Pembrokeshire Voluntary Sector Celebrated at County Show Community Zone
Pembrokeshire, Wales — Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) has welcomed voluntary and community groups, partners and supporters to the Community Zone at Pembrokeshire County Show 2026, celebrating the vital contribution of volunteers and third sector organisations across the county.
Speaking at the Networking Breakfast to open the Community Zone, Jess Bickerton, Chief Executive of PAVS, thanked volunteers, trustees, charities and community groups for their continued commitment at a time of rising need, increasing costs and reduced funding.
The event followed a successful presence for PAVS and other charities at the National Eisteddfod in Llantood, where the Voluntary Sector Zone showcased community spirit, fundraising and the strength of Welsh voluntary action. PAVS said it is keen to help ensure a lasting legacy from that momentum.
Jess also called for a collective stance against division, highlighting that WCVA is calling out hate speech targeting volunteers and the voluntary sector.
“Day after day, voluntary and community groups are doing amazing work across Pembrokeshire — helping people, protecting our planet and making this county a better place to live and work,” said Jess Bickerton, Chief Executive of PAVS. “Even when it is tough going, volunteers and community organisations keep going. We must work together to bring hope and help, and to counter division and hate.”
PAVS is encouraging voluntary and community organisations across Pembrokeshire to become members and access its support, including governance guidance, training, funding advice, networks, quarterly meetings and volunteering support.
Membership of PAVS has nearly doubled over the past two years, reflecting growing engagement across the sector and the value of practical support for organisations working at the heart of local communities.
PAVS is also inviting nominations for its annual volunteering awards, with the deadline for nominations at the end of September. The awards recognise the essential role of volunteers of all ages, individuals and groups, trustees, and those whose lives have been shaped by volunteering.
The organisation also highlighted the wider social value generated by the voluntary sector in Pembrokeshire. For every £1 invested by Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board into the Pembrokeshire Community Hub and Community Connectors, £4.19 of social value is generated.
Private sector partners are increasingly looking to work with PAVS – and by extension other local voluntary organisations – to help deliver meaningful social value and community benefit.
Following attendance at gofod3, the annual third sector conference hosted by WCVA in Cardiff, PAVS welcomed the ambition set out by Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams for the voluntary sector to be at the heart of the new Welsh Government’s efforts.
PAVS said it stands ready to help shape policies and programmes that enable voluntary action to have greater impact where it matters most.
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Visitors to the Community Zone are being invited to share their views by completing the wellbeing assessment survey, which will inform Public Services Board priorities, and also to contribute ideas for a new Pembrokeshire Community Fund.
Copies of the wellbeing assessment survey are available from the PAVS table and in Pembrokeshire County Council’s tent. Ideas for the Pembrokeshire Community Fund can be added to the Community Fund tree at the event.
Ms Bickerton added: “The Community Zone does not happen by magic — it takes a huge amount of work. We are grateful to everyone who has helped bring it together, and to everyone supporting Pembrokeshire’s voluntary and community sector. We really appreciate your support.”
