A Warm Welcome – From My Heart to Yours, by Sara Brown

Hello and welcome!

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sara, and I have the joy of volunteering at St Paul’s Warm Welcome, alongside an incredible team of dedicated people. Right now, I’m helping to cover Bev’s role—this means I manage the rota, take turns cooking, and host our sessions on a rotating basis.

My journey with Warm Welcome began on 7th November 2022, when my family and I first started attending. It was created in response to the cost of living crisis, as a way to support our community with a hot meal and a warm, welcoming space during challenging times. After just a few weeks of coming along, I felt a strong pull to get involved more deeply. I truly believe God guided me to volunteer, and soon I was completing courses in safeguarding, food hygiene, and more to equip myself for the role.

What started as a place of practical help has blossomed into a thriving community in its own right—a space filled with friendship, laughter, and care, while still retaining it's original purpose, and welcoming new comers.

I’m not going to say it’s always been a bed of roses. There have been challenges along the way that we’ve had to overcome—whether logistical, emotional, or simply the realities of serving a diverse community with varying needs. But through it all, our faith, teamwork, and shared purpose have carried us.

What’s Available at Warm Welcome?

Each week, our guests enjoy a variety of activities and offerings, including:

• Hot meals and refreshments – lovingly prepared on-site, with options for vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and meat-based diets.

• Crafts and colouring – perfect for kids (and creative adults!).

• Board games – great for building connections over a friendly match.

• Outdoor activities – provided by our partners at My Back Yard, featuring cricket, football, badminton, and table tennis.

How We Serve

We are more than just a warm space—we’re a spirit-led community, open to all. We invite everyone in, inspired by God's love and hospitality. Here’s a look at how we’re organised each Monday:

• 2 volunteers per role in:

  • Cooking & serving

  • Hosting

  • Washing up

  • Craft area

  • Outdoor games

On average, around 40 people attend each session. Many who started as visitors have grown into volunteers themselves. In fact, we currently have two fantastic students from Abbey Grange Academy, volunteering with us as part of their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

A Community That Grows Together

Over the past 2 years and 6 months, we’ve watched children and young people flourish. Some who came through our doors as attendees are now stepping up to help others—a beautiful full circle moment that reminds us why we do what we do.

We are so grateful to God for providing this space, and for the ongoing opportunity to share love, care, and warmth with our neighbours. Warm Welcome isn’t just a project—it’s a testament to what happens when faith meets action.

Whether you're looking to join us, volunteer, or just share a meal and some company, there’s always a seat at the table for you.