We are pleased to annouce that Swan Support are our chosen local charity for 2023. Chosen by you - the local community. There was a number of worthy entrants this year, but unfortunately we can only support one. It was a tight contest, but the community have spoken.

We spoke to Wendy Hermon, the Treatment & Rescue Centre Co-ordinator at Swan Support. She told us:

More About Swan Support

Swan Support is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured swans within the Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

They operate 24/7, run entirely by volunteers and are solely reliant on public donations. They have over 50 years combined experience in rescuing and treating swans and as such are regularly called upon to advise and support other organisations and charities such as the RSPCA. As a result of our expertise, they now receive calls from as far away as Portsmouth, Devizes, Milton Keynes, Essex and occasionally into London/Home Counties to assist in difficult rescues, often requiring a canoe.

In 2021, they attended in the region 1,500 rescues, ranging from tackled swans, to territorial fights, dog attacks, shootings, abandoned cygnets and crash-landings; we saw this number increase across 2022 as well as managing the recent outbreak of Avian Flu in the area to help minimise the spread.

Wherever possible, they deal with the situation on site as this is the optimum outcome for the bird. However, if required, the swan will be admitted to their treatment centre for rehabilitation and whenever possible they release the swans back to their original location if it is safe to do so.

During 2022 we were very pleased to support Family Friends throughout the year. From coffee mornings and other activities, we raised £1,453.43 towards their very worthy cause. We wish them continued success and thank them for their kind words.

Family Friends provide short term support to families who are facing difficult times and enable them to get back on their feet. Their help is free, confidential and open to any family living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with a child aged 0 – 13 years and up to 18 years for Armed Service families.

Family Friends is staffed by a team who are all passionate about helping families going through difficult times. They also have a dedicated Board of Trustees and a number of committed volunteers who come from all walks of life. Why not join them? They are always looking for help.

After nearly 1,200 votes were cast the Swan Charity for 2021, as chosen by the Community, is The Windsor Homeless Project. Congratulations to the winner and commiserations to those that were not successful on this occasion. We are delighted to be able to support this worthy cause and look forward to supporting them throughout the coming year.

The Windsor Homeless Project began following the death of a homeless man. He was found on a bench in the town. Patrick O’Leary died in Windsor from cold and lack of care. This prompted a community of people in Windsor to say … 'this must never happen again'.

The Windsor Homeless Project was launched in 2009 and is a local charity that:

• Provides immediate practical support to the homeless and vulnerable
• Offers support in a respectful, compassionate and non-judgemental way
• Empowers people to rebuild their lives
• Partners with other agencies to support positive change, accommodation and a new, sustainable lifestyle

To see more of their work, please visit their website

Family Friends is a local charity who provide short term support to families who are facing difficult times and enable them to get back on their feet. Their help is free, confidential and open to any family living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with a child aged 0 – 13 years and up to 18 years for Armed Service families.

Family Friends is staffed by a team who are all passionate about helping families going through difficult times. Their work includes:

• Offering Triple P Parenting Courses and One to One Parenting Support
• One to One Support Sessions with Children
• One to One Support Sessions with Parent(s)
• Building a Bridge of Support between a Family and their School
• Working with the Army Welfare Service and supporting their Community Development Work

More details can be found on their Facebook Page

We were extremely pleased to support Family Friends through Coffee Mornings, Online activities and through the Coca-Cola donation for winning the Great British Pub Award.