Free childcare scheme to expand across Swansea says council

The scheme provides up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week during term time for two‑ and three‑year‑olds. Places are available through school‑based nurseries, private providers, Welsh‑medium cylchs and registered childminders.

What Flying Start actually offers

Flying Start is essentially a package of early‑years support. For parents, the most immediate benefit is the free childcare hours, which can help reduce costs while giving toddlers structured play and learning before school. Alongside childcare, families are offered extra contact with health visitors, advice on parenting, and help with children’s speech and language development. The idea is to combine practical childcare with wider support for families during the crucial early years.

Council welcomes completion of rollout

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, said the funding was intended to “give young children the best possible start in life” and urged parents to take advantage of the offer.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the rollout meant “all parents and carers can now apply for Flying Start childcare,” regardless of where they live in Swansea. He noted the scheme is available in both Welsh and English settings and thanked Welsh Government for funding the initiative, which he said would “make a real difference to young children and their families.”

How to apply

Applications can be made online via Swansea Council’s eligibility tool. Parents and carers can also contact the Family Information Service on 01792 517222 or by emailing [email protected] for further guidance.

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Campaign launched in Swansea to highlight signs of domestic abuse

Timed to coincide with White Ribbon Day (25 November), the initiative is being led by Swansea Council in partnership with South Wales Police, Safer Swansea, survivors, licensees, and members of the Business Improvement District.

According to the council, the campaign aims to raise awareness of “red flags” in unhealthy relationships and promote access to local support services. Posters and stickers — designed with input from survivors — are being placed in toilets across licensed premises in the city centre.

Guildhall to be lit up in orange

Council officials say an information table will be hosted at Morriston Hospital on White Ribbon Day, offering advice and resources to those affected by domestic abuse. The Guildhall will also be illuminated in orange that evening to mark the campaign.

Cllr Alyson Anthony, Cabinet Member for Well-being, said she was “very grateful to all the licensees, businesses and partners supporting this campaign,” adding: “It’s about providing practical advice on the red flags to be aware of — and making sure people know that confidential support is there if needed.”

Council Leader Rob Stewart described the white ribbon as “a symbol of commitment to ending violence and promoting gender equality.” He said this year’s theme — We Speak Up — encourages men and boys to challenge sexism and harmful behaviours.

Support services available locally

The following organisations offer confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse:

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Reports of anti‑social behaviour fall again in Swansea city centre

Partnership approach credited with success

Figures released by Swansea Council and South Wales Police show a 12.1% reduction in reported anti‑social behaviour during the 2025 school holidays. It follows a 38% fall recorded in 2024.

The improvement has been linked to joint work between the council, police and more than 60 partner organisations, who ran a programme of activities for young people at the pop‑up Collaboration Station in St David’s Square.

Over the summer, 98 events, workshops and activities were staged, including an intergenerational festival that drew more than 900 people for a day of music and performances.

Police highlight Operation Daylily

City Centre Inspector Andrew Hedley said the policing operation, known as Operation Daylily, had built on last year’s success.

“We have been able to build on the success of last year to successfully reduce anti‑social behaviour even further,” he said.

“The already established strong partnership working has again been integral to the success of this operation. The addition of a pop‑up base further added to this success in providing a safe and cohesive space for all to use and importantly, signpost relevant people to.”

Inspector Hedley added that while the reduction was positive, more work was needed to make the city centre “a better place to live, work and visit which is free from those intent on causing crime and anti‑social behaviour.”

Council praises young people’s role

Cllr Alyson Anthony, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said young people had played a key part in the summer programme.

“People can sometimes be too quick to criticise young people, but they brought real energy and some great ideas to the sessions and activities,” she said.

She added that the Collaboration Station work was in addition to “hundreds of free and low‑cost activities for children, young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea.”

Council leader thanks partners

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“I’d like to thank the police for their enthusiasm in working with us and indeed all our other partners who played an important role this summer.

I think we can all be pleased that there has again been a reported reduction in ASB over the school period. This shows these partnerships really do deliver for all our residents.”

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Men’s Sheds across Swansea welcome funding boost to support social wellbeing

The grants will support both new and existing groups, including sheds at Jersey Park Pavilion and Sketty Bowls Club, where members say the funding will make a meaningful difference to their weekly activities and outreach.

The Men’s Shed movement has grown rapidly in Swansea in recent years, with the council investing more than £100,000 to help expand the network from single figures to over 25 active groups.

Weekly meet-ups and new spaces

Among those attending regular sessions is Alan Potts of St Thomas, who joins a weekly social at Jersey Park Pavilion on Wednesdays between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

“We usually have between 12 and 18 attend each week,” he said. “It’s a change of scenery, gets us out of the house and socialising.”

David Lloyd of Port Tennant added:

“Some play cards, or participate in a quiz. We have some expert gardeners who give tips and tricks to the rest of us, we share a meal, and there’s always hot water for a cuppa.

It’s a lovely relaxed environment and we are looking to expand thanks to the funding from Swansea Council and welcome even more members.”

At Sketty Bowls Club, the funding will help cover building rental and materials for social activities, especially during the winter months when outdoor bowls is paused.

Paul Thomas said:

“We play several times a week but have introduced a club evening every Wednesday for new members.

Throughout the winter we’ll be meeting one evening every week and the funding will help with running costs and provide materials for social activities.”

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Council support and community impact

The latest round of funding follows a call for applications in May, with more than 20 groups now set to share the £25,000 allocation. Swansea Council says the investment reflects its commitment to supporting grassroots wellbeing initiatives.

Council Leader Rob Stuart said:

“The growth of the Men’s Shed network is a real success story in Swansea, providing great social opportunities for hundreds of people every week.

I’m proud that we’ve been able to play our part in making this happen.”

Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, added:

“I’ve been fortunate to visit quite a few of the sheds and have seen at first hand the incredibly positive impact they have on the health and well-being of members in reducing social isolation of both men and women.

The volunteers that run them are doing a fantastic job and are playing such important roles in their local communities.”

Men’s Sheds offer informal, welcoming spaces for people to connect, share skills, and take part in activities ranging from gardening and crafts to quizzes and shared meals. While traditionally aimed at older men, many Swansea sheds now welcome women and younger members too.

#CllrAlysonAnthony #CllrRobStewart #JerseyPark #lawnBowls #MenSShed #SkettyBowlsClub #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Council announces return of free buses and Summer activities fund

Swansea Council say there will be hundreds of free and low cost activities and events for families and older people across the city this summer, while it is also putting in place support to help to provide meals for school aged children that need it during the school holidays.

Free buses will also be returning on regular days in the school break as part of a package worth more than £500,000 to help residents make the most of the holidays under the council’s #HereForYouThisSummer campaign.

Groups, organisations and clubs can now apply to Swansea Council for funding to stage activities and events while those that work with young people are being encouraged to apply for grants so they can make food available. Funding applications are open until Sunday 15 June.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “Once again we are making a significant investment in supporting residents to make the most of the summer holidays.

“We know that school holidays can be an expensive time of year for hard pressed families so we will be working with some fantastic groups and organisations to ensure there are free or low cost activities as well as funding to provide meals for pupils who need it while the schools are on a break.

“Since we became the first council in Wales to make free buses available during the summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays there‘ve been more than one million journeys saving a family of four around £20 to enjoy a day out, so I’m proud that we are also running this scheme once again.”

Swansea Council is funding the Holiday Food Grant and free buses while the council, UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and Welsh Government are all contributing towards the COAST activities funding.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, said: “Last summer more than 50,000 meals were provided to pupils while on school holiday and it made a real difference ensuring children did not go hungry. This is why we are funding this initiative once again.”

Cabinet Member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, added: “Thanks to funding via COAST last summer we were able to support 164 projects to stage 2,387 different sessions that were attended by more than 47,000 participants.

“I’m delighted there is funding again this year for free or low cost activities for young and older people and these will range from sports, arts and drama to activity clubs and family fun days that bring communities together.”

#CllrAlysonAnthony #CllrHayleyGwilliam #CllrRobStewart #freeBus #HereForYouThisSummer #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Free lawn bowls community days aim to encourage ethnic minorities to give the game a try

Organised by Swansea Council’s community safety team, the sessions are aimed at encouraging people from all backgrounds – in particular ethnic backgrounds – to start playing lawn bowls.

At present there is almost no representation from ethnic groups throughout the Swansea and wider lawn bowls community.

This scheme aims to break down cultural barriers and help form links throughout communities to forge better relationships and understanding.

The first session is being held at Sketty bowls green this coming Tuesday (May 6) at 2pm.

Cllr Alyson Anthony, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being, said: “I’s encourage all members of our communities to attend and support these sessions.

“Many of our bowls clubs are the heart of the local community, so they’re an ideal place to socialise in a relaxed positive environment. I hope many people take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

Each session will run for two hours during afternoons or evenings at bowls greens throughout Swansea.

During each session various Safer Swansea partner agencies will be present to undertake further engagement work.

All equipment will be provided and there is no dress code, although flat soled shoes such as trainers must be worn.

Paul Evans, Swanea Council Community Safety Coordinator, said: “Many lawn bowls clubs throughout Swansea are struggling financially and are short of members. This scheme will assist with both these issues.

“Bowls is a very communal sport and promotes teamwork and good sportsmanship.

“It’s also an outdoor sport so players benefit from being outside whilst taking part in mild exercise and competition.

“Bowls is a sport that’s open to all ages and abilities, it’s easy to learn and requires very little costly equipment.”

#CllrAlysonAnthony #community #CommunitySafety #lawnBowls #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Help for residents at risk of missing out this Christmas

Swansea Council say there is also support to feed pupils during the Christmas and half-term holiday, funding to Swansea Spaces providing welcoming places for people to gather and socialise and free and subsidised activities for young and older people over the winter period. 

The council added that other initiatives include free buses for all on 19 dates leading up to Christmas and the New Year supporting people to shop and local businesses.

There are also grants to food banks and other food providers through this period of high demand and a promise that there will always be a bed in Swansea for anyone at risk of sleeping rough should they want one.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “We know that the Christmas and winter periods puts big pressures on families and individuals who are already struggling, so we are doing all we can locally to help and support our residents with our Here For You This Winter campaign.

“The shopping vouchers are going to families and individuals who are most in need of support so that they are able to get the essentials that they need during the holidays and not go without on Christmas Day.

“On top of this and with the support of our colleagues in Welsh Government we making funding available for warm and welcoming spaces for people who are feeling lonely or isolated so they can get together.  We will also be providing support to our local food banks and other emergency food providers as well as funding to feed young people in the Christmas and half-term holidays.

“The free bus initiative is again proving popular with families and our Together at Christmas event held in partnership with JR Events and Catering at the Brangwyn Hall was well attended providing a free Christmas dinner, entertainment and outreach services to those who are vulnerable.”

Cabinet Member for Well-being Alyson Anthony added: “These vouchers will make a big difference to those that need it most and for some will be the difference between having food on the table on Christmas day or possibly a gift for their children or not.

“I’m proud that as a council we doing all that we can to support out residents this winter.”

To find out about the support available in Swansea visit: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

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