present the £1,000 donation to staff on Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital (Pic supplied).