THE work of volunteers was celebrated as part of Volunteers’ Week at Newcastle Emlyn mental health charity HUTS.

Assembly Member Elin Jones visited the organisation at Teifi Terrace, in Adpar, and praised the work that organisations such as HUTS carry out.

She was also shown round the group’s base, which has only recently fully reopened following the devastating floods brought by Storm Callum back in October last year.

She said: “The work of volunteers is so important. It may not feature in health board strategies or county council strategies but comes from the good will that people have to help others.

“It is important to think about and recognise that contribution and it is particularly important in the rural context. We are gutsy people in this area and thanks to people like this, we ensure others get the support they need in particularly challenging and difficult times.

“And it is not just the people who use the service as the volunteers also gets so much out of helping others.”

One volunteer said: “The service provided here is so vital and there ought to be an equivalent HUTS in every area.

“As a volunteer, this place lifted me up and gave me that confidence again when I was at a low ebb. People leave here with a smile on their face.”

HUTS supports people from throughout Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire and befriending co-ordinator Kim Bacon added: “We could not provide our services without our volunteers and we would like to thank all those who take part.”

Are you interested in volunteering in the workshop or as a befriender, visiting people in their own home?

If you are over 18 and can give at least one hour a week or if you would like to know more about volunteering, contact HUTS on 01239 710377 or email kimb@hutsworkshop.org