St Barnabas Church Awarded Grant to Reopen Thursday Club Tackling Loneliness in Older People

St Barnabas Church has received a grant to help reopen and expand its much-loved Thursday Club, a community project aimed at combating loneliness among older residents.

The club, previously known as Warm Spaces, will relaunch on Thursday, September 4th, and will run every Thursday morning from 10am to 12 noon at St Barnabas Church on St Barnabas Drive.

Thanks to the new funding, the Thursday Club will not only continue to offer light refreshments and a warm welcome but will also provide a monthly lunch and a variety of activities for members. Organisers say the initiative is designed to bring people together, creating opportunities for conversation, companionship, and fun in a friendly, supportive environment.

“All decisions are made by the group, so everyone has a say,” said a spokesperson from St Barnabas. “We don’t want anyone to feel they have to stay at home alone – the Thursday Club is here to make sure people feel connected, valued, and part of the community.”

The church hopes the club will become a lifeline for many older residents who may otherwise feel isolated, especially as loneliness continues to be a growing issue across the country. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends along, with the aim of building stronger community ties.

The Thursday Club is open to all older people in the area and promises a warm reception for everyone who comes through its doors.