Now that the Christmas and Millennium celebrations are long gone The Filling Station can look back on a busy and successful festive period, writes Ian Howard, below, coordinator of the project which provides refreshment for homeless people in Swindon.

We were able to give out presents and Christmas cards to all our clients as well as chocolates, cakes, mince pies and other donated goodies on the Thursday before Christmas. We were joined by two groups of carol singers who helped to create a joyful atmosphere. Christmas shoppers passed by and maybe felt glad that such a needy group were being catered for at a time of the year well known for goodwill to all. Increasingly homelessness as an issue comes out with the crib and then disappears with the tinsel!

It is all too easy to forget that the homeless as a group remain in need throughout the whole year. Our client numbers remain stable and the needs never change.

The Crisis shelter had another successful year, this time at Queens Drive Methodist church. It was able to help many homeless people and those on very low incomes, but after December 28 it was back to reality just in time for the hope and euphoria experienced by the rest of us on millennium night.

I would like to take to thank all the people who have contributed their efforts to The Filling Station over the last 7 years. Without your support and generosity none of what we do could have been achieved. As we look into the new millennium one fact is clear: homelessness will always be with us - all year around.

Even with the great news that Swindon Council has given planning permission for a direct access night shelter to be built, there will always be people who sleep rough. Unable to live in communal groups or accept basic social rules they will continue to live on the edge of society. We can chose to turn our backs and reject these people or we can stand with them and give them some sort of self worth.

I hope that we will see a more caring and tolerant society who look to build up and support people rather than knock them down, even if their life situation is largely their fault.

The Filling Station will continue to do this all year round. So I ask for your support over the next 12 months, even in the middle of a blazing hot summer - here's hoping!

We always need donations of tins and packets of food that can be taken away and consumed without cooking, toileteries, warm clothing, helpers on Thursday evenings and of course money.

To find out more or to help in any way, contact me on 01793 881757