Swansea Council say there is also support to feed pupils during the Christmas and half-term holiday, funding to Swansea Spaces providing welcoming places for people to gather and socialise and free and subsidised activities for young and older people over the winter period.
The council added that other initiatives include free buses for all on 19 dates leading up to Christmas and the New Year supporting people to shop and local businesses.
There are also grants to food banks and other food providers through this period of high demand and a promise that there will always be a bed in Swansea for anyone at risk of sleeping rough should they want one.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “We know that the Christmas and winter periods puts big pressures on families and individuals who are already struggling, so we are doing all we can locally to help and support our residents with our Here For You This Winter campaign.
“The shopping vouchers are going to families and individuals who are most in need of support so that they are able to get the essentials that they need during the holidays and not go without on Christmas Day.
“On top of this and with the support of our colleagues in Welsh Government we making funding available for warm and welcoming spaces for people who are feeling lonely or isolated so they can get together. We will also be providing support to our local food banks and other emergency food providers as well as funding to feed young people in the Christmas and half-term holidays.
“The free bus initiative is again proving popular with families and our Together at Christmas event held in partnership with JR Events and Catering at the Brangwyn Hall was well attended providing a free Christmas dinner, entertainment and outreach services to those who are vulnerable.”
Cabinet Member for Well-being Alyson Anthony added: “These vouchers will make a big difference to those that need it most and for some will be the difference between having food on the table on Christmas day or possibly a gift for their children or not.
“I’m proud that as a council we doing all that we can to support out residents this winter.”
To find out about the support available in Swansea visit: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
