About us

We are Community Volunteers Wales.

A volunteer-run, registered charity in South Wales, committed to creating empowered and robust self-sufficient communities.

Founded at the start of lockdown in March 2020 we sought to help those forgotten and overlooked.  What started as collecting shopping and vital medication for those totally isolated by the pandemic has developed into over 200 volunteers striving for a collective impact within the community.

We strive to be ever evolving, to reach more people and families directly impacted by the cost of living crisis. Focusing on giving those who need it a hand up, rather than just a handout.

Based at both Snug Coffee Shop, Channel View Community Hall and The Pantri, Community Volunteers Wales are focused on creating more helpful initiatives in their community, constantly collaborating with other businesses, charities and council driven campaigns. 

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Meet our founders

Our founders Dawn Derraven and Tara Holloway-Scott have worked continuously to ensure those most vulnerable in our community have a support network.

Dawn Derraven

Dawn Derraven

Co-Founder

Tara Holloway

Tara Holloway

Co-Founder

Our Trustees

Dr David Platt

Maria Hedges

Mark Tudor

Robin Grayson

Jenna Davies

Gabriella Spindler Vasquez Walters

Soumia Lanigan

Philippa Leonard

Robert Gwilym Owen

Our story so far

We’ve come a long way since the handwritten notes that were put through neighbours doors during lockdown of March 2020. Now with over 300 volunteers, amassing over 1500 volunteer hours every month we’re able to help over 500 people through our services and projects.

Our vision

Our vision is a connected community where no-one within it is suffering the side effects of poverty or isolation.

To combat climate change on a local level, utilising resources available and redistributing them to those in need and avoiding landfill waste.

Our Mission

To create robust self-sufficient communities that have kindness and connection at the very heart.

Our core values

We have four core values; We Share, We Grow, We Nurture and We Connect are the pillars driving our charity vision.

WeShare

We believe in giving everyone in the community access to a hand up not just a handout. We have trust in our community’s generosity and share resources with those in need.

We’re striving to overcome food poverty within our community, and are working tirelessly to find and implement solutions for the impact of the current cost of living crisis.

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WeGrow

We encourage those in our community to embrace outdoor spaces. By creating these spaces we’re able to foster talent to develop our best selves.

Individuals have the opportunity to harness their unique talents, gain valuable skills, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose. It’s through these meaningful experiences and connections within our community that we believe personal growth truly flourishes.

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WeNurture

We’re working to ensure no one in our community is lonely or frightened. These can be significant contributors to poor mental health, and we’re committed to eradicating them.

Our volunteers work tirelessly to create an environment where people feel genuinely connected. We organise various activities, groups, and programs that bring individuals together and provide a sense of belonging.

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WeConnect

We’re creating meaningful connections is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in bringing people together to support each other and build strong, lasting bonds.

By coming together, we’re not only alleviating loneliness, but also build a stronger, more tight-knit community where people not only receive support but also find a sense of belonging and a network of friends.

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Community Volunteers Wales in numbers…

Volunteer hours every single month 
Active Volunteers serving the Community 
kgs of food saved from landfill weekly 
People helped by our projects every month 

Our partners

Community Volunteers Wales is here because of a collaboration between many different schemes and beneficiaries.
Get in touch today if you want to work with us and help us achieve our mission. 

Community Volunteers Wales is here because of a collaboration between many different schemes and beneficiaries.
Get in touch today if you want to work with us and help us achieve our mission. 

FAQ

Do you have a question?

We on hand to answer any questions you may have. Whether you need support from us, or are interested in becoming a volunteer, get in touch below.

Contact us

Simply get in touch and let us know what you’d like to get involved with. We’ll then either have a phone call or meet up to discuss how you want to be involved.
Or, if you’re not sure what you want to do, we can discuss the options and find the best fit.

We’re really flexible when it comes to our corporate sponsorship packages. Whether it’s sponsoring a specific initiative, event or emergency food parcels, there’s lots of options!

Yes, we’re registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. Our registered number is 1191383, and our registered office is The Pantri, 49 Tredegar Street, Risca NP11 6BW.