ACE are facing an unprecedented demand for food and support (Credit: Eirian Jones)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The increase in demand for the services is said to be down to the rising costs of fuel, food and housing, combined with low, stagnant wages and benefits, record inflation and the ongoing effects of the pandemic and Brexit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A report by Citizens Cymru found that over 9,900 people in employment in Cardiff (12%) earn less than the living wage of \u00a310.90 an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through their daily crisis hour, in 2021, ACE increased household income in their community by \u00a3106,434, supporting 525 households with fuel vouchers, grants and unclaimed benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Matyus explained that if the significant increase in demand for their crisis support carries on, it is anticipated that ACE will have supported more than 1,100 households by April 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m unsure about anything, money, bills, housing or the kids and school, I pop into the Dusty Forge as I know they listen, don\u2019t judge and that they can help me,\u201d said Emma, a visitor to the community centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another visitor turned volunteer, Sheree, said: \u201cACE supported me not just mentally but financially as well. I started off being supported and now I\u2019m on the other side of things, helping others and volunteering my time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nThe community centre has provided support fro Ely and Caerau for over 10 years (Credit: Eirian Jones)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The charity, which has been running for 12 years, also runs a food pantry that offers a week\u2019s worth of groceries, which is estimated to cost between \u00a320 and \u00a325, for as little as \u00a35. The pantry is in more demand than ever, with 128 weekly members visiting from more than 100 households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The pantry is so much more than food. We try to have fun, too, and make it the best experience it can be for people who are struggling,\u201d said lead volunteer Sarah Whitfield. \u201cWe have really got to know our members and provide a listening ear without judgement. When they don\u2019t turn up for their weekly visit, we worry \u2013 we get in touch to check in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The charity and their 70 volunteers offer a wide range of services at both community centres from warm spaces and repair cafes to art and heritage groups. Here\u2019s a list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nA daily crisis hour for those struggling to pay bills<\/li>\n\n\n\n Twice weekly drop-in advice sessions on benefits or housing problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n Warm spaces with free food and fun activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n A community-run cafe with low cost, good quality food and a second-hand shop<\/li>\n\n\n\n A membership-based food pantry serving over 100 households a week<\/li>\n\n\n\n A repair cafe and library of things to promote sustainable living<\/li>\n\n\n\n Community groups to reduce social isolation, including coffee mornings, knitting and crafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n Activities for parents and young children<\/li>\n\n\n\n Wellbeing connectors who help people suffering with depression and anxiety to find new friends and activities to support their mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n Thriving art and heritage groups and three community gardens<\/li>\n\n\n\n Multiple youth clubs and cooking classes for young people<\/li>\n\n\n\n Training to help people access jobs<\/li>\n\n\n\n Tailored career support to help people access better paid, more fulfilling work<\/li>\n\n\n\n Safe spaces and friendly faces for those struggling with bereavement and caring responsibilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n“I live alone and it gets lonely but I keep coming to ACE. If you’re feeling down, there’s always someone there, willing to listen and talk to you, tell you how you can get involved if you want to. It\u2019s a big help, it\u2019s a good place to be,\u201d said Keith, who regularly visit the Dusty Forge’s community garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe don’t see our community as a collection of problems that need solving,\u201d said Ms Matyus. \u201cWe see it as a community that’s full of strength and talents and opportunities. People who visit don\u2019t just have a common access to support but they also give back by contributing time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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