We encourage, support and listen, broaden horizons, teach and share skills

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01483 426990

Charity no. 285543

Bringing learning and life-changing opportunities to people of all ages

Volunteering changes lives
Could it be yours?

Every life tells a story

Henry’s story

Henry had been through a turbulent period of his life when he first came to Swingbridge and his confidence and optimism about his future were at an all-time low. He started helping with the Swingbridge summer trips we run for people from local community groups. Cruising down the River Wey or Basingstoke Canal is a gentle way to spend a few hours and its tranquillity was a salve for Henry’s battered self-esteem. “When you have spent a few hours on a trip with a group of children with disabilities and you see the enjoyment on their faces you know you have done something worthwhile,” he says.

Henry also makes a huge contribution to the environmental training work that is the foundation of the Swingbridge programme, so is out in all weathers, hours with chainsaw removing trees, with scythe cutting back vegetation or thigh deep in water clearing weed. He has gained new skills and qualified as a skipper.

“I hadn’t had any experience with boats before this, so I have learned all kinds of skills I would never have dreamt of before. Swingbridge and the Surrey Care Trust has meant a lot to me. It’s given me my self-confidence back and that is the most important thing of all.”

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Our SWINGBRIDGE programme

Our work - a summary

“Swingbridge and the Surrey Care Trust has meant a lot to me. It’s given me my self-confidence back and that is the most important thing of all.”