Struggles 2 Smiles

05/08/2026

After doing a bit of digging into research from Save the Children, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), and the Bevan Foundation, the stats around family life in South Wales right now are a real eye-opener. 💔
While school holidays and Christmas should be all about making memories, the reality is that fewer than 1 in 3 families living in poverty in our communities can afford to take their kids to ticketed holiday events or a Santa’s grotto.
When a family day out for 4 easily hits £50–£80+, and discretionary budgets are stretched to breaking point by rising rent, energy, and food bills, even a small festive treat or a local festival ticket becomes completely out of reach. For single-parent families, over 60% say these kinds of days out are strictly off the table.
It’s a stark reminder of why local community hubs, council-funded "Food and Fun" schemes, and free local initiatives are absolute lifelines for so many children in our towns & cities.
No child should miss out on the magic of the holidays just because of a price tag. Big love and support to all the local volunteers and charities working non-stop to keep events free and accessible for everyone in South Wales! 📦❤️
Thank you to our volunteer Sonia for her reporting on this important subject. 💜

02/08/2026

Some of the food created by our young chefs over the weekend!! Well done you absolutely smashed this weekend off!! 🔥🔥🔥

27/07/2026

19/07/2026

Since 2020 Struggles 2 Smiles has officially prevented 228 tonnes of carbon emissions (CO_2e) from entering our atmosphere!
How did we do it? By rescuing 114 tonnes of surplus food and turning it into 200,000 + nourishing hot meals and 3,000 + fresh food hampers for our incredible community. 🍲📦
When edible food is thrown away, it rots in landfills and releases harmful methane gas. By stepping in, our amazing young chefs, volunteers and partners stopped these emissions at the source. To put saving 228 tonnes of CO_2e into perspective, it’s the equivalent of:
🚗 Driving a standard petrol car 580,000 miles (that’s 23 times around the Earth!).
🌳 The carbon absorbed by 3,800 tree seedlings growing for a decade.
We are incredibly proud of this milestone, but we are ready to do even more.
A massive thank you to everyone who has prepared, cooked, packed, donated, and supported us so far.
We not stopping there! Watch this space!! 👀

09/07/2026

💙 Need a Friendly Place to Start Your Day? ☕

Everyone needs someone to talk to from time to time. At St Vincent's Centre, you'll find a welcoming community where you can relax, enjoy a free hot drink, and connect with people who genuinely care.

Our Thursday Morning Drop-In is open to anyone who would like a change of scenery, a listening ear, or simply the chance to spend time with others in a safe and supportive environment.

Whether you're looking for practical support, hoping to meet new people, or wanting to explore the activities and services available at the centre, we're here to help you take that next positive step.

✨ A warm welcome awaits
☕ Free tea and coffee
💬 Friendly conversations
🤝 Support when you need it
🌱 Find opportunities to help you move forward

📅 Every Thursday
🕘 9:00am – 12:00pm
📍 St Vincent's Centre, Ely Bridge

You don't need to book, and you don't need to have all the answers. Just come as you are.

Sometimes the best conversations begin with a simple cup of tea.

We'd love to welcome you through our doors every Thursday.

08/07/2026

Hi everyone, we are reaching out to our amazing community today for a family who has recently become homeless and is now in emergency supported accommodation.
They’ve had to leave everything behind, and a lovely 9-year-old girl is currently left with nothing. We have provided hot meals & essential items this evening to the family and we want to help bring a smile back to her face, but we need your support to do it.
If you are having a wardrobe clear-out, or have items to spare, we are urgently looking for:
Shoes: Size 3 trainers or Crocs
Clothing: Sizes 14-15 years
Please reach out directly to our page if you can support this girl in any way possible. Every little bit helps.
Thank you so much,
Struggles 2 Smiles 💜