The Haven, based in an old primary school’s building, is a day centre run for homeless people, or those in similar need, run by volunteers from Swindon Night Shelter.

Last winter two of its rooms were used as dormitories for six men and six women who were able to sleep there every night for the coldest months.

At the moment, those rooms are used as a gym and for stores.

Tracey Sheehan, one of the volunteers, said: “I’m a lead mentor. I train other volunteers to be mentors to out guests.

“We try and establish a relationship of trust with our guests, which isn’t always easy – some of their life experiences mean they find it hard to trust people, especially perhaps those in authority.”

One of the successes of The Haven is bringing in staff from organisations such as Swindon Borough Council, or the probation service, to the centre to speak to people.

Tracey said: "Rather than people who might have something of a chaotic life having an appointment with the probation service there or the housing service in another place, they come here.

“We do things at the pace of the guests. If they want to speak to someone about housing then they can. If they’re not ready and they want a meal and a shower, they can just do that.”

Night Shelter is a Christian organisation and Tracey also runs an Alpha Course: “We help guests look at the spiritual side as well if they want to.

“The ultimate aim is to help them to independence – we’re just a stepping stone for them towards that.

“In the end, the aim is that we don’t see them again.”

Guests at The Haven in Queen’s Drive say they find the service invaluable.

One guest, who wanted to only give his name as William, said: “I come here most days.

“I’m of no fixed address at the moment and I have had to sleep tough before, I come here nearly every day.

“You can come and get a breakfast and a hot drink, which is really good you can have a shower, wash your clothes and get clean.

“I also like to come and socialise and meet people – being homeless can make you very lonely.

“It’s all under one roof, which is really good and they have people come in for classes and sessions. The advice and help I’ve got ehre has really helped me over the last four months – without that then I’d be begging on the street.”

Another guest, speaking with friends in the centre’s courtyard, was Charles Bacchus-Laforest, who is currently living in a flat, but still visits The Haven two or three times a week.

He said: “I’d be totally isolated if I was just staying in my flat, and that would be a real problem for me.

“It’s good to be able to come here to meet people and get advice, or just to have a meal.”

As he was speaking, another guest said he would miss the lunch provided as he had an appointment at the council offices – so a volunteer said a portion would be kept for him.

Charles said: “See, that’s what’s so good – it’s really well organised and they do care about you as a person here.”