RAISING awareness about the vital work of a children’s charity in the town was at the heart of a coffee morning on Saturday.

Shoppers at the Orbital were able to have a slice of cake and cuppa at the office of North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, while finding out about the Jessie May Children’s Hospice as it looks to expand work in Swindon.

The Jessie May organisation provides hospice at home care for terminally ill children

Debbie Clark, Swindon and Wiltshire’s corporate and community fundraiser for Jessie May was thrilled to have the chance to talk to locals about how the charity helps families across the country.

“The people of Swindon are just switching on to who we are like other wonderful charities, a lot of people don’t know about the support that is on offer until they need it.

“It is little things that can make a difference to the lives of families, especially giving parents the time to spend extra time with siblings who may have to sit back and watch people care for their sister or brother.

“So for us a coffee morning like this to raise awareness is really important.”

In Swindon, Jessie May has a team of four dedicated nurses who provide free care to children and families during a child’s life and after their death.

The charity's nurses are trained to help in a variety of ways, whether with vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care, or bereavement support alongside family events.

Justin said: “Jessie May is a fantastic charity helping some of the most vulnerable people in society as well as providing supportive care.

“Through our day-to-day case work, people often ask to be signposted to other organisations and services and having Jessie May working in Swindon is great because the support they provide is second to none and so it is brilliant we can help them to raise awareness.”