A COMMUNITY hub in the town centre has reached its £5,000 goal to pay for heating bills over the winter.

Earlier this month, the Adver visited the Swindon Hub in the former River Island shop on the Parade and spoke to volunteers about the different events and services offered there.

The team launched a campaign that aimed to raise thousands of pounds by December so that it could afford to keep the lights on, run the cafe, continue hosting its regular activities, and ensure visitors stayed warm.

With a week of the crowdfunder still remaining, the target has already been reached and exceeded thanks to donations from people and businesses in the area.

Volunteer and member of the board of trustees Claire Quant said more than £6,000 has now been raised, with the most notable donation coming from Sovereign Housing Association.

“We cannot thank the people of Swindon enough and Sovereign for pledging to this very special cause.

"I feel honoured to be part of The Swindon Hub and very grateful to those who support us”.

The housing association's communities manager Sarah Fordham said: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Swindon Hub with its ambition to provide a warm and safe space for the local community to gather over the winter months.

“The cost-of-living crisis is having a big impact on local communities.

"As a result, we’re pleased to be increasing the support we provide to community groups focusing on helping the most vulnerable at this very uncertain time”.

The Swindon Hub, which opened in November last year, is run by volunteers as a safe and accessible space for the community to meet, work, play, discuss, learn and share resources.

Its mission is to empower, promote cooperation and build connections within the community that help make Swindon a better place.

The volunteers work to reduce or remove barriers that people may experience when using the space to ensure it is accessible, visible, inclusive, and open to all.

The fundraising page will remain open until November 28.

There is now a stretch target of £7000, and if this amount is reached, it will help the Hub provide hot drinks and soup for free to those in need throughout the winter months.

Donations to the Swindon Hub can still be made online at bit.ly/heat-the-hub