THE High Sheriff of Powys has visited several charities and charity shops in Llandrindod Wells to thank the volunteers for all the time they give to support the charities and the people helped by them.

High Sheriff Reg Cawthorne was joined by Marcia Morgan, the mayor of Llandrindod Wells, during his visit.

They met David Davies, the branch director of Llandrindod-based Samaritans, as well as volunteers from the Cefnllys Community Shop, the Red Cross and Bracken Trust shops.

County Times: High Sheriff Reg Cawthorne and Llandrindod mayor Marcia Morgan, pictured with David Davies, the branch director for Samaritans. High Sheriff Reg Cawthorne and Llandrindod mayor Marcia Morgan, pictured with David Davies, the branch director for Samaritans. (Image: Reg Cawthorne)

“I would like to thank, on behalf of all the community, all volunteers for the hugely valuable contribution that they make to other people’s lives,” said the High Sheriff.

“Volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Without these extraordinary and dedicated people our lives in Powys would be drastically compromised.”

Latest figures show that 30 per cent of people in Wales undertake some form of volunteering. In Powys, that figure is 42 per cent, around 55,000 people, from all walks of life.

The benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for the volunteer.

County Times: High Sheriff Reg Cawthorne and Llandrindod mayor Marcia Morgan (2nd l), pictured with Hazel Drewett, Jude Sowerby, Bethan Davies and Emma Rawsthorne of the Bracken Trust. High Sheriff Reg Cawthorne and Llandrindod mayor Marcia Morgan (2nd l), pictured with Hazel Drewett, Jude Sowerby, Bethan Davies and Emma Rawsthorne of the Bracken Trust. (Image: Reg Cawthorne)

In Powys, where many people live in isolated communities, meeting up together with a common theme provides huge benefits for the individual as well as significant support for those who may be in less fortunate circumstances.

The right match can help people find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills and even advance a person’s career. Giving to others can also help protect an individual’s mental and physical health.

Charity shops sell donated stock not available to other retailers. Their presence helps reduce vacancy rates and therefore keep the high street populated and busy, providing a clear advantage to local economies.