Open House lounge has changed over the years, it has grown in numbers, the amount of people coming in from outside the church with little church background has increased. Yet, the vision and ethos remain the same. We are welcoming to all, young and old, rich and poor, people of all faiths and none it is a safe place for people to come to. Open House Lounge continues to be a bridge between the community and Sunday services. If you have not been to Open House do come and visit on a Monday, Wednesday or a Saturday morning. You would find a warm welcome, a home from home, good coffee or tea and maybe make some new friends.
There are various activities that take place in Open House Lounge, we have a parties twice a year at Christmas and Easter. We have done a Christmas Day meal over the last couple of years, which has been well attended with great food. The Bridge Language school meet on a Wednesday and join us for lunch.
People come to Open House for a number of reasons; they come to play pool and table tennis, some come to do Art or other activities; others come to meet up with friends and some come because they enjoy the food. Whatever reasons people have for coming, many return time and time again because they enjoy being part of Open House Lounge. It is also a chance to become friends with people from different backgrounds and age groups; no two conversations are ever the same.
At Open House Lounge we don’t have the answers to everyone’s problems but what we do well is provide a listening ear, sometimes we pray for people and we signpost them to other organisations that can help. At Open House Lounge we help volunteers gain experience that will help them find a job. A number of our volunteers have gained a level 2 food hygiene certificate which is a recognised qualification.
There are many ways that you can be involved, first of all come and visit. I remember Theresa talking about Open House on Saturday mornings and thinking that’s nice, I will pray for them but it is not something I would go along to. Then James, my husband, eventually persuaded me to come down. I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, and generally how much I enjoyed it. So do come along and try it – you too might enjoy it!
Please do talk to me about volunteering, we need help with art and other activities, serving and making food. Do you have a special skill you would like to share with people? You would be welcome to come and share it with us. Get in contact: sarah.hopechurch@gmail.com
Find out about Open House Lounge and its opening times by clicking here.
Written by Sarah Hibbard
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