Tag Archives: Swansea

Dawsons auction room 2018

Should you consider putting your home up for Auction?

No longer just a domain for investors, developers and property traders, the auction room is now the preferred option of buying and selling property for a number of people looking for a fast and secure method of sale.

The beauty of the Auction Room is that there is no chain and the buyer commits legally on the fall of the gavel with an exchange of contracts secured by a 10% non-returnable deposit.  So auction sales remove the stresses and uncertainty of ‘subject to contract’ transactions, ensuring that estate agents who market property through this method can speed up the process and eliminate the risks of ‘gazumping and gazundering’.

When you consider the time it takes to sell a home by traditional methods, it is easy to see the appeal:

  • Property listed to offer accepted: 10 weeks
  • Offer accepted to searches ordered: 36 days
  • Mortgage arrangement: 3-6 weeks
  • Searches to an exchange of contracts: 58 days
  • Exchange of contracts to completion: 0-28 days

(Data:  View My Chain)

The residential property auction market saw a significant increase in both the number of lots offered for sale and lots sold in 2018, as a high number of people continue to turn to auctions as a means of buying and selling property, fresh data shows.

It is clear to see the benefit of having a sales transaction under-offer and completed in a month, when you compare it to the average time it takes for a property to go ‘under offer’ in Swansea (100 days on average)!

Average time for a house to go under offer

According to the latest figures for October released by the Essential Information Group (EIG), with whom the Dawsons Auction Team work, there was a sharp double-digit increase in both the volume of lots offered and lots sold for the month, up 26% and 38% respectively.

The total amount of money raised by the group rose by just over 51% to £298 million.  “Further increases are evident throughout the rolling quarterly and yearly figures, demonstrating an ever-strengthening market with growing numbers of buyers and sellers choosing auctions as a viable route to market,” said David Sandeman, Managing Director at EIG.

Speaking with Callum Thomas, our Auction Sales Negotiator, the Nationwide statistics fro EIG mirror those from the 5 Dawsons auctions during 2018.  Callum says “we have always had a strong Auction market in South Wales and in 2018 we had an average of 19 properties listed at each event, but we have seen a real change in our audience.  We have had a significant increase in ‘auction newbies’ attending, especially from further-afield areas, like London & Bristol.  It would appear that many people are looking at investments in our location, whether it be buy-to-let, flips, pension plan or putting their kids on the market.  We are really delighted to announce that we’ve been able to sell 91.3% of our listed stock at Auction, this is much higher than the National average for property listed in the traditional manner, which is 65% (77% for Dawsons traditional sales properties).”

“With regards to pricing, the Auction medium is still being used for more ‘run-down’ properties or those with development potential.  Hence, the average sale price at Auction for Dawsons in 2018 stands at £99,981 (price does not include pre / post-auction sales).  That said, it is an increase on 2017 figures and there is definitely a shift happening, with more family homes or more traditional property being listed.”

Compare this with the traditional (non-Auction) sales in County of Swansea 2018, you will see that there is a distinct gap still, but one which is being closed and is likely to close further during 2019.

  • Semi-detached properties averaged £158,142.
  • Terraced properties averaged £123,044
  • Detached properties averaged £276,469.

This was similar in terms of sold prices to nearby Bridgend (£166,620) but was more expensive than Neath Port Talbot (£125,157) and Rhondda Cynon Taff (£124,686). The most expensive area within Swansea was Rhossili (£800,000) and the cheapest was Brynhyfryd (£99,695).

In the past year house prices in County of Swansea were 4% up on the year before and 4% up on 2016 prices, when they averaged at £166,648.

Taking in the areas from where we’ve seen a marked increase of auction buyers coming, it may suggest that Swansea is an area of particular interest to property developers or investors looking for rental properties:

LONDON

Most of the sales in Central London over the past year were flats which on average sold for £1,565,096. Terraced properties had an average sold price of £3,379,980 and detached properties averaged at £3,000,000.

  • Central London averaged £1,691,247
  • West London averaged £1,244,006
  • South West London averaged £743,632
  • North London averaged £714,095

BRISTOL

Last year most property sales in Bristol (County) involved terraced properties which sold for on average £317,913. Flats sold for an average price of £252,766, while semi-detached properties fetched £350,286.

  • Bristol (County) averaged £315,338
  • Gloucestershire averaged £300,133
  • Somerset averaged £292,947
  • Wiltshire averaged £289,584

During the last year, sold prices in Bristol (County) were 5% up on the previous year and 11% up on 2016 when the average house price was £285,126.

If you would like to speak to someone about the Auction process, and whether it would be beneficial to your property, or if you are interested in attending our next auction (Wed 27th February3pm) then read on or call us on 01792 478903 or 01792 478904.

Dawsons Directors Chris Hope, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot & Ricky Purdy at the RAN 25th Anniversary Celebration

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ESTATE AGENCY EXCELLENCE

Dawsons joined The Relocation Agent Network in marking their 25th anniversary at the National Conference and Exhibition, and celebrated their status as Swansea’s Local Expert. The event was held on 23 November 2018 at London’s Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel.

Celebrating its 25th National Conference and Exhibition, the event culminated in a glittering black-tie Awards Dinner, hosted by well-known comedian and television presenter, Katherine Ryan.

Relocation Agent Network is a national network of selected estate agents across England, Scotland and Wales, who handpicked Dawsons to be the Local Expert in Swansea, based on strict criteria such as quality of service, local knowledge, business innovation and professionalism.

Helping Our Customers

Through its affiliation to Cartus, the premier provider of relocation services, Relocation Agent Network members help Cartus assist relocating families, offering Dawsons customers an additional channel of buyer when selling their property. In addition, members also help their customers through their ‘Referral Network’, which allows Dawsons to help people who are looking to move out of the local area by referring them to a Relocation Agent in the location they are moving to.

Relocation Agent Network Managing Director, Richard Tucker said, “We are delighted to have welcomed each of our Relocation Agent Network members, including Dawsons to this year’s 25th National Conference and Exhibition. As a selected member of the Network, in our opinion, they are the experts for customers buying and selling in Swansea.”

 

Selfie with Elfie in Swansea

Take A Selfie with Elfie Part One

C O M P E T I T I O N

Throughout December we are posting a picture of the Dawsons Elfie on 50 Property Marketing Boards at homes all over the Swansea Area. We encourage you to stop, pop out your phone, and take a selfie with Elfie. Then you just need to post it onto one of our Social Media platforms and during w/c 17th December we shall pic our favourite selfie, and the winner will receive a Dawsons Christmas Hamper of Goodies* in time for Christmas.

Click the icon to go to our social media pages:

Dawsons Property Facebook Page

Dawsons Twitter Page

Dawsons Take a selfe with elfie competition to win a Christmas HamperThe Adventures of the Dawsons Elfie

As the sun rose on Saturday 1st December 2018, Elfie woke full of festive spirit. He stretched and took in the last sight of this room, today was his moving day and he was heading to a bigger and brighter place, you see. He was off to see the lights and wonder of a big city (not too big a city mind, as we must remember he is a very little elf!).

Santa had promised young Elfie that if he was a good, helpful elf all year he would be able to spend this Christmas in Swansea! All Elfie had ever seen of the sea was on the back of toy boxes as he walked through the great toy warehouse, so Elfie was careful all year to make sure he behaved well and worked hard because he knew that Santa would always keep his promises to his elves. And Elfie so wanted to see the city!

Although for the past eleven months Elfie had been good, he is actually one of the cheekiest elves you are ever likely to meet! He is the kind of elf that would point and laugh if you slipped on a banana peel. You would often find him playing practical jokes on his brothers and sisters before he was old enough to work with Santa… He found it hilarious to put a big hairy plastic spider in his sister’s soup one day, Elfette hasn’t eaten soup since! Though this may sound mean Elfie never meant to cause any harm, he wouldn’t want to upset anyone, being an elf he has a kind heart but he just loves a little bit of mischief. He would never like to be called an evil elf though, he isn’t that bad.  Also, SANTA wouldn’t allow an evil elf in his workshops and warehouses and certainly never allow them to venture to Swansea!

#NEWMONTHNEWBEGINNINGS

Day One of Elfie's adventures in SwanseaDay 1: With a spring in his step Elfie jumped out of bed and started to pack the last few bits and bobs ready for the big move. He tucked his sleeping bag into the car, slid into the drivers seat excitedly opening the directions to his new home. He looked at the address and it was as Santa promised….SWANSEA! Elfie put the radio on and sang his heart out to ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and many other songs all the way to his new home. As Elfie pulled up outside his new house, he felt really lucky, Santa had fixed him up with a beautifully decorated home with a sea view for his stay in Swansea. Elfie looked up at the house and knew all his hard work had been worth it. Elfie decided he was going to like it here and he set about unpacking his belongings, knowing all to well that this month was going to be the most exciting of Elfie’s life and he couldn’t wait to start!

#SIMPLE SUNDAY

Day Two of Elfie's adventures in SwanseaDay 2 of Elfie’s Adventures:

Elfie spent all of his first full day in his new home unpacking and looking out of the window at the wonderful view. As the sun went down Elfie shuffled off to bed, he did have one box left to unpack, but he knew this would wait until the morning. A little grin appeared across his face as he glanced at the box before curling up and getting some well earned sleep!

 Day 3 of Elfie’s adventures:  
Opening the final box was going to be fun, Elfie was so excited to get to the contents that he nearly fell over his own feet on his way to it, chuckling to himself, it would have been funny if anyone had fallen over their feet. Elfie gently opened the box and peeked inside, he reached in turning the item over in hands with a little glint in his eyes. Elfie quickly put the item back into the box and put the box back into his car, Elfie set off to do something that some may consider naughty but Elfie just wanted to announce to Swansea that he was here. Elfie had decided that he was going to go and find some Estate Agents “boards” like the one that had been outside his new home, and he was going to leave a little happy picture of himself on a few of these as everyone will surely want to come and see the new Elf in town!
Elfie snuck from board to board putting his little picture on his favourites giggling to himself as he went….
 
 
 
 
 
 #THIRSTYTUESDAY4

Day 4:

Since running around all of Swansea yesterday, Elfie has decided to have a quiet day today, whilst looking through his move-in pack he came across a Dawson’s “Reward Card”… This little card can give Elfie discounts at local participating businesses. Elfie decides today is going to be a relaxing day and he heads to “The Optimist” cocktail bar in The Uplands, where he uses his Reward Card on a couple of drinks and some snacks. Watching the people walk by outside Elfie is content… . But what is he planning?

#WHERESELFIEWEDNESDAY5

Day 5 of Elfie’s adventures:

Sunshine wakes Elfie up this morning, but Elfie isn’t in his bed, or even in his house! Perhaps he had one too many in “The Optimist Bar” last night…

He’s woken up surrounded by forest creatures and really wants to know how he got here and also how a panda got to Swansea? Answers on a postcard, please!

#TRICKSTERTHURSDAY
6Day 6:

The walk home yesterday and the making of a few new furry friends (especially Rusty the naughty red panda) has inspired Elfie to return to his cheeky roots.

As he passes through the office where his new home is located, Elfie tripped over a roll of Christmas wrapping paper and an idea popped into his head:  He was going to find the most important looking doors and Christmas wrap them (the ones with the locks must be the important ones, right?). Elfie giggled to himself as he taped up the doors, gave a quick high-five to Rusty and a look back at his work… Elfie headed to bed.

To be continued on BLOG 2 HERE

*Hamper in the competition photo is a stock image and contents of the hamper prize will be different (but still amazing)!

Relocation Agent Network

2 Relocation Agent Specialists Join DAWSONS

Please join us in saying a big congratulations to Danielle Thomas from Dawsons in Mumbles and Sam Partner from Dawsons in Llanelli who are both celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent Specialists.

Relocation Agent Network

The accreditation is awarded by the Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, entitled, ‘The Importance of Service’.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a selected member), entitled the “Relocation Agent Network” introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Mumbles and Gower, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Dawsons Chris Hope said, “We take staff development very seriously and Danielle’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set. Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said, “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Mumbles, Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

proud sponsors

THE MUMBLES RUGBY CLUB CRACKERS’ 7’S WEEKEND

Friday 24th August 2018 to Sunday 26th August

Preparations are in full swing for the 30th annual legendary rugby festival The Crackers’ 7’s over the August Bank Holiday in Underhill Park, Mumbles.  The schedule is as follows:

Friday 24th August from 6pm

  • Mumbles Youth .v. Swansea Uplands Youth
  • Tom Pugh Memorial Game – Mumbles XV .v. Swansea Uplands XV

In memory of Swansea Uplands player Tom Pugh who tragically passed away at such a young age. Proceeds of Programme sales on the night will go to the chosen charity of Tom’s family

Saturday 25th August from 9.30am

  • Mumbles RFC Junior Section morning of rugby fun & games
  • Mumbles RFC Youth hosting a 7’s Tournament k.o. 12.00 Noon

Sunday 26th August from 11am

  • Crackers’ 7’s with the Men’s and Women’s tournaments running in parallel during the day.
  • Live entertainment from 7pm from local band ‘The Contenders’  in the Premier Marquee

There will be a beer tent and BBQ on all 3 Days plus loads of family entertainment including a bouncy castle, giant children’s slide and (wait for it….) zumba classes with Sion throughout the day

 

We at Dawsons are, again, so proud to be headline sponsors of this event and our director James Dawson explains why

Having sponsored this event for many years as a company, and I myself playing in the tournament many times over the years, never successfully I might add, we understand the importance of the annual event to those living locally and those who travel from further afield to take part. The Crackers’ 7’s is a firm date in our calendar, for which we are proud to be the principal sponsor.  The work that the rugby club do for the local community and for various charities is second to none and that is why we look forward to supporting MIND, this year’s chosen charity, to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for the work they do.’

Screen Shot 2018-08-16 at 19.10.59

 

 

 

Please try to come along if you are local, and share this with your friends as you wouldn’t want to miss such a great event!

 

BURRY PORT RAFT RACE

Schools out for Summer – Week 3

We are so excited to be, not only Principle Sponsors, but also entrants in this year’s BURRY PORT RAFT RACE, happening today 12th August at 7pm.

Once again we are raising funds for Burry Port RNLI and Afia Children’s Football Academy Foundation.
SHOUT OUT to the other local firms sponsoring the event:

  • Burns Pet Nutrition,
  • Celtic Couriers,
  • Barberry Construction,
  • The Marine Group – Burry Port Marina
  • Burry Port Co-Op
  • Llanelli Star
  • LBS Builders Merchants
  • Pembrey & Burry Port Town Council
  • Parker Plant Hire

So the raft building is complete.  I am a little worried (although I am not on the raft so it will be quite funny if we sink) but one of our building team mentioned the lack of silicon used to secure the framework, I am thinking “9 hours to build and 9 seconds to sink” but will wait and see or sea….

So the raft to look out for, either flying past the finishing line or flailing around in the water is this little beauty.  I am thinking that the theme could be ‘Who wants to live on a desert island?’ and I understand the crew will be suitable attired, so let’s hope the sun shines or they may be a little chilly…

theraft

FINALLY

In our usual fashion, we like to give you something to keep the children amused over the coming week, and whilst we would have loved to remain on theme with a picture of a raft, we stretched it one step further with a fabulous schooner!

Colouring in boat from Dawsons

NOW please remember to send us a pic of your finished efforts, and we’ll let you off if you don’t want to share your age!

If you do not have a printer at home, just pop down to our stall at the Raft Race from 2pm to collect one.

See you next week,

 

Jane

 

Gower Coast

Schools out for Summer – week 2

How are you all coping with this heatwave? At least we are lucky to be by the seaside and can take advantage of the amazing beaches we have along our coastline.
So this week’s blog is going to be about BEACHES – in particular THE GOWER COASTLINE, where to go, what’s on and how to stay safe!

1. THE BEST BEACHES

Well we know it is very subjective to ask us locals about our favourite beaches, so we looked on TripAdvisor for the Best Beaches in the UK, an unbiased view as voted by their global customers, and we found 2 of our beaches in the Top 10.

TRIP ADVISOR

At No 3:  Rhossili Bay

“Spectacular views across the whole area”

rhossili-bay

 

At No. 8:  Three Cliffs Bay

“Best part of the UK on a good day”

three-cliffs-bay

So if you wish to let us know about your favourite beach and why, with a photo if possible, we will update this blog and post them on our Facebook Page so everyone gets to see the amazing location we live in!

2. WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST?

25th – 29th July Beach Sculpture Festival, various beaches in Swansea Bay

28th July Dungeons and Dragons Day, Oystermouth Castle

28th Jul – 5th Aug Pirate Week, Gower Heritage Centre

1st – 31st Aug Botanics in Bloom, Singleton Park

5th August Mumbles Raft Race

5th August Gower Show

8th August The Living Seas Wales Roadshow, National Waterfront Museum

10th – 24th Aug Swansea Festival of Stitch, various locations

18th – 25th Aug Gower Cycling Festival

23rd – 25th Aug CAMRA Beer Festival

3. BEACH SAFETY

Take some shade with you if it is going to be a hot day, check the temperature before you head off.  Hats or caps are perfect and a white t-shirt for fair skinned people plus an umbrella for when you need to rest.

SUNSHADE ON THE BEACH

Make sure you have protective suncream and use it before and after swimming.

USE SUNCREAM

Keep hydrated!

KEEP HYDRATED

Know what the flags mean and never take a chance!  Even good swimmers can be caught out by dangerous waves and sea conditions.

Photo:  Heather Paul
Photo: Heather Paul

Be careful of undercurrents, try to be aware of where the lifeguard is and know the signs of someone in danger in the sea, so you can get help if needed.

Photo:  The camera is a toy

AND LASTLY…

Be aware that there are jellyfish in our waters, so if you get stung this is how to proceed.  No I am not going to quote from the famous ‘Friends’ episode!

JELLYFISH IN WALES

1.  Get out of the water and remove any tentacles – if you have tweezers use these, if not a bank card edge or something similar should do the trick.

2.   Immerse in warm/hot seawater, not fresh water.

3.  Take paracetamol or ibruprofen.

4.  Report to the lifeguard and seek medical help if the sting persists.

TO FINISH OFF:

For everyone who enjoyed last week’s colouring competition (and I am guessing the adults had as much fun as the children from the pics uploaded on our Facebook Page!!!) here os this week’s colouring-in picture.

children coloring on the theme of seaside
Look forward to seeing your efforts on our Facebook page!https://www.facebook.com/DawsonsPropertySwansea/

Jane

Screen Shot 2018-07-20 at 13.31.52

Schools out for Summer – week 1

Yes kids! It’s that amazing time of the year when you don’t have to get up for school and can spend long days playing with your friends and having a whale of a time.

Ok parents, it’s that time of the year when you are pulling your hair out and wondering what the heck to do every day to keep the kids amused, and you relatively sane.

So over the next few weeks we will be helping you out with some of our favourite local children’s events happening over the Summer holidays and whilst we are at it, we will try to give you a little break at home (so you can get to watch at least a re-run of last night’s Love Island) by providing you with a picture to download and get the kids to colour in.

So this week our ‘Schools out for Summer’ theme is PIRATES!

‘Oohhh Aarrggghhh Me Hearties’

As you may already know Wales is celebrating its YEAR OF THE SEA and so the museum has a FREE family-friendly exhibition on all through the Summer holidays from 10am to 5pm daily.  You can find out all about the history of pirates and buccaneers all over the world, hear tales of treason and treachery, not to mention treasure.  Check out the museum website for further details.

Pirate Exhibitionimage008

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM PIRATE EXHIBITION

Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, SA1 3RD

Daily 10am to 5pm until 30/9/18

Photos by Natalie Dare
Photos by Natalie Dare

We would love to hear about your visit, did you dress up, if so post us a picture using #SCHOOLSOUTFORSUMMER on our Dawsons Facebook Page. If you want to download our colouring pic, we’d also like to see your efforts, so make sure you post it on our page so we can see your pencil skills.

See you next week for more Summer Fun in Swansea!

children coloring on the theme of pirates raster

Dawsons' Safe As Houses campaign to keep children safe during the Airshow

Estate agent sponsors special ‘Safe as Houses’ scheme to keep children safe at Wales Airshow 2018

Dawsons estate agents are sponsoring special wristbands to keep children safe at this year’s Airshow based on the Swansea sea front.

In a campaign named ‘Safe as Houses’, Dawsons’ wristbands will be handed out by Swansea Council officials to 1,000s of children attending the event over the weekend.

With more than 250,000 visitors expected to gather on Swansea’s promenade and waterfront for the action-packed weekend of June 30 and July 1, Dawsons felt it important to support the wristband campaign.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring a campaign that will help to keep safe all those children who will be visiting the Airshow on the Saturday and Sunday,” said Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“The weekend is a fun-filled, family affair and anything we can do to keep children safe and eliminate any worries for parents then all the better.”

On entering the event a wristband will be given to each child can be collected from various information points, the park and ride drop off location or our car parks staff. The parents’ mobile number will be written on the back of the wristband before being put on the child’s wrist.

Losing a child, even for a few moments, can be very distressing and the Tag Your Tots scheme can help reassure and get help fast. Parents are being advised it they lose a child or need to report an incident to look for the nearest steward who will talk directly to the security and events team via radio.

Added Chris: “The Airshow just gets bigger and better and showcases Swansea at its best and we are delighted to be associated with it especially as this year the even takes on extra significance as it is celebrating both the RAF’s 100th anniversary and the Army commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.”

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism, said: “We are delighted that a Company with such local recognition and familiarity as Dawsons Estate Agents have decided to become a sponsoring partner for the Wales Airshow 2018.  The Wales Airshow is Wales’ largest, free event for the public to enjoy.

“The show attracts record numbers of visitors to the area, with children’s safety being of paramount importance throughout the weekend. With Dawsons’ contribution, we can effectively manage the number of families with children at the event, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy this fantastic two-day spectacle.”

The Airshow has grown in popularity from 75,000 visitors in 2009 to an audience of 250,000 last year and even more people are expected this year.

Full details about the event, road closures and other information is available at walesairshow.co.uk.

PICTURE: Swansea Uplands RFC Under 7s interrupted their training session on the beach to show off the bright orange wristbands that will be used during the Airshow

L-R Naomi Webborn, Dawsons’ Lettings Department Coordinator, Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, and volunteers at Swansea Foodbank at City Church in Dyfatty.

Dawsons supporting national food collection campaign

Dawsons Property is supporting a week-long campaign to collect items for Swansea Foodbank next month.

The special collection, which is part of Relocation Agent Network’s national fundraising event called #OneThousandItemsofFood, will take place between June 14 and 21 in conjunction with the Trussell Trust.

During the week there will be collection points in all of Dawsons’ branches across Swansea & Llanelli with special bins to be provided by their Dawsons’ reward card partner Exall & Jones.

The foodbank has become part of the social landscape of society with one in five people living below the poverty line in the UK.

Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank
Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank

“We are very grateful to Dawsons to their commitment to this food collection campaign,” said Kristina Williams, Assistant Manager at Swansea Foodbank.

“We tend to have a lot of contributions around Christmas time and harvest festival, but contributions tend to tail off a bit during the spring and summer so Dawsons’ commitment is both timely and welcome.”

Swansea Foodbank, which provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis, is open in several locations around the city on different days and times.

Swansea Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s national foodbank network and is supported by churches across the city to help people in times of crisis.

Swansea Foodbank volunteers
Swansea Foodbank volunteers

Dawsons is asking customers and staff to donate two items each of non-perishable food such as tins and packet food.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this campaign as part of the Relocation Agent Network which is running #OneThousandItemsofFood throughout the UK.

Unfortunately, we live in times when foodbanks have become a necessity for a part of our society, so we are determined to make this campaign as successful as possible, therefore all our branches will be collecting items between June 14 and 21.”

To find your local foodbank visit www.trusselltrust.org. Find out what supplies they are currently in need of and what items they have enough of.  Foodbanks also accept essential non-food items such as toiletries and hygiene products. They also accept clothes and toys.