What started with just 20 rucksacks at Christmas has grown into a twice-yearly campaign supporting people facing homelessness, hardship and difficult circumstances across Swansea and Neath.
This November, The Rucksack Appeal Swansea celebrates its tenth anniversary, with Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors once again supporting an initiative that has become part of the local community.
Founded by Paula Stockley in 2016, the appeal began by preparing rucksacks filled with everyday essentials for people who were homeless or sleeping rough in Swansea.
Peter Lynn and Partners became involved the following year and has continued to support the campaign ever since.
Almost a decade on, the scale has changed considerably. The appeal now runs separate summer and winter campaigns, recognising that the practical needs of people experiencing homelessness can change throughout the year.
70 rucksacks were distributed during the Winter 2025 campaign, followed by a further 80 for Summer 2026.
Paula Stockley said, “The idea for The Rucksack Appeal was something God put in my heart ten years ago. I truly believe He has been with me throughout the journey, guiding and supporting the decisions I have made along the way. Without that faith, and without the incredible support of so many people over the years, I don’t believe the appeal would have become what it is today.”
“When we started in 2016, we put together just 20 bags because we wanted to do something practical to help people who needed it. To now be approaching our tenth anniversary, with two appeals every year and around 150 rucksacks being distributed, is something I am incredibly grateful for,” she reflected.
Rather than handing the rucksacks out directly, Paula works with organisations that know the people who will benefit from them. The latest campaigns have supported Matthew’s House, Zac’s Place, Swansea Women’s Aid, Swansea Veterans Hub, Dyfatty Junction and Verve in Neath, helping the donations reach people through established services across the area.
Senior Partner Peter Lynn said, “We first became involved with Paula and The Rucksack Appeal in 2017, so we have been fortunate to see first-hand how much it has grown. What has never changed is the simplicity of the idea. People need help, and Paula makes sure useful items get directly to organisations supporting them.”
For Peter Lynn and Partners, which has offices across Swansea and South Wales, supporting local charities, community groups and grassroots initiatives has remained an important part of the firm’s work alongside its legal services.
Paula added, “Every rucksack represents people giving their time, money or support to help somebody they may never meet. I’m incredibly grateful to Peter Lynn and Partners and everyone else who has supported us over the years. We simply couldn’t keep doing it without them.”
With its tenth anniversary approaching in November, The Rucksack Appeal has come a long way from those first 20 bags. Now distributing around 150 summer and winter rucksacks a year through organisations on the frontline, the focus remains exactly where it started, providing practical help to local people when they need it.
