THE British Red Cross has hailed the work of volunteers in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, which is held between June 1-7, the charity is celebrating the impact made by their staff and volunteers who have undertaken more than 90,000 acts of kindness, from delivering food and medicine, to driving ambulances and providing welfare checks and emotional support.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, said: "This has been a crisis like no other.

"We have been a lifeline for people for 150 years, and today our volunteers are needed more than ever.

"They have been truly exceptional through this pandemic, stepping up to support food banks, our NHS, and reach people most in need.

"Volunteers’ Week is also a time to recognise the impact of all voluntary agencies and the huge role they’ve had to play through this unprecedented time in our history."

During the pandemic, they have worked closely with other charities to offer support.

In Wales, the Red Cross is one of a number of third sector organisations to support the new volunteer prescription delivery scheme, to ensure people who are shielding or self-isolating with no social network, can continue their prescription medicines.

Mr Adamson, added: "This pandemic has required a new kind of response.

"Voluntary agencies are working even closer together.

"Where other charities found they had gaps due to volunteers shielding or being unwell, our volunteers were able to step in.

"Volunteers will be essential as we come out of the pandemic and people start to return to their regular lives, potentially with different needs and priorities.

"Whatever the future looks like, the tens of thousands of people who choose to volunteer their kindness through the British Red Cross will be there to support the most vulnerable through the next stage and beyond."

The charity, which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, has also encouraged volunteers to utilise local connections and use their initiative to reach out to those most in need.

Resulting enterprises included supporting food banks in Newport and Prestatyn, a furloughed member of EasyJet cabin crew distributing airline meals in the community, volunteers in Orkney training to dress out-of-hours GPs in PPE, and setting up online and phone support to continue refugee and loneliness support groups.

They are also encouraging people to get involved on social media, to share their stories and thanks for volunteers in their communities, using #volunteersweek.

To give help or to get help, visit redcross.org.uk