Anthony led a Westminster Hall debate on the role of volunteer groups in a rural setting.
He took the opportunity to praise those groups that operate in South Devon, providing services throughout the year and making a huge difference to local communities.
Anthony highlighted the important work of organisations including Landworks, Hope Cove Lifeboat, the National Independent Lifeboat Association, Prickles in a Pickle, Till the Coast is Clear, Dart Sailability, SASHA, Cued Speech and the many local caring groups. He also spoke about the Rapid Relief Team, which helps people around the country by supporting the emergency services and delivering relief both at home and abroad.
We owe these organisations and all the ones I have not mentioned a huge debt of thanks and gratitude for the work they do.
For those of us that are fortunate enough to live in a rural community we are acutely aware that, much of what takes place around us is done by the hard work of volunteers.
Volunteer groups are helping to empower communities and are providing local solutions to national problems.
We need to reset the balance between state, private and charitable sectors to enable better cooperation and meaningfully ensure our volunteer groups can effectively deliver on their objectives as well as supporting our rural communities.
Minister Stuart Andrew MP joined Anthony in showing his appreciation for volunteers. He confirmed the Government is committed to supporting volunteer groups, growing the number of volunteers and improving the volunteer experience across the country.