The call is out for kind, welcoming people to help promote Monmouthshire’s towns and villages to visitors and encourage residents to return to their high streets and shop local.
Monmouthshire County Council is working initially with Tintern Community Council and Abergavenny to find Volunteer Ambassadors to provide a warm, local welcome and to signpost visitors to the wide range of things to see and do in Monmouthshire encouraging them to explore their beautiful environment and venture further across the county. More areas are expected to follow in due course.
Volunteers have been at the heart of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and their work in supporting communities has been overwhelming. Now as Monmouthshire County Council moves to the next phase of supporting businesses on their road to recovery, volunteers are being called upon once more.
As well as promoting local businesses, the aim of the Volunteer Ambassadors will be to give reassurance to people who may be nervous about interacting with other members of the public in a busy area or who may have been missing social contact. This also includes helping to promote a distinctive sense of place and responsible behaviour, including advising on COVID-19 related restrictions and to promote local pride in the area.
Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Community Development, Councillor Sara Jones said:
“There’s no denying how much of an impact volunteers have made over the last few months and that’s why we’re calling on them to do what they do best and help others. I would encourage anyone who enjoys meeting new people, offering a helping hand and being out in beautiful locations to consider one of the Volunteer Ambassador roles and get in touch.”
Anyone wishing to be considered for the roles would need to meet certain criteria and be available from mid-August to mid-September. Ambassadors will be on a rota with at least one other Ambassador for two-hour slots. In return, volunteers will get support and training, travel expenses reimbursed, the chance to develop new skills and have opportunities to participate in volunteer recognition schemes.
