Warm Welcome Network
Faithfully Ageing Better gave A Warm Welcome in 2018 to a new network helping churches to support one another in offering hospitality and welcome in their local communities.
The network was founded in 2018 by Faithfully Ageing Better and inspired by the national Places of Welcome network.
Our aim is to bring people together in our communities, and the network welcomes new members – churches and community groups that offer activities such as lunch clubs, drop-ins, coffee mornings or cafes. Members retain their local identity but benefit from being part of a community-wide movement. For example, we can provide members with support such as assistance with training for volunteers, signposting information, help with publicity and sharing experiences and ideas.
The Warm Welcome Network can be summarised as follows:
- W – Welcome: A warm and welcoming place that offers refreshments, a listening ear and local information.
- A – Accessible: A safe space that is open to everyone whatever their circumstances or situation.
- R – Relationships: A nurturing place where people can form new friendships, a place to grow and flourish.
- M – Mutuality: Recognising that each person brings experiences, knowledge, and skills that they may like to share to enrich their local community.
We are currently working to establish groups across Middlesbrough as Warm Welcome hubs and we welcome enquiries from local communities and churches. We can also offer support with developing new activities. For more information on joining the network, please contact Billy Barnes our Faithfully Ageing Better worker.
Current Warm Welcome Hubs:
- Seniors’ Friendship Group, Alderwood, Coulby Newham – run by Coulby Newham Baptist Church
- Tuesday Drop-in, St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Stainton
- Unity Café, Trinity Methodist Church, Whinney Banks
- Salvation Army Citadel, Southfield Road, Middlesbrough
- Welcome Break, St Barnabas Church, Linthorpe
- The Beacon, Coulby Newham Baptist Church
