A COMMUNITY hub set up in the town centre has thrived since it opened last year - but now needs thousands of pounds to cover heating costs over the winter.
The Swindon Hub settled into the old River Island store on The Parade last October and quickly became a hotspot for socialising, events, activities, and useful workshops that help hundreds of people.
The welcoming space is managed entirely by volunteers and includes a cafe, children's play area, community information from Swindon organisations, live music, products by local retailers, and spaces for rehearsing, exhibitions and artwork.
The Hub is a registered charity that raises money through donations, cafe sales, and space rental to keep its good work going.
The team is working with Swindon Borough Council to make the building a Warm Space where people can come to keep cosy if they cannot afford to heat their own homes and have a hot drink and soup.
But to cover rising energy costs through December, January and February, the Hub needs to fundraise £5,000 quickly.
Volunteer Jol Rose, 56, said: "Last winter was very cold in here, especially near the front as there's no doors. People either came in wrapped up in their woolies or had to leave because it was so chilly.
"We're now applying to get £500 from the council, which is something, but not quite enough.
"The feedback from people has been quite staggering, they love this place, so hopefully we will reach our target.
"With so many people facing increasing fuel bills at home, there's a real need for a warm and safe space for the community to gather this winter."
Fellow volunteer Megan Hobbs, 21, added: "It's all for the community, by the community, and everyone here is so friendly and lovely and wants to chat.
"There's a lot of diversity - everyone has a place here and anyone can come in."
George Cheese, 27, had just started his first day of work there when the Adver popped round. He said: "The charity's mission statement is so important for Swindon - to reinvigorate local communities - so I wanted to help out."
The Hub has hosted a vegan fair, an exhibition for Swindon's Open Studios and Swindon Paint Fest, and regular meetings for local groups which help asylum seekers or people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, recovering from drug and alcohol dependency, dealing with bereavements, and more.
To donate, visit https://bit.ly/heat-the-hub
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