Under the Umbrella

1997 was a year of change for Wales. In September of that year, the country voted for devolution, and two years later sixty women and men formed the first Welsh Parliament. 

Another redistribution of power had come in April 1997, when local government reorganisation led to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot becoming separate Unitary Authorities. And, among other things, that brought the end of West Glamorgan Council for Voluntary Services and the beginning of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot having their own versions. 

SCVS is the umbrella organisation that delivers advice, training and funding to our city’s charities. It connects volunteers with the charities best placed to use their skills. It builds a bridge between local support and local government. It gives the third sector a voice in conversations that matter.

In the decade since Unity in Diversity first opened our doors to Swansea’s asylum seekers and refugees, SCVS has been a constant support. Now, as we embark on our Outreach Programme and take our service city-wide, that support is more valuable than ever. 

On Thursday, May 21st, Hannah Sabatia, Healthy and Diverse Communities Coordinator with SCVS, brought her expertise to UiD’s first Morriston drop-in at the Sacred Heart Centre. Service users and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds shared their thoughts on the availability and accessibility of support in Swansea. Hannah doesn’t have a magic wand, of course, and she doesn’t pretend to. What she does bring to the table is patience, empathy and in-depth knowledge of the third sector network that serves our city so well.

Thanks to Hanah and her colleagues at SCVS, Unity in Diversity can reach out to asylum seekers and refugees in all parts of Swansea, offering innovative services with clear outcomes, knowing that we’re not alone in the fight. Along with our third sector partners, we operate under the SCVS umbrella and we know we can call on them when we need them. 

One of the major takeaways from our Morriston drop-in was the positive impact that Hannah’s advice had on our service users. 

She made them feel valued. 

She helped them find their voice.   

Unity in Diversity’s Outreach Programme now has dates firmly set in the calendar for the remainder of 2026.

• On the first Monday of each month, you’ll find us at St Michael and All Angels Church in Manselton.

• On the second Thursday, we’ll be at Rechabite Hall in Gowerton.

• On the third Thursday we’ll be at Sacred Heart - formerly Soar Chapel - in Morriston.

• And on the fourth Thursday of each month we’ll be back at our city-centre base in York Place. 

We’re delighted to see new faces at each venue, and one of the faces we look forward to seeing again the most is Hannah Sabatia’s.

Thanks for your support, Hannah.