ϳԹ Welcomes High Sheriff to Community Cupboard Initiative Supporting Students, Families and Sustainability
The ϳԹ (ϳԹ) welcomed Mrs Melanie James JP, the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, to its Community Cupboard initiative which enables individuals to donate unwanted household goods—from kitchenware and soft furnishings to electrical items—so they can be repurposed by those in need.
This sustainable initiative, based at the University’s Dylan Thomas Centre, not only supports families and individuals facing the rising cost of living but also contributes to Swansea’s goal of becoming a net zero city by 2050, as part of Swansea Project Zero.
Dr Bronwen Williams, Academic Director of ϳԹ’s Blue Light Academy, who co-founded the project with Michelle Treasure and other university colleagues, welcomed Mrs James, who has commended the Community Cupboard’s impact.
“I am delighted to visit this incredible initiative, where unwanted household goods find new purpose and bring joy to others. It’s inspiring to see the University and the local community come together, transforming what might have been discarded into opportunities for connection, sustainability, and giving back,” she said.
Dr Williams said: “It’s our aim to be able to offer people a hand in difficult times, to reduce waste and also hopefully foster a spirit of generosity and resilience that strengthens our community.”
Items donated to the Community Cupboard are cleaned and checked, with electrical items undergoing PAT testing to ensure safety. The cupboard is open to the public, Monday through Friday from 10 am. to 4 pm, providing items free of charge to anyone in the community, especially those experiencing financial hardship.
Since its launch by Carolyn Harris, MP, earlier this year, the Community Cupboard has already made a meaningful difference for many. Mandy Fairhead, ASD Officer at Cefn Hengoed Community School, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for the kind donation from the Community Cupboard of pens and balls for the ALN pupils at Cefn Hengoed school. The pupils were thrilled, and we very much appreciate your kindness.”
Rachel Hart, a childminder from Llansamlet, also benefited from the Community Cupboard, receiving toys to help launch her business. She shared, “I cannot thank you all enough. The support provided has been a massive help, allowing me to set up my childminding business and improve my family’s work-life balance. The Community Cupboard has truly been a lifeline.”
Janette Thorne, who supports families in Swansea, noted the impact on the families she works with: “Through the University’s innovative scheme and generous donations, I delivered an array of preloved items that delighted a family who is currently struggling. ϳԹ is clearly a forward-thinking university with a community spirit to have set up this amazing scheme.”
The Community Cupboard reflects ϳԹ’s commitment to sustainability, community support, and practical solutions to today’s challenges. The initiative aligns with Swansea Council’s Project Zero, aiming to make Swansea a net zero city by 2050.
Pic caption: External pic: (left to right) Joanne Begley, Janet Ellis, Mrs Melanie James and Dr Bronwen Williams.
Inside Community Cupboard - (left to right) Janet Ellis, Dr Bronwen Williams, Joanne Begley and Mrs Melanie James.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071