GLAMORGAN Voluntary Services (GVS) are calling on members of the community to make a difference this year, by getting involved in one of hundreds of different volunteering opportunities within the county.

GVS are promoting almost 500 different volunteering causes this new year, which include helping children, volunteering in sports, environment, hospitals, hospices and more. The group claim that volunteering can help build confidence and skills and improve health and wellbeing, as well as being a great way to meet new people.

Steve Hunt, 70, won a Wales Volunteer of the Year award last year, for dedicating time to maintaining Porthkerry Country Park.

Mr Hunt said: “I enjoy spending time outdoors, and find volunteering really rewarding – especially seeing the changes to one of my favourite parks. I always try and get out to volunteer, no matter the weather, and work on clearing trees, installing new gates and creating new habitats for wildlife.

“I would recommend volunteering to all, especially to anyone who enjoys being outdoors.”

If you are interested in volunteering, call GVS on 01446 741706, or email: volunteering@gvs.wales. More information on the opportunities on offer can be found at gvs.wales/.