Following on from the Council’s previous Warm Spaces initiative, which was introduced at the beginning of the winter months as a safe and warm place for residents to come amidst the cost of living rises, it transpired that those attending would benefit from an interactive, drop-in style, informative café and thus the Haydon Wick Haven was created.
The sessions are designed to offer a warm and welcoming environment which allows residents to enjoy some refreshments, have a friendly chat, meet new people and discuss any local issues with their local council. Since the beginning of the Haven, suggestions have seen the attendees take part in board games, puzzles and crafts.
With the upcoming celebrations beginning to take place to commemorate the momentous occasion of the Coronation of King Charles III, the Haven wanted to join in the fun. Attendees were welcomed to a royal themed room, vintage china and freshly prepared scones with jam, cream and strawberries.
All attendees thoroughly enjoyed their treat and reminiscing about the Royal Family over the years, as well as decorating their own Coronation mug and suncatcher. Some of the wonderful feedback that the Council received after this session included; “How lucky we are to have the opportunity to enjoy this in good company, rather than being sat within our own four walls”, “What a fabulous way to mark the Coronation” and “I am not attending any celebrations for the Coronation, so it has been lovely to come here and be amongst new friends”.
Listening to the conversations that occur during the sessions is a very heart-warming experience and shows just how beneficial and important small gatherings like these can be for individuals to improve feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The Parish Council is pleased to be able to offer its community bus to bring attendees living within the Parish to and from the Haven. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please contact the organiser, Darry, on admin@haydonwick.gov.uk or 01793 722446.
To see the upcoming dates of the Haydon Wick Haven and other events, visit the Council’s event calendar or social media (@HaydonWickCouncil).
Alternatively, you can now click here to subscribe to see the Council’s monthly news and upcoming events.
