NSBRC - Tackling homelessness in Swindon
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Tackling homelessness in Swindon

The England squad may not have quite managed to bring football home this summer, but that didn’t stop the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) from getting in the World Cup spirit. The home building visitor centre used the opportunity to raise £1,340 for Threshold, a local charity working to end homelessness in Swindon.

Over 200 exhibiting companies host trade stands at the NSBRC year-round, showcasing the latest building methods, innovations and technologies for home building or improvement projects. These exhibitors were invited to make charitable donations of any size to enter this sweepstake style activity, with each entrant being allocated World Cup teams at random to support throughout the tournament. With no prizes to be won – only bragging rights at stake - all proceeds were donated to this fantastic cause, whilst raising awareness of the great work Threshold do in the community.

NSBRC Threshold charitable donation
Pictured: Nick from the NSBRC and Neil from Ecological Building Systems, presenting Rachel from Threshold with the ceremonial cheque

Ecological Building Systems (specialists in natural insulation materials and beyond) were the winning team, having picked Spain in the draw, so they did the honours of presenting Threshold with the ceremonial cheque at the NSBRC’s recent Renovation Workshop. The NSBRC extends thanks to all exhibiting partners who got involved and contributed to raising these funds.

About Threshold

For over 50 years, Threshold have made it their mission is to end homelessness for people in Swindon by providing a safe place to live, personalised support and a pathway to independence. Evidence shows that with the right support at the right time, people can overcome homelessness and work towards a positive future.

£10 can buy essential toiletries for someone moving into a Threshold house, £20 can cover the cost of a personalised support session, £30 can pay for equipment, training or activity costs, or £50 can give someone a home for the night.

You can find out more and make donations at www.threshold.charity

“We’re a firm believer that people deserve better, more sustainable homes, and while we focus on helping our visitors to deliver that for themselves and their loved ones every day; we’re humbled and extremely proud to play a small part in supporting Threshold to continue the great work they do to help people escape the cycle of homelessness.”

Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director, NSBRC

“We are delighted by the enthusiasm of the NSBRC’s exhibitors to get involved in this activity. Their generous donations will help ensure people have a safe place to stay, the essentials they need to live in dignity and comfort, and support to move forward to independence. The NSBRC has shown longstanding support for our work, and we are hugely thankful for their commitment.”

Rachel Harris, Fundraising and Communications Manager, Threshold

“At Ecological Building Systems, we believe building better starts with people. While our work focuses on creating healthier, more sustainable buildings, we're pleased to have supported an initiative that benefits the wider community. We'd like to thank the NSBRC for bringing exhibitors together to support Threshold and the important work they do."

Penny Randell, General Manager UK & Director, Ecological Building Systems

Visit the NSBRC

You can visit the National Self Build & Renovation Centre for free at Lydiard Fields in Swindon, near junction 16 of the M4.

Under one roof, you’ll find information, inspiration and impartial advice on self-commissioning a home build project of your own, or improvements for you existing home. You can also explore cross-sectional life-size examples of building systems, energy efficiency upgrades, finishing touches and much more. A visit will bring the options to life, so you can start planning your perfect home today.

The NSBRC is open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5:30pm); and best of all, entry is free!

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