Council praises Swindon’s amazing volunteers

For the next two weeks, the Council will run its own advent calendar to share stories from 12 organisations across the Borough who spread a little happiness into people’s lives.

So far this year, 300 volunteers have given up their time to support residents who are working with the Council’s Live Well Swindon team.

The team co-ordinate a variety of volunteering opportunities. These include Swindon Circles and Telephone Befrienders who provide companionship to isolated residents, knitters who produce blankets and draft excluders which are donated to homeless people or those in need and Pet Fosterers who look after animals in the care of residents when they're in hospital. So far this year, these volunteers have given up 21,900 hours of their time.

To mark the outstanding work of Swindon’s volunteers, Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, visited the Harbour Project today (16 Dec) to meet some of the volunteers and tour the offices at Broadgreen Community Centre. The Harbour Project is a charity that provides a warm welcome to refugees and asylum seekers when they arrive in Swindon, offering advice and practical help alongside a community cafe and English classes.

Amanda has been a volunteer with The Harbour Project for more than two years. She explained: “I love being part of a friendly team at Harbour, supporting our visitors in various ways, while they rebuild their lives. It feels like a big family where people look out for each other and help them through the challenges they face, giving a sense of hope. I have met some incredible people who show such resilience and determination to build a better future.”

Tom Bain, CEO of the Harbour Project, said, “The Harbour Project has a wide network of passionate and hard-working people who maintain high levels of service delivery, whilst ensuring we remain a warm and welcoming place. We rely on amazing volunteers (99 and increasing), who offer their time in any way that is needed, whether that be teaching our English and Maths classes, acting as Appropriate Adults, offering translation, or helping in our Advice Centre. 

"We could not do the work we do without the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers."

One of our volunteers offered the following when stating why they give their time at the Harbour Project, "The people. Whether that’s staff, other volunteers or visitors. I get so much out of meeting people with varying experiences and backgrounds."

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “We know how important the work of volunteers right across Swindon is in helping to keep our local communities happy and healthy.

“The Council works closely with local voluntary organisations and it was brilliant to see the great work the volunteers at the Harbour Project are doing to help refugees and asylum seekers in our town.

“We’re proud to shine a light on and celebrate the work of Swindon’s volunteers. Doing so will hopefully inspire more residents to think about what they can do and the different ways they can support residents in their community.

“If residents can spare anything from an hour to multiple hours a week, they can email the Live Well team at volunteer@swindon.gov.uk or search any of the organisations spotlighted for more information on how to get involved in helping us build a fairer Swindon.”

Roger volunteers in the events team at Swindon Carers Centre supporting activities attended by adult and older carers such as our Carers Cuppas and Walk & Talk events.

Roger said: “I’m a people person and making sure that carers are safe and happy comes naturally to me. Some carers just want to talk and have a laugh. I’m a good listener, a good talker and enjoy a good laugh so my role is perfect!

“My links with Swindon Carers Centre go back a few years to when I was a registered carer for my late wife and soulmate, Jenny. Being a carer was my most fulfilling role and Swindon Carers Centre was a godsend.

“Attending their events, meeting and chatting with other carers in similar circumstances meant I went from being a relatively lonely, isolated person to being surrounded by friendly people in the same circumstances as myself.

“After my period of bereaved care came to an end, I asked if I could become a volunteer and I’ve been doing so since 2022.

“As a volunteer, I work with lovely and very hard-working people. It’s very rewarding to be part of the team helping carers to enjoy themselves while they have time away from their caring role.”

Local volunteer Dawn has been giving up her time to support Julia’s House Children’s Hospice since 2015, reigniting her support when the Big Dog Art Trail came to Swindon in 2023.

Dawn helped with marshalling the trail, answering questions, and supporting attendees of the Farewell Weekend at STEAM Museum.

Dawn has volunteered at local community events, running a teddy tombola and chatting to members of the community about the work that Julia’s House does. She’s also become a regular helper at their Christmas Carol service at Christ Church where she offers a warm and friendly smile with the mince pies and mulled wine she’s serving.

When asked about what she enjoys about volunteering, Dawn said: “I think it was 2015 while I was on holiday I came across a Julia’s House charity shop, went in and got talking to a lady who asked where we were from. I said Swindon, to which she replied, ‘That’s where we’re looking to build another hospice as you don’t have one in Wiltshire.’ I couldn’t believe we didn’t have a children’s hospice and it was either Bristol or Oxford that families would have to go to… and that was that!

“I started fundraising and getting the word around and, being self-employed, all my clients have pitched in over the years. I’ve helped at community events at Lydiard Park, Christ Church and the Swindogs and I’ve enjoyed it all. People are so kind and generous at times. It makes it all worthwhile.”