A refugee aid centre in Swindon helped thousands of people last year and is aiming for an even better 2023 after moving headquarters.

The Harbour Project, which was founded in 2000, moved into its new premises at Broadgreen Community Centre on Monday, January 9.

Claire Garrett, 58, is the CEO of the organisation and provides many services aimed at aiding refugees who come to the centre for help.

Swindon Advertiser: Claire Garnett (far left) at the opening at the Broadgreen Community Centre on Monday.Claire Garnett (far left) at the opening at the Broadgreen Community Centre on Monday. (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

“We have three key functions. Firstly, we offer advice as soon as people arrive so people can register for things such as schools and employment,” she said.

“English classes are also on offer to the people we help and lastly, we aim to provide a safe social space.”

The centre hosts several English classes a day at various difficulty levels which are hosted by over 40 volunteer teachers, with around 20 people attending each class.

“There were 4,315 English classes last year, attended by 537 different students,” revealed Claire.

Swindon Advertiser: The Advice Room at The Harbour Project is a lively and bustling environment where visitors can seek information on many subjects such as employment, healthcare and schools.The Advice Room at The Harbour Project is a lively and bustling environment where visitors can seek information on many subjects such as employment, healthcare and schools. (Image: Newsquest)

A large hall is also available at the new premises where several activities and functions will be held for The Harbour Project.

“Twice a week we have a free café and the social space is used for table tennis and backgammon too,” said Claire.

Alongside this there is also a kitchen and a barber where visitors can get food as well as have a complimentary haircut.

Last year alone there were 9,617 individual attendances on site for help, classes, or other activities which meant that around 9,000 hours were given by Harbour’s team of volunteers in 2022.

Swindon Advertiser: The new location's large hall provides a great space for several uses such as functions and games.The new location's large hall provides a great space for several uses such as functions and games. (Image: Newsquest)

Claire joined as CEO in 2018 and she remains as passionate for helping people as she was five years ago.

“Making even a small impact on people’s lives makes it worth it,” she said.

“I’m not here to make a judgement about people; we should just treat everyone as a human being.”

Since the beginning of 2023, The Harbour Project has supported over 1500 people from 64 different countries, including Iraq, Iran, and Ukraine.

“There are some countries that before my time at Harbour I had not even heard of,” remarked Claire.

Swindon Advertiser: The Harbour Project's new building also features a fully operational kitchen.The Harbour Project's new building also features a fully operational kitchen. (Image: Newsquest)

The project remains paramount to the Swindon community and helping integrate those who arrive in the town from places afar.

“We help people register with a GP, we help people register with a hospital and we make sure the children are taken into the schools,” said Claire.

“If we are not here and the people are still here, where do those important enquiries go?”