Charity Closure and Service Transition
Following the 2025 tender of the Local Authority contract for carers services in Swindon, Swindon Carers Centre (SCC) Trustees made the difficult decision not to submit a bid for this. As a result, after 28 years of dedicated service to unpaid carers in Swindon, SCC will close on 31st December 2025.
The Local Authority contract for carer support services in Swindon has been awarded to Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) who have 30 years’ experience of supporting carers. We are reassured to know that services will continue for carers in Swindon by another well-established network partner of Carers Trust as of 1st January 2026.
Swindon Carers Centre will still be providing services until December 2025, and carers can access support through us until then.
As SCC winds down, it is working collaboratively with CRCC to ensure a smooth transition of services and continuity of support for the carers who rely on them. Further updates will be released on both SCC’s and CRCC's websites in the coming months. Katherine Nissen, CEO of CRCC, said: “CRCC is excited to bring a wealth of experience and innovative approaches, honed over decades of dedicated service, directly to Swindon.”
SCC extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, funders, and the community who have supported its journey. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact—and through the Legacy Fund (detailed below), that positive influence will continue.
Swindon Carers Centre kindly request that any press enquiries be directed to Kevin Burchell at Swindon Borough Council.
Swindon Carers Centre Legacy Fund
As Swindon Carers Centre prepares to close at the end of December 2025, we are proud to announce the launch of the Swindon Carers Centre Legacy Fund.
This dedicated fund has been created to ensure SCC’s mission continues, supporting unpaid carers across Swindon for years to come. Funded through the charity’s remaining reserves and generous public contributions, it reflects the shared and enduring commitment of our 28-year legacy to leave a meaningful and lasting impact.
The Legacy Fund will be managed by Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation (WSCF), an independent charity, who will make grants from the fund for the benefit of carers in Swindon. These grants will fund projects that support carers’ wellbeing, helping them look after both their physical and emotional health. WSCF will work closely with Cornwall Rural Community Charity – the organisation taking forward the local authority contract for carers in Swindon – to identify projects for funding, assessing applications, carrying out monitoring and evaluation and ensuring the fund is having an impact.
“Over nearly three decades, Swindon Carers Centre has stood beside unpaid carers: listening, supporting, and advocating,” said Claire Smith, Charity Director. “Closing SCC is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. But through the Legacy Fund, and with the support of Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, we’re ensuring that our mission doesn’t end, it evolves.”
“We have been proud to support Swindon Carers Centre through our grant-making for more than 20 years and are delighted to be able to continue supporting their legacy over the coming years, making a difference to the lives of carers in Swindon” said Fiona Oliver Joint Chief Executive of WSCF.
If you’d like to donate to the Swindon Carers Centre Legacy Fund you can do so by bank transfer, phone, or cheque directly to WSCF – you can find the donation form and details here. You can read more about WSCF’s work here: https://www.wscf.org.uk/
Friends of Young Carers Swindon (FOYCS)
For 28 years, Swindon Carers Centre has proudly supported carers of all ages across Swindon. To honour this legacy and ensure young carers continue to receive the support they deserve, SCC we will make a significant donation to its long-standing partner organisation, Friends of Young Carers Swindon. This contribution will help FOYCS continue their vital work with the incredible young people who take on caring roles.
FOYCS is a small, independent charity that has supported the work of SCC for many years; raising funds to provide young carers with opportunities that allow them to enjoy their childhood, build confidence, and take a break from their caring responsibilities.
If you’d to make a donation to go specifically towards supporting young carers, you can do so here: https://www.foycs.org.uk/
Your donation to FOYCS can help fund:
Swindon Carers Centre will still be providing services until December 2025, and carers can access support through us until then.
SCC is working closely with CRCC, the new provider of the carers contract in Swindon, to ensure a smooth transition of services. Our priority is to maintain continuity of support for carers, and further updates will be released on both SCC’s and CRCC's websites in the coming months.
If you’d like to donate to the Swindon Carers Centre Legacy Fund you can do so by bank transfer, phone, or cheque directly to WSCF – you can find the donation form and details here.
To ensure continued support, we will securely transfer your personal data to CRCC in December 2025, unless you opt out. This will allow CRCC to continue providing your current services without interruption.
The data includes contact details, demographics, caring role information, support history, and services accessed. A full list is available in the Privacy Notice.
The transfer is lawful under the 'public task' basis, as both SCC and CRCC deliver services commissioned by the Local Authority. Special category data is transferred under Article 9(2)(h) of the UK GDPR for social care purposes.
If you wish to continue receiving support in 2026, no action is needed.
To opt out, contact us by 30th November 2025 at info@swindoncarers.org.uk or 01793 531133, providing your full name and address. If you opt out, your data will be anonymised and securely deleted after December 2025.
Please see the Privacy Notice for more details about your rights and the data being transferred.
