New explainer shines spotlight on voluntary sector's vital role in Wales' health and care system

The publication is being launched at the National Eisteddfod of Wales 2026, taking place in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire. 

How the voluntary sector and volunteers support the health and care system in Wales examines the scale and impact of the sector, showing how organisations and volunteers support people and communities across Wales. 

There are more than 47,600 voluntary sector organisations in Wales, with over 10,000 providing early intervention and preventative services. More than 15,000 volunteers support registered health and care charities, offering practical help, emotional support and community-based services alongside NHS and social care provision. 

The explainer highlights the voluntary sector's contribution to health and care through commissioned services, community wellbeing initiatives, partnership working and initiatives that complement statutory provision. It also showcases examples from across Wales, including support for maternity services, cancer care, mental health and hospital-to-home programmes. 

As health and care services face increasing demand, the publication argues that the voluntary sector's close connections with communities, ability to reach underserved groups and flexible approach to meeting local needs make it a crucial partner in delivering more preventative, person-centred and integrated care. It also underlines the importance of ensuring voluntary organisations are supported through sustainable funding arrangements and are fully involved in planning and delivering services.  

Together, the Welsh NHS Confederation and WCVA are calling for continued collaboration between the NHS, social care, local government and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes for people and communities across Wales.  

Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, Darren Hughes, said: “Simply put, the NHS in Wales needs the voluntary sector and volunteers. It’s not a ‘nice to have’, but is essential, to the NHS, social care and communities across Wales. The sector plays a crucial role in preventing individuals coming into the health and care service in the first place, helping keep people stay well and independent. It therefore forms a critical part of the prevention and early intervention agenda, which is often so hard to quantify in terms of its contribution. Thank you to all organisations and volunteers who give up their time to make Wales a better place to live.” 

Chief executive of WCVA, Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, said: “We can’t underestimate the massive contribution of our voluntary organisations and volunteers to health and social care provision here in Wales. We know times are tough but voluntary organisations are out there in our communities doing some amazing things to help people in Wales. We are so proud of the unique role the voluntary sector plays, working together with the public sector to create a healthier Wales.”