A PEMBROKESHIRE poverty relief charity that relies almost completely on its loyal team of volunteers has been presented with an Investing in Volunteers Award.

Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH) provides a vital support service to people who find themselves in financial hardship, and as a result struggle to feed or clothe themselves and their families.

Since opening its doors in 2008, the number of people helped year-on-year has grown, with more than 3,000 people benefitting from food parcels given in 2013, and a further 600 people assisted with clothing.

To help support this increasing demand, PATCH has seen the number of volunteers steadily rise, all of whom give up many hours to sort donations, help clients when they come in, and get involved in other PATCH activities such as its Christmas Toy Appeal.

The Investing in Volunteers Award is the UK quality standard that recognises good practice in volunteer management.

It assesses all aspects of an organisation, from its ethos and how it recognises volunteers’ contributions, to the support they are offered and opportunities they have to contribute to the future direction of an organisation.

Tracy Olin said the award helped recognise “the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in supporting and developing the people who are giving time to PATCH, many of whom have gone on to secure employment as a result of overcoming personal challenges through their time with us.

“Furthermore the award highlights the work that has been put in to ensure that PATCH is run to the highest standard possible, and is able to continue delivering help and support, to those most in need in Pembrokeshire.

“We would like to thank South Hook LNG for funding the cost of the application of the award. We would have struggled without their support.”

Chairman, Dennis O’Connor added: "The recognition that we have received is testimony to the dedication of our Coordinator, Trustees and Senior Volunteers to provide our volunteers with essential skills in order to support their commitment to relieving effects of poverty across our county and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making this achievement possible."

If you are able to help in anyway, or wish to donate food, clothing or household basics, contact Tracy on 07775 571431 or visit www.patchcharity.org.uk.