Confirmed speakers and organisations for this year’s conference include:

John Bird MBE

In September 1991 John Bird launched The Big Issue with Gordon Roddick and in November 1995 he launched The Big Issue Foundation to further aid the homeless. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the company and the Board of Trustees for the foundation.

The Big Issue magazine started as a local London venture, but expanded with specific editions and services to other British cities, and then to other countries.

In June 1995 John was awarded the MBE for ‘services to homeless people’, and in 2006 he received the Beacon Fellowship Prize in the Creative Giving category. His book ‘The Necessity of Poverty’ was published last year.

 
Nina Edge – Welsh Streets

Welsh Streets are a group of residents who reject whole site demolition in favour of repair wherever possible, delivering solid eco-friendly homes. They are joined by people hoping to renovate, re-populate, and reinvigorate the wasted Welsh Streets in Liverpool and support new-build on vacant plots.

 
Viggo Nordvik from NOVA – Norwegian Social Research

Viggo is a senior researcher at NOVA, one of the largest social research institutes in Norway. The aim of the institute is to develop knowledge and understanding of social conditions and processes of change, focusing on issues of life-course events, level of living conditions and aspects of life-quality as well as on programmes and services provided by the welfare system.

 
Evening Reception

Wednesday 26 June, Tapestri, Swansea.

Shelter Cymru’s pre-conference evening social takes place at Tapestri Cafe Bar & Bistro in Swansea.

Open to all, not just conference delegates, the evening will be unique and innovative, drawing its atmosphere from the local arts and cultural scene while providing a great networking opportunity.

Tapestri is run as a social enterprise in order to support people needing an extra chance to learn skills and gain the experiences needed to follow a career path in catering.

You can find Tapestri inside Llys Glas, better known to some as Swansea’s Old Police Station.

Join Shelter Cymru for quality, locally sourced food using Fairtrade goods at this vibrant venue. Tickets £15. 

To book your delegate place visit Shelter Cymru or email