ONE of Pembrokeshire’s best known charities is the latest Pride in Pembrokeshire Award winner.

Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship – better known as PATCH – wins £200 as the December winner of the award, sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board (PSB) in partnership with The Western Telegraph.

Founded in 2008, PATCH has been giving free food parcels, clothing and household items to people in financial crisis in the county.

The organisation works closely with referral agencies to assist those experiencing hardship and help an average of 100 people a week.

With 1.5 full-time staff and 65 volunteers, PATCH operates from, bases in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest and Begelly.

Items are donated by generous members of the public, businesses, churches and schools.

“Our mission” said PATCH manager Tracy Olin “is that nobody suffers hardship in Pembrokeshire.”

In reaching their decision, the PSB said they were particularly impressed with PATCH’s commitment to delivering a volunteer-led approach to meeting need; the cross-county reach of its support and the relationships and networks built with local agencies.

“It is clear that PATCH makes a substantial contribution to improving the well-being of individuals and families, and indeed towards the well-being of the county as a whole” said PSB Chairman, Tegryn Jones.

To submit an application for the next Pride in Pembrokeshire £200 cheque, download the application form from the PAVS website – pavs.org.uk – or contact PAVS on 01437 769422 to receive a hard copy.