Swansea’s coming together once again to cheer those in need this Christmas

Volunteers have again come forward to offer their time and services to spread some festive cheer to people in need at a very special Christmas event in Swansea.

On Tuesday (6 December) JR Events and Catering, with support from Swansea Council, is once again throwing open the doors of the Brangwyn Hall to dish up a free two-course Christmas dinner for people who are vulnerable, feel isolated or may be homeless.

Lasting from noon until 3pm, the Together at Christmas event will also see representatives from a range of services and charities providing information and help on the day.

A pop-up foodbank is also being organised and people are being asked to deliver donations of non-perishable items to the Brangwyn Hall from 9am on Tuesday.

There will be live entertainment from The Wurlitzers as well as singer Joana Pinto, while Swansea Council is arranging free transport to the Brangwyn Hall departing at 11.30am from the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and Caer Las and returning once the event concludes.  

Swansea Bay University Health Board will be offering flu and Covid vaccines and staff from the It’s Science hair salon in Swansea will be on hand to provide free haircuts and a winter coat to those that need one.

Among the many things happening on the day council officers will be attending to offer housing, employability and welfare advice while the team from trading standards will be handing out confiscated counterfeit items of winter clothing that have had the badges and labels removed.

Together at Christmas comes as more support than ever is in place in Swansea to help the homeless or anyone at risk of becoming homeless during the winter months.

Swansea Council is continuing to work very closely with its partners to ensure that no one who needs or wants a bed or accommodation in Swansea will be without this winter.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “Every year I’m amazed but not surprise by how many organisations and people offer their time and services to make the Together at Christmas event a success.

“I would like to pay special tribute to Jess Rice and the team JR Events and Catering because without them this would not happen.

“Sadly during the cost of living crisis more people than even will need help this winter and I’m proud that in Swansea we have so many people who work so hard to support those who need it.”

Jessica Rice, Director of JR Events and Catering, added: “Once again Swansea is stepping up and wrapping its arms around those that need it the most.

“Every year is a humbling experience, and this year is no different, with countless volunteers reaching out, and businesses and organisations offering to support.

“However, we still need help. Given the current cost of living crisis uptake for spaces has rapidly increased, so if anyone can spare any warm clothes for our clothing bank, or non-perishable foods for our pop-up food bank, please bring them along from 9am on the morning of the event.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, especially our Swansea Council – I’m so very proud of our wonderful city.”

To volunteer, to find out more information, or to provide a service, entertainment or donation, please contact Shannon Williams by emailing events@jr-eventsandctering.co.uk or by phoning 01792 446017.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)