A HYWEL Dda volunteer scheme is calling on people to thank its members.
Volunteering for Health is asking the public to thank volunteers who help patients across the board area, during National Volunteer Week from June 1 to 8.
Volunteering for Health members wear distinctive yellow T-shirts and over the past three years have given nearly 30,000 hours of their time, benefiting about 120,000 patients within the Health Board.
Head of volunteering services, David Fretwell, said: "People may not realise that the person who has just made them a cup of tea or who took time to sit and chat to them was a volunteer.
"However, if they were wearing a yellow T-shirt or tabard they are someone who has given up their free time to help make a patient's stay or a relative's visit to a hospital just that little bit easier.
"100 per cent of patients who spent time with a volunteer felt their experience of healthcare was enhanced."
As well as those befrienders, volunteers also support patients and visitors in A and E, by providing directions and help.
People at hospital receptions will also come across volunteers, as will breastfeeding mothers who are provided support by others who have become mums.
"These are just some examples of where you may see one of our 200 volunteers as they carry out over 80 different roles across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire," added Mr Fretwell.
The board is asking people to tweet or post on Facebook if they see any volunteers during June 1 to 8. They also urge visitors and patients to thank those volunteers they see.