A charity which provides hospitality and hope in the heart of Swansea is set to build on its success of the last three years and offer the community even more in 2020.
Matthew’s House in High Street was recognised at last year’s South Wales Evening Post Community Awards when it won the Editor’s Choice Award. Alongside that, Sally Lynch took the Good Neighbour/Volunteer Award for her efforts in running Matt’s Cafe there.
And now, as nominations are sought for this year’s awards, they have reflected on the official recognition and plotted a course for the way ahead.
'They are like a family here'
Sally, who has had her own health issues, including depression, leads a team cooking over 600 meals for those who pop into the centre during its three day week from 10am to 3pm.
“We had 76 sitting down on Christmas Day, with 14 items on the plate,” she said. “It was lovely. Some of them haven’t got any family or anything to do for Christmas.
“It just made me feel proud to win an award. You don’t do it for that, but it’s nice to be recognised. They are like a family here. I love it here and it has helped me massively as well.”
Big boost to morale
Project coordinator Ellie Phillips said: “We weren’t expecting to win, but it has had an impact in that it has given us a lot of publicity. We gained a lot more online support probably from it, people subscribing to our monthly newsletter on our website.
“It had a really big impact on the volunteers as well. We have 92 volunteers. We put the awards up on the wall, so it’s a big boost for morale.
“For the volunteers to see the work they are doing is being recognised in the community is great. It has had quite a big impact on the guests, as we call them, because they see it up on the wall.
“The aim is to provide hospitality and hope in the heart of Swansea. We are a home for people who don’t have one, or people who are a little bit lonely and need a friend, need somewhere to go.”
Friends of Matthew’s House play a big part
Grants have been received for some items, but the running costs are largely met by monthly subscriptions from Friends of Matthew’s House.
In addition to making breakfasts and lunches from Sundays to Tuesdays, guests can use a shower and hygiene packs are also available.
The centre hosts training nights and other events out of hours. And there are plans to start a laundry service shortly and a one-to-one advocacy service.
“I think our hope is that we always continue to grow in the way that we have been during the last three years,” said Ellie. “Word of mouth is great, so if you know someone on the street who is struggling, maybe lonely at home or who is a bit vulnerable, then we are here and available.
“Signing up to become a Friend of Matthew’s House is the best way you can support us because it makes us sustainable and means that we continue to be available in the years to come. We always say that a massive part of Matthew’s House is not just our guests, but our volunteers.
“That is always our hope, to help volunteers grow. A lot of our success stories are from volunteers, volunteers that used to be guests that have maybe now come off the streets and into their first flat. They volunteer with us maybe two or three days a week. We have had volunteers who leave us and go into jobs and run their own businesses. And that’s our hope, really. Hope is a big part of it.”
Do you know someone worthy of a community award nomination?
This year’s community awards will be held on Friday, March 27, at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.
Doors open at 6.45pm, the dress code is lounge suit. There will be a three-course meal, live entertainment and, of course, the awards ceremony.
Nominations can be made online here.
They close on Sunday, February 16, at 11.59pm.
The 12 categories are: Grassroots sports coach; Sporting excellence; Community champion; Carer; Child of courage; Teacher/ mentor; Charity; Good neighbour/volunteer; Bravery; Ambassador; Lifetime Achievement; and Editor’s choice, which the public do not nominate.
Those lucky enough to make this year’s shortlist will be invited, along with their guests, to the big night.
