Swansea Space bringing people together and breaking down barriers
An organisation that works to support people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in Swansea is one of more than 70 groups to have secured funding towards running safe, warm, and welcoming places that people can go this winter.
BAME Mental Health Support (BMHS), which is based on the High Street, runs drop-in sessions and scheduled activities throughout the week.
There are now more than 80 listings on the Swansea Spaces directory which can be found at: www.swansea.gov.uk/article/19090/Swansea-Spaces with support in all areas in the city.
Lynn Matthews, project manager at BMHS,said the organisation is a trusted voice when it comes to public health guidelines and early intervention health information for ethnic minorities in Wales.
It was at the forefront of running culturally sensitive vaccination awareness campaigns during Covid-19, and continues to play an active role in the provision of support to vulnerable community members.
Lynn said the Swansea Spaces funding was very welcome as it was contributing to the cost of heating their community hub, which is in constant use.
"We are open every day, every evening, bringing people back together and talking face to face," she added.
BMHS offers space during the day where people who are isolated, lonely, or looking to get out of the house can come to work, study, or relax in a warm and friendly environment.
BHHS Volunteer, Adebukola Okunade was working from the hub, and said there are also many organised well-being activities throughout the week and at weekends, not just in the hub but outside in nature and on excursions.
"We work to continuously break down barriers, diversifying our activities to appeal to the wider community and get people to communicate with each other," Lynn added.
Staff and volunteers run a number of projects that encourage minority ethnic people to live a more healthy and sustainable life and help make our communities better places to live.
The Swansea Spaces directory is a listing of warm, welcoming, and safe places that people can go for free and is in response to the cost of living crisis.
Some offer activities, some are a great way for people who may feel isolated to meet others, some offer a warm place to read a book, magazine or surf the net or warm quiet areas where people can work.
They cover all areas of Swansea and cater to different ages and interests.
Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, visited the BMHS offices this month.
She said: "I was thrilled to meet the volunteers and some of the users and to learn how important this service is to them.
"If you are lonely, isolated or simply looking to get out of the house and visit a warm and welcoming place then please take the time to explore the directory to see what is on offer.
"Also if you know someone who may benefit then please pass on the information - I'd hate to think there are people who feel stuck in their homes when there are places in their community that are open, warm and welcoming."