Celebration of Swindon Hub volunteers

Swindon Hub is marking Volunteers’ Week by celebrating the efforts of its 30-plus volunteers.

The Hub is the town centre’s welcoming, accessible space run by the community for the community. 

Volunteers’ Week, now in its 41^st year,  is a UK-wide campaign recognising the powerful impact volunteers have across the country, while encouraging more people to get involved in their communities.

Swindon Hub, set up in 2021 and run exclusively by volunteers for its first two years, has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space powered by passion. From its café and bookshop to creative workshops and community support events, every corner of the Hub has been shaped by the dedication of volunteers.

Now operating with one full time staff member and recruiting for a second, the Hub continues to rely heavily on its volunteers, who cover two shifts a day, five days a week. Every role, including shift leads, event organisers, baristas, IT helpers and bookshop managers plays a vital part in making Swindon Hub the community cornerstone it’s become.

Long-time volunteer and trustee Jol Rose said: "Swindon Hub is run by the community, for the community. Our team of volunteers, myself included, just love coming here and connecting. We help people feel better connected - and that’s at the heart of why we do it."

Jaclyn Randle, who is celebrating a year of volunteering, said: "I step through the doors and it feels like a second home. I have MS and ADHD, and the space here is so inclusive. I’ve never felt like I didn’t fit in. My favourite part? The kids’ play area. I love seeing them having fun, and I even like tidying up after them!"

For many volunteers, giving back has become more than just something to do. It’s become a way of life.

Kelly Moss, a key organiser behind the popular Tea & Chat sessions, said: "Even when I’m not on shift, I’m here. It’s inclusive, it’s welcoming, and every session caters for different abilities and needs. I’ve helped train other volunteers and supported events, sometimes while I’m just having my lunch!"

For Zoe Grimwood, who joined after finishing a 34-year career, the impact is clear: "We had a woman come in one night after fleeing an abusive situation. She didn’t even know we existed until she needed us. 

"We gave her a safe place to sit, listened, made her a cup of tea. She came back the next day to say she was safe. That meant everything. More rewarding than any paid job I’ve had." 

Younger volunteers like Freya Miles are also discovering how meaningful community work can be: "I started volunteering after my mum brought me along while I was unemployed. It’s helped my social skills and given me purpose. I help run the IT support sessions, and I love it. 

"It feels amazing to be helpful - but I’ve realised it’s actually more impactful than I thought. What we’re doing really matters." 

Swindon Hub is always looking for new volunteers to join its growing team, whether it’s lending a hand behind the café counter, helping to organise events, or simply offering a warm welcome to visitors. 

All volunteers receive a supportive onboarding process, including first aid training, safeguarding awareness, and basic communication skills training, to help them feel confident and prepared in their role.

For more information on how to get involved, people can visit www.swindonhub.org