Swindon homeless service receives Aldi boost

Culvery Court supported housing service has received essential supplies to help them better manage during the pandemic, thanks to community support from Aldi.

Resident Heung Pok Man with some of the items generously donated by Aldi.

Sanctuary Supported Living’s Culvery Court provides accommodation and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Residents often arrive at with little or no food or personal hygiene items of their own, and have no money to buy any.

Ruth Atkins, a former Culvery Court staff member who now works for Aldi and Jas Singh, her area manager, got in touch with Culvery Court’s Local Service Manager, Tina Milburn, to discuss how the supermarket could provide support and help those who have experienced homelessness in Swindon.

The store manager at Trowbridge Aldi kindly donated £35 worth of food and hygiene products, a £35 voucher towards future shopping for residents and enabled Tina to purchase a bulk supply of antibacterial wipes, to help keep Culvery Court Covid-free.

Tina said: “I was so surprised to be offered £35 towards food on the day of my visit to speak to the store manager, and another £35 voucher on top. We really appreciate the Aldi team’s kindness and generosity. The second voucher will go towards some hot cross buns and other treats at Easter, which will be really nice for the residents, as they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.”

Kind donations from the local community have provided much-appreciated support to Culvery Court, which has continued to run a full service throughout the pandemic. There have been no Covid-19 cases and the whole staff team have now had their first vaccination.

Tina added: “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that no-one here has developed Covid. The risk of infection at a homeless service like ours is very high, due to the nature of what we do. Residents’ mental and physical wellbeing is our priority and our small team of nine have been working tirelessly to ensure all staff and residents stay safe – especially during the most recent lockdown.”

We really appreciate the Aldi team’s kindness and generosity.

Tina Milburn, Local Service Manager

Culvery Court has also been recognised for its excellent work in a recent “Family and Friends” test. A panel of residents from Sanctuary’s National Resident Scrutiny Panel (NRSP) participated in a virtual visit to the service, with the aim of deciding whether they would be happy for a family member or friend to live there.

The NRSP panel gave a very positive report, stating that: “Tina and her team have great local knowledge and are dedicated to getting their residents the help and support they need.”

For more information about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, see our latest news or find a service near you.