Organisers of an event for vulnerable people in Swansea were blown away yesterday when hundreds more people than expected came to the Brangwyn hall for a free Christmas dinner. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing more and more people into poverty this winter, people flocked to the festive event.
The event not only included a free two-course festive meal but also offered a pop-up food bank, free haircuts and winter clothing as well as advice on housing, employability and welfare. People who are vulnerable, isolated, homeless or at risk of homelessness were able to go along to the free event, which also offered the chance to get flu or Covid vaccines.
Jessica Rice, director of JR Events and Catering, first came up with the idea for a 'Together for Christmas' event when a man she met who was homeless told her he had never been inside the grand Brangwyn Hall. With the support of Swansea Council, Jessica decided to open the doors of the hall to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a day of good food and entertainment in a beautiful setting. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
But this year was very different to Jessica's previous events. With the help of Swansea Council, volunteers, businesses and community groups, the annual event fed five hundred people on Tuesday, December 6, more than double the usual number. By 12:15pm, the hall was almost full and Sarah and the team had to work quickly to make sure everyone got a seat at the table and a warm meal.
"It was beyond what we expected, we were having to put additional tables and chairs out and source additional food. It's a shame that we have to host it but I am so glad we are able to and it's something we will obviously continue to do. People are always incredibly grateful and incredibly gracious."
A spokesperson for Swansea Council said the council was continuing to work very closely with its partners to ensure that anyone who needed or wanted a bed or accommodation in Swansea would be supported this winter.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “Once again Swansea has come together to support those that need it and I’d like to thank every single person who has made today possible. Sadly, during the cost-of-living crisis more people than ever 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.
“The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone and Swansea Council will continue to do all we can to support everyone in these difficult times.”
Read more:
- The community toy bank which has made a huge difference to families struggling to buy presents this Christmas
- Cost of living crisis laid bare as kids write heartbreaking letters to Santa asking for "clean clothes"
- Family left devastated after mystery flood shuts down 55-year-old business
- 'Goodnight, I love you': The last text a kind and caring boy with a rare heart condition sent his friends the night before he died
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