Homeless Enjoy Free Christmas Dinner In Swansea
Swansea’s homeless and vulnerable have enjoyed a free Christmas dinner at the city’s Brangwyn Hall.
The Together at Christmas event, organised by JR Events and Catering, was supported by Swansea Council.
Over 100 carvery-style Christmas dinners with all the trimmings were served. Free entertainment was provided by the West Glamorgan Youth Brass Brand, DJ Jamie Daniels, Jimi Webb and Ragsy from The Voice.
A fenced-off, under-cover outdoor area, staffed by representatives from Pets at Home Swansea, was even set up for homeless people’s dogs, who enjoyed a selection of free treats, courtesy of the store.
Jessica Rice, of JR Events and Catering, said: “It was a terrific, festive event that we hope benefitted many Swansea people in need. After such a successful year for the company, it’s very satisfying that we were able to give something back to the community in the build-up to Christmas.
“All staff and volunteers who contributed to the organisation of the event deserve huge credit.”
Other businesses that volunteered their services for free at the event included Taryn Williams, from Taryn’s Freelance Hair, and Ultrabooth, who donated a photo mirror booth. Freelance photographer Hoosh Arabi was on hand to take photos free of charge, with representatives of the Swans also calling in as part of their Give a Jacket campaign.
Cllr Rob Stewart and several Cabinet Member at Swansea Council helped out with the serving and washing-up. Donation boxes were also made available in the Brangwyn for anyone wanting to contribute to Swansea’s homeless.
Cllr Stewart said: “The Together at Christmas event followed on from a meeting of Full Council last week where Councillors dressed in festive attire to raise money for the city’s homeless.
“Everyone deserves some happiness at Christmas, so it’s fantastic that we were able to support an event of this nature at a time of year when homelessness is in sharper focus.
“As a council though, our staff work tirelessly throughout the year to prevent homelessness in the first place and give as much support as possible to the small number of rough sleepers in Swansea. This work will continue into January and the year ahead.”
Swansea Council’s Housing Options service is available to deal with any household facing housing difficulties that may arise because of reasons including relationship breakdown, financial difficulties and rough sleeping. Located at 17 High Street, trained staff can also be contacted on 01792 533100. In an emergency over the holiday period, a call-out homelessness officer can be contacted out of hours on 01792 636000.
Other useful numbers include Shelter Cymru’s 24-hour housing and benefits advice line, which is available on 0845 0755005.
If anyone sees rough sleepers in Swansea, they’re encouraged to visit www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 5000914. Outreach workers will then visit the location to provide advice and support, if needed.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
