Mayor hails homeless centre as “launchpad for rebuilding lives”

The Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Fay Howard, visited The Salvation Army’s Booth House Lifehouse and its award-winning social enterprise, The Recycles Project, praising the “dignity and progress” she witnessed at the direct referral accommodation provider for adults experiencing homelessness.

Located on 1 Spring Close, Booth House works in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to support individuals over 18 with medium to high support needs – often linked to addiction, mental health challenges, or financial hardship. The 50-bed supported housing unit offers 24-hour direct access accommodation and structured resettlement pathways to help residents move into long-term housing.

During the tour, the Mayor spent significant time at The Recycles Project, a 16-year-old social enterprise housed within the building. The initiative repairs and refurbishes donated bicycles while providing hands-on skills training, meaningful activity, and work experience for residents. At any time, up to five or six residents volunteer at the bike shop, learning mechanical skills, building routine, and gaining experience running a small business.

The shop’s floor showcases at least 50 restored bikes for sale, starting from as little as £20 and catering for all ages. Stock changes almost daily. Items beyond repair are responsibly recycled as scrap, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Local youth groups also regularly visit to learn basic bicycle maintenance.

The Mayor described her visit as heartening and “eye opening” adding that Booth House was “designed not just for shelter, but for dignity and progress.”

In an official statement released by the Mayor’s office, Councillor Howard said: “What I saw at The Salvation Army Booth House isn’t just a roof over people’s heads – it’s a launchpad for rebuilding lives. The Recycles project is a perfect example: a resident who arrives with nothing can leave with a skill, and most importantly, a belief that they belong to this community again. When we help someone move from homelessness to stability, we aren’t just changing their story – we are reducing strain on our NHS, cutting crime, and strengthening Swindon’s social fabric.”

The Mayor also learned about Booth House’s practical harm reduction measures, including its needle exchange programme and the provision of Naloxone, as well as its collaborative working with other local supported housing providers.

Patrick Holder-Mallett, Programme Manager at The Salvation Army Swindon Booth House, who met the Mayor during the tour, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the Mayor and show her the life-changing work happening every day at Booth House and Recycles. For many of our residents, getting involved in repairing and restoring bicycles is far more than learning a skill – it’s a stepping stone to rebuilding their lives. They leave the workshop with dirty hands, a sense of real achievement, and growing confidence that they can contribute positively to society again. We’re incredibly grateful to the Mayor for taking the time to see this work first-hand and for her continued support of our mission to offer hope and practical help to those who need it most.”

The Recycles continues to welcome donated bicycles, volunteers, and visitors. Fully refurbished bikes are available for sale, with all proceeds supporting the project. Items beyond repair are responsibly recycled as scrap, ensuring nothing goes to waste. 

Local youth groups also regularly visit to learn basic bicycle maintenance. Recently the shop hosted a group of 20 enthusiastic Brownies for a two-hour session, as they earned their new mechanics badge. Recycles also runs bike courses for the mental health charity MIND and other local agencies. These engagements help break down stereotypes about homelessness by opening the doors of the project to the wider Swindon community.

For more information about Booth House Lifehouse, or to donate a bicycle or volunteer at the Recycles project visit their website: WELCOME - Recycles.