In 1992 the NSPCC recognised the need for a physical centre in Swindon to help local children and their families suffering the consequences of child abuse. 

In response some local businessmen and women formed a support group called Swindon Business Cares for Children which raised sufficient money in a year to purchase and equip a house which was officially opened as an NSPCC Service Centre by Princess Margaret in November 1993. 

Since then the Centre has continued to provide services to help children and their families to recover from the impact of abuse. The team works with children who have suffered from all types of abuse which includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and those who have experienced domestic violence. 

The level of demand for the services of the Centre has grown dramatically over the years. Regrettably this trend continues and, due to the inevitable financial constraints, there is a waiting list of children in need of the services available at the Centre.

Swindon Business Cares for Children continues to raise money to support the running of the Centre and since its inception has raised over £850,000. In 2005 the group rowed from Lechlade to Teddington raising over £17,000 and this year’s row is designed to replicate that event with four of the original team plus four of the “next generation” of fundraisers.

To celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the opening of the Centre SBCC is committed to raising £25,000 to support the work undertaken there and this Thames Row is part of that
 fundraising effort.