Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion, has tabled an Early Day Motion at parliament commending hundreds of volunteers across Ceredigion for responding so positively to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of volunteers across Ceredigion have been supporting their local communities during the Covid-19 outbreak. Tens of community support networks have been set up by local residents in recent weeks, and volunteers have been supporting residents by delivering essential groceries, collecting prescriptions, walking dogs and making phone calls to the most vulnerable.
Local businesses and organisations have also been supporting efforts to tackle the virus, by producing PPE and hand sanitisers for front-line workers in Ceredigion. Thousands of face visors have been produced by staff at Ysgol Bro Pedr, Ysgol Penglais, Ysgol Bro Teifi, Ysgol Henry Richard and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi using the schools' laser cutting equipment. Staff at Aberystwyth University and the Wales Veterinary Science Centre have also been producing and donating PPE to staff at local healthcare facilities, and local gin distillery, In The Welsh Wind have been producing hand sanitiser to help communities across west Wales.
Ben Lake MP who tabled the motion said:
“It is true that in times of crisis we often see people at their best, and Ceredigion residents are no exception. I am in awe of the dedication of these volunteers who are working tirelessly to help people get through the difficulties and challenges of isolation.
"From the network of volunteering groups to local organisations and businesses producing PPE and hand sanitisers, each individual act of generosity will help our local communities get through this unprecedented period.
Jackie Sayce, local volunteer group co-ordinator for the community of Waunfawr said:
“As community groups develop organically across Ceredigion, volunteers with no previous experience of helping within their local communities have stepped up to the challenge. From offering help with shopping, collecting medication and phoning neighbours, everyone has played their part. The simplest tasks make a big difference. As a person who has organised support locally, I welcome the recognition from our local MP. When we look back at the Covid-19 crisis we will be able to hold our heads high and say 'together we have made a difference'.”
Hazel Lloyd Lubran, Chief Executive of CAVO (Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations) said:
"The CAVO Team have been overwhelmed by people's kind offers to help others and it's been an absolute privilege to support the vital work of local organisers and Third Sector groups across the county - it's reflective of the amazing sense of community we have in Ceredigion."
The Early Day Motion reads as follows:
That this House applauds the work of local groups, organisations, and individuals in facilitating and supporting volunteering efforts across Ceredigion; commends all those who are volunteering to help deliver food and medicines to the most vulnerable in our society, in addition to local businesses and groups who have helped produce PPE and hand sanitiser for public services; thanks those who have established these community groups and networks; and finally congratulates the efforts of individuals across the county who have responded to the Covid-19 crisis by working together to support the most vulnerable, demonstrating the true value of community spirit.
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/56859/local-volunteering-efforts-in-ceredigion