We are in living a time of uncertainty right now, particularly with the recent energy price cap increase at the forefront of many minds. If you ever feel that the world’s problems are too big, and your contribution is too small to make a difference, then you are not alone.
However, your contribution matters. Saying hello to a person who is feeling alone- it matters. Donating an item to your local foodbank – it matters. Taking the time to listen to someone who is at the end of themselves – it matters. And when our small contributions join with the small contributions of others, in our families and communities, lives are transformed.
Transforming Notts Together (TNT) is a local organisation whose vision is to see ‘A society free from poverty and isolation where people are able to thrive’. We work primarily- but not exclusively- with churches and are passionate about mobilising people to small acts of kindness within our communities. So how can you help? Well, read on for how you could get involved in hosting a Place of Welcome this autumn/ winter!
Places of Welcome is a growing network of local community groups providing their neighbourhoods with places where all people feel safe to belong, connect and contribute. TNT is the area network coordinator for Notts and there are currently 40 PWs in Nottinghamshire- in libraries, churches, mosques and community venues.
A Place of Welcome can be a coffee morning (or afternoon), a lunch club or why not an evening group for those who may work or have caring responsibilities during the day?
It simply has to follow the 5Ps:
Place: An accessible and
hospitable building, open at the same time every week.
People: Open to everyone regardless of their circumstances or situation, and staffed by volunteers.
Presence: A place where people actively listen to one another.
Provision: Offering free refreshments (at least a cup of tea and a biscuit) and basic local information.
Participation: Recognises that every person coming to a Place of Welcome will bring talents, experiences and skills that they might be willing to share locally.
As the reality of poverty and isolation continues to be present in our neighbourhoods, imagine the hope that a Place of Welcome could bring. Or, if there were five venues in the local area, that could offer a warm space for every day of the working week this winter, that could literally be a lifesaver.
If you would like to find out more, you can attend one of our ‘What is a Place of Welcome?’ workshops (online) or contact Julia Terry on [email protected]
You can also visit the website at: https://transformingnottstogether.org.uk/areas-of-work/places-of-welcome