Revd Lesley Jones, Rector of Jarrow and Simonside, pictured at the Welcoming Place at St Peter's Church, Jarrow, with Cllr Paul Dean, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities. Photo: Tim Richardson / South Tyneside Council.
Churches in South Tyneside are continuing to offer a welcoming space for people who need it during the summer months.
Places of worship in South Shields, Jarrow and Simonside were part of the successful ‘Places of Welcome’ scheme during the cold winter months, which saw them function as drop-in centres, providing access to food, support for those suffering from loneliness and isolation, as well as access to money advice and specialists in mental health.
Now the churches have teamed up with South Tyneside Council once again for the ‘Welcoming Spaces’ campaign – a network of more than 60 venues in the borough which will continue to offer companionship, advice and free activities. As well as churches, the programme is also seeing community centres, charities, family hubs and council buildings act as drop-in spaces.
The council said it wanted to re-brand the scheme – originally designed to keep people warm during the winter months - and extend it into the summer following positive feedback, with at least 400 people using the spaces each month.
Revd Lesley Jones, Rector of Jarrow and Simonside, said the scheme was part of the national ‘Warm Welcome’ initiative, with 7,000 warm spaces welcoming 2.4 million visitors between September 2022 and February 2023.
“We are pleased to say that we will continue to work with South Tyneside Council over the summer with their "Welcome Spaces" initiative,” said Lesley, who is keen to stress that the drop-in spaces are open for children, families and anyone who needs them.
“This is because it’s not just about keeping warm – it is also about tackling loneliness and isolation - with places where people can go where they don't need any money in their pocket, places offering free family fun activities and lunches in school holidays. It means that our churches are at the heart of community life with a space anyone can enjoy.”
Children and adults can be reassured of a warm welcome. Photo: Tim Richardson / South Tyneside Council.
Councillor Paul Dean, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to all our partners who are working with us to provide these much-needed social spaces. They are playing a key role for many by helping to combat loneliness and isolation as well as offering advice.
"I'd encourage anyone who feels they would like to meet new people or who needs wider advice or signposting to pop along. The name has changed but the welcome will be as warm as ever at these venues."
The Council is keen to hear from any other groups or venues who would like to join the network of Welcoming Places. To find out more, contact welcomingplaces@southtyneside.gov.uk
Welcoming Spaces in the Parish of Jarrow and Simonside are open every week as follows:
St. Paul’s Church, Jarrow -11am to 3.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
St. Peter’s Church, Jarrow 11am until 1pm at Tuesday’s Place of Welcome
St. John the Baptist, Jarrow 11am until 1pm at Thursday’s Place of Welcome
And from July 2023:
St. Simon’s Church, South Shields 11am until 1pm at Wednesday’s Place of Welcome
A full list of all Welcoming Places is available on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/welcomingplaces
For help and support with the cost of living visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/costofliving
Visit the national Warm Welcome Spaces website here: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space