Charities

SWAN UK (syndromes without a name) is the only UK-wide network that provides information and support to families with children and young adults affected by undiagnosed genetic conditions. Run by the charity Genetic Alliance UK, our big ambition is that every family affected by a syndrome without a name has the support they need, when they need it, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis or not. We provide the opportunity for families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of raising a child with an undiagnosed genetic condition through online forums and free whole-family events. We produce tailored information and help support families so that they feel less isolated and alone.

Swindon Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to people in crisis or emergency need. Our food boxes provide meals for 3 days however, some people are prudent enough to make their boxes last 5 days and so this figure increases with their ability to make the contents go further. I am often left feeling humbled by the stories that our beneficiaries relay to us about what has brought them to the Foodbank. Many are marginalised and disadvantaged by poverty, working and only “just about managing” or there has been a sudden change in their circumstances. Often the crisis is due to welfare benefit delays which includes the working tax benefit, bereavement, changing jobs or exceptional situations such as moving to a new home where a deposit and rent in advance is required and difficult choices have to be made about what to spend their money on; in winter the choice is often between food or fuel. One of our boxes helps people in these times of crises. We are lucky to have over 50 volunteers who donate over 10,000 valuable hours each year and help at the warehouse, driving the vans and at our 7 distribution centres which are open 11 times a week. Last year (Jan-Dec 2016) we were able to assist 2,879 adults and 1,740 children through the distribution of over 46 tonnes of food which was generously donated by local people, schools, churches and businesses. These donations gave the equivalent of 131,428 meals to those in need. Our overall contribution to social welfare not only includes the provision of food to sustain children at school, families to eat nutritionally and extend their budget but also to gain access to listening and support, money guidance and signposting to legal advice by our staff and volunteers at the distribution centres.

Swings & Smiles is a place to play for children with special needs and their families. It offers a unique environment where the whole family feels supported and where they can spend quality time together. Our services include play sessions, sibling support and outreach. Swings & Smiles provides activities for children and young people aged 0-19 years old with a wide range of disabilities and special needs to be able to enjoy playing together without the pressures often experienced in wider community settings. We support the whole family including parents, carers, the child with special needs, brothers, sisters and grandparents. Our support is hugely varied and depends on the needs of the family, we will tailor support to individual need. Swings & Smiles also welcomes adults with disabilities who may benefit from this type of environment and visits from community groups and respite providers. We offer a variety of different sessions, for more information please visit our website.

A tree and forestry charity aiming to advance sustainable forest management. Sylva runs various projects under three programs covering science, education and science.

The Sympathy has embraced four key goals: Education: Sympathy was founded as a nonprofit organization to advance education and eradicate poverty by offering primary and secondary school scholarships to young people from economically deprived households. Social Welfare: The organization was founded as a nonprofit to eradicate poverty. To this end, it will carry out to distribute food Rashaan and basic grocery to those who need them. Senior Citizen Care: Sympathy was founded as a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing good quality of life to seniors who lived their lives in struggles and now their kids are giving them hard times, or there is no one to take care of them. By giving them access to the necessary medications and placing them in reputable shelter homes, sympathy aids these people. Women Empowerment: Sympathy was established to empower women. By providing them with possibilities in education, employment, and social activities. Women do not have less value than men.

Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) is a national charity that provides high quality information and mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets and more, highlighting their unique needs to all involved in their care.

We are a registered charity helping to support people affected by all cancers and other chronic illnesses. The current TWCSC premises at Craven, Stonydelph, were opened in June 2014 to provide a welcoming, friendly place for anyone needing support or information about living with, or after a diagnosis of cancer or any other chronic illness. A dedicated team of volunteers, led by the Centre Manager, work hard to help bridge the gap between clinical and home environments. Our Centre’s doors are open to everyone, whether it be yourself, a friend or a relative that is affected by illness. Come and sit in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and let us offer you practical advice, emotional support or just a listening ear. Living with chronic illness can feel like a very lonely time. Nobody should have to feel this and so this is the very reason our charity exists. We offer holistic therapies, craft therapies, wellbeing projects. We have wig fitting/styling facilities and bra fitting services. We also hold specific support groups throughout the month and we always offer a warm smile and a hot drink with our very willing volunteers.