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The ceremony was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon on Thursday 5 March, bringing together charities, community groups and civic leaders for one of the town’s most anticipated events.
A total of 140 nominations were submitted, with 18 individuals and 12 teams formally recognised for their efforts to support residents, reduce loneliness, protect vulnerable people and improve daily life across the borough.
Council Leader Jim Robbins described the awards as one of the most uplifting events in the town’s calendar.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic event. I really love coming along because you get to hear so many outstanding stories about the work people are doing in Swindon, the hard work volunteering and the different groups giving up their time and making Swindon a better place,” he said.
He added:
“Volunteers are the lifeblood that keep these organisations going. A lot of them are working on real shoestring budgets and if it wasn’t for volunteers they simply wouldn’t be able to operate.”
Among the individual recipients was Jordan Turner, founder of ChangeLivesNoToKnives. She established the community interest company after losing her brother to knife crime, and it now works with people of all ages to raise awareness of knife crime and promote the use of emergency bleed kits.
Jane Richards was recognised for her work with Alternative Angels, a volunteer-led charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. The group provides hot meals and practical assistance to those in need across Swindon.
Live Well Swindon volunteers were also honoured for their role in supporting residents who are struggling with loneliness and isolation. Around 350 volunteers help people stay connected and independent through regular telephone calls, home visits and practical support.
An emotional moment came with a posthumous award for muralist Ken White, whose distinctive public artworks became part of Swindon’s cultural landscape. The award was accepted by his three children following his death on Christmas Eve last year.
Several volunteer-led teams were also praised for their contribution to the community.
Swindon Literacy Champions were recognised for running story sessions and literacy activities in schools and libraries across the borough, encouraging reading from an early age.
Friendship Circle volunteers were honoured for organising social activities for adults living with physical or mental health challenges, helping to reduce isolation.
Keep Swindon Tidy was acknowledged after volunteers collected more than 5,000 bags of litter across the borough last year.
Stratton Advice Point was recognised for providing free welfare and benefits advice, helping residents secure more than £300,000 in financial support over the past year.
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride volunteers were also among those celebrated for organising the town’s annual Pride festival and hosting year-round events.
Phoenix from Swindon and Wiltshire Pride said the organisation’s work continues throughout the year.
“Swindon Pride isn’t just a one-day event. It’s Pride 365, engaging with the community throughout the year to educate, celebrate and help reduce social isolation within the LGBTQIA community.”
Young people were also highlighted during the ceremony.
Wheelchair racer Toby Richardson was recognised after becoming a national champion following a life-changing spinal cancer diagnosis.
Twelve-year-old Heath Ridgewell was honoured for litter-picking in his neighbourhood and helping elderly neighbours, while Zabi Morich was recognised for raising funds for charity through recycling initiatives.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson praised those in the room.
“It is a real privilege to be in a room full of volunteers. Every one of them goes the extra mile for other people.”
Mayor of Swindon Fay Howard said the awards reflected the variety of ways residents support one another.
“There are so many different groups doing good across Swindon and so many ways people are volunteering and supporting their own communities.”
Jeremy Lune, chief executive of Prospect Hospice, said the evening demonstrated the strength of the town’s community spirit.
“There are people online who say Swindon’s rubbish. This is proof it’s not. It’s a brilliant community.”
South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander also attended the ceremony during the afternoon and paid tribute to volunteers.
“Our town would not be the same place without these amazing people. They give up their time for free and support everything from young people to older residents and environmental projects.”
The Pride of Swindon Awards were first launched in 2008 and are held every two years.
This year’s winners will have their names engraved on a commemorative plaque at Swindon Central Library, joining previous recipients who have helped shape community life in the town.
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