Swindon charity Big Breakfast Plus, which serves hot morning meals to the town’s homeless and those facing hardship, has announced a new chair of trustees. Local resident James Puttick has stepped into the role, succeeding Charlotte Mannion, who has led the organisation through some of its most testing – and transformative – years.
James, who works in business development for a financial services firm, first became involved with Big Breakfast Plus in the months following the Covid lockdown. What began as a response to a Facebook post from a friend quickly became something much more meaningful.
“I started volunteering when the charity reopened after Covid,” said James. “I’ve lived in Swindon all my life and felt I needed to give something back to the community. That first morning, there were just five volunteers and three guests – not many people knew we were back open.”
Fast-forward to today, and the charity is now open seven days a week from the Pilgrim Centre in the town centre, regularly providing breakfast to over 100 guests daily. James soon progressed from volunteer to trustee, and now takes the reins as chair, thanks in part to the guidance and groundwork laid by his predecessor.
“Charlotte didn’t want to stay in the role indefinitely,” he explained. “We began succession planning and have now brought in a full-time charity manager, which means I can focus more fully on the trustee side. We’ve also welcomed two new trustees to strengthen the board.”
He added: “If Charlotte hadn’t been in the role, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to step up. Her energy and drive have shaped the charity into what it is today. I’m grateful to her, and I’m hopeful we can continue to grow and adapt to meet the town’s needs.”
Charlotte will remain on the board in a supporting capacity and shared her faith in the charity’s future. “James and the trustees are in a great position to lead Big Breakfast Plus forward,” she said. “There are exciting developments ahead – and the need for our services has never been greater.”
Big Breakfast Plus operates solely through donations, volunteer support, and community goodwill. With the cost of living continuing to bite, its daily presence is a vital lifeline for many in Swindon.
To find out more or to support their work, visit: https://bigbreakfastplus.org.uk
