Even more important after the issues of Lockdown, Swindon Soroptimists maintained their support of the Swindon Nelson Trust Women’s Centre by presenting their Christmas gift boxes / bags for the 6th year running.
The Club have few members but have had great support from friends and also Marlborough Ladies Who Latte club in donating unwanted and freebie items that can be included! Fortunately two members are in a bubble so were able to do the mammoth task of sorting and filling all the boxes, each containing 28 different items collected over the year.
As Lydia Cardew, Club Project Officer says “These women have challenging lives, often made worse by the lockdown situation so we want them to know that people do care. We always make the boxes useful and fun, with items such as scarves, toiletries, and pads / pens as well as a Christmas gift, crackers and chocolate and a Christmas Card with a message from members”.
The Women’s Centre, set up in 2014, provides a lifeline for women who are homeless, addicted or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. The service has greatly expanded recently and now has many more permanent staff, due to the recognition and funding received for the work they do.
The staff offer a wide range of services, ranging from Lunch Club, practical help, support in dealing with other agencies, to one to one counselling, group activities and peer support. The Nelson Trust’s ultimate goal is to reduce re-offending and help women to become safe, confident and free from abuse, addiction and other dependencies. They have continued to remain open and offer support throughout the pandemic.
On hearing the news Niki Gould, Head of Women’s Community Services commented ”Thank you so much for your support. That’s amazing news that we will gratefully receive 25 boxes/bags for the women at Christmas. They absolutely love the gift boxes and something tells me they will be extra special this year with the additional struggle of the pandemic.”
Swindon Soroptimist Club members Jackie Webb & Lydia Cardew with the 25 Christmas gift boxes
The boxes were handed over outside to the staff at the Nelson Trust Women’s Centre, who will arrange appointment times for the ladies to collect their boxes. Rae, senior keyworker at the Centre said after our delivery “Thank you so much for the presents, they look amazing! We really do appreciate all of your support.”
