31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Young people encouraged to volunteer by SPAN Arts, Narberth
SPAN Arts, a Narberth-based charity, has become the first organisation in Pembrokeshire to join the Volunteens programme, which connects 11–18 year olds with volunteering roles in their communities.
The programme is run by charity Foothold Cymru and funded by the Welsh Government.
Emily Wells, Volunteens lead for Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys at Foothold Cymru, said: "Through our research and consultation with young people, we know they want to support their communities and are passionate about making a positive impact.
"But they often don't know where to find meaningful, youth-friendly volunteering opportunities.
"Volunteens bridges that gap by working with amazing organisations like SPAN Arts."
Following a successful pilot in Carmarthenshire, the youth-led platform has now expanded into Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys.
SPAN Arts has launched a series of one-off volunteering placements during the summer holidays, giving young people the chance to support the delivery of arts-based community events.
Ms Wells said: "SPAN Arts has a long history of delivering community-based arts projects that appeal to all ages, so it felt like a natural fit that they would want to include the voices of young people in the planning and delivery of their events.
"We're delighted to welcome SPAN Arts to Volunteens."
SPAN Arts is looking for volunteers to help deliver two events this summer: Collective Flight Syrcas at Colby Garden on Saturday, August 2, and Dydd Gŵyl yr Haf, a family celebration of Welsh culture in Narberth on Saturday, August 30.
The placements offer hands-on experience and the chance to gain new skills while contributing to the community.
Belinda Bean, volunteer and community officer at SPAN Arts, said: "We know that working with young volunteers brings fresh energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to Span Arts.
"That's why we've joined Volunteens — to create more opportunities for young people to get involved and make a difference in our local area."
The partnership marks a significant milestone for the Volunteens project and creates new opportunities for youth involvement in Pembrokeshire.
