Place of Welcome - Information
13 Feb 2019 • Articles
We are now open at St. Mary's Church on Thursday mornings as a Place of Welcome!
Come along between 9.30 and 12.00pm to find company, a cuppa, and a warm place to spend some time. Please do let others know!
Places of Welcome is a growing network of hospitality, run by local community groups who want to make sure that everyone in their area has a place to go for a friendly face, a cup of tea and a conversation.
Uttoxeter Cares on Holly Road is also part of the Places of Welcome scheme.
With over 200 across the UK, each Place of Welcome is unique but all provide a place for people to connect with one another, find belonging and offer gifts and skills that interest them.
Originally developed in Birmingham and now growing across the country, Places of Welcome responds to the challenge to make our cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods more welcoming. The scheme aims for every neighbourhood to have places where all people feel safe to connect, belong and contribute.
There are five guiding principles which all Places of Welcome agree to - known as the ‘5 Ps’. Each Place of Welcome needs to agree to uphold these 5P principles in their venue:
Place: A hospitable and accessible building, open at the same time every week.
People: Open to everyone regardless of their circumstances or situation, and staffed by volunteers, a group of people who are committed to making it happen.
Presence: A place where people actively listen to one another.
Provision: Free refreshments (at least a cup of tea and a biscuit) are on offer along with basic local information.
Participation: Recognition that every person coming to a Place of Welcome will bring talents, experiences and skills that they might be willing to share locally.
Places of Welcome is a network of small community organisations, including faith communities, who offer an unconditional welcome to local people for at least a few hours a week. They are diverse in nature, reflecting the different communities in which they are located, the buildings they use, and the skills, interests and personalities of the people that run and belong to them.
For further information please visit www.placesofwelcome.org.uk