A NEW drop-in centre for Swindon’s homeless is appealing for supplies and materials as it sets up art classes for guests.

The Haven on Queens Drive, which opened at the start of January, will host the classes on Friday and is hoping to make them a regular event.

Becky Davison who helps run the centre said: “Ideally we need things like pencils, pens, adult colouring books, general arts and craft supplies.

“The Haven is a drop-in centre so we could see up 40 people coming to these classes, so any donations that can be made would be a big help.”

Volunteers at the centre which is based at the old Riverside School and has been given a three-year lease by Swindon Borough Council, are currently renovating an old portable building to convert into a new activities room.

“We were given the Haven from the council for three years but all our funding is solely from donations and people’s good will,” said Becky.

"We hope the portable building will be a place for our guests to relax, try out something new or occupy their minds. We have been donated a pool table and gym equipment for people to use but there is still loads of work needing done.

“We have had volunteers in helping for the past week cleaning and decorating so it is ready soon.”

As well as a drop-in centre, the Haven hosts 12 residents, giving them somewhere to sleep overnight while providing support for them to find permanent homes and work.

“We work with a number of organisations like the housing agency and the council, bringing them all together here, so it is easier for our guests to get the support and help that they need.” explained Becky.

“Intel donated computers so we are hoping to have them up and running by February and host CV-building classes, which can be a big help for people to get back on their feet.”

The Haven is part of the wider Swindon Night Shelter group that includes the shelter at St Mary’s church and the Hub shop and cafe, which runs to raise funds for the group.

This year the shelter will have been open for a decade. Just last year it provided a bed and shower for more than 170 of the town’s homeless.

Carole Martin from the night shelter said: “At the moment we really need a new cordless phone system for us to use. We recently launched an appeal for new furniture and found ourselves full to the brim with donations. So the response from the community has always been really good.”

To donate call 07586 420011 or email admin@swindonnightshelter.co.uk The Haven is open every Monday and Friday 9am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm.