Threshold, the long-standing Swindon charity that has spent more than half a century supporting people without a place to call home, has launched its annual Christmas appeal – and this year the need is sharper than ever. With homelessness rising across the town, the charity is calling on the community to stand alongside those who face the season with little more than uncertainty.
The appeal, which opened on 1 December to coincide with World Homeless Awareness Week, has already received a significant early boost. The first £1,150 donated will be matched by two local businesses – the National Self Build and Renovation Centre and Cog Security Ltd – effectively doubling the impact of early contributions.
Threshold provides supported accommodation for people who might otherwise be sleeping rough or living in situations that are unsafe, unstable or unsuitable for rebuilding their lives. Their work extends beyond simply offering a roof; residents receive guidance and ongoing support, helping them regain stability, confidence and independence.
Swindon’s homelessness crisis remains one of the most severe in England, with close to a thousand people currently without a home and many more living on the brink. Those who turn to Threshold often speak of the toll that homelessness takes – not only stripping away security, but also wreaking havoc on mental wellbeing, physical health, relationships and employment prospects. The charity notes that suicide rates among people who are homeless are frighteningly high, and Christmas can be an especially painful reminder of what has been lost.
A quarter of people who are homeless do not know where they will spend Christmas Day, and even those who are housed in supported accommodation often face the season alone. Last year, many residents had no cards, no gifts and no contact with family. A staggering 94% said they would not see their children. For most, Christmas has not been a joyful time for years.
One resident, Darren*, shared his experience:
“I was homeless two Christmases in a row. All I wanted was to be wrapped up in my family, to give my children a better Christmas than I had. But they saw me as a tramp, someone to avoid. It broke me. Threshold helped me rebuild my life.”
Helen Edwards, Threshold’s services manager, said she is deeply grateful for the early support from the charity’s partners.
“Everyone who arrives at Threshold has a story, often filled with events that could happen to anyone,” she said. “Homelessness magnifies every difficulty. With the right help, people can step out of crisis and begin to piece their lives back together. Donations don’t just help provide accommodation – they help create the stability people need to recover, grow and eventually move into homes of their own.”
She added that seeing residents move on to happy, healthy futures remains one of the most rewarding parts of the charity’s work. “Your gift this Christmas will genuinely change lives.”
Katy Ashcroft, Employee Ownership Representative and Marketing Manager at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre, explained why the organisation chose to back the appeal.
“We’re proud to support Threshold and reconnect with such a valuable local charity. Our own work focuses on helping people build better, sustainable homes, so supporting a charity that works to secure safe, long-term housing for vulnerable people feels like the right fit. Everyone deserves a place they can feel safe.”
Donations to the appeal can be made via Threshold’s website: www.threshold.charity/XMAS25
*Name changed to protect identity.
