Your life. Your rights.

The Swansea Drop-in Centre has recently taken over the day to day running of the Unity LGBT Centre, we are a brand-new organisation, that are now concentrating on supporting and helping the vulnerable and homeless within the Swansea Bay area. We are expanding our services to allow other groups who work with the vulnerable and the homeless to operate from our premises making the Swansea Drop-in Centre a one stop shop. The Swansea Drop-In Centre provides a warm welcome for anyone who comes through its doors. The staff are all volunteers who work with the homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged by providing a listening ear and practical daily help. There is a kitchen where lunch is prepared for those in need of a meal. Free second-hand clothing is available for the homeless with new underwear and socks provided

Services for homeless traditionally provided shelter and nourishment but do little to break the cycle of homelessness. We have a more comprehensive approach to serve homeless youth is the drop-in centre model that provides safe and easy-to-find facilities within communities to bridge the gap between the streets and transitional/permanent housing. Research describing homeless youth who utilize drop-in centres is lacking. Homeless reported high prevalence of risk behaviours regardless of the centre of attendance. Furthermore, our analyses revealed significant differences related to demographics, sexual risk behaviours, and substance use between homeless drop-in centre. These findings illuminate the specific characteristics and preferences of homeless who attend our drop-in centre and can be used to inform providers, advocates, and policy makers.

We are already established as the first calling point for those who are homeless and vulnerable, where we are having between 60 and 70 people per day seeking support and help at the drop-in centre. People have their needs assessed before they are referred to the appropriate agencies. During the assessment process, people will be given a degree of choice in where they are referred. We operate with a strategic multi-agency approach that gives individuals quick and easy access to the appropriate services and accommodation.

Other agencies regularly attend our drop-in sessions, and can provide specialist advice and support, such Barod offering drug and alcohol support, Shelter Cymru who offer financial services to name just two.

Testimonials

We were homeless in Swansea sleeping in a tent by the river. We were told about the Drop-In helping homeless people in Swansea and went along. They supported us with meals, takeaway food, clothes, help and advice. The support worker helped us to get a flat in Swansea which we now live in. Many thanks to the Drop-In and all the wonderful people there who helped us in so many ways. They even helped us with some furniture to help us move into our flat.

Brett and Donna

I was sofa surfing and sleeping rough in Swansea. The Drop-In Centre was there for me, giving me hope and practical daily help. I went to rehab, overcame my alcohol dependency and still value the love and support at the Drop-In Centre.

John