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Hospice is important

I am a lady in my 70s. I am very proud to say I have been involved with the Prospect Hospice for 36 years, first as a volunteer, going into people’s homes, then washing sheepskins at home, which over 30 years ago was used to relieve pressure areas on patients.

Then I did bank work at the old Victoria Hospital on a ward we had there for hospice patients. Then in 1995 when the hospice was built in Wroughton, I worked permanently as a nursing auxiliary, until I had to retire. But I continued on the bank, working as much as I could. I still today work occasional bank shifts for Prospect @ Home.

I have loved every minuet of it, and always given my all.

It really saddens me to read about the findings by the CQC. I so hope they can sort the problems, and employ good people to continue to give help and support and live by the philosophy.

We are here for patients’ families as much as patients themselves.

Sandra Fryer, Swindon

Give us shelter

I am a regular user of Swindon bus service 1/1A from Ramleaze into the town centre.

On two recent occasions whilst waiting at stop G on Fleming Way it has been very windy and pouring with rain.

The point I would like to make is who on earth was responsible for the inadequate bus shelter at this bus stop replacing the more substantial one which was demolished some time ago?

The new bus shelter seats four intending passengers but offers very little protection from the elements. No doubt the shelter was the choice of someone who never uses public transport with a “that will do for those who travel by bus” attitude.

We lost our bus shelter at Orkney Close bus stop some time ago and it was never replaced despite bringing this matter to the attention of one local councillor, who incidentally is a motorist.

Richard Albrighton, Tamworth Drive, Shaw

Occasion to remember

I would like to thank Stephen Whatley and the staff from Ultimate Occasions in Gorse Hill for bringing some festive joy to our residents at Booth House Lifehouse in Swindon.

On 16 December, Stephen and his staff kindly cooked and served up a vegetable and a chicken curry to our 40 residents. They also cleaned up afterwards.

Booth House Lifehouse is a Salvation Army resettlement centre which has been helping people who have experienced homelessness in the Swindon area to rebuild their lives since 2007. From Spring Close, we offer a range of support services and activities for our residents to help them develop new skills and regain their confidence.

Our two social enterprise businesses at Booth House Lifehouse - the Sandwich People and Recycles - give our residents practical work experience and allow them to develop workplace-based skills and gain qualifications.

Acts of kindness – such as the ones carried out by Stephen and his team - help our residents by making them feel cared for and showing them that they are individuals who are valued by society, which is an important part of their recovery.

Chloe Kirwan, Social Enterprise Programme Coordinator, Booth House Lifehouse, Swindon