Hello,

Billy and Jack here! We’re raising money to support Matthew’s House as we run the Swansea Half Marathon in May. Both of us will be racing this just 6 weeks after the Manchester marathon so please send love (and money) for our poor little legs this spring. Billy is from Swansea so will be racing on home turf and running for a charity that has been run and been a part of his family for the past 8 years. Please keep reading below to get a real handle on the work that they do and the necessity it has to the Swansea community. We’re raising just £500 between us if you could help by donating a couple of quid to that goal we would be super grateful!

Story

Hospitality and Hope in the heart of Swansea

Matthews House exists to provide a warm and welcoming building in the heart of Swansea, with the expressed intention of being accessible for the homeless and most vulnerable in Swansea. We aim for it to have the feel of a home where hospitality is experienced by all who enter the doors, regardless of their background, beliefs or circumstances.

“I'm not kidding, this place has saved my life” - Guest

Hospitality is demonstrated through expressions, including a pay-as-you-feel waste food café called Matts Café, a shower and laundry facility, and dignity packs for people living in poverty. The aim of Matthews House is to be a safe space where people can feel at home, which situates us perfectly as a steppingstone for people to access other services such as housing, mental health, and benefits. Being this touchpoint for people in crisis led to the creation of three further expressions; a smartphone app called Hope in Swansea, a one-to-one advocacy scheme called Matt’s Buddies, and a community choir. Hope in Swansea connects people needing hope with the organisations in Swansea who provide it. Matt’s Buddies sees specially trained volunteers getting alongside people to offer additional support that is more personalised to their needs. This could include being a listening ear, supporting to fill out forms, attend appointments or signpost on. Matt’s choir is a way to reduce isolation and boost wellbeing though collective song

“I feel absolutely fab, I’m walking out of here a different person, thank you!” - Guest

Swansea Half Marathon is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Matthew’s House, like all things in life, costs money to run and we are incredibly grateful to those who understand this and help us along the way.

You can find more info about Matthew’s House by visiting their website: https://matthewshouse.org.uk