Swindon Citadel Salvation Army serves up summer support with free breakfast clubs

published on 30 Jul 2026

Swindon Citadel Salvation Army has launched its annual Summer School Holiday Breakfast Club, welcoming 34 people through its doors on the very first morning. The free initiative is providing a warm meal, a friendly face, and a creative space for local families facing the financial pressures of the school holidays. 

Running every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am until 26th August, the club offers a lifeline to families who rely on free school meals during term time. With the cost-of-living crisis still impacting households, the Salvation Army is stepping in to alleviate some of the pressure. 

“we understand that many in our community usually receive free school meals, and during the Summer Holidays this is particularly noticeable. By providing breakfast free of charge—with donations welcome—we hope to ease a little bit of that pressure on two mornings a week,”
said Major Sharon Robinson who leads The Salvation Army in Swindon Citadel.

Creativity with a conscience 

This year’s club comes with an environmental twist. As part of the church’s journey towards becoming an Eco Church, each session features a different theme, with the first week focusing on “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Children spent the mornings turning egg boxes, cereal boxes, and ribbons into imaginative “memory boxes,” while others folded used paper into aeroplanes. 

Sharon said, “"The craft tables are always buzzing—children love rummaging through egg cartons and cereal packets to create their own masterpieces. It's about showing them that waste can become wonderful, and that's a lesson we need to pass on. It's wonderful to see families sharing breakfast and getting creative together. When we teach our children to care for creation while having fun, we're investing in our community and building a greener future—one breakfast club at a time.” 

Major Sharon Robinson says the free breakfast meals are The Salvation Army's way of stepping in to alleviate some of the pressure families are facing due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Building community, one breakfast at a time 

Now in its fourth year, the club more than just a meal. It is an extension of the Salvation Army’s mission to build community and offer practical support. Volunteers are on hand to chat with families, many of whom have been part of the church’s toddler groups over the years. 

“It's lovely to know they still want to be part of our church community. That’s the intentionality behind it—building those lasting relationships.” 

How the community can help 

The club is free to attend and open to families with children—no booking is required; families can simply turn up between the stated times. Donations of cereals, porridge pots, scotch pancakes, or pastries are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off during club opening hours. 

The Salvation Army at Swindon Citadel serves its community through compassionate, practical support that addresses both immediate needs and long-term well-being. Through faith-based initiatives, the church and charity provides a lifeline for those experiencing poverty, isolation, or crisis, faithfully embodying its mission to offer help and hope to all in Swindon. To learn more about their work or to donate to their causes visit their website: Swindon Citadel | The Salvation Army.