Home » Swansea’s “beacon of hope” Matthew’s House celebrated in Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers 2025

Swansea’s “beacon of hope” Matthew’s House celebrated in Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers 2025

MATTHEW’S HOUSE in Swansea has been named as one of Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers for 2025, with the local charity set to receive a free electric van in recognition of their work.

The leading community organisation has been recognised for its work supporting some of Swansea’s most vulnerable people, including those struggling with homelessness, mental health and addiction issues. Their work is largely delivered by a dedicated volunteer army of 120+ generous local people, many of whom have lived experience.

Matthew’s House offers a pay-as-you-feel cafe, dignity packs, shower and laundry facilities, one-to-one advocacy support for guests, a smartphone app signposting to 150+ support services in the city, and a community choir. The people of Swansea have described their work as a ‘lifesaver’, ‘beacon of hope’ and ‘fourth emergency service.’

As part of its Driving Change for Good partnership with the Big Issue, Citroën will provide Matthew’s House with an ë-Berlingo electric van, helping them deliver more change across Swansea.

Thom Lynch, project leader at Matthew’s House in Swansea, said“It’s an honour to be celebrated as a Big Issue Changemaker, and Citroën’s generous donation of an electric van is going to be massively impactful.

“We do a lot of food collections which means driving around the city, visiting different groups to share the work we do and reach people directly to explain how they can support us or get involved. We also redistribute food items that we don’t need, so we’re not contributing to food waste – we take them to hostels, community groups, churches and support services, asylum seeker groups and plenty more.

“At the moment, volunteers are using their cars. It’s inefficient and restricts what we can receive or donate – you can only fit so much in, and it really eats into people’s available time. So it will be huge for our volunteers to be able to turn two or three journeys into one. It sounds simple but it’s the kind of thing that makes a massive difference to how well we can help people.”

Managing director of Citroën UK, Greg Taylor, commented: “Citroën is excited to expand our Driving Change For Good partnership with The Big Issue by supporting one of their 2025 Changemakers. We are proud to support he incredible work of Matthew’s House by providing an ë-Berlingo Van, helping them to continue to make a positive impact in the Swansea community.”

Matthew’s House is one of 100 notable community groups, activists and agitators celebrated as Big Issue Changemakers for 2025, as chosen by readers of the popular street magazine.

Celebrity readers of the Big Issue have also put forward their picks, including Bridgend-born Ruth Jones. The Gavin & Stacey actor championed children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan, which is based in her alter ego Nessa’s home of Barry Island.

online casinos UK

Paul McNamee, Editor of the Big Issue, said: “Against the backdrop of a madder, more divisive world, 2025’s Big Issue Changemakers stand out for their selfless pursuit of justice and kindness for others.

“This year’s list includes lawyers, inventors, entrepreneurs, footballers, sailors, singers, community leaders – from Changemakers who have changed the law for everyone, to Changemakers who have changed things on their street corner. We even celebrate our youngest ever Changemaker in 11-year-old marvel Travis, who fittingly hails from this year’s UK City of Culture, Bradford.

“And for the first time ever, our partner Citroën have generously donated of an electric van that will enable one of our most impressive Changemakers – the brilliant Matthew’s House in Swansea – to make even more change in their community. A big thank you to Citroen for their generosity.”

Big Issue’s Changemakers 2025 Special is on sale from today (Monday 27 January). Buy from your local vendor or subscribe on bigissue.com.

Author