About Us
Our Mission
Welcome to Alternative Angels, where our mission is clear: to prevent and relieve poverty in Swindon by providing hot meals, essential items and practical support to people facing homelessness, financial hardship and other challenging circumstances. We offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where people can access food, feel listened to, and connect with support when they need it most. What started as a small group serving meals from the Wyvern car park has grown into a trusted local charity, supporting people at the Pilgrim Centre and across the wider Swindon community.
Who We Support
We support some of Swindon’s most vulnerable residents, including people who are homeless, rough sleeping, sofa surfing, living in temporary accommodation, or struggling to afford food and essentials. Many of the people we help are facing more than one challenge at once. This can include poor physical or mental health, addiction, domestic abuse, social isolation, financial exclusion, or difficulty accessing services because they have no fixed address, ID, transport or internet access. Our role is to meet people where they are, without judgement, and offer practical support that helps them take the next step towards stability.
What We Do
Twice a week, we provide home-cooked hot meals, snacks and drinks at the Pilgrim Centre in Swindon. But our work goes beyond food. We also collect, store and deliver essential household items for people moving into accommodation after homelessness. This can include things like bedding, kitchenware, small appliances, furniture and other basics that help turn an empty space into a home. Alongside this, we work with local partners to help people access wider support, including housing, recovery services, financial guidance and learning opportunities. A hot meal can offer comfort. A conversation can build trust. A bed, rug or kettle can help someone feel settled in a new home. Small things can make a very real difference.
Our Commitment
We are a registered charity, run by a dedicated team of trustees, volunteers and supporters who care deeply about the people we serve. As the cost of living continues to affect people across Swindon, we are seeing more people struggling with food poverty, housing insecurity and financial hardship. Our commitment is to keep showing up, offering practical help, and responding to the needs we see in the community. We are also developing new ways to support people beyond immediate crisis, including links to local courses, budgeting support and other opportunities that help people build confidence, skills and independence.
Our Team
Alternative Angels is powered by people who are committed to making a difference. At the heart of the organisation are our volunteers. They prepare food, serve meals, deliver essential items, collect donations, support fundraising and help keep the charity running week after week. Their time, care and consistency are what make our work possible.
Supporting this is a strong governance structure led by our Board of Trustees. Our trustees provide strategic direction, oversight and accountability, ensuring the charity is well-managed, financially responsible and operating in line with its mission and legal obligations. Their role is essential in safeguarding the long-term sustainability and integrity of our work.
We also work in partnership with local organisations, community groups, schools, businesses and other charities who share our commitment to supporting vulnerable people in Swindon. Every person who gives their time, skills or support plays a part in helping people feel seen, valued and cared for. Together, we provide more than meals. We provide dignity, connection and practical support when people need it most.
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals driving our mission forward, from our founder and CEO to the amazing members of our Board of Trustees.
Founder and CEO
Jane Richards
Jane is the driving force behind Alternative Angels, driven by a passion to make a positive impact and better the Swindon community. Her commitment to helping those in need has already made a significant difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals who rely on Alternative Angels' services. Through her work, Jane has built a strong network of personal and professional connections with community leaders in Swindon. Looking forward, Jane is focused on building a sustainable future for Alternative Angels by maintaining ongoing fundraising initiatives and expanding the organisation's presence within the community.
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Anna Somaiya
Anna brings extensive technology, business, and people leadership experience, having operated at both C-suite executive and board levels within the big4 firms and across a variety of industries. A lifelong resident of Swindon, she is deeply passionate about making a difference in her community. Anna has been a dedicated supporter of Alternative Angels for several years, and since joining as a trustee, she has played a pivotal role in operationalising the charity's practices and setting the stage for its future growth. Her wealth of business experience and commitment to making a difference are invaluable assets to Alternative Angels.
Member of the Board of Trustees
Cara Hiscock
Cara's wealth of expertise in compliance and board governance equips her with a depth of professional knowledge that is invaluable to the Board of Trustees at Alternative Angels. Her commitment to ensuring our charity navigates regulatory requirements with precision and integrity is at the heart of her role. Beyond her duties as a trustee, Cara is also a dedicated volunteer for Alternative Angels, serving meals to Swindon's most vulnerable every Tuesday evening, truely making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Member of the Board of Trustees
Anna Barclay-Suter
Anna brings decades of leadership and communications experience across the hospitality and automotive industries, alongside five years as a civil servant supporting vulnerable people. With strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with others, she is passionate about advocating for Alternative Angels, raising awareness of its work, and helping the charity grow sustainably. Anna also has a keen interest in fundraising and enjoys finding new ways to support the charity’s future. With a real passion for feeding people, she is proud to support Alternative Angels as both a trustee and volunteer cook.
Member of the Board of Trustees
Chelsey Taylor
Chelsey brings financial and business transformation expertise to the Board of Trustees as Finance Trustee. A qualified accountant and Business Change Manager, she has nine years’ experience across hospitality, banking, and business management, giving her a broad, people-focused perspective on organisational success. Having lived in Swindon for over 12 years, Chelsey is passionate about supporting her local community and is proud to use her skills to help Alternative Angels deliver meaningful impact.
Member of the Board of Trustees
Katie Lambert
With a professional background in mental health, Katie brings valuable experience supporting individuals through challenging times. Passionate about promoting wellbeing, she believes everyone deserves to feel heard, valued and supported within their community. As a Trustee of Alternative Angels, Katie is committed to helping the charity continue its vital work, using her experience to support its mission and make a lasting positive difference to the people and communities it serves.