An update from the chairman

I feel now is the right time to update supporters on a few important developments involving the football club.

These are certainly unprecedented and concerning times with the current Coronavirus pandemic causing so much uncertainty and concern not just for football but, more importantly, for society in general.

While we continue to wait for developments on the football front, the priority will always remain the wellbeing of our staff, players, supporters, their families and everyone within our local community. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

We are working hard behind the scenes, albeit responsibly from home in line with Government advice, to be ready for the resumption of the football programme, whenever that may be.

In the meantime, it is vital the football club tries to help the community where it can to get through this difficult period, while at the same time recognising and paying our gratitude to those people still working to protect and assist us via the likes of the NHS, emergency services, voluntary, food and medical sectors.

But as a football club with our heart beating strong in the local community, we are trying to do our bit for those that need support.

From this Saturday we will be supporting Matthew’s House in the vital work they do by providing around 180 hot meals to the homeless and vulnerable in the city.

Our club chefs, led by head chef Chris Watkins, will be utilising the stadium kitchens to purchase, cook and individually pack the hot meals together with a snack and a drink which staff at Matthew’s House will collect and distribute to those in need.

We will do this every Saturday until further notice, while Matthew’s House and other support agencies will service the remaining days of the week to ensure those most in need will receive help.

We will also be launching a new charity auction soon where supporters can bid online for signed player shirts and other items. All proceeds will go to providing meals and food provisions to the elderly, vulnerable and families in need through the coordinated efforts of local MP, Carolyn Harris.

Carolyn also needs additional volunteer support to deliver the meals and other vital supplies. If you can help, please email charity@swanseacity.com and we will forward your details. This email address is run by our charity, the Community Trust. With their links into the voluntary sector they are helping the club to join up the dots and support our community.

We have also offered the Liberty Stadium to the emergency services if they need additional space and resources to deal with the current situation, while we will ensure that we make at least 1,000 free match tickets available to NHS workers and other key personnel once the fixture programme restarts.

Our mental health partner Hafal are also there to help and I would urge all supporters to reach out to them if they need to talk to someone. Hafal can be reached by phone on 01792 816600 / 832400; email: hafal@hafal.org or via their website www.hafal.org. They also have a fantastic online resource called Clic (https://hafalclic.org/) where you will find a safe and supportive online community.

I cannot stress enough that the football club is here to help where it can. So, if you, or someone you know, requires assistance then please email charity@swanseacity.com. Club staff and the Community Trust will endeavour to help or to find the best external organisations to assist you.

Please continue to follow Government guidelines and stay safe.

Trevor Birch, Chairman