PINETREES Community Centre opened its doors for a fair showcasing different groups and their work.

A total of 14 organisations had stands, from local health and wellbeing support groups and charities, to churches, community wardens, and the local police.

Michaela Johnston, Community Centre manager, who organised the event yesterday, said: “It is great to get people in to see what we actually do on a week to week basis.

"Lots of people see us just as a library, but it’s nice for them to know about all the other things we do.”

Following the success of a similar event in Penhill last year, Andy Reeves, the Central Swindon North parish clerk, said: “We wanted to set something up in Pinehurst to cover a different part of the parish.”

He explained the aim was to help people become more aware of what is happening happening in their local community, and be "more connected to the community centre on their doorstep."

Tanya Hawker, from Swindon Carers Centre Care, which provides help and support to the 21,000 carers currently in Swindon, said: “It is really important to have these events.

"You could wake up one morning and suddenly find yourself a carer, if your partner, for example, has had a stroke.

So it’s really important to reach out to the community so people know we’re here for them.”

Julie Dowie from MHA Swindon Live at Home was looking to expand her work into Pinehurst, and set up a friendship group in the area.

MHA provides services and support to older people to help them live independent and active lives.

She said: “Attending these events is all about getting your name out there and networking.

"I’ve already managed to recruit volunteers and also a potential member of staff. So it’s been rather successful!”

Sally Huggins, chairman of the Chronic Pain Awareness Group, which currently has over 200 members, said “We’re here to all help each other and spread the word about us and what we do, to the different groups in the area.” .

Mrs Dowie added: “This is the way forward for care in the community. That we all put our resources together, and all the agencies to work together for the benefit of the community.”

Another fair is being planned for the centre later in the year.