UWTSD International student volunteers create festive support network
18.12.2020
A team of International student volunteers at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have created a support network to ensure students staying on or near campus, can enjoy the Christmas break.
Elisha Hughes, a Fine Art graduate and Fellow at Swansea College of Art UWTSD is working closely with International staff Gruff Owen and Kath Griffiths and a team of student volunteers including 3rd year students James Dunhill and Matthew Howells, to host weekly online coffee mornings and distribute food hampers to students during the winter holidays.
Elisha said: “As well as being a volunteer supporting International students, I also volunteer at the Blaen-y-Maes drop in centre in Swansea - an amazing not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting people for nine years without funding. The centre provides support in many different ways (free food hampers, a surplus food scheme, community pre-loved clothing shop, access to PCs etc) but since Covid 19 we have found more people across Swansea come to us for essential support.
“We have made some hampers to give out to international students in Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter as they are staying in the UK rather than flying home this Christmas.
“The university’s International staff members have been doing an incredible job, providing daily support to all of the international students. We have been hosting weekly coffee mornings to create a support network.
“We volunteer because we recognise that this support is crucial especially this year and we want to ensure our International Students feel welcome and supported in Wales.
If you are a student and would like to volunteer contact @iessuwtsd to find out more!
Note to Editor
The Blaen-Y-Maes drop in centre is a not-for-profit community organisation based in the heart of Blaen-Y-Maes, Swansea.
The centre is run by the community, for the community and helps individuals and families providing access to various facilities such as free access to the internet and phone calls, food share, a cuppa & chat and workshops.
During COVID-19 the centre has been supporting hundreds of people in the community and further afield. Its volunteers work throughout the week to ensure that everyone has access to support.
The centre has a community clothing shop where items are sold from as little as 10p. They accept donations (during opening hours only). All profits go towards the centre's running costs. Fundraisers include family fun activity days during the summer and Christmas. This also provides an opportunity for the community to come together and to discover more about what we do.
https://www.facebook.com/BlaenymaesDropinCentre
blaenymaesdic@yahoo.co.uk. Every little donation makes a huge difference.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus
Corporate Communications and PR
Mobile: 07384 467071
Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
