Charities
Volunteer Centre Sutton (VCS) provides community services to the residents of the London Borough of Sutton where it has worked for over 50 years. Using the power of volunteering, VCS aims to unlock potential, address inequalities, and support the vulnerable, disadvantaged, distressed, and deprived. VCS works by promoting and delivering voluntary projects and programmes across health, education, culture and community development for all age groups, identifying local community needs and solutions. Our MAPS (Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support) project helps young people with complex life circumstances, mental health issues, low self-confidence, self-esteem and self-harm achieve their full potential through the support of a volunteer mentor or advocate. Whilst our Sutton Befrienders programme reduces isolation, loneliness and improves wellbeing in the elderly, just two of the projects we run out of Volunteer Centre Sutton.
SWAN UK (syndromes without a name) is the only UK-wide network that provides information and support to families with children and young adults affected by undiagnosed genetic conditions. Run by the charity Genetic Alliance UK, our big ambition is that every family affected by a syndrome without a name has the support they need, when they need it, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis or not. We provide the opportunity for families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of raising a child with an undiagnosed genetic condition through online forums and free whole-family events. We produce tailored information and help support families so that they feel less isolated and alone.
Swindon Food Collective is an independent charity providing 3–5 day food parcels to local individuals and families in crisis. We operate via a referral system, partnering with over 350 referring agents—including Citizens Advice, schools, GPs, livewell, council departments and more to ensure those in need receive essential, non-perishable food, toiletries, and household support. We also support the NHS, and Swindon police, to provide emergency food bags & support when required.