PRIME Cymru celebrates 500th volunteer

A project that is boosting the voluntary sector in Wales has celebrated recruiting its 500th volunteer. Since the charity Prime Cymru set up its ‘Experience Counts’ scheme last April the project has spread the word about volunteering to over 2,000 people and helped more than 500 of them find placements in the voluntary sector.

Prime Cymru supports Welsh people aged 50 and over through projects to help them set up businesses or find other employment. The ‘Experience Counts’ scheme uses volunteering as a stepping stone to work by increasing skills.

The celebration at Porthcawl's Seabank Hotel marked the work of Prime Cymru's 500th volunteering recruit, Vikki Efford from Pontycymer near Bridgend. Mrs Efford has been volunteering for 43 years and works full-time and unsalaried for various charitable projects including Prime Cymru's Volunteer Mentoring Scheme which has supported 5,000 people, helped launch over 1,200 business and aided the creation of over 1,800 jobs.

Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas presented Vikki with a commemorative trophy and flowers. Ms Thomas, Assembly Member for Neath, told the audience that Wales has a higher proportion of older people when compared to the UK and that addressing the implications of an ageing Wales was not a quick fix.

She added, "It is vital to help older people back into economic activity. To use volunteering as a stepping stone is a rewarding route not only for the volunteer but also for the community."

58-year-old Vikki's work was also praised in the message from Prime Cymru's founder and patron The Princes of Wales who offered her his "warmest congratulations."

Mrs Efford said, "I've helped people but I enjoy helping them, it makes me feel useful. I wanted to put something back into my community and I hope I have."
 

Posted 18th November 2008