Volunteering in Powys is set to grow following the launch of five new volunteer hubs across the county by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), expanding the existing network of seven hubs already supporting local community groups.

Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “We are excited to mark Volunteers’ Week with the introduction of the new volunteer hubs.

“Powys already has the highest volunteering rates in Wales, and this investment will help even more people get involved.”

The investment will support volunteer hubs in the following locations:

• Arlais Health and Wellbeing CIC – a social enterprise focused on improving health, wellbeing, and community resilience, supporting volunteering in Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells

• Celf o Gwmpas – a community arts organisation promoting creativity, culture, and participation, supporting volunteering in Llandrindod Wells. The new hub is expected to be operational within the next three months

• Radnor Arms CIC – a community-owned venue supporting local events, hospitality, and social wellbeing, supporting volunteering in Presteigne and the surrounding district

• Talgarth Visitor Centre – a local visitor hub showcasing tourism, heritage, and community information, supporting volunteering in Talgarth

• Welshpool Community Haven – a community hub offering support, activities, and local connection, supporting volunteering across Llanfyllin, the Tanat, Cain and Vyrnwy valleys, Llanfair Caereinion and Welshpool

Ms Swales continued: “We are looking forward to working closely with the new hubs as they connect people with local volunteering roles and provide practical support for volunteers and organisations across their communities.”

The announcement forms part of PAVO’s Volunteering in Powys programme, designed to help local organisations grow volunteering by raising awareness, sharing positive volunteer stories, and helping people access suitable roles.

The new hubs join Powys’ existing volunteering network:

• Brecon Volunteer Bureau

• Canolfan Gwirfoddoli Bro Ddyfi Volunteer Centre, Hwb Cymunedol Taj Mahal Community Hub, Machynlleth

• Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau

• Knighton Volunteer Bureau, Knighton & District Community Centre

• Ponthafren Volunteering (Newtown, Llanidloes and Montgomery)

• The Arches, Rhayader & District Community Support

• Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre

“We know people care deeply about their local areas,” added Ms Swales. “Volunteers are at the heart of our Powys communities and we can’t wait to see the difference the new hubs will make in building even stronger, more connected communities.”

Organisations were invited to apply for funding through a competitive application process. Applications were assessed by a panel against agreed criteria to ensure successful organisations had the capacity, experience and suitability to deliver the programme effectively.

PAVO Volunteering Officers can also offer support to organisations. Find out more at: pavo.org.uk