SWINDON Night Shelter has changed its focus to help those in need across the town.

Volunteers have shifted their operation from running a homeless shelter, to providing fresh food parcels to families after restrictions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic meant the team had to radically change their services.

Operations manager Dan Read said: “We are still faithfully serving those in need in Swindon however our focus has had to shift with the necessary lockdown imposed by government on us all.

“We’re very pleased that the rough sleepers we would normally see at our day centre, The Haven, are now being given accommodation, support and food in hotels across the town."

He added: "This has meant that our operation has shifted, however the vision remains the same; we will continue to support those in the town who are on low income, or vulnerably housed, by providing access to food.”

The team are working with other agencies and delivering fresh food to schools and families who have been identified by local churches, charitable projects and other partners.

“For the moment we cannot host people at The Haven or keep our shop or cafés open, however we would like all those that are missing our presence in the town to know we are still here and accessible,” Dan said.

“What we can do is to take the food which is donated to us so generously every day and distribute it to those families and individuals that need it the most. We are keen to continue serving those families and individuals who ordinarily would be sharing a meal with us at this time, at one of our sites in the town,” Dan added.