Help for vulnerable just a click away
Information about more than 100 organisations that support vulnerable people and those in need in Swansea are now on a free smartphone app which is the first of its kind in the UK.
The Hope in Swansea App signposts support available for housing, mental health, food poverty, isolation, abuse, seeking asylum, discrimination, or even a warm shower, with a few simple clicks.
It was founded by Matthew's House thanks to funding support from Swansea Council, the Children's Society and the Friends of Matthew's House scheme.
Launched in August it is now used daily by people needing assistance and those seeking to help them as an up-to-date one-stop directory of services and information that includes locations, opening times and emergency contacts.
Ellie Phillips, a team leader at Matthew's House on High Street, said: "Basically if people download the app they can search by support type and these range from abuse to mental health, homelessness to addiction and many more and it brings you all the services in Swansea that are registered on the app.
"They can also search by support near me and that brings up a map of your location and all the support services around you so you can find anything you need in your local area at any time.
"The app is for anyone who needs hope, whether it is professionals and volunteers who need to find support for service users or for people who come across someone needing help on the streets."
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart visited the charity this week as it gears up for Christmas.
Cllr Stewart said: "I'm delighted that the Hope in Swansea App is proving a success and making it that much easier in connecting people who need support with those that provide it.
"It's always amazing to see the work that is done at Matthew's House and it's a place we have supported as a council for a number of years.
"The team do a fantastic job looking after people who are homeless or in need of hot meals and food and it is a great community space for people who may be lonely or isolated.
"We as a council have made the Always a Bed pledge again this year but there will be people out there who do not want to take up that offer and places like Matthew's House with Matt's Cafe do fantastic work in making sure they and other vulnerable people are supported."
The fast, simple, free Hope In Swansea app is available for anyone to download.
For any other organisations wishing to get involved, get in touch with Matthew's House directly on hopeinswansea@matthewshouse.org.uk or for further information or visit hopeinswansea.org.uk