A Resting Space in Coventry

Some people avoid their city centres because there is nowhere to escape the busy crowds. Coventry city centre now has a network of Resting Spaces that provide a sanctuary for those who need it, including at the Methodist Central Hall.

Ashley considers himself an outdoorsy, adventurous and outgoing, motivated person. Ashley also lives with Asperger’s so, despite his travels, activities like shopping in Coventry city centre near where he lives could be a challenge.

“My anxiety would reach a point where I would have to duck into shop doorways to bring it back down. There was nowhere I could go apart from the toilets.

“All I needed was to rest, away from the crowds and all the loud noises. Somewhere I wouldn’t feel nervous and where security wouldn’t tell me to stand up, where I wouldn’t be obliged to buy a drink or be looked at disapprovingly.”

Ashley went on to help form a group to make Coventry the UK’s first Restful City. The Resting Spaces team works with venues to ensure they provide adequate soft seating, such as large beanbags, pillows and soft lighting to make it comfortable for people to relax in.

Neurodiversity, COPD, Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions are just some of the reasons people seek a Resting Space.

One of those Resting Spaces venues is now Methodist Central Hall, Coventry. Open each Friday, when between 5 and 10 people drop by. “What’s been beautiful to witness is how people are starting to make the space their own. Some come to rest, others use the Wi-Fi, maybe have a quiet chat, or just be around others.” says Ade Johnson, Development Manager at Coventry Central Hall.

Guests are asked to keep conversations as quiet as possible and ensure that mobile phones are put on silent mode or switched off so as not to disturb others who are relaxing or even asleep.

Resting Spaces have also been set up in other locations and hope to provide enough free, quiet spaces, in and around Coventry City Centre so that everyone who need a resting space can relax for whatever their reasons.

“Hospitality and welcome are at the heart of who we are,” continued Ade. We’ve always seen Central Hall as more than just a building, it’s a place where people can feel seen, heard, and safe. Offering the space in this way feels like a continuation of that legacy offering a simple, practical way to love our neighbours. We keep the chapel open too, and now and then someone will slip in for a moment of peace. Some light a candle, some sit in silence. It feels like sacred space, not always loud or dramatic, but full of God’s presence.

“This work reminds me that God often shows up in the ordinary,” says Ade, “in rest, in welcome, in warmth and in connection.”