The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a registered charity based in Neath, South Wales, established over four years ago to serve some of the most deprived communities in the region. Entirely volunteer led, our work centres on dignity, compassion, and practical support for those facing poverty, homelessness, isolation, and lack of opportunity.
Vision Care Home for homeless
Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) was founded in 2003 by Optometrists and we have over 20 years’ experience in delivering eye care services for over 19,000 people experiencing homelessness. We run optical services across the UK for those living in shelters, hostels or who are sleeping rough.
Cardiff Sea Cadets
Cardiff Sea Cadets is a registered youth development charity dedicated to empowering young people aged 12–18 through nautical adventure, maritime training, and leadership opportunities. And to inspire and support young people in Cardiff through structured training in sailing, rowing, kayaking, powerboating, and seamanship. To nurture confidence, teamwork, and discipline while offering accredited qualifications that support future career opportunities.
Cariad Communities
Cariad Communities CIC was set up to tackle social isolation, build resilience, and create opportunities for children, young people, families, and older residents in the Upper Afan Valley. Our aim is to provide affordable, accessible, and inclusive activities that bring people together, reduce poverty-related barriers, and strengthen community connections. We focus on creativity, wellbeing, and practical support, ensuring that no one is excluded due to cost, ability, or circumstance.
Girls Friendly Society
Girls Friendly Society (GFS) supports girls and young women to develop confidence, resilience, and life skills through weekly after-school groups in some of the most disadvantaged communities in England and Wales. Our aim is to break cycles of inequality by creating safe, inclusive spaces where girls can be themselves, build friendships, and grow into strong, self-assured young women.
The Big Skill
The Big Skill was set up in 2010, having been developed from Powys Sense Ltd a not for profit organisation that provided placements on farms in Powys and Monmouthshire for individuals with mental health problems and learning difficulties.
Project Linus UK
Project Linus UK volunteers, create and donate, fabric quilts to children in distress (<19 years). We create these by creating communities of stitchers within regions of the U.K. In Bridgend County, we have a community of 300+ stitchers who produce around 500 quilts annually which are donated into the local community via local schools and charities; as well as supporting the work of the South Wales NSPCC, via their ‘Pregnancy Matters’ programme.
Swansea Foodbank
Swansea Foodbank operates seven foodbanks, spreads across Swansea in Gorseinon, Clydach, Penlan, Mayhill, Uplands, West Cross and Port Tennant. Mayhill and Penlan are among the most deprived areas of Wales in the bottom 5% (Source Welsh Government Multiple Deprivation Indices) and account for nearly half of our activity. We provided 18,000 people with food in 2024. We were established in 2010 and became a CIO in 2023. We provide 3-day emergency food parcels that address the crisis that brings people to us. Once with us, we help them overcome the crisis, by helping with benefits, budgeting, debt advice and accessing tenancy advice and finding work. We help people to get their lives back on track so they no longer need to use a Foodbank.