£7.2 million of funding for volunteer groups across Wales

Voluntary organisations that provide services to communities across Wales are to benefit from £7.2 million of new Welsh Government funding during the next financial year, Ministers announced today.

The money will enable the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, County Voluntary Councils and Volunteer Centres to support the non-profit third sector across the country.

Part of the funding is for the ongoing work of GwirVol, who promote youth volunteering in Wales and the Volunteering in Wales Fund that supports projects that involve new volunteers in providing community services.

The Welsh Government will provide more than £400,000 to continue to support the Criminal Records Unit of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action which helps third sector organisations safeguard children and adults through safer recruitment, assisting them to recruit, register and vet volunteers and staff.

The funding will also help community projects that contribute to the Welsh Government’s ambition to reduce poverty across Wales.

Ministers are working to make sure third sector groups increasingly work together to avoid duplication, especially in light of cuts to public spending.

Making the announcement, Communties & Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said:

“Make no mistake; volunteers and the third sector are central to communities across Wales, often providing essential services that people rely on. This has become ever more important through the recent tough economic times.

“The Welsh Government wants to continue to support the third sector so they can carry on their work. That is why despite cuts to our budget, I am delighted to announce £7.2 million for the next financial year to support this essential activity.

“I am proud of our strong relationship with the third sector; they are often the backbone of their communities. However, with public budgets being squeezed, we will need to develop our relationship to make sure every pound we spend delivers services to the frontline. This means making sure organisations increasingly work together, especially on a regional basis. We need to ensure groups are not duplicating the services they provide. This is about working together so no one falls through the net.”

Phil Jarrold, WVCA’s Deputy Chief Executive said:

“This support helps to ensure that thousands of third sector groups throughout Wales have access to advice, information and other services to help them in their work, as well as proving funding to individual groups that are delivering important services in their communities. 

“The demands on the third sector from people and communities affected by the current economic climate are greater than ever, and the Welsh Government’s continued support is vital.  We look forward to redoubling our efforts to ensure that these essential support services are taken forward in ways which are cost effective, efficient and innovative.”