Swindon’s New Domestic Violence Resource: Fresh Thoughts.
The month of December tends to see a sharp rise increase in the number of Domestic Abuse (DA) incidents. Thus the launch of this resource to support victims is of particular significance. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls), Jess Phillips MP referred to the new Fresh Thoughts booklet in a recent speech.
Swindon’s New Domestic Violence Resource Fresh Thoughts: Amanda Burt Salisbury Soroptomists with the booklet
The launch of the booklet
Around sixty people attended the launch of a new information booklet called Fresh Thoughts.
It’s aimed at guiding Wiltshire victims of DA through the complex legal process after having the courage to flee their abuser. In the first instance, Poole, Purbeck and District Soroptimists in Dorset supported their local Women’s refuge. In doing so they realised victims had little information about what was going to happen next. The Fresh Thoughts booklet was the brainchild of a magistrate, head teacher and a citizen’s advice advisor.
Fresh Thoughts provides practical information about:
Online personal safety
Going to court
Financial help
Housing advice and contact details of local DA support agencies.
The booklet’s aims
The aim of the booklet is to educate, empower and enable victims to take back control and move forward with their lives. This project won an award for Best Practice at the Soroptimists Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) 2024 National Conference. And, so far, seventeen UK clubs have adapted the template for their local area. Swindon & Salisbury Soroptimists are the latest to launch it with the help of:
left to right: Club president Eleanor Evans, Society Without Abuse Chair Nicky Alberry, Salisbury MP John Glenn, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper, and Laura Jones, FEAR FREE.
Distribution
There’ll be distribution of the booklet to:
Wiltshire’s Women’s Refuges
Charities and domestic abuse support services
City Councils
Citizen Advice centres
Victim Support
Housing Associations
Solicitors, Legal Aid
Wiltshire Police and the Courts.
Salisbury Soroptimist Liz Batten told those present there had been 12,246 Domestic Abuse crimes in Wiltshire during the last 12 months. The police know that less than 20% of incidents get reported. Hence it’s estimated that 60,000 people experience Domestic Abuse each year in Wiltshire alone.
Fear Free
She described the serious challenges a victim faces as they go through the court system to get injunctions against perpetrators. She says, ‘our courts and legal system are not ‘trauma-informed’. So victims often have to face their attackers all over again, standing a mere a few feet away from them before hearings and child access proceedings.
For many women this is their first experience of court. And we know that perpetrators use the court process as a further control and intimidation tactic. We must understand that alongside this process, the victims are often working, raising children, engaging with other agencies, dealing with post separation abuse such as harassment or stalking, and working on their own trauma. This can be a most overwhelming time.’
In her spare time, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police Catherine Roper, is Assistant District Commissioner for the Girl Guides.
In 2019 she launched the national Girl Guide Police Challenge Badge. She was recently approached by a young girl who set up a ‘Safety for Women and Girls’ day as part of her Girl Guide Queen’s Badge award. Chief Constable Roper found it very sad that 100 young girls in the room had to go through training and get advice on how to stay safe. She said, ‘This is not the kind of world we want!” She praised the Soroptimists for this “tactical and practical” booklet, saying “We know that at Wiltshire police we haven’t always got it right with survivors of domestic violence. We have improved but it’s not enough. We support this initiative and we’re committed to keeping women and girls safe!’
EVAWG
Nicky Alberry is deputy chair of Wiltshire End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). And she’s both a Trustee and Chair of Swindon charity Society Without Abuse. Nicky commented, ‘SWA has a great, long-standing relationship with Swindon Soroptimists. And I’d like to thank the Salisbury and Dorset groups for this very important work. SWA’s vision is to one day see an end to domestic abuse. And as part of this, it’s so important for men to stand alongside women and call out bad behaviour among their peers. We’re all grateful to Salisbury MP John Glen for lobbying parliament for better support for the most vulnerable of our nation’s citizens.’
Queen Camilla also supports movement to bring to and end domestic abuse. She recently attended an SWA event in the county and said that ‘Domestic abuse is the scourge of our society’.
Jess Phillips MP is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls.
When launching the government’s new Violence against Women and Girls Strategy in parliament, she responded to John Glenn MP with the following statement: ‘Thank you for giving me the perfect opportunity to pay real credit to Soroptimists from all over the country. Some of the work that appears in the strategy around having specialist advocates for rape victims in court, started because of volunteer programmes run by Soroptimists.
I want to give them the confidence that they can change government policy and can work through your good offices (MP John Glen) to reach out to me. They (Soroptimists) do amazing work in their local communities!’
The Fresh Thoughts booklet has been well-received by many organisations working with survivors of domestic violence.
A thousand copies of the booklet have been printed so far. But because of the explosion in the number of cases of DA in recent years, this won’t scratch the surface of the need in Wiltshire.
The Salisbury and Swindon Soroptimists are seeking sponsorship for a second print run to get the information into the hands of those who need it most: Survivors!
If you or an organisation you know can help, please contact 1rhonajack@gmail.com who’ll forward your details.
Therapy Horses at Care Show. SWINDON–based The Care Show, taking place in January, announces therapy horses as their mascots for their 2026 event.
The Care Show Swindon is one of the South West’s premier health and social care expo events. Care industry professionals, suppliers, and service providers gather to share their insights and expertise. The show brings information and knowledge to businesses and members of the public.
2025 Debut
The Care Show debuted in 2025. It achieved immediate success by welcoming a large attendance from both service providers and the public from across the region. Co-owners, Hannah Edwards and Kevin Griffiths are now welcoming the Care Show for its second event, in the new year.
They have also now revealed their collaboration with Happy Hooves Equine Ltd as therapy horses become their 2026 mascot.
‘We’re thrilled to announce Happy Hooves Equine Ltd as our mascots for The Care Show,’ said Hannah Edwards. ‘Knowing the power of therapy animals, we reached out to Laura who runs the company. With this collaboration, we’re able to showcase the brilliant use of different animals as therapy friends for people in hospitals and care homes.’
Therapy Horses at Care Show Hannah Edwards, a small horse, Kevin Griffiths and a representative from Happy Hooves Equine Ltd
On the hoof
Happy Hooves Equine Ltd, led by Laura Stewart, are a Wiltshire based equine assisted therapy and support business. They provide gentle therapy horses, providing specialist therapeutic visits to:
care homes
schools
nurseries, and special educational needs (SEN) settings.
‘Everyone the horses meet leave with a big smile on their face. We haven’t been a mascot before. But my horses love the limelight and can definitely rise to the challenge,’ said Laura. ‘Every day I see the uplifting power of equine therapy and the impact it has on senior people’s lives. I can’t wait to share this with The Care Show and all their attendees.’
Their horses attending The Care Show 2026 are trained to provide comfort, confidence, and companionship. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet two of the three British miniature horses and learn about specialised animal therapy.
‘We were very excited when Laura said yes to working with us. And we know our venue is very keen to welcome them too!’ commented Hannah. ‘This is going to be a unique and interesting experience for those at The Care Show. And we can’t wait to roll out our red carpet for our special mascots.’
The care show
The Care Show Swindon takes place on Thursday 29th January 2026 at The DoubleTree by Hilton. To book your attendance, visit: https://www.thecareshow.co.uk/
Laura started the company after working in the senior living sector for a decade. Her experience led her to see that people can lose their interactions with animals and beloved pets because of their setting.
Supermarine Road South Marston, SN3. Why am I writing about a road? It’s a good and fair question. Well, having this year, at long last (long story) got Swindon in 50 More Buildings finished and out into the wild, I’d had every intention of stopping there. But it wasn’t to be. Earlier this year I got an email from Amberley Books saying they were starting a new series XXXX in 25 Streets and would I be interested in writing Swindon in 25 Streets? Cutting short a long story, my project for 2026 is to write that very thing. Hence my interest in streets and roads!
Coming back from somewhere with someone (can’t now recall who or what) I noticed we were on Supermarine Road. And the thought occurred that it could be a candidate for the new project. But of course it can’t. As with Swindon in 50 Buildings the publisher’s brief prevents me foraying into the wider borough. And Supermarine Road lies in the wider borough. But, not wanting to waste the idea, here I am.
So why this road?
Answering that brings me back to the remit of the forthcoming-much-later-this-year book. So the streets I’m selecting don’t necessarily have to be interesting in and of themselves. Though some of them will be for sure. No, I’m selecting some streets based on their connections – why they’re so named for instance. Thus I’ll include Fleming Way for, amongst other things, its very name, given for Harold Fleming the footballer.
Statue of Harold Fleming the Swindon footballer at Swindon town football club.
And it’s for connections that I figured Supermarine Road South Marston merited attention. Now I daresay many of you are well aware of the whole Supermarine Spitfire thing. But it’s only in relatively recent times (2014) that I’ve come to that party. I mean, I was aware of the Supermarine sport’s club etc, etc – but had no idea why they were so called. So here we are.
In simple terms then, the historical significance of this highway is that it once housed a Vickers-Armstrong shadow factory. Between 1941 and 1944/5 it produced WWII Spitfire and Seafire aircraft.
Post war it became a manufacturing site for such jets as Scimitar and also Concorde components. Then later it housed the Honda plant.
The wartime production – 1941-1944/5
Due to the bombing of the main Southampton facility in 1940 the Supermarine company moved to a shadow site in South Marston. The factory made over 100 Mark 21 Spitfires and around 50 Seafires for the Royal Navy.
They tested the aircraft on a runway close by. In later years that became the Honda test track.
Post-war and industry
In 1945, Vickers-Armstrong took over the airfield and factory and became the Supermarine Division. In that form, they continued to make and repair planes into the 1950s. The site made Attacker and Scimitar jets – with the last aircraft being completed in 1961. They later they made Concorde components.
Then, as mentioned above, the site found itself sold to Honda UK in the 1980s.
Model spitfire and signage at South MarstonIs this still in situ? Does anyone know?
Well, aside from planes and cars we have sport! The period after the war saw the establishment of the Vickers Sports and Social Club for the benefit of the staff. The club secured its long-term home on Supermarine Road in 1988. Find out more about their history here: https://www.supermarinesportsclub.co.uk/club-history
Not forgetting of course, the Swindon Supermarine FC. This club formed in 1992 following a merger of Supermarine FC and Swindon Athletic FC.
CHRISTMAS GOT MORE COLOURFUL as CHILDREN’S ART CLUB CELEBRATES WINTER IN STYLE.
A SWINDON-BASED art club is celebrating a packed winter programme. It comprises artistic and creative opportunities for local children to thrive.
Artist and mum, Rachel Bray founded the Let’s Create Art Club in 2020. The club environment allows children to explore painting, drawing, sculpture and design in a safe, fun, and pressure-free environment. It takes place in after-school sessions, Saturday morning art clubs and holiday art camps. Children aged from four to twelve are eligible.
CHRISTMAS GOT MORE COLOURFUL – Rachel Bray with group working
Winter 2025
Winter 2025 has been no different. Their fully-booked Christmas art camp, held on the 22nd and 23rd December, welcomed many children at Tregoze Primary School in West Swindon.
Running Art Camp is one of my favourite things to do at Let’s Create. As an artist and mum, I know first-hand how powerful and important creativity can be for a child. It raises their confidence, resilience and well-being,’ said Rachel Bray.
Rachel, born and raised in Swindon, started the club after seeing how easy it was to sideline art in busy family life. That and the fact that sports clubs dominate the after school club industry.
Art camp at Christmas is extra special because we can channel all the joy and excitement that the children arrive with into their artwork, festive creations and arty games! It’s a chance for them to make something meaningful with their hands. And parents get to have heartfelt, handmade keepsakes to treasure.’
The two-day camp consisted of Christmassy art activities, games, and outdoor play. And free creative time for children to explore artistic avenues during the Christmas period.
Families went home with several keepsakes and pictures to honour the festive season and welcome in the new year.
What art club offers
‘Art camp gives children the time, space and support to express themselves. And explore ideas without any pressure on the outcome and make new friends,’ commented Rachel. ‘I’m privileged to be able to help children have fun with art and to create great childhood memories. Just like I experienced growing up.’
Let’s Create Art Club is a member of the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP). Thus parents get assurance that the club meets high standards for safety, inclusion and engagement. They celebrated being finalists at the ICAP Awards 2025, in their ‘Rising Star – Outstanding achievement in Growth and Visions for the Future’ category.
Let’s Create Art Club have opened their books for the new year. To secure a place at one of their 13 afterschool clubs in Term 3, visit: https://www.letscreateartclub.co.uk/bookings.
Group of youngsters busy at the Let’s Create Art ClubThree girls working at the Let’s create art club in Swindon
Accountants make a Santa Splash. Entrepreneur and partner at accountancy firm PPS took a freezing swim to raise money for a veterans’ charity this Christmas.
Sally Holland, Partner at Swindon based PPS Chartered Accountants, participated in an icy winter swim. Her aim being to raise funds for military charity, Combat Stress, as one of her last charitable acts of 2025.
The ‘Santa Splash’ event took place at Bowmoor Sailing Club. The Lechlade Lions organized it to raise funds for Combat Stress’s fundraising effort called Healing Military Minds.
Accountants make a Santa Splash – Kirk Holland and Sally Holland alongside other participants at the Santa Splash.
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They support former service people dealing with issues around:
trauma
anxiety
depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sally and her husband, Kirk, participated on behalf of PSS Chartered Accountants with other professionals from the business networking group, Business Connect.
‘I found out about the Santa Splash in November and had to get involved,’ said Sally. ‘I’m an active person so thought I’d end the year with a challenge and all for a great cause.’
Braving a below zero swim isn’t the only charitable endeavour Sally has led in 2025. In June, Sally took part in a 50km ultramarathon to raise over £1,000 for Wiltshire Treehouse.
I’ve completed multiple charity events this year and I’ve raised money for a variety of local charities. I do it because I want to support my community and to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to,’ continued Sally.
‘Our work to raise funds for local charities is something we’re always excited and committed to,’ commented Sally.
‘As PPS, we’ve held many events this year. We hope this is only the beginning of raising funds for a multitude of charities across our local area. To reflect on this year is fantastic, but I can’t wait to look to the future and how much support we can provide in 2026.’
PPS Chartered Accountants, based in Swindon, works with individuals and businesses across Wiltshire and beyond. They provide expert advice in accountancy, tax and business planning. The firm is committed to supporting the local community alongside offering practical, tailored financial guidance to help clients achieve their goals. For more information visit: https://www.ppsacc.co.uk/
