Lidl Swansea Parc Tawe

Matthew’s House is soon to be setting up a Real Junk Food Project Café called Matt’s Cafe. Something that will make a real difference. The Real Junk Food Project network is a national and international network of cafes with one central objective: to intercept food waste destined for landfill and use it to feed people who need it, on a pay as you feel basis. Vast sums of food are wasted globally and in the UK alone significant numbers of people are estimated to be under-fed and the demand on Food Banks has never been higher. The innovative pay as you feel concept encourages people to think about what that plate of food means to them, and value it in whatever way they can. By choosing not to segregate people based on financial circumstances these cafes can be funded, but in a manner that neither patronises those who need it most and empowers others to freely support it.

The Pennard Community Cupboard is an initiative aimed at providing free, nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the South Gower area. By offering accessible, stigma-free food support, the project seeks to reduce hunger, minimise waste, and strengthen community bonds through shared care and solidarity. Across the UK, many households are struggling to afford basic groceries due to the rising cost of living. Pennard, like many communities, has seen an increase in food insecurity and isolation. Traditional food banks provide vital help but can sometimes be difficult to access due to eligibility criteria, limited hours or reluctance. The food cupboard allows people to take what they need anonymously and without the feeling of shame that prevents people from seeking help.

We are a project that house 12 young people aged 16-24 with complex needs who would be homeless if they were not living here. Our aims are to teach them to live independently whilst encouraging them into education or training. We support them 24 hours a day and involve them in activities that promote health and well being whilst encouraging them to make friends and learn new skills. We have recently had funding to build a workshop on the premises and we are presently making items from 100 percent recycled wood such as reindeers and snowmen. The proceeds of these go directly back to the young people and the money is used to help them with travel, clothes food, activities and anything they may require whilst living here at the project. We also have two training flats nearby that they can move into if they are ready to move on but may need additional support for a short while. our long term goals are to move them into more permanent accommodation and for each client this can be between 6 months and 2 years depending on their individual progress.