Posted on: Thursday 24 November 2022
When the Covid pandemic started and their day centre temporarily closed, Akin Agbaje and Patrick Smith decided to take action.
With the help of their support workers, they started delivering PPE to social care providers across the borough.
They have since delivered more than 27 million items.
Grant Jarrett, day activities team leader at Ty Nant Ddu Day Centre, in Pontypool, said: "Akin and Patrick began delivering PPE during the pandemic and they still make deliveries every Thursday. They haven't missed a day since they started.
"They load the van and go out with a member of staff to deliver to more than 40 different residential care homes, supported living schemes and social care teams.
"They have achieved something incredible that has had a far-reaching, positive impact for them and the wider community."
Last month, Akin, 27. from New Inn, and Patrick, 29, from Pontypool, were recognised for their efforts at the Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards, winning Health Volunteer of the Year.
They collected their award in front of an audience of 200 people at a ceremony at the Parkway Hotel, in Cwmbran, organised by Torfaen Voluntary Association.
Tom Boor, TVA sector development officer, said: "All the nominees were fantastic but the judges were really impressed by Akin and Patrick's commitment during Covid."
Grant, who nominated them both for the award, added: "Getting to the final was a fantastic achievement for both them, and us, so to win the award was amazing. It is recognition of what they have both achieved."
Grant and his team are now working in partnership with TVA to identify other voluntary opportunities for Akin and Patrick.
The Health Volunteer Award was sponsored by Carlisle Brake and Friction, in Mamhilad.
For information about Torfaen Council's Day Care opportunities, visit our website.