THE ROYAL Voluntary Service is calling on residents in Pembrokeshire to play their part as volunteer drivers.

The charity is urgently looking to recruit 10 volunteer drivers to drive people to medical appointments.

The call comes as new research by the charity paints a stark picture of the difficulties faced by non-drivers including increased isolation, missed medical appointments and declining mental health.

The research found nearly half (46%) of non-drivers¹ over 70 have missed healthcare appointments due to a lack of transportation, and of these, 96% have missed more than one². One in five (40%) respondents are also missing the independence driving provided and report feeling frustrated (35%), isolated (20%) and trapped (24%). One in four respondents (25%) say not driving has negatively impacted their happiness.

Volunteer Drivers make a big difference by offering both practical and emotional support. More than just getting someone from A to B, volunteers help combat isolation and support wellbeing by providing a friendly face and a chance to chat, something particularly valued by those who may struggle to get out as much as they would like.

Simon Rickard, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service said: “Our research highlights the serious impact not having access to transport can have on people’s lives, particularly the isolation and anxiety it can cause. Our Volunteer Drivers play a vital role in counteracting these effects, offering not just transport but a crucial connection to the community. We’re urging locals to join our volunteer team in Pembrokeshire. Just a few hours of your time could make a world of difference to the health, and happiness, of the person in your passenger seat.”

Volunteer Drivers use their own vehicles to provide transport for local people. Royal Voluntary Service will provide all necessary training and travel expenses are reimbursed. This role offers flexible hours, allowing volunteers to choose how much time they would like to contribute. By giving even just a couple of hours, a volunteer can make a big difference to someone’s wellbeing and happiness.

Volunteer driving is just one of the rewarding roles available with Royal Voluntary Service, people looking to find out more and play their part in supporting their community in Pembrokeshire can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering

This weekend, Haverfordwest, one of the two Welsh towns to retain the historic ‘civic’ office of Sheriff, proudly hosted the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales (NACTSEW) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference for 2024. The event, which marks a significant occasion in the town’s calendar, drew past and current Sheriffs from across the nation to celebrate and deliberate on the venerable role of Sheriff, a tradition steeped in history.

The current Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Jill Owens, who served as Mayor in the previous year, was at the forefront of the weekend’s activities. The town last welcomed the Association back in 2007, making this event a notable return and a festive reunion for many members.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the Cricket Club, where the Town Council, led by Mayor Cllr Martin Lewis, welcomed the Sheriffs and their consorts. The Mayor took the opportunity to express the town’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Association and encouraging membership among past and present Sheriffs.

The main proceedings of the AGM took place at County Hall, followed by cultural tours to the iconic St David’s Cathedral and Pembroke Castle, enriching the visitors’ experience of Welsh heritage. Concurrently, consorts enjoyed exploring local shops and sites, adding a communal and economic boost to Haverfordwest.

A highlight of the gathering was the Gala Evening held at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, providing a grand setting for the Sheriffs and their guests to dine formally and socialize.

The ceremonial highlight of the weekend was the Sunday Shrieval Service at St Mary’s Church. The Sheriffs, dressed in their ceremonial robes, processed from the Town Council’s offices on Quay Street up to the High Street, a spectacle that invited public participation and celebration. The service was followed by a gathering where attendees enjoyed traditional Welsh Cakes, capturing the spirit of community and heritage.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of NACTSEW, a testament to the enduring relevance and appeal of the Sheriff’s role in the civic life of English and Welsh communities. The idea for the Association was conceived by the former Sheriff of Gloucester, Andrew Gravells, MBE, who now serves as the Honorary Life President.

As the event concluded, Haverfordwest Town Council extended its gratitude to all who contributed to the successful hosting of the AGM and Conference. The baton passes to Lichfield for 2025, with Haverfordwest setting a high precedent in celebrating the historic and continuing significance of the Sheriff’s office.

IN CARMARTHEN, the West Wales Motorcycle Club is changing lives by blending a love for motorcycles with community and mental health support. Founded in 2017, this not-for-profit organisation offers a unique approach to well-being through hands-on mechanical work and social interaction.

The club’s bi-weekly workshops, held every second Saturday between 9 am and 3 pm, provide members with access to a well-equipped space for repairing and restoring motorcycles. These project bikes, some seemingly beyond redemption, are revived thanks to the combined expertise of the members. The process is not just about mechanics; it fosters a sense of accomplishment, builds confidence, and diminishes feelings of isolation among participants.

Inclusivity is at the heart of the club’s ethos. Membership does not require motorcycle ownership, allowing anyone interested to join the community. Whether they wish to learn about motorcycle maintenance or simply enjoy a cup of tea with fellow enthusiasts, members find a welcoming and supportive environment. The club also boasts members with mental health support backgrounds, including trained mental health first aiders, ensuring that those struggling can access a listening ear and be signposted to specialist organisations if needed.

Originally supported by a significant National Lottery Grant, the club has since sustained itself through smaller grants and recently secured funding from the National Lottery’s All Wales Grant Scheme. This funding guarantees at least another year of operations, providing the necessary time to see.

The club’s workshops not only serve as a hub for mechanical learning but also as a means to promote positive mental health. The collaborative efforts on motorcycle restoration projects provide a therapeutic outlet for members, allowing them to connect with others who share their passion. Through these social and mechanical interactions, the club offers an innovative approach to community well-being.

Graham Sines, the club’s Secretary, highlights the project’s uniqueness and invites interested individuals to visit during a workshop session to see the initiative in action. The club’s focus on inclusivity, social interaction, and mental well-being makes it a standout organisation in the West Wales community.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.westwalesmotorcycle.club or contact them via email at [email protected].