The Entertainer donates 6kg of Lego to support wellbeing club at homeless hostel

published on 19 Feb 2026

Residents at Booth House Lifehouse, a Salvation Army-run hostel in Swindon providing assisted accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, are set to benefit from a major donation of Lego thanks to the generosity of The Entertainer toy shop in Swindon.

The hostel, located on 1 Spring Close, recently launched a Lego club as part of its holistic recovery model. After appealing to the local community for support, staff were delighted by a contribution of 6 kilograms of Lego from the town’s The Entertainer store.

Chloe Kirwan, Program Manager at Booth House Lifehouse, says the donation comes at a crucial time. While structured group sessions have proven highly popular, staff identified a need for creative outlets during quieter, unscheduled hours.

Chloe said, “On behalf of the residents, we say thank you to The Entertainer for their generosity and support of the Swindon community. Evenings are often quiet in the building and this can be a vulnerable time. Residents often come down to our communal area because they don't want to be alone in their rooms. Lego is frequently requested because it keeps them busy, occupies their minds, and provides a meaningful way to engage with others. It’s not as structured as a formal group activity; they can build whatever they want, for as long or as short as they please. The donation is now ensuring that residents have access to this therapeutic activity whenever they need it most."

Booth_House_Lego — Jay Wiles, an Assistant Support Worker at Booth House Lifehouse receiving the Lego donation at The Entertainer in Swindon.

The 50-bed Lifehouse provides 24-hour referral only accommodation and resettlement support for single men and women over 18 who face homelessness, often due to addiction, mental health challenges, or financial hardship. The new Lego initiative fits seamlessly into the wider recovery pathway, helping residents develop patience, concentration, and teamwork.

Residents have already shared how the simple act of building has positively affected their well-being. Their feedback highlights the profound impact of the donation:

- "Activities like this keep my mind busy, stop me getting bored and getting into trouble."

- "It’s nice to come down and sit with company, even if no one wants to talk. Just being able to sit with people and do something is really beneficial for my mental health."

- "It brings back some lovely memories for me when I was younger. I have no idea what I am building, but it’s good to have a go."

Reflecting on conversations with residents in the Lego club, Chloe emphasizes the therapeutic value of the toy.

"Lego gives you open-ended freedom. Many describe it as mindful; the repetitive sorting and assembling helps reduce stress, improves focus, and creates a calm, screen-free activity. It also blends skills like design, problem-solving, and structural thinking—skills that are essential when moving on from homeless accommodation and maintaining independent living."

The donation was facilitated after staff member Jay Wiles approached several local toy stores to support the groups. Booth House Lifehouse continues to offer structured pathways to long-term housing, providing residents with practical support, life skills, access to healthcare, and addiction recovery programs in a safe and structured environment.

The centre also offers employment guidance, budgeting advice, and emotional support, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Practical examples include work experience through social enterprises like The Sandwich People, which trains residents in food safety and customer service, and Recycles, a bike shop teaching mechanics. To learn more about Swindon Booth House and their programmes visit their website: Booth House Swindon Lifehouse | The Salvation Army.