A national movement which began in Birmingham is helping people across the country feel more connected, and it is thriving here in Lichfield District.
Places of Welcome started in the West Midlands with the simple aim of creating safe, friendly spaces where people can connect, belong and contribute. From its beginnings in Birmingham, the idea has spread rapidly, with nearly 1,000 venues now running every week in villages, towns and cities across England and Wales.
These venues can be found in all sorts of locations including churches, mosques, temples, community centres, housing associations, libraries, pharmacies and even community gardens. Each one follows the same five core values:
- Place: A building that is open and hospitable at the same time every week.
- People: Open to everyone, regardless of circumstances, and usually run by volunteers.
- Presence: A space where people actively listen to one another.
- Provision: Free refreshments, at least a cup of tea and a biscuit, alongside local information.
- Participation: Recognising the skills, talents and experiences every person can share.
These values are at the heart of the movement and cannot be changed or adapted. Unlike a franchise, Places of Welcome has no joining fee, and every group is supported by a local facilitator, networking opportunities, training and resources from the Strengthening Communities team. New venues also receive mugs, posters and signage to help spread the word.
Right here in Lichfield, the network is already making an impact. Local venues include the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, which has become the first theatre in the country to join the Places of Welcome family.
Places of Welcome across Lichfield District
- ‘The Vine’ Community Cafe
Handsacre Methodist Church, Lichfield Road, Handsacre, Rugeley, WS15 4DE
Mon 09.00 – 17:00 - The Drop Inn
St John’s Community Church, High St, Burntwood, WS7 1LR
Mon 10:30 – 12:30 - Martin Heath Hall
Christ Church, Christ Church Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8AY
Mon 11:00 – 12:30 - Curborough Community Centre
(Lichfield Cares Good Neighbour Scheme), Reynolds Close, Lichfield, WS13 7NY
Mon 13:00 – 15:00 - Wade Street Church
Frog Lane entrance, Lichfield, WS13 6QH
Mon 13:30 – 15:00 - Curborough Community Centre
(volunteers from St Chad’s Church), Reynolds Close, Lichfield, WS13 7NY
Tues 10:30 – 12:00 - Lichfield Library
Market Square, Lichfield, WS13 6LG
Tues 14:00 – 16:00 - Beacon Community Church
7 Bridge Cross Road, Burntwood, WS7 2BU
Wed 9:30 – 11:30 - Burntwood Library
Sankey’s Corner, Bridge Cross Road, Burntwood, WS7 2BX
Wed 10:00 – 11:00 - Wednesday Welcome
St Stephen’s Church, Church Lane, Fradley, Lichfield, WS13 8NL
Wed 14:00 – 16:00 - Curborough Community Centre
“Craft & Chat”, (Lichfield Cares Good Neighbour Scheme), Reynolds Close, Lichfield, WS13 7NY
Thurs 10:00 – 12:00 - St Anne’s Church
“Space of Welcome”, Church Street, Chasetown, Burntwood, WS7 3QL
Thurs 11:00 – 12:00 and 12:00 – 13:00 - Lunch Club
Life Church, Netherstowe, Lichfield, WS13 6TS
Thurs 12:00 – 14:00 *Term Time Only* - The Lichfield Garrick Café Bar
Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR
Fri 10:00 – 12:00 - Holy Cross Catholic Parish Church
Chapel Lane, Lichfield, WS14 9DX
Fri 10:30 – 12:00
Find out more about Places of Welcome locally: www.lichfield.anglican.org/powlichfield-and-district
To learn more about the national movement, head to www.placesofwelcome.org.uk
