Alana from The Hothouse in Walsall

This year, I’ve been privileged to visit a number of Acts 435 partners across the UK and see first-hand the difference they’re making in their local communities.

One of those visits took me to The Hothouse, a small community church in Walsall. As I pulled up outside, I was greeted by a team of volunteers who were busy welcoming people from the Redhouse Estate.

The Hothouse’s main focus is to share God’s love with the local community through groups, activities and practical support. The church is also part of Places of Welcome, a nationwide network of more than 900 safe, friendly and inclusive community spaces, run by local volunteers and supported by Church Urban Fund (CUF).

When I arrived, The Hothouse was a hive of activity. Children, young mums and volunteers were getting stuck into arts and crafts, playing games and enjoying free toast. But what happens at The Hothouse goes far beyond the activities themselves. At its heart, it’s about building friendships, offering companionship and creating a place where people know they are welcome.

I spoke with one long-time volunteer who has been involved for decades. Having recently lost her husband, she shared how much care and support she had received from the people at The Hothouse during such a difficult time.

I also met a young mum who had been worried about finding a school uniform for her child, as well as another mum who had received practical support through The Hothouse.

Once the children had finished their activities, there was a quick turnaround. Chairs and tables were rearranged and the room was transformed ready for the next activity: Community Kitchen.

Community Kitchen gives local people the opportunity to drop in for a free hot meal, a drink and a friendly face.

“People can be very lonely, sometimes it’s nice to introduce people to other people.”

As people began arriving, Pam shared how much she has enjoyed getting to know those who come along. As relationships grow and trust is built, people often feel able to share some of the challenges they are facing. Through Acts 435, The Hothouse can then turn those conversations into practical support by placing requests on our website.

“We’ve helped people moving into new accommodation with washing machines, ovens or fridge freezers. We’ve helped people who have issues with cars or if children need clothing we can help them with that too.”

Pam told me how much she has enjoyed being able to provide this additional support, particularly when she gets to phone someone and tell them that Acts 435 donors have given towards their request.

For the team at The Hothouse, it all comes back to people. By being a Place of Welcome, they are helping to build a stronger community where people look out for one another.

Alana summed it up beautifully:

“It’s not just the fact that we’ve helped them out financially, but that we get to keep them in a bubble of friendship and grow from that.”

Places of Welcome create spaces where friendships can grow, trust can be built and people can feel safe enough to share the challenges they’re facing. Acts 435 can then come alongside those relationships, providing additional practical support when it’s needed.

And that’s what makes partnership between charities and community organisations so special. Together, these partnerships are helping communities care for one another, not just meeting an immediate need, but making sure people don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

If you run a community space and you are interested in finding out more about Places of Welcome find out more here: https://cuf.org.uk/places-of-welcome

If you are interested in partnering with Acts 435 find out more here: https://www.acts435.org.uk/partner

🎥 Watch The Hothouse, Places of Welcome video here: