Carmarthen’s volunteer hub reopens after successful renovation project

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Carmarthen Division celebrated the official reopening of its building in the town at the end of April, following an extensive renovation project.

The renovation was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is investing in projects for local people and local businesses across the country to help grow the economy, create jobs, improve transport and provide skills training and local business support. 

The Carmarthen Division of St John Ambulance Cymru plays a vital hub for volunteer activity. It is where adult, children and young volunteers meet and train, and where first aid demonstrations are held for community groups and the general public.

The building is also available for the public to hire for one-off events as well as for regular community group meetings. Volunteers are encouraging the people of Carmarthen to reach out via email to james.cordell@dyfedcounty.sjaw.org.uk if they have an interest in using the newly renovated building.

The project has modernised the building’s IT facilities and meeting space whilst also funding a new public access defibrillator, new materials for children and youth members and subsided uniform. This will reduce key barriers to volunteer participation as well as providing volunteers with some truly lifesaving equipment.

St John Ambulance Cymru provides essential services to the people of Carmarthen, through first aid training and treatment. The renovation project will play a huge role in maintaining these vital services and will help the volunteers to continue our mission of having first aid available to everyone, anytime, anywhere.

At the ceremony, which took place on Saturday 27^th April, Miss Sara Edwards, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, officially reopened the building to the public. Adult, children and youth volunteers greeted senior members of the charity, along with members of the wider community to celebrate the completion of the project.

“The transformation at the building has been amazing, and to see the progress and improvements each week during the renovation has been really special,” commented James Cordell, volunteer Deputy Commissioner for Dyfed County.

“The refurbished facility, with new equipment and a modern look, will provide an increase in capacity for community engagement and volunteering opportunities, whilst enhancing wider community wellbeing through access to improved, safe facilities.” 

“We hope that many new volunteers will join us at St John Ambulance Cymru in Carmarthen and make great use of this fantastic building.”

St John Ambulance Cymru has extended their thanks to everyone at the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme for their help throughout the project, and is urging the wider community to reach out if they are interested in becoming a volunteer at Carmarthen Division.

You can find out more information about becoming a volunteer with the charity by visiting www.sjacymru.org.uk/en/page/volunteer.