Meet the young people recognised for their community work during pandemic

Seven young people from Neath Port Talbot have been recognised for their community volunteer work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each received an ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service.

They were rewarded for helping the most vulnerable people in their community with things such as collecting shopping and medical prescriptions, volunteering at a local food bank, entertaining local residents to help lift community spirit, and helping to safely arrange community events.

The winners, who were nominated by residents in their local communities, were each presented with a trophy for their extraordinary efforts.

Dewi Morgan, aged 21, who won an award said: “In the peak of lockdown, I helped deliver thousands of prescriptions to people who needed them throughout Glynneath and the surrounding areas, from Hirwaun to Clyne. My average day would consist of going to the chemist at around 10am, doing five or six trips, delivering up to 15 prescriptions a time, and returning home at roughly 5pm.

Dewi added: “Helping people in and around Glynneath has, for me, been a pleasure and has made me feel more a part of this community. Meeting and engaging with different people is so important at any time, but especially so during such a difficult period in our history.”

Councillor Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills & Culture, said:

“It is important that we recognise the incredible work young people do in their communities and this clearly hasn’t stopped during the pandemic.

“Lots of young people are doing inspirational things, and I hope this will motivate others and showcase the positive things they do on a regular basis.”

Abi Price, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Mayor, said: “A massive congratulations to the Award winners who have been amazing in supporting their communities during the pandemic. I am so proud these young people are getting the recognition they deserve for their selfless volunteering which

benefits all generations especially the elderly, and those who need extra support.

“There are many more young people out there supporting their communities in one way or another and on behalf of myself and Neath Port Talbot Youth Council we thank you all, we are in awe of you and stay safe.”

The Council’s Youth Service has continued to support young people throughout lockdown by running virtual group and one to one meetings, socially distanced face to face meetings, and a range of online activities and courses. The Youth Service has also continued to support various groups during these times and has continued to support young people into education, employment and training.

To keep up with the latest news from the Youth Service and to find out how young people can get involved, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NPTYouthService

Meet the winners:

Dewi Morgan, Age Connects NPT volunteer

Dewi is a volunteer with local charity, Age Connects NPT, giving up his time to help older people with things such as food shopping and collecting medical prescriptions. Dewi even carried out general welfare checks on residents to make sure they were doing okay.

Morgan Glyn, Neath Food Bank volunteer

Morgan has played a key role in helping his mum to run the Neath Food Bank throughout the pandemic. He has helped to sort, collect and package up food parcels which have been vital to vulnerable people who need extra support.

Efanna Hawking, community entertainment

Every Thursday during the clap for key workers, Efanna and her sister Bronessa would entertain residents on their street by singing and dancing. They would put a considerable amount of time into rehearsing their performances and even went to the effort of setting up keyboards and drums!

Residents described their performances as, ‘a light in the dark days’ and ‘shows young people do care’.

Kadie Galsworthy, Ruby Phillips, Ivana Williams and Sebastian Key – Cwmafan Community Volunteers

Kadie, Ruby, Ivana and Sebastian were all nominated for their outstanding volunteer work in the community of Cwmafan. Their work included helping vulnerable residents by attending supermarkets with individual lists, shopping and home deliveries, helping monitor safe queue control in the local supermarket, and assisting with community Halloween celebrations by painting decorations and making up sweet bags.