Swindon Café Closes After Funding Issues Despite Community Support

The Olive Tree Café helped people, offering a safe place for those with mental health issues. The café was originally located in Cheney Manor’s Manor Garden Centre.

In July 2024, unexpected drain breakdowns forced a temporary shutdown, creating uncertainty for volunteers.

Locals rallied to assist, raising over £20,000, enabling the café to relocate to Toomer’s Garden Centre in Lydiard Millicent in October.

However, the Olive Tree Café will soon close, with the closure scheduled for February 28, 2025, as announced by a trustee on social media.

The Recovery Tree Charity, which runs the café, relied on grants to cover operating costs. Unfortunately, they could not secure the necessary funds, leading to the closure decision.

Since opening in 2011, the café provided jobs and volunteering opportunities for 14 years, specifically targeting individuals with mental health concerns.

In 2024, Swindon’s community demonstrated strong support during their move. The funds raised significantly eased their relocation to Toomer’s.

Trustees expressed their gratitude to Phyllida Richards, the manager, and to the volunteers and staff whose hard work contributed to the café’s success.

The trustees acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved, particularly those who remained during the final weeks as they deliberated the café’s future.

Further thanks were extended to grant funders, the Swindon community, and the Toomer family, who aided in finding a new location that allowed them to continue their work for a while longer.

The Recovery Tree Charity encompasses both the Olive Tree Café and the TWIGS therapeutic garden project, all working towards combating the stigma surrounding mental illness.

TWIGS Community Gardens will remain open and continue its work.