Charity Closure and Service Transition
Following the recent 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 begin a phased wind-down over the coming months, with its official closure set for 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.
Legacy Fund
While the charity closure marks the end of a significant chapter, SCC is proud to be releasing a Legacy Fund that will carry its mission forward for years to come.
SCC is working closely with Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF), an independent charity, to develop a meaningful legacy plan that reflects the organisation’s core values and longstanding commitment to carers in Swindon. We are also working with GEL Studios, who recently named Swindon Carers Centre as their named Charity Partner of the Year, to increase funds over the summer period and up until the closure in December.
The Swindon Carers Centre Legacy Fund will provide ongoing support to projects and initiatives that enhance carers’ wellbeing and help them prioritise their own physical and emotional health.
“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 have taken lightly. But through the Legacy Fund, and with the help of WCF and GEL Studios in shaping this vision, we’re ensuring that our mission doesn’t end—it evolves.”
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.
The Legacy Fund is a new initiative being developed to carry forward SCC’s mission and values. Its purpose is to support and improve the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, ensuring a continued impact even after the Centre's closure.
Once the Legacy Fund is formally launched, there will be opportunities to donate, or apply for funding to support carer-focused initiatives. Please check back on our website for updates on how to get involved.
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.
