Sophie in Swansea: Countess visits community centres, Mencap & Award for Voluntary Service

On Monday, The Countess of Wessex made a visit to Swansea, visiting a number of community projects as well as patronage, Mencap.

The Countess started her day by visiting the Walsingham Support Forge Fach Community Hub, where she talked to children and parents. Forge Fach is a fully inclusive environment that embraces the needs of the community regardless of age, gender or ability. The group provides a wide range of services including, a community cafe, and multiple learning and leisure classes.

the countess of wessex at Walsingham Support Forge Fach Community Hub (royal family)

Walsingham Support is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries & complex needs.

Following this, Sophie officially opened St Telio’s Community Cwtch, and met a number of community groups who use the centre. The new £1m facility includes playrooms, a youth centre, a community café, and a family centre.

Next, Her Royal Highness visited Swansea & District Mencap, in her capacity as patron of Mencap Charity. Mencap is Britain’s leading learning disability charity that works with people with learning disabilities and their families.

sophie, the countess of wessex visits her patronage, mencap, in swansea (royal family)

The Countess even practised her pool skills, and enjoyed talking to beneficiaries of the charity, who were cooking a range of foods.

To end the day, The Countess attended a reception to meet volunteers and supporters of Swansea City of Sanctuary, presenting them with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

City of Sanctuary is a national movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially to those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. The organisation works with over 150 organisations, faith groups, institutions, local businesses, schools and individuals to make Swansea a safe and welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary.

sophie presented awards for the queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. (royal family)

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was founded in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen’s coronation. It has been described as the “MBE for volunteer groups.”

Photos: @RoyalFamily 

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