Words by Smiley Team
A week after Storm Cristoph caused upheaval for thousands of households across the UK, The Salvation Army brings positive news of a community in South Wales pulling together to help flood victims who had to evacuate their homes.
Transforming the local church hall into a relief centre, Salvation Army volunteers served food and drink to emergency service workers and supported those most affected by the flood. Since the storm ended, church leaders, volunteers and the local council, continue to assist around 100 Skewen families still unable to return to their homes.
To bolster their efforts, a JustGiving page set up at the start of the pandemic has brought in more than £20,000 to help residents in the village of Skewen, South Wales. The money will help meet the flood victims’ immediate needs whilst they are unable to return home, but it will also provide longer-term support for affected residents after their houses are made habitable again.
The Salvation Army’s leader in Skewen Jo Walters said: “The response from the general public and the local people of Skewen since the flood has been absolutely amazing. Everyone has just pulled together to help one another. Individuals, families and local businesses have all got involved. We’ve had donations of food, blankets, cleaning products, the list goes on. It’s been overwhelming. I’d like to say a huge thank you.
“With so many people still in temporary accommodation whilst their homes are assessed and the area made safe, it’s clear our support will be needed for some time. As people start to get back into their homes, money donated to our JustGiving page will also help to replace some of the things which have been destroyed by water.”
If you’re interested in volunteering your time or skills in Skewen, the best way to do so is by contacting your local authority. Details of how to do so can be found on the council website.
To support The Salvation Army in Skewen financially, donate via their JustGiving page.
With a long history of supporting communities in crisis, The Salvation Army offers response vehicles who deal with large fires or disasters that leave people without shelter or food. The charity’s volunteers and officers are dedicated to responding to emergencies at any time of the day or night, to offer vital support to the emergency services. For more information visit their website.
To help offer more general support to those in crisis you can contribute via their main donation page. Funds go towards assistance such as food provision, shelter or support for vulnerable people.
