THE SALVATION Army is encouraging more people to get involved in their local communities as Volunteers’ Week marks its 42nd anniversary.

Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, recognising the contribution made by volunteers across the UK.

Across Wales, volunteers play a vital role in The Salvation Army’s community services. They help run activities and classes in community centres, prepare and serve food at lunch clubs and community cafés, support charity shops, and provide meals for people who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

Lyddia Kibaara, The Salvation Army’s Volunteering Manager said: “We’re incredibly privileged to have the support of so many dedicated, kind people who keep our community services running.

“Time is the only non-renewable resource we have, and our volunteers give it generously. Their time transforms the communities we serve.

“We have families who have volunteered with us through the generations, students who are looking for their first volunteering experiences, people who can cook for a crowd, help others with debt advice, or share their digital skills to make sure others aren’t left behind.”

A chance to help others

Anne Evans, 74, began volunteering at The Salvation Army shop in Newtown after retiring and looking for something worthwhile to do.

She said the experience had opened her eyes to the problems faced by people in her community, including poverty, loneliness, relationship breakdowns and employment issues.

Anne said: “I enjoy talking to people who pop into the shop as everybody has a different story to tell. It makes you realise that you don’t know how many problems people can face.

“They are glad to have someone who listens to them and takes an interest in their lives.

“Also, with the rising cost-of-living, people appreciate that we sell items at affordable prices. That’s such an important thing for people right now. Life is becoming more expensive.”

‘More than just a shop’

The Salvation Army supports some of the most disadvantaged people in communities across Wales, including those experiencing homelessness, older people, people affected by drug and alcohol addiction, and those looking to develop skills for work.

Gary Chapman, 43, volunteers at The Salvation Army charity shop in Llanelli.

After his marriage broke down, Gary experienced homelessness for a number of years. He said volunteering at the shop had changed his life and helped him support others.

Gary said: “We are more than just a shop. We are a meeting place. A focal point in the community.

“We offer support, love and care in so many ways, whether through a friendly chat, a listening ear over a cup of tea, or practical help in someone’s hour of need.

“There could be one person comes through the door who is really struggling. Hopefully I can be there for that person.

“I enjoy interacting with people and helping them if I can. That’s what we are here for in The Salvation Army. We are here to help people. We are here to listen to their concerns.”

How to volunteer

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to thank those who give their time, passion and skills so generously, while also encouraging others to get involved.

Anyone interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army can visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

TENBY INNER WHEEL CLUB has raised £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after holding a popular fish and chip supper fundraiser.

The club has supported the lifesaving charity for 12 years, raising £8,600 in total.

The latest event, held at the Boathouse in Saundersfoot, included both lunch and evening sittings, as well as a raffle.

The Inner Wheel Club of Tenby is a women’s organisation focused on friendship and service. It currently has 23 members who raise money for a range of good causes.

Karen Tulley, from the club, said: “Our members use our skills to promote and help good causes, while having plenty of fun at the same time.

“We are all aware that Wales Air Ambulance relies totally on donations and receives no government funding, which is why we are always keen to make this a really good event and raise as much money as we can.

“The air ambulance service is essential, particularly in rural areas.”

Following the fundraiser, Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, attended the club’s annual meeting, where he was presented with the £1,000 cheque.

He said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Inner Wheel Club of Tenby for raising a further £1,000 for our service.

“The members have fundraised for us for 12 years and in that time they have raised an incredible £8,600, which is amazing. We really do appreciate their ongoing support of our all-Wales charity.

“Fundraisers like these will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance continues to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which takes hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if needed, transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity must raise £13m every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pic: Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, at the cheque presentation.