VOLUNTEERS across Newport who are helping their city through the coronavirus pandemic have been praised by their MSs.

The lives of individuals and communities across Newport have all been impacted by the pandemic - but volunteers at organisations, including the Raven House Trust, Newport Foodbank and Stow Park Church foodbank have stepped up, delivering food and other essentials to the most vulnerable.

The volunteer response to the pandemic has also been largely coordinated by GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) who have been working with Newport City Council.

Newport East MS, John Griffiths said: “In these difficult times, voluntary groups across Newport have responded to the challenges of the pandemic. The demand for their services have massively increased in recent months - but they have been able to maintain their workload thanks to the increase in people signing up as volunteers.

“If you haven’t already and are interested, I would really encourage others to think about offering their services in whatever way suits them best.”

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In what has been Volunteers' Week, Jayne Bryant, MS for Newport West, was also full of praise for selfless work that has gone on across the city.

“Over the past few months, volunteers have stepped forward to help in the most difficult of times. Some have been doing it for years, others for the first time determined to do what they can. I've seen it for myself volunteers helping to package and deliver food from Stow Park Church foodbank, the Salvation Army, Feed Newport and the Yemeni Community Association.

“Your commitment and enthusiasm is very much appreciated.”

For more information about GAVO, visit gavo.org.uk/volunteering