Llantwit Major Garden Volunteering Project has held a ‘Thank You’ presentation evening to celebrate the volunteers who have given their time to make the initiative a success in its first year. The event took place at Crawshay Court in Llantwit Major, with Vale MP Alun Cairns in attendance for the presentation.
The community initiative has been run by Llantwit Major’s local policing team, led by PCSO Rhiannon Cummings, in partnership with Mark Ellis from Community Investment at Vale Homes.
Talking about how the Project works, PCSO Rhiannon Cummings said, “We have been working in partnership to assist vulnerable people in Llantwit Major, to prevent them being targeted by rogue traders who prey upon vulnerable members of the community. Eight residents have been assisted so far, with the aim of this number increasing as the project continues. Each volunteer receives a time credit voucher for every hour donated. These credits can be used all across the country for various days out and attractions as a thank you to the volunteers.”
PCSO Cummings added, “Without Mark’s support the scheme would not have gone ahead as they kindly sponsored the equipment and storage for the project and arranged for the volunteers to have training.”
Mark Ellis, Community Investment Officer for the VOGC said, “The Time Banking scheme in Llantwit Major has really taken off thanks to the new garden support project. 10 volunteers took part in 11 sessions assisting in supporting council tenants improve their gardens. The volunteers earned 96 time credits as a result of the scheme which involved almost 100 hours of volunteer support. I look forward to supporting this scheme in 2020 and getting more volunteers and tenants involved.”
Vale MP Alun Cairns commented, “It was fantastic to meet with volunteers who have been a part of the Llantwit Major Garden Volunteering Project and the residents who benefit. It was clear to see that residents are delighted with the service and really appreciative towards the volunteers. This is an excellent scheme, and I want to pay tribute to Rhiannon and Mark who have worked hard to make this a success!”
