AN organisation that started life helping people who had been thrown out of work on the railway and into poverty is celebrating its 90th birthday.

Voluntary Action Swindon now helps other charities, giving advice on fundraising, governance, printing services, DBS checks and room/equipment hire. 

it came into existence following a large number of job losses on the Great Western Railway and ran an allotment and seed service, as well as a pig scheme back in 1932.

Nine decades later, having seen the introduction of the National Health Service Act in 1946 and the National Assistance Act of 1948, where the responsibility for supporting those experiencing poverty transferred to local authorities, VAS is now one of over 40 Councils for Voluntary Service across the country. 

It provides support to the voluntary and community sector with a range of services including funding and governance advice; networking and collaboration; representing the sector on forums including the new integrated health system, as well as training and other services.

It runs the Swindon Shopmobility Service, supported by income from the new Café Mobility, both based in the car park of Sanford House.

To mark the anniversary it hosted an all-day conference for the town's voluntary sector, with help from the Zurich Community Trust, Amazon, Arval, the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Wiltshire Community Foundation.

Key topics included the role of the voluntary sector in the new integrated care system; the current cost of living crisis and how to connect with and engage diverse communities. 

Recorded messages were given by Sir Robert Buckland and Councillor David Renard, and mayor Abdul Amin was there to give a speech in person. 

Chief executive Pam Webb said: “We were delighted to host this first-ever conference for the Swindon voluntary sector which is a great opportunity for networking and shared learning and a very fitting way to celebrate our 90th birthday in Swindon”.

Coun Amin added: "It meant a lot to me to attend. Ninety years is a milestone for any organisation, but VAS has provided services to help many different people from many different backgrounds. Voluntary help and support in the town would not be where it is now without those immeasurable numbers of hours making a massive, massive difference in the community."