There are now more than 80 listings on the Swansea Spaces directory, Swansea Council’s response to the cost of living crisis.
It includes more than 70 charities and community groups who have been offered funding to extend or sustain their services.
Some offer activities, some are a great way for people who may feel isolated to meet others, some offer a warm place to read a book, magazine or surf the net or even warm quiet areas where people can work.
All are committed to providing welcoming places people can go for free.
One group that has extended its offering is Sadies Butterflies which has started a new LGBTQ+ coffee and chat evening at the Coast Café in the marina on a Monday.
There is a similar gathering that has been running between 10.30am and 12.30pm every Wednesday at the same location.
Organiser Donna Markie said: “I think it’s really important to have a warm, safe and welcoming space for this community and to break down barriers.
“It’s an open door so people can just come along and the first coffee of the evening is free.
“We had a fantastic turn-out for the launch evening and I’d like to thank Swansea Council for working with us and Coast Café for opening and hosting us on a Monday evening.”
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, attended the launch evening.
She said: “It was a pleasure to meet Donna and to see so many people there – I’m sure numbers will only increase as the weeks go on.
“The response we’ve had to the Swansea Spaces initiative is amazing and there are groups and charities offering safe, welcoming places for all different communities across the whole of the city.
“I’m pleased that Swansea Council is supporting many organisations and charities to continue or expand their offering and this would not have been possible without funding from Welsh Government so I’m very grateful for that.
“If you are lonely, isolated or simply looking to get out of the house and visit a warm and welcoming place then please take the time to explore the directory to see what is on offer.”
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
