MORE volunteers are needed to help Welsh communities access ethical savings and loans following the financial impact of Covid-19, it has been said.

The statement comes from the Cambrian Credit Union as the nation celebrate Volunteers Week (June 1 to 7).

The member-owned financial cooperative based across North Wales relies on the voluntary support of individuals who help with their decision-making and work in the community.

This has been particularly important during the past year when Covid-19 lockdown restrictions impacted on people’s finances due to unemployment, furlough or reduced hours.

Ann Francis, general manager of Cambrian Credit Unions, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the credit union movement because they undertake a wide range of roles, from volunteering in the community or as directors.

“As restrictions begin to ease across the country we want to encourage more people who may have suffered financially during lockdown to access our ethical financial services.

"Therefore, the need for more volunteers to help make a genuine difference to the financial wellbeing of people within their own communities is greater than ever.”

The 37th Volunteers’ Week is celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities, who together run hundreds of activities across the UK.

According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, 19.4million people volunteered through a group at least once a year prior to the pandemic and over 11.9 million did so at least once a month.

It is estimated that the voluntary sector contributed £18.2billion to the UK economy.

Paul Green, volunteer chair of Cambrian Credit Union, said: “Credit unions have a valuable role to play in a community which would otherwise be filled by some pretty unscrupulous businesses.

“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose as it provides contact with a wide range of people who work together with a common purpose – benefit others.”

Volunteers can help steer the future of credit unions by standing as a voluntary board member in the AGM.

The range of board members in credit unions differ in walks of life, professions and experience.

Volunteering can help people gain valuable new skills and experiences which helps develop a CV and boost their job skills.

It also boosts confidence and helps people realise how valuable they are to an organisation through their voluntary work.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer contact Cambrian Credit Union on 0333 2000 601 or visit www.cambriancu.com