Swansea Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG) has given an early Christmas present to one much-loved local charity by donating £1,000 to Hands Up for Downs, strengthening its ongoing support for families and children with Down’s syndrome across the Swansea Bay region.
The cheque was presented by Anthony Thomas, Chairman of SBCSG, to Samantha Fisher, Treasurer of Hands Up for Downs, during the Group’s annual Christmas meeting and lunch, held on Thursday 11 December at the Swansea.com Stadium.
SBCSG is a non-profit collaboration of construction contractors and partner organisations across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. The Group works to improve skills, training and development within the construction industry, offering cost-effective training opportunities, supporting apprentices, and providing a forum for sharing best practice and industry insights among its members.
Hands Up for Downs is a parent-led charity supporting children with Down’s syndrome and their families through therapy sessions, communication training, development programmes and social events. SBCSG has supported the charity through previous fundraising activities, including its annual Apprentice Awards.
The festive gathering brought together contractors, industry professionals and partners from across the construction sector to reflect on the year’s achievements, share updates on training and development initiatives, and celebrate collaboration within the industry.
The meeting’s agenda included a welcome from Anthony Thomas; a presentation on the use of AI in construction, outlining its benefits and potential pitfalls; an update on CITB funding; a raffle; and a speech by Anthony Rees, Regional Director of Cyfle Building Skills, highlighting the success of its award-winning Shared Apprentice Scheme in surpassing the 1,000-apprentice milestone — a scheme that SBCSG members have been instrumental in supporting. SBCSG Chairman, Anthony Thomas, then presented Cyfle’s Regional Director, Anthony Rees, with a slate plaque to mark the important milestone.
Anthony Thomas, Chairman of SBCSG, said:
“Hands Up for Downs provides vital support, therapies and opportunities that directly benefit children and their families across our region. Many of our members have personal connections with the families who benefit, and we see first-hand the positive impact the charity has on children’s development and confidence. Making this donation is our way of showing appreciation and helping them continue the fantastic work they do, while also giving them a little boost at this special time of year.”
Samantha Fisher, Treasurer of Hands Up for Downs, said:
“This donation will make a real difference to the families we support, helping fund essential services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, social activities and communication training. Beyond the practical benefits, it also shows the families and children that their community is behind them. We are incredibly grateful to SBCSG for their ongoing support and for thinking of us at this time of year — it truly helps spread the Christmas spirit and reinforces the sense of connection and care across the Swansea Bay community.”