The amazing Swindon charities that need your help this Christmas

During the festive period, many show goodwill to others and help out where they can and those looking to do so may wish to do so locally.

In Swindon, several causes always need help, especially at this time of year when the cold creeps in and many can feel very lonely as a result.

Several organisations across the town aim to combat this and are preparing for another busy festive season this year.

If you are interested in volunteering over the Christmas period, we have put together a list of charities which need your help.

Christmas Care

Last year at Christmas Care in Swindon. (Image: Christmas Care)

Christmas Care is a charity that has provided hospitality for vulnerable people every Christmas since 1988.

The charity is based in The Haven Day Centre on Queen's Drive and provides a drop-in day centre for homeless and isolated people in the Swindon area over the Christmas period.

It is run entirely by volunteers and a small committee, and is funded purely from donations, both cash and donations in kind.

From Christmas Eve until Friday, December 29, Christmas Care will be open from 9am until 5.30pm for guests.

A full English breakfast, a hot home-cooked lunch and an early evening snack will all be on offer as will hot drinks, chats, companionship and festive cheer.

You can get in touch by emailing xmascare@gmail.com to volunteer.

FoodCycle Swindon

FoodCycle has locations across the UK after being founded in London. (Image: FoodCycle)

FoodCycle’s vision is to make food poverty, loneliness and food waste a thing of the past for every community.

Working with thousands of volunteers and surplus food to help everyone who needs it, the charity creates welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life to meet, eat and have conversations.

FoodCycle also offers a weekly telephone Check-in and Chat to support people’s health and mental wellbeing.

Based in Swindon at The Pine Trees Community Centre in Pinehurst, the national initiative has been helping out those in need in the town for over a year.

FoodCycle is always on the lookout for helpers in a variety of roles especially with the Christmas drive coming up. You can get in touch at swindon@foodcycle.org.uk to volunteer.

Swindon Food Collective

Swindon Food Collective has locations all across the town. (Image: Swindon Food Collective)

The Swindon Food Collective is an independent charity that aims to help people in Swindon and the surrounding area who are suffering from financial hardship.

It caters for those finding it difficult to provide food for themselves, their family or dependents and Swindon Food Collective’s own are “here to help” them.

The charity currently feeds nearly 10,000 people per year, with one-third of these being children.

The charity takes in donations of non-perishable, tinned or dried food and toiletries from churches, schools, companies, community groups, supermarkets and individuals. 

With 12 distribution centres around the town and surrounding areas, food can be collected in most areas of Swindon.

If you would like to help with the initiative over Christmas, you can send an email to volunteering@swindonfoodcollective.org to get started.

Swindon Night Shelter

Swindon Night Shelter. (Image: Swindon Night Shelter)

The Night Shelter works closely with churches in Swindon and the surrounding area.

With a Day Centre at The Haven on Queen’s Drive, the charity works with local supermarkets and businesses to collect and distribute Charitable Surplus to those who need and can use it.

They are open to any guests regardless of their beliefs or their current circumstances.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Everyone needs to be accepted and treated with dignity.

“In a world of homelessness, addiction, fear, rejection and marginalisation the Swindon Night Shelter aims to come alongside the needy to show that somebody does care.”

You can send an email to admin@swindonnightshelter.org.uk to get involved.