With the soaring cost of living, more people than ever are struggling to pay the bills and will be forced to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table this Christmas. But community groups across Wales will be there to provide free hot meals this December to make sure people in the community do not go without this festive period.
Here are some of the places in Wales that are offering free meals between December 16 and December 25.
Swansea
The Anchor, Swansea Marina
Despite a difficult year for the restaurant with multiple incidents of vandalism, The Anchor team are once again giving back to the community with free takeaway meals for those who are elderly, isolated or homeless. Book by December, 18 by calling 01792683195 or messaging on Facebook.
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St Thomas Church
The church is hosting a free Christmas dinner for anyone who might want to join them this year. On social media, staff wrote: "You may be a single parent, an elderly person, an international student, someone who is homeless...the list is endless. You will find a lovely group of people who are hanging out together on this beautiful day from all different backgrounds." Call 01792 455671 to book in for Christmas day at 12.30 to 2.30pm.
The Swansea Wellbeing Centre
The centre will host a big Christmas get-together this year on Christmas day. From 2 to 5pm, you can enjoy hot drinks, games, an afternoon buffet and music and songs. Call Anthea on 07912 611852 or Mike on 07931 986168 for more information.
The Phoenix Centre, Townhill
FoodCycle Cymru are putting on a free community meal on Monday, December 19 at 6.30pm.
Cardiff
Victoria Fish Bar, Whitchurch
This Cardiff fish and chip shop will be opening its doors to people who are homeless, vulnerable and elderly for the fourth year this Christmas. NHS and public service workers can also enjoy a meal free of charge on Christmas day and the chip shop will open from noon to 3pm to provide the meals. You can read more about the amazing team behind the generous business here.
Carmarthenshire
Cegin Hedyn, Carmarthen
The new Carmarthen community canteen and kitchen Cegin Hedyn will be serving up free festive three-course lunches on Christmas day this year to those in need of support. Opening at 11am to 12pm, this is the second free festive dinner from Deri Reed of The Warren Restaurant. You can book a place at the Christmas lunch by calling either Phil on 07966 942332, or Martin on 079688 48929.
Choose Life, Llanelli
Free Christmas meals can be picked up from the Choose Life centre on Heol Copperworks this Christmas Day and delivery can be pre-arranged. Organisers want to reach as many people who need their support as possible and each meal will be handed out with a mince pie and Christmas cracker on Christmas day between 12pm and 3pm. Call 07388530328 or email cldoyle@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
Bridgend
Bridgend Community Outreach Centre
The centre has already hosted a Christmas event earlier this month and on December 23 those who are lonely, bereaved, homeless, living in poverty or in need of support can get a free Christmas meal. There will also be a sale in the hub where all items will be 50p and on Christmas day there will be a free breakfast and gift from 9am to 11am. "Absolutely anyone is welcome to join on us," says organisers.
Newport
Tiny Rebel, Newport
For the third consecutive year, the Newport brewery will offering up to 300 free takeaway Christmas dinners to anyone who needs it. The meals can be collected on Christmas day between 12pm and 2pm at the bar. There are a limited number of deliveries available if requested in advance.
Ceredigion
Finch Square Cafe, Cardigan
There will be a free Christmas dinner at Finch Square Cafe this year for those who are struggling or do not have anywhere to go this Christmas. On social media, business owners wrote that they do not want anyone to go hungry or be alone at this time of year and that absolutely anyone is welcome.
Any donations to the cafe will be greatly received, wrote organisers. A gofundme has also been set up for donations. Call Jill on 07724934510 or Damo on 07903629416 for more information.
New Life Church, Cardigan
New Life will host a free Christmas dinner this Christmas day, you can book in person at reception and call 01239615864 for more information.
Wrexham
Yellow & Blue community hub, Wrexham
Promising community vibes, hot meals and smiles, this Wrexham hub will be open from 12pm to 3pm on Christmas day to serve up free meals to those who might be lonely this year. The event will host between 50-100 guests and will cater for meat and veggie eaters as well as specific dietary requirements if given enough notice.
"Christmas Day can be one of the toughest days of the year for some, if we come together? Then maybe we can help each other enjoy the day the best we can, we will be counting the smiles, wishing each other a happy Christmas holidays and supporting each other throughout the day," wrote organisers.
If you are helping people in your community to access a free hot meal on Christmas day contact katie.hoggan@walesonline.co.uk to be added to the list.
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