Locals challenged to face the freeze at Caswell Bay and help people build a life beyond homelessness

• Crisis is challenging people to brave the icy waters of the Caswell Bay to help raise money for people experiencing homelessness this winter.
• For more information and to register for a place, visit https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/crisis-icebreaker/.

The national homelessness charity Crisis is calling for hundreds of swimmers to brave the icy waters of Caswell Bay to help raise money for people experiencing homelessness. 

Icebreaker challenges are held at locations across the UK each year, but this is the first time the event has made a splash in the Gower.

Everyone is welcome to join the fun at the event taking place on Sunday 23^rd February from 1pm. With registration costing £15, all money raised will go towards Crisis’ mission to end homelessness.

Crisis’ Icebreaker challenge is vital in helping the charity to raise awareness and to support people facing homelessness. Established in 2016, the Crisis South Wales Skylight helps people across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to build a life beyond homelessness and is seeing more people facing housing insecurity. Last year, the South Wales Skylight saw a 14% increase in people accessing its services.   

The Swansea-based centre provides support and advice to help people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness to find a stable place to call home. It also offers a range of learning and personal development sessions – including arts and crafts sessions – to help members of the charity develop new skills and seek some respite from the significant challenges and trauma that comes with experiencing homelessness.

Director of the Crisis South Wales Skylight, Ashella Lewis, said: “Facing the freeze at our Icebreaker event is a great way to challenge yourself and support a local cause, helping someone with their journey out of homelessness.

“No one should be faced with the trauma and uncertainty that comes from not having a stable place to call home. Yet, we are seeing increasing numbers of people accessing our homelessness support services. Many people are trapped in unsuitable temporary accommodation without basic facilities, sofa surfing between friends and family’s homes, or even sleeping on the streets.

“We’re proud to be helping people to build a live beyond homelessness. But our work is only possible thanks to our amazing fundraisers. Whether you join the fun as an individual, with friends, family or with colleagues, you will be braving the cold so someone else doesn’t have to.”

Sally Davies, who took part in last year’s Icebreaker event in Wales, said: “Taking part in the Icebreaker is a great challenge as there is lots of support and encouragement whether you’re an experienced cold-water swimmer or taking part for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to taking the plunge at Caswell Bay this year, and I’m proud to be raising money for such an important cause. Everyone has the right to a safe and warm home so the work Crisis does to help people to find a way out of homelessness is vital.

 “There is a great sense of community as lots of people take part, with prizes for best dressed and most money raised.  It’s a lovely atmosphere and you get a real sense of achievement from braving the water. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about taking part to sign up."

Local partners, Surfability, are working with Crisis to offer a warm welcome to swimmers on the day.

Registration for the Icebreaker challenge is also open for people who would prefer to organise their own cold-water challenge. Crisis is encouraging people to join the Do It Yourself (DIY) challenge and face the freeze however they like, wherever they are.