A place for everyone

A Warm Space set up at St Francis Church in Bridgwater to support those struggling with rising energy bills, by offering a place to keep warm, enjoy a hot drink, and find company has been so popular that it is still going strong. After it began it quickly became more than just a practical solution. People like to drop in for a chat, a slice of cake, and to keep warm or just to spend time with others. 

Joan Ash who is one of the volunteers who helps run the Warm Space says, “People need somewhere to go, not just to keep warm, but to see others, to feel part of something. I’ve been surprised how many have told me that it’s really helped them to be with other people. It’s become a real lifeline for some people.”

The space is open each week on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. There’s always plenty of tea and coffee. Some visitors come regularly, while others drop in when they need a bit of company. The doors are open to everyone.

The Warm Space is not the only group run by St Francis that has grown over the past few years. One of the busiest sessions each week is the Toddler Group, which sees parents, grandparents, and carers bring their little ones to play. On the first day it opened there was a queue to get in and it has remained popular ever since. To keep the group accessible, families are charged £3 per session so it’s not a barrier to those who might  otherwise be unable to. 

Sandie Swayne, speaking on behalf of Laura Biddescombe and Marlene Riddle, (grandparent and great grandparent) who run the Toddlers group, says, “When you’re at home with young children, you can feel quite isolated. Here, you can just turn up, have a coffee, and let the kids play. It makes such a difference.”

The group has also become a welcoming space for families new to the area, including those from other countries whose family members are working at the Hinkley Point C construction site.“We have some parents who have difficulty with the language and who may be isolated because of that, but they’ve brought their children to the group and through that they’ve met other mums and people in the community.” 

For children from Year 6 children and upwards, the St Francis team has just begun a youth night. It offers a place for those in Year 6 at school to meet friends, play games, and take part in activities. Gerald Swayne runs the club, he says, “Each session is packed with activities. At the last session, in just one hour, they played games, made chocolate biscuits, had a go at table football, and joined the Ash Wednesday service. Some of them went up for the ashes, which was really special to see. 

“And after each session the young people take away a Bible reading that they have to colour in and bring back with them each time.”

The team at St Francis say what they offer is a response to the needs of their community and if there’s a need, they’ll find a way to meet it.