Places of Welcome are run by local community groups who want everyone in their neighbourhood to have a place to go for a friendly face, a cup of tea and a conversation if and when they need it.

With over 450 across the UK, each Place of Welcome is unique but all provide a place for people to connect with one another, find belonging and offer gifts and skills that interest them.

Places of Welcome take place in a variety of different venues including churches, community centres, libraries, mosques, temples and other community group buildings across the UK.

The network has developed a set of guiding principles for all Places of Welcome, known as the 5P’s:

• Place: An accessible and hospitable building, open at the same time every week.
• People: Open to everyone regardless of their circumstances or situation, and staffed by volunteers.
• Presence: A place where people actively listen to one another.
• Provision: Offering free refreshments (at least a cup of tea and a biscuit) and basic local information.
• Participation: Recognises that every person coming to a Place of Welcome will bring talents, experiences and skills that they might be willing to share locally.