Community rallies to support Skewen flood response
published on 27 Jan 2021
More than £20,000 has been donated to The Salvation Army in Skewen, south Wales, following devasting floods caused by Storm Christoph.
Salvation Army volunteers spent four days serving food and drink to the emergency services and first responders as they supported flood victims from our South and Mid Wales Division Incident Response Vehicle at our Skewen church just half a mile from the centre of the flood.
The church hall has been turned into a relief centre to help get essential items to those forced to leave their homes and a food and drink station remains at the scene whilst water, gas and electricity services are affected.
A week on, Salvation Army church leaders and volunteers, along with the local council, continue to help those affected by the floods with around 100 Skewen families still unable to return to their homes.
A JustGiving page initially set up by The Salvation Army to help the Skewen community at the start of the Covid pandemic has now reach £22,439. Money will be used to help with people’s immediate needs whilst they are out of their homes but will also be used to provide longer-term support for affected residents as they eventually return to their homes.
On Sunday afternoon the First Minister of Wales visited the village and met Skewen Salvation Army leaders and the Emergency Response team. The team have also been thanked by local MP Stephen Kinnock and local councillor Mike Harvey.
Captain Jo Walters, The Salvation Army’s leader in Skewen 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.”
People wishing to support The Salvation Army in Skewen can donate via JustGiving by clicking here.
Those wishing to volunteer their time or support in another way, are asked to contact the local authority. Details can be found here.
The Salvation Army has a long history of supporting communities in times of need. Our response vehicles often attend large fires or major incidents where people are left without shelter and food. The dedication of Salvation Army volunteers and officers in responding to emergencies is one of our assets. They are able to respond any time of the day or night to support the frontline work of our emergency services. Read more by clicking here.
