Swindon voluntary groups and council meet to plan healthier communities

The meeting was a partnership conference organised by Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) and held at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Swindon on Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Representatives of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations from across the borough took part, along with council leaders and officers. They included Council Leader Cllr Gary Sumner, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Cllr Vinay Manro and Chief Executive Sam Mowbray.

What was discussed?

The council says the aim was to explore closer partnership working to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for residents. Topics included:

• helping residents stay active and healthy
• more physical activity opportunities for children and young people
• preventing ill health
• supporting older residents to live independently for longer
• the part the sector plays, from sports clubs and youth groups to services for vulnerable residents and unpaid carers

Cllr Sumner said: "The voluntary sector is one of Swindon's greatest strengths." Cllr Manro said the discussions "reinforced how important it is that we continue to strengthen these partnerships."

What happens next?

The council's announcement does not set out specific actions or dates. It says only that the council and its partners will keep strengthening their partnerships. Anyone wanting to contact the council can use its contact page.

More from Swindo: Voluntary Action Swindon.

Source: Swindon Borough Council.