Angus Macpherson, is Treasurer of The Filling Station. He wrote to thank us here at St John’s for providing so many tins of food at Harvest.
But what is the latest situation for those people that The Filling Station cares for? Angus gives his view. He writes:
“It is not surprising that the last two years of Covid have been a challenge despite the fact that we have seen many homeless people accommodated in hostels.
The reason for being homeless and the route out of it is more complex that just the provision of accommodation. Government intervention has certainly saved lives, but it has not provided an end to homelessness in Swindon.
Here at The Filling Station we have tried to provide a food service every Thursday evening and a few times at weekends. We consistently see around 40 clients. It is not all good news.
Regrettably, the outreach service provided by the Swindon Borough Council does not attend and neither do we see the Drug and Alcohol services.
Looking ahead, as special Covid services for the homeless are withdrawn, I fear we will see a further increase in homelessness over the coming months. Let’s hope I am wrong!”
Angus Macpherson – The Filling Station.