A Swindon charity that has helped the homeless for nine years has found demand for its services increasing as the cost of living crisis impacts people around the town.

Alternative Angels provides hot meals and essential items every Monday and Tuesday evening at Regent Circus’ Pilgrim Centre for homeless and vulnerable residents.

Jane Richards, founder and CEO, said the charity was founded by three friends who understood the effects of housing instability.

"We began by serving 15 people weekly in the Wyvern car park, then our impact steadily expanded, and even during the pandemic, we persevered," she said.

Jane said: “The cost of living crisis, along with the pandemic, has had a significant impact on the charity. Before, we were serving 50 people a night and now those numbers have doubled.

“We need double the amounts of cooks and it is a much higher expense to keep up with the demand.”

Alternative Angels now provides meals for roughly 900 people every month.

In 2023, Wiltshire Community Foundation reported the number of households in Swindon classified as homeless (9.4 per 100,000) is considerably higher than the England average (6.1 per 100,000).

The report stated that 12 Swindon neighbourhoods rank among the most deprived 10 per cent in the country - an increase of 50 per cent from 2015.

Jane added: "A lot of people that come to us are sleeping in local hostels or are sofa surfers. There is a big diversity within the people we help, the oldest is 85 and the youngest is 19.

“Our mission extends beyond nourishment. We also assist individuals in accessing essential items and services. We foster a sense of belonging and offer a compassionate ear for those in need.

“I see these people as friends and I don’t know if they need me or I need them.”

Sean began attending meals after losing his business during the pandemic. He said: “I come along to Alternative Angels for food support. The meals and how much the team cares mean a lot.

“Jane often checks in on me and knows when something isn’t right. Her support means a great deal to me.”

As the demand for the charity’s work has increased, so has their need for volunteers to cook the meals and donate essential items.

Donations of non-perishable food items like pot noodles, mini biscuit packs, and cereal are welcome, as are supply donations for hot meals like tin foil trays, paper cups and wooden forks.

Currently, Alternative Angels has four cooks working a night. Volunteer cooks work on a rota system, making 25 meals in tin foil containers at home, to be brought to the Pilgrim Centre.

Jane said: "Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our charity. Their unwavering commitment plays a vital role in making a difference in the Swindon community.”