"It's very important: it needs to be nice at first."

"In the new report Breaking Free: Pathways to a fair technological future, the Norwegian Consumer Council has delved into #Enshittification and how to resist it."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Upf_B9RLQ

Link to the report:
https://www.forbrukerradet.no/breakingfree

"Special thanks to @pluralistic , who has coined the term 'enshittification’, for sharing his early book draft, and for inspiring this report. "

#CitizensAdvice #Verbraucherzentrale #Forbrukarrådet
HT @eikofried

A Day in the Life of an Ensh*ttificator

Digital products and services keep getting worse. In the new report Breaking Free: Pathways to a fair technological future, the Norwegian Consumer Council ha...

YouTube
Nothing pleases #venom more than #citizensadvice.

Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop

The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.

Cllr Stewart said:

“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”

Members of the Mentro Allan social group say Y Storfa’s welcoming staff and central location make it an ideal meeting place.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.

Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:

“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.

Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:

“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”

The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.

Swansea University’s Sian Williams says the South Wales Miners’ Library is now “much more accessible” since relocating to Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)Judith Porch from Swansea Council’s lifelong learning team says Y Storfa is helping connect people by bringing multiple services together in one place.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:

“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”

Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones says Y Storfa is making it easier for residents to access several services in a single visit.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:

“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”

The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.

Visitors browse bilingual library sections at Y Storfa, where history and arts collections are now housed in the city centre hub.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.

He said:

“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”

Staff at Y Storfa’s circular reception desk assist visitors with council services, library access and lifelong learning enquiries.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.

Related stories

Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens
Opening day crowds welcomed Swansea’s new one‑stop public services hub.

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic
Major relocation brings key services together under one roof.

Opinion: Torsten Bell MP on Swansea’s Pride in Place funding
How investment could reshape the future of the city centre.

Swansea safety firm proud to support city regeneration
Local business backs major redevelopment projects across Swansea.

Public invited to give views on new Civic Centre plans
Fresh images reveal the next stage of Swansea’s waterfront transformation.

New artist’s impression shows dramatic Civic Centre transformation
Ambitious redevelopment plans unveiled for the seafront site.

#BHS #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CitizensAdvice #Library #lifelongLearning #MentroAllan #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #RevenuesAndBenefits #SouthWalesMinersLibrary #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaUniversity #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.

Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”

Visitors gather at the main reception desk inside Y Storfa on opening day.
(Image: Swansea Council)

The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”

Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”

Bilingual signage marks the entrance to the Children’s Library at Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)The library space at Y Storfa features modern furnishings and seasonal decorations.
(Image: Swansea Council)Staff members at the new Children’s Library inside Y Storfa, part of Swansea Central Library’s relocated services.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Services available at Y Storfa

  • 📚 Swansea Central Library
  • 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
  • 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
  • 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
  • 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
  • ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
  • Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre

Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.

The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.

The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.

#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa

⚠️ Winter Fuel Payment Scam Warning ⚠️

If you receive a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam.

You do not need to register or apply…these payments are made automatically!

Find out more ⤵️

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensioners-warned-to-stay-alert-as-winter-fuel-payment-scams-surge-by-over-150 #WinterFuelPayment #Scams #UK #Lancashire #CitizensAdvice

Council issues warning after rise in dodgy landscape and roofing cold callers

Officials say cold callers have been knocking on doors across the county in recent weeks, persuading some residents to hand over large sums of money for jobs that were either left unfinished or carried out to a poor standard.

Residents urged to stay vigilant

The council says the increase in complaints has prompted a fresh warning to communities, with householders advised to take their time before agreeing to any work and to be wary of high‑pressure tactics.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Business and Consumer Affairs, said:

“We want to ensure our residents are fully aware of the risks posed by rogue traders and are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves. If you are approached by cold callers or have concerns about work being carried out on your property, please contact us or Citizens Advice immediately.”

Trusted traders scheme

The authority is encouraging residents to use its Buy With Confidence scheme to find vetted local businesses, and to report any suspicious activity to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

Officials also reminded householders that contracts signed at home may carry a 14‑day cooling‑off period, giving people time to reconsider.

Community response

The council is asking residents to share the warning with family, friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to doorstep scams.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Port Talbot trader branded ‘epitome of a rogue trader’ after probe
Trading Standards investigation exposes dishonest practices in Port Talbot.

Three rogue traders from same family prosecuted
Family members sentenced after carrying out poor quality driveway and home improvement work.

Carmarthenshire rogue builder jailed after £30k fraud
Builder sentenced for defrauding customers of more than £30,000.

Rogue trader jailed for 32 months after targeting pensioners
Court hears how elderly residents were pressured into unnecessary roofing work.

Ammanford building and landscaping rogue trader prosecuted
Council takes action against trader offering poor quality building and landscaping services.

#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CitizensAdvice #coldCaller #cowboyBuilder #doorstepScam #landscaper #rogueTrader #roofingContractor

#NIHR PHIRST evaluation of a money and #MentalHealth service delivered by #CitizensAdvice suggests (i) increased financial support, and (ii) a single, dedicated adviser who builds a relationship with the client and advocates on their behalf as a key mechanism.
https://phirst.nihr.ac.uk/evaluations/evaluation-of-money-and-mental-health-advice-service-kent/
Evaluation of Money and Mental Health advice service, Kent - NIHR Public Health Interventions Responsive Studies Teams (PHIRST)

PHIRST evaluation to identify changes in efforts to promote healthy environments in local authorities that can be linked to specialist posts

NIHR Public Health Interventions Responsive Studies Teams (PHIRST)

Housing services set to join Y Storfa community hub in city centre

The move will see both services join a growing list of community-focused organisations based at Y Storfa, the council’s flagship hub currently taking shape in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.

Services to remain open during transition

The council has confirmed that Housing Options and Housing Support will continue operating from their current High Street base until the relocation takes place. Once the move is complete, both services will be available at Y Storfa without interruption.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Swansea Council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said the new hub would offer a more accessible and joined-up experience for residents.

“The Y Storfa development on Oxford Street will be a modern, accessible hub that brings a range of community services together under one roof in the heart of Swansea,” she said.

“It’s been designed to make it easier for residents to get the help they need, all in one convenient location.”

An opening date for Y Storfa — and the final day of operations at the High Street office — will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Supporting residents at risk of homelessness

The Housing Options service focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible. It offers advice and practical support to help people remain in their homes or find suitable alternative accommodation.

The Housing Support service provides free, housing-related support to anyone aged 16 and over living in Swansea. This includes help with budgeting, benefits, rent arrears, setting up home, accessing education or work, and addressing issues such as domestic abuse or substance misuse.

Y Storfa under construction on Oxford Street. The new community hub is being developed on the site of the former British Home Stores building.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Part of a wider regeneration

Y Storfa is one of several major projects forming part of Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration. The hub will also house Swansea Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Citizens Advice, Careers Wales, and the council’s customer contact centre.

The development is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and aims to bring services together in a central, accessible location close to public transport, cycle routes and parking.

For more information about the Y Storfa scheme and the services relocating there, visit www.swansea.gov.uk/ystorfa.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
Swansea’s main library service is set to relocate to the new city centre community hub later this year.

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub
A new video offers a glimpse inside the Y Storfa development, showing how services will be brought together.

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Construction continues at the former BHS site as Swansea’s new multi-service hub nears completion.

Pupils add colour to new Swansea development
Local schoolchildren have contributed artwork to brighten up the Y Storfa site during construction.

#callCentre #CareersWales #CastleSquare #CitizensAdvice #ContactCentre #HighStreet #homelessness #housing #HousingOptions #HousingSupport #OxfordStreet #Swansea #SwanseaCentralLibrary #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Pupils add colour to new Swansea development

The pupils – from the school’s Ty Dyfatty campus – recently visited the Y Storfa development taking shape in Swansea city centre where they contributed to the painting work taking place inside.

Delivered by Swansea Council, the Y Storfa community service hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street is due to open later this year.

It will include council services such as a new central library, the contact centre, Housing Options, Housing Support, lifelong learning, revenue and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants at Y Storfa are set to include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

Working alongside local company Swansea Decorating Services, the Ysgol Calon Lân visit was organised by main Y Storfa contractor Kier Group as part of their community benefits programme.

Kier Group are a School Valued Partner of Careers Wales. The visit was part of an ongoing programme of activities to provide pupils with careers and work-related experiences.

School teaching staff were also in attendance, alongside representatives of Careers Wales.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“Y Storfa will soon be a place for the whole community, so it’s fantastic that pupils from Ysgol Calon Lân have been directly involved in shaping it.

“Their contribution has not only added colour to the building but also demonstrates the power of regeneration to create opportunities for learning and community pride.

“We’re grateful to Kier, Careers Wales and Swansea Decorating Services for making this happen.”

Teachers from Ysgol Calon Lân praised the project for boosting confidence and providing an enriching experience outside the classroom.

Mark Saunders, of Ysgol Calon Lân, said:

“This hands-on experience gave my students a valuable opportunity to learn outside the classroom, developing new skills in a real-world setting.

“The staff at the placement were incredibly welcoming and engaged with my students, making the day both enjoyable and educational.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone involved for supporting our learners and helping make this project a success.”

Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:

“At Kier, we’re committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where we work – and this is a great example of local engagement and impact.

“Inviting Ysgol Calon Lân pupils to Y Storfa has been a real highlight of the project.

“The pupils brought fantastic enthusiasm and a vibrant energy to the site, and we’re delighted they could play a part in helping prepare this outstanding new development for Swansea.”

Andrea John, Business Engagement Adviser at Careers Wales, said:

“Involving the pupils in the development of Y Storfa is a fantastic way of exposing them to the world of work, especially as part of the School Valued Partnership activity with Kier Group.

“Enriching experiences like this help pupils to connect what they learn in school with real-life opportunities.

“It’s fantastic to see the pupils’ creativity leaving a mark on such an important development for Swansea.”

Funders for the Y Storfa development include the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme.

Head here for more information about Y Storfa, including FAQs.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#CareersWales #CitizensAdvice #KierGroup #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #TyDyfatty #YStorfa