Torfaen Voluntary Alliance

07/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to every volunteer and volunteer-involving organisation across Torfaen

From community groups and support services, to creative projects, choirs, clubs, food support, wellbeing groups, and local events — your time, compassion, and dedication help make Torfaen a stronger, kinder, and more connected community every single day.

Volunteers are at the heart of so much positive change. Whether you give an hour a week or support people every day, your kindness and commitment never go unnoticed. You provide friendship, support, hope, encouragement, and opportunities for so many people across our communities.

To every individual volunteer and every organisation creating spaces where people can thrive, thank you for everything you do. Torfaen simply would not be the same without you.

06/06/2026

The 'Thank you!''s from TVA Members just keep coming this Volunteers' Week ❤️

This time from the board members of Blaenavon Workmen's Hall who have said:

"We have nothing, but appreciation for the volunteers at Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall who give up many hours to keep this historical building a vibrant community space."

Thank you!



Sharon Ford Terrence Gardener

06/06/2026

fans Volunteers' Week

A huge thank you to everyone who came along today to support The Big Help Out in Pontypool and mark the end of Volunteers’ Week!

Despite the rain, over 60 volunteers aged from just 1 year old through to 70 years old came together to make a real difference in the community. Rain certainly didn’t stop play, and it definitely didn’t stop the incredible work being carried out across Pontypool today.

It was fantastic to work alongside Pontypool Park Friends , Pontypool Pontypool Community Taskforce , Torfaen Access Foumrum, Pontypool Artregen and Friends of Pontypool Town , all giving up their time to support the community and environment that so many people enjoy.

A big thank you as well to the Ieuenctid Torfaen Youth for coming along and supporting the day, to Groundwork Wales for helping tackle the river edges as part of the clean-up efforts, and to Torfaen Litter Pick who lead on the clean-up activity across the park.

A big thank you as well to Amgueddfa Torfaen Museum for providing us with a warm space to come together for lunch and a much-needed hot drink!

We’d also like to thank the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent for the funding support towards lunch, tools and resources, helping make today possible.

Thank you as well to Halo Leisure Torfaen Trust for offering up first aid support for the day - which thankfully we didn’t need!

Most importantly, thank you to every single volunteer who showed up, got stuck in and helped make a visible difference today. More photos to come!

06/06/2026

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they 5!'just have the heart." – Elizabeth Andrew ❤️

Today we're at Pontypool Park and Town Centre celebrating Volunteers' Week and taking part in The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch.

It's fantastic to see around 60 volunteers of all ages coming together to make a difference in our community. We're also delighted to welcome a wide range of local groups and organisations as we work together to build the Pontypool Volunteer Alliance.

A huge thank you to everyone giving their time, energy, and enthusiasm today. Your contribution helps strengthen our community and shows what can be achieved when people come together for a common purpose.

fans Friends of Pontypool Town Pontypool Artregen Pontypool Community Taskforce Pontypool Park Friends Ieuenctid Torfaen Youth Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent torfaen access forum, torfaen litter champions, Groundwork, torfaen museum, Halo and many other wonderful people!

06/06/2026

Make sure you get your nominations in for this years awards!

Do you know an amazing volunteer, community group, organisation, or business making a real difference in Torfaen?

Now’s your chance to help them get the recognition they deserve!

The Torfaen Community & Volunteer Awards 2026 celebrate the dedication, kindness, and hard work of people who go above and beyond for their communities.

Categories include:
• Adult Volunteer
• Young Volunteer
• Sports Volunteer/Group
• Health Volunteer
• Environmental Volunteer/Group
• Community Leader of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Neighbour of the Year
…and more!

Closing Date for Nominations:
Friday 31st July 2026 at midnight.

To download a copy of the nomination form and tips sheet, or to nominate online, visit: https://www.tvawales.org.uk/nominations

Submit nominations by emailing: [email protected]

Let’s celebrate the people who make Torfaen a better place to live, work, and thrive.

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

It’s

Looking to make a difference?

A new opportunity on Connect Torfaen is supporting TOG’s Disabled Children’s Centre in New Inn — helping children and young people with additional needs to play and socialise in a safe, supportive space 💛

Face-to-face and non-contact roles available.

👉 Discover this and 160+ opportunities on Connect Torfaen today: https://orlo.uk/LdY73

05/06/2026

Gents if you are looking to sing, why not join a choir?

05/06/2026

fans

Volunteers give their all in supporting their communities and help to bring a smile to those they support.

Our final visit for today is to After the Bell Friends of Woodlands Field Charity. Like all volunteers in Torfaen they have given thier all to support others. Thank you to all your volunteers for everything you do!

This quote from Winston Churchill sums it up well - “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”



Volunteers' Week

05/06/2026

With three Communities Choice (Torfaen) finalists events coming up in July on Saturday 4th (Blaenavon), Sunday 12th (Thornhill & Upper Cwmbran) and Saturday18th July (Trevethin, Penygarn & St. Cadocs), its been another busy week of planning for our volunteers on the Peoples Committee.

Today's meeting with the Thornhill & Upper Cwmbran committee volunteers was no exception. Exciting! TVA really couldn't do it without you all!

Thanks and happy Volunteers' Week everyone!

Thornhill Community Centre - managed by Thornhill 4 U Too