SWANSEA Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG) has provided local charity Hands Up For Downs with an early Christmas present this year, presenting it with a cheque for £2,500 at SBCSG’s end of year meeting.
The cheque was presented to the charity’s treasurer, Samantha Fisher, by SBCSG Chairman, Anthony Thomas, and SBCSG training officer, Gemma Mineur, at the Swansea.com stadium last week.
Hands Up For Downs is a registered charity affiliated to the Down’s Syndrome Association. Founded in May 2014, this parent-run support group brings families, parents, carers and children with Down Syndrome together to share advice and support, and as a group ensure that children living with Down Syndrome are given access to the services they need.
The funds were raised by SBCSG through an auction and raffle, hosted and compared by Swansea legend Kev Johns, at its annual awards ceremony, held earlier in the year at the Village Hotel, Swansea.
The SBCSG annual awards highlight the achievements of apprentices and future talent within the construction industry in the South Wales region. It is also part of an overall objective to promote the construction industry’s image and showcase the benefits of considering the construction industry as a career path, and what skills individuals can gain from this profession. Next year’s awards are due to be held at the Swansea.com stadium on June 23, 2023.
The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG) is a collaboration of diverse contractors, located within the Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea region. It is a grant funded, not for profit organisation, that is committed to providing cost-effective training and development opportunities to its members.
SBCSG works closely with local colleges and training providers to identify training needs within the industry and where possible, endorse the achievement of recognised qualifications to training for future generations.
As well as the cheque presentation, SBCSG’s end of year meeting also saw a presentation from 2B enterprising about its Bumbles of Honeywood project – a programme that works in collaboration with businesses and schools to teach young children (aged 5 years plus) to be enterprising whilst introducing them to valuable life lessons and skills.
The meeting was well attended by representatives of SBCSG member organisations: John Weaver, ASW Property Services, CJ Construction, Swansea Council, Greenhat, Tilbury Douglas, MA Hartley, CITB, NPTC Group, Gower College, J.G. Hale Construction, Cyfle Building Skills, Rowecord, Roger Bullivant, and V&C (SW) Ltd.
Samantha Fisher, Treasurer, Hands Up For Downs, said: “Hands Up For Downs is a parent volunteer run organisation which supports over 50 families across the Swansea Bay area. Over the past few years, our fundraising capability has been vastly reduced due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, so we are extremely grateful for the continuing support SBCSG have shown us in raising vital funds – they are absolutely awesome!
“Every single penny raised enables the continuation of services for members and their families. These services are life changing and will help our children reach their full potential so that they can lead happy and fulfilling lives. Our provision includes speech and language therapy sessions, physiotherapy, gymnastics, specialised swimming lessons, Makaton sign language workshops for parents and teachers, and practical and emotional support for families.”
Anthony Thomas, Chairman of Swansea Bay Construction Support Group, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to hand over the cheque to Sam from Hands Up For Downs at our end of year meeting. The work this parent-run organisation does to raise awareness, change perceptions, and help children living with Down Syndrome thrive is fantastic. We are sure the funds will be put to good use and wish everyone involved with the charity a very merry Christmas.”
