HWPC

The Power of Community
The Power of Community 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

HAYDON WICK PARISH COUNCIL ANNOUNCES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE KELLY FOUNDATION DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

SWINDON, UK – Haydon Wick Parish Council is proud to announce its unanimous decision to continue supporting The Kelly Foundation as its chosen charity for 2025-26, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week. The Council has successfully raised £628.54 for the Foundation in the 2024-25 period, with funds being transferred immediately to support the charity’s vital mental health services in North Swindon.

In addition to this donation, the Council has enthusiastically endorsed The Kelly Foundation’s proposal for a Mental Health Hub, recognising it as an essential resource for the community.  Councillors collectively pledged to attempt to fundraise for the requested £9,000 target needed for this essential community resource.

“Mental health support is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for our community,” said Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council. “The Kelly Foundation’s work aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all residents. Their holistic approach to mental health needs makes them an ideal partner for our community, and we’re proud to continue this important relationship for another year.”

The Kelly Foundation provides crucial support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges in Swindon, with the aim of reducing suicide risk through timely, holistic interventions. The charity currently supports 43 service users and has 13 people on its waiting list. Their approach extends beyond one-to-one emotional support to address underlying life stressors and provides continuity of care through a “one-stop shop” model.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Haydon Wick Parish Council is hosting several community events:

  • Haydon Wick Haven: A fortnightly Monday group combating isolation and loneliness, featuring activities and guest speakers
  • Craft and Connect: A new initiative launching Thursday to foster friendships through shared creative hobbies
  • Community Litter Pick: Parish Councillors invite residents to join them for outdoor exercise and conversation on Saturday
  • “The Power of Community” Event: Mental Health awareness gathering at the Orbital Shopping Centre on Sunday at 10am, featuring representatives from The Kelly Foundation, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire Brigade, and local Councillors

These events reinforce the message that community connection is essential for mental wellbeing, helping residents feel they belong, are supported, and are never alone.

About The Kelly Foundation

The Kelly Foundation is dedicated to reducing suicide risk in Swindon through a holistic approach to mental health support. Beyond providing one-to-one emotional support, the charity works to address underlying causes of stress and poor mental health. The Foundation operates a community café offering supported work experience and training, which also serves as a venue for group sessions including PTSD and Eating Disorder support groups. The charity is entirely funded by donations and community fundraising efforts.

Annual Parish Meeting and Community Networking Event
Annual Parish Meeting and Community Networking Event 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

See Full Agenda Here

Come along to the Annual Parish Meeting and Networking event on Tuesday 29th April 2025 6.15pm – 8.15pm in GLL Haydon Centre, SN25 1QQ

Join us for our Annual Parish Meeting featuring special guest speaker Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon!
 
✅ Receive updates from your Gold Award-winning Parish Council
✅ Network with community groups that help Haydon Wick thrive
✅ Learn about local initiatives and accomplishments
✅ Opportunity to ask the Police Commissioner questions about local policing
 
This is your chance to celebrate our parish achievements, connect with neighbours, and engage with the organisations that make Haydon Wick such a desirable place to live and work.
  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wicks Over 60s Afternoon Tea
Haydon Wicks Over 60s Afternoon Tea 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this”.

 

Saturday 9th September 2023 saw another fabulous, free event for over 60s in the community of Haydon Wick. The afternoon tea organised by Haydon Wick Parish Council was part of the Council’s Community Choices initiative where ideas are chosen and voted upon by the residents in the parish to deliver projects throughout the financial year. For the second year running, the community chose to focus on reducing loneliness and isolation in the parish, and this event did just that!

 

The afternoon tea was hosted in the Parish Council Offices on Thames Avenue and saw around 30 wonderful attendees join in for a fabulous afternoon. There were some faces which the staff recognised from the Council’s fabulous Haydon Wick Haven (every other Monday from 11.00am – 1.00pm) and the valuable Community Bus (daily service with subsidised fares), it also welcomed some new faces.  The Council is looking forward to welcoming them back for more exciting activities and events which they have to offer.

 

The beautifully decorated room was set up with vintage chinaware and table clothes. There was lots of lovely food available, from sandwiches, to cream cakes and freshly prepared scones with clotted cream, jam and fresh fruit. It was satisfying to hear snippets of the conversations shared between old and new friends, of lovely stories about passed loved ones, childhood memories, upcoming trips and funny tales of past experiences.  Some of the lovely quotes from attendees were as follows:

 

“We don’t want to leave; we’ve had such a lovely time.”

“We have put the world to rights today, we’ve spoken about everything.”

“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this.”

 

As always, the event was well supported by Councillors and other wonderful volunteers, who helped to set up, pack away and look after our residents. The Council is proud to see the impact these events are having on this targeted community. They are helping with their mental health and wellbeing simply by giving them a change of scenery for the afternoon, offering tasty cakes and lovely company for a good old fashioned chin wag!

Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development Committee at Haydon Wick Parish Council had this to say about the event:

 

“What a wonderful time was had by everyone who came to the Over 60’s tea on Saturday. This is always a popular event and is aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness in the older generation, so it was great to see everyone chatting and enjoying themselves. A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the event. The food as always was superb!”

Councillor Paul Park said these words about the event: “I was completely blown away with the work everyone had put in before we even showed up! And I am truly grateful to have such amazing people working for the parish”.

 

To keep up to date with upcoming events and news from Haydon Wick Parish Council, visit our website and follow us on social media. Alternatively, subscribe to the Council’s monthly news bulletin using the following link: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Community Choices 2023
Community Choices 2023 500 500 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council successfully develops community participatory budget project.

Following the success of last year’s Community Choices programme of ‘Reducing Isolation & Loneliness’, the Council resolved to continue the participatory budget project scheme again this year.

The scheme is designed for the community to decide what it would like the Council to spend this budget on and residents of Haydon Wick had the opportunity to vote on which two projects they would like to see the Council deliver in the financial year 2023 – 24.

The participatory budget was a first of its kind for Haydon Wick in 2022 – 23 and last year’s events included Food & Quiz Nights, BEST Be A Better You Boxing Camps, Community Yoga sessions, Toddler Soft Play sessions, Wellie Walks around Mouldon Hill, Skate Jams, Childrens Toy & Clothes Sale, Christmas Activities and Over 60s Meals and Bus Trips.

One of the residents who voted had this to say:

“The previous programme has been excellent and captured a variety of ideas. I look forward to what the Council is able to bring to the community in 2023/24.”

The options for this year, chosen by the community, were:

  • Baby/toddler group: To establish a carer and baby/toddler group
  • Youth: to deliver a series of inclusive youth community activities
  • Event for all: a community event for Haydon Wick
  • Outdoor gym: to purchase and install an outdoor community gym
  • Reducing isolation: community programme to create opportunities to reduce isolation within the community.

Voting closed on Tuesday 4th April 2023, and the two most popular projects were reducing isolation and youth. The Council will be developing a schedule of events focussing on these two priorities.

All events will be advertised on our social media and programme leaflets delivered through doors, so keep an eye out for further information.

If you have any ideas for future events, please contact events@haydonwick.gov.uk

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

The Council’s newest venture, the ‘Haydon Wick Haven’ enjoyed a typically British Cream Tea, to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
The Council’s newest venture, the ‘Haydon Wick Haven’ enjoyed a typically British Cream Tea, to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Following on from the Council’s previous Warm Spaces initiative, which was introduced at the beginning of the winter months as a safe and warm place for residents to come amidst the cost of living rises, it transpired that those attending would benefit from an interactive, drop-in style, informative café and thus the Haydon Wick Haven was created.

The sessions are designed to offer a warm and welcoming environment which allows residents to enjoy some refreshments, have a friendly chat, meet new people and discuss any local issues with their local council. Since the beginning of the Haven, suggestions have seen the attendees take part in board games, puzzles and crafts.

With the upcoming celebrations beginning to take place to commemorate the momentous occasion of the Coronation of King Charles III, the Haven wanted to join in the fun. Attendees were welcomed to a royal themed room, vintage china and freshly prepared scones with jam, cream and strawberries.

All attendees thoroughly enjoyed their treat and reminiscing about the Royal Family over the years, as well as decorating their own Coronation mug and suncatcher. Some of the wonderful feedback that the Council received after this session included; “How lucky we are to have the opportunity to enjoy this in good company, rather than being sat within our own four walls”, “What a fabulous way to mark the Coronation” and “I am not attending any celebrations for the Coronation, so it has been lovely to come here and be amongst new friends”.

Listening to the conversations that occur during the sessions is a very heart-warming experience and shows just how beneficial and important small gatherings like these can be for individuals to improve feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The Parish Council is pleased to be able to offer its community bus to bring attendees living within the Parish to and from the Haven. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please contact the organiser, Darry, on admin@haydonwick.gov.uk or 01793 722446.

To see the upcoming dates of the Haydon Wick Haven and other events, visit the Council’s event calendar or social media (@HaydonWickCouncil).

Alternatively, you can now click here to subscribe to see the Council’s monthly news and upcoming events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

BEST offer young people in our community the best start in life
BEST offer young people in our community the best start in life 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

As part of the Council’s aim to reduce Loneliness & Isolation and to continue the fantastic Youth Development Programme, this year’s Easter holidays saw another fantastic set of free, enrichment sessions delivered by BEST- Be A Better You.

The sessions offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to try out a new sport that they may not have had the opportunity to trial before. Its heart-warming to see the sportsmanship, support and kindness that each individual shows to their peers throughout the sessions. As the age range varies from five years old through to sixteen, the older ones offer a great role model figure to the younger ones and all attendees seem to enjoy the mix of ages, abilities, and personalities.

Team games and mini football matches were played using a foam ball, which made it impossible to play with any skill whatsoever. These games caused fits of laughter and the scores were being exaggerated as everyone was finding it hard to score a real goal.

Attendees had a go at Tachiai and Kick Boxing which requires a lot of self-control. These demonstrations were followed with some fun ballet moves which again, had all attendees engaged and enjoying their time there.

As always, the boxing is something that is really enjoyed by all. The drills that the attendees learn during these sessions are becoming quicker and more controlled with each meeting.

Haydon Wick Parish Council has worked alongside BEST for a couple of years now and the sessions have seen lots of returning faces. The growth in confidence over this time from some of the attendees is amazing and really goes to show the amazing job BEST do to help guide young people in our community to have the best start in life and guide them away from some of the worrying issues we are facing in today’s society.

Operations Manager at BEST- Be A Better You, Craig Hiscock had this to say about the Easter enrichment sessions:

“It was great to get back into Haydon Wick parish to provide holiday activities again. BEST has seen record numbers of children attending the sessions. Everyone that attended had a great time and it is lovely to see the children laughing and enjoying their time with us. BEST is grateful for Haydon Wick Parish Council’s continued support”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Fantastic turn out for the Haydon Wick Easter Eggs-travaganza!
Fantastic turn out for the Haydon Wick Easter Eggs-travaganza! 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

The children of Haydon Wick Parish were invited along to meet the Easter Bunny on Saturday 8th April 2023. There was an air of excitement as families queued outside the gates of King George V Field. On the dot of 9.30 am, the gates were opened, and children flooded in to be greeted by the Easter Bunny, who was enjoying a swing in the sunshine.

 

The King George V Field event was the first of the egg hunts, and the second was at Voyager Drive play area at 11.30 am.

 

Over 150 children came along with their parents and carers. They hunted for a small, coloured egg, which had been expertly hidden within the play area and surrounding space, and then exchanged it for a chocolate egg and an Easter sticker. There were also 20 highly sought-after golden eggs, which earned an extra gift for the lucky finders.

 

And it wasn’t just the children who wanted their photos taken with the Easter bunny, some of the adults in the Parish joined in the fun and took selfies alongside the star of the show.

 

One family who came along had this to say:

“I just wanted to say thank you for hosting such a lovely event earlier today!
My daughter and her friend attended the 9.30 am egg hunt at King George V Field and had a thoroughly wonderful time searching for eggs and collecting their chocolate ones – the icing on the

Cake was meeting the Easter Bunny himself! So nice to have things like this happening in the local community and it’s much appreciated – well done to all involved!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council holds its Annual Parish Meeting & Community Networking Event
Haydon Wick Parish Council holds its Annual Parish Meeting & Community Networking Event 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council held the Annual Parish Meeting on the evening of Tuesday 28th March 2023 at the Haydon Centre. The two function rooms, which had been decked out with the Council colours of purple and gold, were provided free of charge by GLL.

It was an interactive evening of lots of prizes, and a lovely surprise for two Parish Councillors, who received awards in recognition of their long service to the Parish – a grand total of over 60 years combined. They were presented with a scroll, a bottle of wine and an engraved Parker pen.

The Council were presented with their Local Council Quality Gold Award at the meeting, which was attended by over 50 people. Guest speakers included Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and BEST – Be A Better You, who also jumped onstage to give an impromptu boxing demonstration.

Councillors, staff and members of the public were joined by volunteers from Haydon Wick community groups, including the Seven Fields Conservation Group and Seven Fields Park Run.

The three winners of the ‘Haydon Wick Heroes’ award, as voted on by the community, were presented with their framed certificates for their voluntary service, along with a box of Heroes chocolates. Project updates were received from The Tuesday Art Group, The Kelly Foundation, and the 1st Greenmeadow Guides and Haydon Wick Rangers.

Continuing with the golden them, there was a free raffle with a top prize of a huge golden Easter egg.

The formal meeting closed with the Redeemed Christian Church Gospel Choir singing ‘Amazing Grace.’

The evening finished with a community networking event, with people enjoying refreshments with a gold and purple theme, including some fabulous cupcakes embellished with the Council logo.

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Springtime Stroll at Mouldon Hill Country Park
Springtime Stroll at Mouldon Hill Country Park 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

‘Haydon Wick Parish Council teams up again with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to plant a tree at Mouldon Hill Country Park’

 Children of Haydon Wick Parish were invited along to Mouldon Hill Country Park on Sunday 26th March 2023, along with their parents and carers, to join a guided walk around the country park to look out for signs of spring. Neil Pullen, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, joined the Council staff to help with bird and tree identification and to educate and entertain with tales of folklore and natural history.

One of the highlights was planting a Horse Chestnut tree on the edge of the glade as a commemoration of King Charles’ upcoming coronation. Neil provided the children with some Wiltshire Wildlife Trust wildflower seed of the same species mix that the King uses on his own estate in Gloucestershire, which they scattered at the base of the tree. The children were also invited to design a plaque to go on the tree for the coronation.

The children took part in a scavenger hunt, with lots of Spring features to tick off their worksheets. Catkins, Periwinkle, and Red Poplar seeds were all on show, and the children each played a game of Pooh sticks from the bridge behind the lake, which turned out to be a lot of fun.

Along with wet toes from splashing in the many puddles, the children took a lot away with them from this little exploration. Feedback from parents indicated that the children thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The Council look forward to working with The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at future events this year.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Haven offers a safe and warm space to chat and catch up with new and old friends
Haydon Wick Haven offers a safe and warm space to chat and catch up with new and old friends 1240 1754 Georgina Morgan-Denn

On Monday 13th March 2023 the Parish Council held its first ever drop in style community café in the Council Offices, Thames Avenue. Those that attended were met with a warm welcome and a safe space to talk and enjoy a hot drink and refreshments together.

This community style café, named ‘The Haydon Wick Haven’, acts as a hub for residents to talk about local issues that are important to them, get assistance with accessing online services and help with reporting problems to Swindon Borough Council and other external agencies.

Positive feedback from the first session has shown that those who came along really appreciated the opportunity to meet new people and felt less lonely and isolated. The Council has received some donations of board games, which will be available for people to use during the next session. Suggestions of knitting and crochet have been suggested for the future.

The Haydon Wick Haven runs on a twice-month basis and is likely to continue throughout the spring and summer months.

The next session is 11.00 am – 1.00 pm on Monday 27th March 2023 and the Council looks forward to welcoming some returning and some new attendees.

If you would like to come along or need further information, please email admin@haydonwick.gov.uk

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About Us

We are the Parish Council that wants to lead and develop our local community. We are self-aware and are committed to focussing on the urban issues that are important to the entire community.

Our Address
Haydon Wick Parish Council
Thames Avenue
Haydon Wick
Swindon
SN25 1QQ
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© Haydon Wick Parish Council | Website by clearwater

Our thanks to Mark Weaving, Phil Jefferies, Rimpy and Shohini Dutta Kanungo for many of the photographs used across the website

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