The annual Together at Christmas event takes place at Brangwyn Hall on Tuesday 9 December, bringing festive cheer to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
There’s an open invitation to attend between noon and 3pm with a two-course Christmas dinner, entertainment and more wrap-around support services than ever.
There will also be food and clothing banks, free haircuts, pet care advice and products, children’s books, hygiene products and much more.
The free event, now in its ninth year, offers people who are lonely or isolated, people who are at risk of homelessness and anyone else who feels they need a bit of cheer a chance to socialise and enjoy themselves.
For those that need it there will be free mini-buses running to and from the event departing at 11.30am from the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Caer Las at the top of the Strand and the parking area by Swansea Mobility Hire at the Quadrant.
Now in its ninth year, it is jointly staged by Swansea Council and JR Events and Catering with support from many different partners, businesses and volunteers, who all give up their time and resources freely.
Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “Together at Christmas is about making sure no one feels forgotten during the festive season. It’s a wonderful example of Swansea’s community spirit and the generosity of local businesses and volunteers who make this day possible, not least our good friends at JR Events and Catering who always pull-out all the stops to make it a huge success.
“Once again this year we are as a council are doing all we can to support our residents this winter and this is just one element of our #HereForYouThisWinter campaign.
“We are supporting emergency food providers as well as ensuring that meals are available to school age children who need them during the holidays. We are providing funding to the network of warm and welcoming Swansea Spaces and there have been more than 100 grants to groups and organisations providing free and low cost activities to young and older people.
“Free buses will run in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year supporting businesses and saving families money. We are also working with the Mr X charity providing presents to children who would otherwise go without and there is targeted help to vulnerable individuals and families via the councillor voucher scheme.”
Jessica Rice, Director of JR Events and Catering, said: “We’re proud to host this special day again. Christmas is about kindness and togetherness, and we’re delighted to play a part in creating a memorable experience for those who need it most.
“There is an open invitation and we want people to leave not just with full bellies but with full hearts. It’s completely free of charge. There’s a two course meal, a foodbank, wellness banks, we’ve even got people coming along to offer vaccinations and health advice as part of the big wrap-around of support too.”
