WOMEN’S group Swindon Soroptimists have continued their support for the Nelson Trust Women’s Centre in Old Town by filling 20 shoe boxes with a variety of items to brighten up the festive season for the centre’s users.

From sweet treats to gloves and beauty products, the items are part of the Soroptimists drive to do as much as they can to help the centre.

Soroptimist project coordinator Lydia Cardew said: “These women face tough challenges. We wanted to ensure that they knew someone was thinking of them and wishing them well.

“We’ve also had great fun trying to think of items to include and buying them throughout the year and spending an enjoyable evening listening to Christmas carols while making up the boxes”.

Christina Line, team leader at the centre, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Swindon Soroptimists for their kindness and generosity in donating the Christmas boxes to the women who access the service.

“For many of the women this will be the only gift they receive this Christmas, so it will make a real difference to the women knowing that people out there do care.”

The service was launched in January 2014 by Baroness Corston. It provides intensive support, supervision and a group education programme which addresses complex and multiple disadvantages in a safe, responsive environment.

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.