06 January 2025
"We felt the vision for this church was to become a place of healing, restoration, welcome, love and community," says Jo Couch, Circuit/Church Administrator, capturing the essence of Saltash Wesley Methodist Church's transformative Warm Spaces project.
This Methodist church in Plymouth in the South West Peninsula District became a lifeline for vulnerable community members. “We already had a café in the morning, so when the energy prices went up and the government was encouraging churches to open longer we decided to offer lunch a couple of days a week,” adds Anita Thompson, the church's treasurer.
These meals – a hearty soup on Wednesdays and jacket potatoes on Thursdays – attract between 20 and 34 people weekly, providing not just nutrition but vital social connection. What began as a response to government encouragement has evolved into a comprehensive community support initiative.
The church's approach goes far beyond simple meal provision. They offer daily cooked breakfasts for homeless individuals, shower facilities and practical support like providing a safe address for mail delivery. Their commitment is evident in the personal attention they give, helping individuals navigate complex administrative challenges.
Better space, better services
A significant transformation accompanied their Warm Welcome Space. Securing funding through the Levelling Up Fund, the church underwent a comprehensive refurbishment. Their foyer and community café were redesigned to create a welcoming, inclusive space. The project was meticulous, requiring detailed documentation, including before-and-after photographs and strict adherence to local employment and sustainability criteria.
The results were remarkable. Of 50 surveys conducted, 96% of respondents approved of the changes. One beneficiary, Justin, eloquently describes the impact: "It's nice to come here, knowing there are people in the community that can help."
The church's vision extends beyond current services. They are actively exploring establishing supported housing for homeless individuals in Saltash, recognising the critical need to keep people connected to their community support networks. As Jo explains, moving people away from their families and support systems can severely hinder their ability to rebuild their lives.
Volunteer commitment is crucial to the project's success. Approximately 10 to 12 volunteers coordinate lunches, with additional support for coffee mornings. Despite having a congregation of around 120 people, their impact is disproportionately large.
Partnerships have been instrumental. They collaborate with Cornwall Housing, St Petrocs Homeless Charity and local drug and alcohol support services. Their approach is holistic, addressing not just immediate physical needs but also supporting long-term personal recovery and community reintegration – notably with their homeless housing project.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent energy crisis prompted this initiative, but it has become more profound. What began as a practical response to economic hardship transformed into a beacon of hope and community support.
Justin's testimony perhaps best encapsulates the project's true value: "Most of all, I think the best part about Wesley church is the friendly atmosphere and the willingness to help people that are disadvantaged."
As the Warm Spaces project continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful example of how a local church can become a critical support system, offering more than just meals – providing dignity, connection and genuine human compassion.