Swansea Foodbank is a lifeline for individuals and families across the city, offering emergency food, welfare support, and a warm, welcoming space in times of crisis. With seven distribution centres, the foodbank provides essential services in locations ranging from community halls to dedicated outreach spaces.
Some centres, such as Mayhill Community Centre, previously had no internet access, which limited the ability to support people with online benefit claims and digital tasks that are crucial to financial stability. Simon Powell, volunteers at Swansea Foodbank said:
Being able to access and update online benefit claims—and teaching people how to maintain their claims themselves is vital to our work. It brings much needed money into the local economy and helps people regain control over their lives. In Mayhill, where we previously had no internet access, the introduction of broadband is already making a difference—allowing our advisors to work more efficiently and helping clients complete digital forms and access support in real time.Simon Powell, Swansea Foodbank
In 2024 alone, Swansea Foodbank’s welfare benefits advisors helped local people secure £568,002 in confirmed income gains, with £94,804 achieved in the final quarter of the year. These figures reflect the transformative impact of digital access on household income and community wellbeing.
As part of the Dark Fibre East project, Virgin Media O2 is providing five years of free broadband to eight charities or Community Interest Companies in Swansea. This is a key element of the social value being delivered through the Digital Infrastructure Programme, enabling organisations like Swansea Foodbank to offer more effective support and helping local people access the services they need.
Broadband in community centres will not only support Swansea Foodbank’s operations but also benefit the wider community. Mayhill Community Centre hosts a range of activities throughout the week from parent and toddler groups to exercise classes, gardening clubs, and health monitoring sessions. Reliable internet access will enhance all these services, making centres more inclusive and digitally enabled.
Swansea Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network, using their data collection system to monitor usage patterns, reasons for foodbank visits, family size, and frequency of need. This data helps shape responsive services and advocate for systemic change.
By improving connectivity in underserved areas, the Digital Infrastructure Programme is helping Swansea Foodbank deliver more effective support, reduce digital exclusion, and empower individuals to access the help they need with dignity and independence.
To contact the Swansea Food Bank, please visit their website.