Health and wellbeing news
Public in Swindon warned about the dangers of synthetic opioids
Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health is urging users of heroin and crack cocaine to take extra precautions following increased reports of powerful synthetic opioids.
Published: Tuesday, 4th June 2024-
Parents in Swindon encouraged to get their children vaccinated against measles
With cases of measles rising across England, especially among young children, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health has urged parents to make sure their children have been vaccinated.
Published: Tuesday, 6th February 2024 -
‘Stay well Swindon’ campaign aims to reduce hospital attendances this winter
The Council and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have come together in a bid to prevent the health of local people from deteriorating, in a new campaign called ‘Stay well Swindon’.
Published: Monday, 9th October 2023 -
Residents encouraged to celebrate Swindon’s parks and local spaces this Love Parks Week
Swindon Borough Council is encouraging residents to enjoy the town’s local parks and open spaces, while conserving habitats.
Published: Thursday, 27th July 2023 -
Thousands of children to benefit from free activities during the summer in Swindon
Nearly 10,000 children across Swindon are invited to take part in free activities and access healthy meals for five weeks over the summer.
Published: Tuesday, 25th July 2023 -
Council lays out plans to continue to support Swindon residents with cost of living pressures
An action plan to support families with living costs has been tabled at the first Cabinet meeting of Swindon Borough Council’s new administration on 12 July.
Published: Wednesday, 5th July 2023 -
Cost of living roadshows to help Swindon residents access support and advice
A raft of organisations will come together in five locations across Swindon in June to help people with their finances.
Published: Friday, 26th May 2023 -
‘No more delay – we need a Tobacco Control Plan now’ urge local leaders
Swindon Borough Council has joined other local authorities from across England in calling for the Government to bring forward a new Tobacco Control Plan for England and to introduce a ‘polluter pays’ levy on tobacco manufacturers.
Published: Monday, 6th February 2023 -
Warm and Welcome Spaces across Swindon to receive 500 winter warm packs
From today (27 January), 40 Warm and Welcome Spaces across Swindon will begin to receive warm packs for those in need.
Published: Friday, 27th January 2023 -
Staff and volunteers thanked after two years of running STEAM vaccination centre
Staff and volunteers at Swindon’s biggest vaccination centre have been thanked for their support ahead of the centre’s closure on Saturday (28 January).
Published: Thursday, 26th January 2023 -
10 Warm and Welcome Spaces now open in Swindon in time for the winter
Warm and Welcome Spaces are existing spaces that are being promoted across Swindon this winter, and are available to anyone.
Published: Monday, 14th November 2022 -
Swindon receives a special gift from the gates of Buckingham Palace
From the gates of Buckingham Palace to the grounds of Coate Water Country Park, a special tree has now found a new home in Swindon.
Published: Monday, 7th November 2022 -
Illegal tobacco seized in Swindon during joint operation
Agencies are continuing their zero tolerance approach to the illegal tobacco trade in Swindon.
Published: Friday, 14th October 2022 -
Council to host energy advice Q&A in wake of price cap increase announcement
Citizens Advice Swindon and Warm and Safe Wiltshire have joined forces with Swindon Borough Council to help residents save money on bills.
Published: Friday, 26th August 2022 -
Council pilot scheme provides slow cookers to lower income households
Free, energy efficient slow cookers are being given to 60 lower income families as part of a pilot scheme run by Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Tuesday, 2nd August 2022 -
Get fit for free in 2022 with the Active Swindon Challenge
The Active Swindon Challenge is back for 2022 with a new app, which rewards players for substituting car journeys with active travel.
Published: Wednesday, 19th January 2022 -
Free taxi to COVID-19 vaccination available to those who need it
Grab a cab to a vaccine appointment and protect yourself against COVID-19.
Published: Friday, 7th January 2022 -
NHS COVID-19 passes come into effect in Swindon
Following approval from the Government on Tuesday (Dec 14), NHS COVID-19 vaccination passes are now required for certain events and locations in Swindon.
Published: Friday, 17th December 2021 -
Residents urged to keep playing their part as Swindon sees extremely high COVID case rates
The pandemic is far from over – that’s the clear message from Swindon Borough Council with case rates in the town, and nationally, currently at an extremely high level.
Published: Thursday, 21st October 2021 -
Swindon fans encouraged to do their bit to tackle COVID-19 ahead of County Ground return
Thousands of fans will return to the County Ground tomorrow (14 Aug) to welcome their new-look Swindon Town side in their first League Two home fixture following relegation last season.
Published: Friday, 13th August 2021 -
Public urged to be a team player and support their communities during the Euros
Wiltshire Police, along with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, have teamed up to offer advice on making the most of the European Championships tournament which start tomorrow (11 June).
Published: Thursday, 10th June 2021 -
People advised to be cautious during Easter
Local partners working together to provide support during the pandemic, are advising people to be cautious this Easter.
Published: Thursday, 1st April 2021 -
Tree planting underway at Highworth’s Pentylands Country Park
Thousands of trees are being planted at Highworth Countryside Park as part of England’s Community Forests’ Trees for Climate programme.
Published: Friday, 19th March 2021 -
Hundreds of people answer Council’s SOS for vaccination centre volunteers
People in Swindon have once again shown their community spirit by coming forward in their droves to help the national vaccination effort.
Published: Thursday, 25th February 2021 -
Art on Tour offers a daily dose of art for staff at COVID Vaccination Centre
Staff and volunteers at the COVID vaccination centre at STEAM will be given their own little shot in the arm in the shape of a new art display designed to give them a boost while they are on their much-needed breaks.
Published: Friday, 19th February 2021 -
COVID task group makes vaccination appeal to Swindon’s BAME communities
A special task group, which was set up to understand why COVID-19 has disproportionally affected Swindon's BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic) residents, has held its first meeting.
Published: Thursday, 18th February 2021 -
Symptom-free testing launches in Swindon
A symptom-free testing programme to help drive down transmission rates of COVID-19 in the community is being launched in Swindon today (15 Feb).
Published: Monday, 15th February 2021 -
Swindon residents urged to play their part as GWH experiences soaring COVID-19 cases
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GWH) is now treating well over 100 COVID-19 patients and has warned that these numbers are continuing to climb.
Published: Monday, 11th January 2021 -
Council to provide support to vulnerable Swindon residents at risk of COVID-19
A package of support measures is in place for local people who have been identified by the NHS as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.
Published: Wednesday, 6th January 2021 -
Residents urged to welcome in the New Year at home
People across Wiltshire and Swindon are being urged to limit their New Year’s Eve celebrations to staying at home with members of their own household to try to stop the spread of Covid-19 over the festive period.
Published: Wednesday, 30th December 2020 -
Government moves Swindon into Tier 4 restrictions following rise in COVID-19 cases
Swindon residents will face additional restrictions with the Borough set to be moved up to the Tier 4 ‘Stay Home’ Alert level by the Government from tomorrow (31 Dec).
Published: Wednesday, 30th December 2020 -
Council’s own red and white army will be on hand to offer COVID advice to Town fans
A group of community engagement officers will greet Swindon Town fans as they return to the County Ground for their first home match since March.
Published: Thursday, 10th December 2020 -
Public urged to limit unnecessary contacts before they form Christmas bubbles
With less than two weeks before families begin to form their Christmas bubbles, residents are being encouraged to reduce any unnecessary contact with people not in their household.
Published: Thursday, 10th December 2020 -
Council writes to more than a thousand local businesses to remind them of key COVID-19 advice
Businesses across Swindon will receive a letter from the Council’s Director of Public Health reminding them of the key role they must continue to play to keep COVID-19 at bay.
Published: Wednesday, 9th December 2020 -
Swindon’s community forest has target of planting half a million trees
In the next five months, Swindon’s Great Western Community Forest will be one of 10 community forests across England planting more than 500 hectares of trees thanks to a new £12.1 million fund.
Published: Monday, 7th December 2020 -
Council deploys crack teams to protect public and advise businesses during lockdown
Swindon Borough Council has deployed teams of people to protect the public and issue advice to businesses to help them navigate the rules during the lockdown.
Published: Monday, 30th November 2020 -
Council and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust launch campaign urging residents to help protect local health services
Swindon Borough Council and the Great Western Hospital (GWH) have today launched a joint campaign encouraging Swindon residents to follow public health guidance, to reduce Swindon's COVID-19 case rate
Published: Friday, 27th November 2020 -
People in Swindon encouraged to send messages of kindness to care home residents this festive period
People in Swindon are being encouraged to send their best wishes to residents in the Borough’s care homes this festive period, with the launch of a new campaign.
Published: Monday, 23rd November 2020 -
Council highlights local support to vulnerable residents at risk of COVID-19
Thousands of local people who have been identified by the NHS as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus will receive a letter from Swindon Borough Council over the coming days.
Published: Friday, 13th November 2020 -
Council asks residents to honour Remembrance Sunday from home
This year, in line with government guidance, Swindon Borough Council is urging residents to mark Remembrance Sunday (8 Nov) at home.
Published: Thursday, 5th November 2020 -
Local test and trace system tracking down Swindon’s lost COVID-19 contacts
A dedicated team of public health staff are doing their bit to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Swindon.
Published: Tuesday, 3rd November 2020 -
Council urges residents to keep themselves and others safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night
This year, Swindon Borough Council is asking residents to act responsibly and consider how they celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night, to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the community.
Published: Tuesday, 27th October 2020 -
Just the flu? Residents told there’s no ‘just’ about it
Swindon Borough Council is encouraging eligible residents to book their free flu vaccination.
Published: Friday, 9th October 2020 -
Council makes £500 Support Payment available for self-isolating residents on low incomes
Eligible residents on low incomes, who will lose income as a consequence of self-isolation, will be offered a £500 payment as part of a national scheme facilitated by Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Wednesday, 7th October 2020 -
Council prepares for new COVID-19 app
Residents visiting council buildings will be asked to scan NHS QR code posters from today (24 Sep), in order to comply with new Test and Trace guidelines.
Published: Thursday, 24th September 2020 -
Swindon off Government COVID watchlist but residents urged not to relax
Swindon has been removed from the Government’s COVID-19 national watchlist after a significant and sustained fall in its infection case rate.
Published: Friday, 18th September 2020 -
Public advised to keep trying national portal as new testing site opens in Swindon
A third coronavirus testing centre has opened in Swindon to boost testing capacity in the town.
Published: Tuesday, 15th September 2020 -
Residents urged to keep up the good work as Swindon comes down watchlist
People in Swindon are being encouraged to keep following public health COVID-19 guidelines after the town today (11 Sep) moved back down the Government’s national watchlist.
Published: Friday, 11th September 2020 -
Football club gets behind important COVID-19 town-wide campaign
Swindon Town boss Richie Wellens and his management team have backed the communications campaign aimed at keeping people safe from COVID-19.
Published: Thursday, 3rd September 2020 -
Government offers Council extra support to speed up reduction in COVID-19 case rate
Swindon has been given priority access to any additional support it needs from central Government to help public health officials continue to drive down the Borough’s COVID-19 case rate.
Published: Friday, 28th August 2020 -
Council reminds residents ‘it’s up to all of us’ ahead of Bank Holiday weekend
Swindon Borough Council has urged residents not to fall foul of new laws intended to target the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions.
Published: Thursday, 27th August 2020 -
Council’s Public Health chief to answer COVID questions live on Facebook
Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health will tomorrow (Wed) host a live Q&A session on Facebook to answer residents’ queries about coronavirus.
Published: Tuesday, 18th August 2020 -
Council engages with residents and businesses over public health messages
Swindon Borough Council’s communications campaign to stop the spread of coronavirus has continued today (Thurs) with staff, volunteers and PCSOs hitting the streets in the town centre.
Published: Friday, 14th August 2020 -
Council launches borough-wide campaign to keep all residents safe from COVID
‘Swindon: It’s up to all of us’ is the headline call to action of a new town-wide communications campaign launched today (12 August) to reinforce a number of important public health messages to Swindon residents.
Published: Wednesday, 12th August 2020 -
Council reinforces COVID safety messages to local residents
People in Swindon are being reminded to follow public health advice in order to bring the town’s COVID-19 case rate down.
Published: Monday, 10th August 2020 -
Health officials confirm Swindon coronavirus outbreak under control
A coronavirus outbreak at a Swindon distribution centre is now under control with new COVID-19 cases continuing to fall.
Published: Wednesday, 5th August 2020 -
Multiagency response continues to work with XPO to tackle COVID outbreak at Swindon distribution centre
Swindon Borough Council and Public Health England South West are continuing to work closely with XPO Logistics to manage the small coronavirus outbreak at the Penzance Drive distribution centre.
Published: Friday, 31st July 2020 -
Testing to be offered to distribution centre staff after confirmed COVID-19 cases
The Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) South West and XPO Logistics to support staff at its Penzance Drive distribution centre in Swindon, following confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Published: Wednesday, 29th July 2020 -
Multiagency COVID-19 response in Swindon
Swindon Borough Council, Public Health England South West and local employers are working together to support staff working in Swindon, following a small number of Covid-19 cases in workplace settings
Published: Wednesday, 22nd July 2020 -
Got symptoms? Get tested!
Residents in Wiltshire and Swindon are being urged to get tested for coronavirus as soon as they experience symptoms.
Published: Monday, 13th July 2020 -
Council delivers 1,000 food parcels to vulnerable residents
Throughout the lockdown period, staff and volunteers at Swindon Borough Council have been delivering food supplies to vulnerable people who are unable to get out and about.
Published: Thursday, 9th July 2020 -
Local COVID-19 outbreak plan to go before Health and Wellbeing Board
A plan to supress future COVID-19 outbreaks in Swindon will be presented to the town’s Health and Wellbeing Board next week (30 June).
Published: Thursday, 25th June 2020 -
Council encourages residents to get active and raise money for local cause
People in Swindon are being encouraged to get active, set their own challenges and donate to the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Appeal.
Published: Tuesday, 9th June 2020 -
Coronavirus regional testing site to open in Swindon
A drive-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at the Wroughton Park & Ride in Swindon, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing.
Published: Tuesday, 2nd June 2020 -
Council highlights support services available to vulnerable residents
Swindon Borough Council has written to more than 5,000 residents who have been identified by the NHS as being at high risk from coronavirus.
Published: Thursday, 30th April 2020 -
#HereForSwindon Council extends hand of support to thousands of at-risk residents
More than 3,000 residents deemed most at risk from coronavirus by the NHS will be offered advice and support from Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Wednesday, 8th April 2020 -
Food supplies to be delivered with military precision
Military planners are helping Swindon Borough Council respond to the coronavirus crisis as part of the local authority’s #HereForSwindon campaign.
Published: Tuesday, 31st March 2020 -
Council announces package of measures to support community during COVID-19 crisis
The Leader of Swindon Borough Council has today (26 March) outlined a series of local measures designed to help residents during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Published: Thursday, 26th March 2020 -
Helping those who need it most in your community
Vulnerable people forced to self-isolate due to the coronavirus pandemic will be offered a helping hand, thanks to a new voluntary initiative in Swindon.
Published: Friday, 20th March 2020 -
New webpage goes live with updates on Council services affected by COVID-19
Only a small number of services delivered by Swindon Borough Council have so far been affected by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Published: Thursday, 19th March 2020 -
Coronavirus - Statement from SBC
Statement from Swindon Borough Council on coronavirus in Swindon.
Published: Sunday, 8th March 2020 -
New Forest Meadows Project underway in Swindon
A new project to enhance urban meadows and forest habitats while improving people’s health and wellbeing was launched in Swindon on Monday morning (3rd February) by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) and Swindon Borough Council (SBC).
Published: Tuesday, 4th February 2020 -
Beat the Street helps get Swindon moving
The popular Beat the Street game that returned to Swindon from September to November 2019 is being hailed as a success once again.
Published: Friday, 24th January 2020 -
Parents urged to make use of the free child flu vaccine
Public Health officials are urging parents to take up the free child flu vaccine in Swindon as data shows take-up across the town is low.
Published: Wednesday, 18th December 2019 -
Council and partners come together to mark White Ribbon Day
Swindon Borough Council and its partners came together this morning (25 Nov) in a show of unity against domestic violence.
Published: Tuesday, 26th November 2019 -
Final push for Beat the Street in Swindon
Players of Beat the Street are being encouraged to make one final push to see how far the town can travel.
Published: Thursday, 31st October 2019 -
Beat the Street Swindon set to ‘Go Wild’
Beat the Street players in Swindon are being encouraged to ‘Go Wild’ this week and to explore the town’s parks and green spaces while playing the game.
Published: Thursday, 17th October 2019 -
Roadshow promoting volunteering in local communities
People will have the chance to find out how they can give something back to their local communities at a volunteer roadshow that is sweeping the Borough.
Published: Thursday, 17th October 2019 -
Running start for Beat the Street in Swindon
Beat the Street, Swindon’s giant walking and cycling initiative, is off to an incredible start with residents travelling more than 93,000 miles within the first few weeks of the game.
Published: Tuesday, 8th October 2019 -
Beat the Street gets off on the right foot
Swindon’s latest Beat the Street campaign got off on the right foot yesterday (25 September) with an official launch at GWR Park on Faringdon Road.
Published: Thursday, 26th September 2019 -
Swindon Town legends turn back the clock for residents living with dementia
The glory years of Swindon Town were brought to life for a group of residents living with dementia as they met football heroes from the football club’s past.
Published: Thursday, 19th September 2019 -
Residents encouraged to sign up for Beat the Street 2019
Beat the Street returns to Swindon next week (25 September) and residents can now pick up their cards ready to join in the fun when the game launches.
Published: Friday, 13th September 2019 -
Community can get involved in new Swindon urban meadows project
A project to enhance urban meadows and forest habitats while improving people’s health and wellbeing is about to be launched in Swindon.
Published: Friday, 6th September 2019 -
Council joins Swindon Town to help fans recall their sporting memories
Residents living with Dementia will come together at the County Ground on 18 September for a special day of sporting memories.
Published: Thursday, 5th September 2019 -
Week of activities to focus on the link between money and mental health
A series of activities will be taking place next week to highlight the link between money worries and mental health.
Published: Wednesday, 4th September 2019 -
Beat the Street set to return to Swindon
Beat the Street, the walking and cycling initiative that saw people in Swindon travel more than 300,000 miles last year, is set to return this September.
Published: Monday, 5th August 2019 -
Week of activities to encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors
People are being encouraged to get outside and make the most of green spaces in Swindon as part of Green Spaces and Wellbeing Week, running from 8 – 14 July 2019.
Published: Tuesday, 2nd July 2019 -
Preparing for Adulthood Transitions Roadshow to be held next week
An event offering advice for parents, carers and professionals who support young people with additional needs is being held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street next Wednesday (19 June).
Published: Monday, 10th June 2019 -
Find out about volunteering at pop-up shop on Wednesday
This week is National Volunteer Week and Swindon Borough Council will be marking it by hosting a special event in the town centre – and everybody is invited.
Published: Monday, 3rd June 2019 -
Organisations to work together to tackle mental health issues
Swindon Borough Council’s Public Health Team have been working with several local organisations to encourage residents to be more open about how they’re feeling and talk about their mental health.
Published: Wednesday, 8th May 2019 -
Kind-hearted Intel employees donate sweet treats for isolated residents
More than 160 Easter treats were donated to the Council to put a spring into the step of isolated residents across the town.
Published: Tuesday, 16th April 2019 -
Swindon awarded funding to tackle mental health stigma
Swindon has been selected to tackle the stigma of mental health locally after applying to become a Time to Change Hub.
Published: Friday, 22nd March 2019 -
Local organisations to promote link between arts and positive mental wellbeing
Later this month, there will be a week of art exhibitions and activities taking place across the town to support people with their mental health.
Published: Monday, 4th February 2019 -
Council seeks views on draft Air Quality Action Plan
People are being asked for their views on a number of options for reducing pollution on a busy Swindon road.
Published: Friday, 21st December 2018 -
Kind volunteers bake birthday cakes for Swindon’s homeless
Volunteer bakers from across Swindon have been baking birthday cakes for homeless young people.
Published: Thursday, 20th December 2018 -
Lonely residents get an early Christmas present thanks to special party
Isolated residents came together for some early Christmas cheer at a special party organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Health and Wellbeing team.
Published: Wednesday, 12th December 2018 -
Council to help children affected by alcohol following successful funding bid
A new programme, which aims to help families whose lives have been affected by alcohol, will be rolled out in Swindon thanks to funding from the Government.
Published: Tuesday, 4th December 2018 -
Swindon smashes Beat the Street record
Swindonians have officially entered the record books with a barnstorming Beat the Street performance which saw the town clock up 313,353 miles.
Published: Wednesday, 31st October 2018 -
Residents asked to make a pledge for World Mental Health Day
Swindon Borough Council is calling on residents to pledge an action they will take to look after their mental health.
Published: Tuesday, 2nd October 2018 -
Running start for Beat the Street
Beat the Street, Swindon’s giant walking and cycling initiative, is off to a running start with residents travelling more than 83,000 miles within the first week of the game.
Published: Thursday, 20th September 2018 -
Innovative fitness project to launch in Swindon
Running community GoodGym, who combine getting fit with supporting older people and community projects, will launch in Swindon this August.
Published: Wednesday, 1st August 2018 -
Heart-warming letters shared between generations as part of pen pals project
Friendships have been forged between local primary school children and older, isolated individuals thanks to a letter writing project.
Published: Friday, 20th July 2018 -
Rough sleepers to receive additional help over winter period with return of temporary housing scheme
Swindon Borough Council will for the second year running offer special temporary winter housing provision for the town’s most vulnerable rough sleepers.
Published: Thursday, 12th July 2018 -
Swindon supporting Dementia Action Week
Throughout Dementia Action Week, the Council will bring the town together to support over 2,000 people living with dementia.
Published: Friday, 18th May 2018 -
Swindon’s home care set to get the family touch
First City Nursing and Care awarded ten-year contract to provide domiciliary care services in Swindon.
Published: Wednesday, 7th March 2018 -
Council bids to cut pollution in Kinghill Road area
Air Quality Action plan proposed as research reveals nitrogen dioxide levels exceed acceptable levels.
Published: Friday, 2nd February 2018 -
Homeless charity will feel the warmth of Big Swindon Knit
Volunteer knitters to attend tea party at Mayor's Parlour and make blankets for Swindon's homeless.
Published: Tuesday, 30th January 2018 -
Volunteers offer friendship to those who need it most
Council-led initiative announces drop-in sessions for volunteers interested in offering companionship to lonely people.
Published: Friday, 19th January 2018 -
Over two hundred acts of Christmas kindness from local people
‘Give a gift at Christmas’ scheme will see presents delivered to Swindon residents spending Christmas Day alone.
Published: Thursday, 21st December 2017
