BRIDGES’ Volunteering for Wellbeing service has achieved the Investing in Volunteers award, the UK quality standard for organisations and services that involve volunteers in their work.

The award recognises the service’s commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive volunteering experience across Monmouthshire.

It follows an independent assessment carried out over three days in May, involving interviews with volunteers, staff and trustees, alongside a detailed review of volunteering policies, procedures and support systems.

A total of 43 volunteers took part in the assessment, representing seven different volunteering roles, including group support, fundraising and events, retail, gardening and community transport.

Assessors found that volunteering is embedded throughout the work of Bridges and is central to the delivery of its services and community impact. The service successfully met the standard across all six areas assessed: its vision for volunteering, planning and management, inclusion, recruitment and induction, volunteer support, and the way volunteers are valued and developed.

The assessment report praised the welcoming culture created by the Volunteering for Wellbeing team, in which volunteers feel valued, included and connected to their communities. It also highlighted the service’s flexible approach, helping people to find volunteering opportunities that reflect their interests, skills, availability and personal circumstances.

Mike Logan, Wellbeing Services Director at Bridges, said:

“This award belongs first and foremost to our volunteers. They give their time, skills, experience and kindness in so many different ways, making an enormous difference to people and communities throughout Monmouthshire.

“We are incredibly proud that the assessment recognised both the contribution made by our volunteers and the support provided by our Volunteering for Wellbeing team.

“The award is a wonderful achievement, but it is also an opportunity to continue learning, developing and making volunteering as inclusive and rewarding as possible.”

Volunteering for Wellbeing supports hundreds of volunteers across Monmouthshire, both within Bridges’ own services and through placements with other local charities, community groups and organisations.

Volunteers contribute through Bridges charity shop, social and wellbeing groups, community transport, befriending, events, gardening, fundraising and trishaw rides, among many other activities.

Feedback gathered during the assessment demonstrated the personal impact volunteering can have. Volunteers spoke about gaining confidence, building friendships, developing skills and finding a renewed sense of purpose while making a positive difference within their communities.

One volunteer told assessors: “I’d go so far as to say we are Bridges.”

Another described the experience as being part of “one big community family”.

The report also acknowledged the contribution made by volunteers following the serious flooding at Drybridge House in November 2025, when volunteers and members of the community came together to support the initial clean-up and recovery.

The Investing in Volunteers award has been granted from June 2026 until June 2029.