For the 4th year running, Swindon Soroptimists have presented Christmas gift shoe boxes to the Swindon Nelson Trust Women’s Centre. The 25 boxes are for the vulnerable women who use the Centre, many of whom face hardship and are unlikely to get many Christmas gifts. The Club also donated clothes and winter coats for the clients and Christmas chocolates for the hardworking, dedicated staff!

Using items collected by the members of the Swindon Soroptimist Club, plus donations from Marlborough Ladies Who Latte and Live Laugh Love groups, 25 boxes were wrapped and filled at member Gillian Reed’s house recently.

As Lydia Cardew, Project Officer says “These women have tough challenges. We want them to know someone was thinking of them. We try to make the boxes useful and fun, with items such as scarves, toiletries, and pads / pens as well as a Christmas gift, crackers and chocolate”.

The centre was opened in January 2014 by Baroness Corston and provides a lifeline for women on the edge of society – those who are homeless, addicted or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. It has recently taken over larger premises and now has 16 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.

Team member Chessie peaked at the box contents and commented “Wow!” and Office manager at the Centre, Elaine said “The Mrs’ Santas come to the Nelson Trust to bring Christmas joy to the wonderful women whom we support. Many thanks for doing this year on year!”

Swindon Soroptimists are part of an international voluntary women’s organisation dedicated to improving the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

For more information on Soroptimists work please visit our website www.sigbi.org/swindon-and-district/ or contact us on siswindon.soroptimists@gmail.com