Hosting a Warm Space Plus in Lincolnshire

The Falls, Aches and Pains Event is one of many organised by the team at Ruskington Methodist Church to engage more with their Warm Space guests  and the local community’s needs.

“The pain management stand was a great one for me. She gave me a lot of information and indicated other people to talk to, and they were helpful as well,” says Heidi.

She is sitting on one side of a table with other regular guests of the Warm Space, most of them eating a slice of homemade cake (chocolate, ginger or lemon). On the other side, Pauline, Jim and Henry play their version of Scrabble – not counting points, helping each other and, most importantly, having a lot of fun. The atmosphere is warm with people buzzing around.

“Because we live in a village, we don't have access to much information,” explains Christine. “I’ve learned a lot about Parkinson's disease and have spoken to people who guided me to the right resources, which has been a tremendous help. Having all of them here today has been incredibly beneficial.”

For most people attending the Warm Space at Ruskington Methodist Church, in the Lincolnshire Methodist District, travelling is a struggle. So Rebecca Guilliatt, Sleaford Methodist Circuit Support Worker decided to bring representatives from various health organisations to come and talk to local residents about their falls, aches and pains following a similar successful event in a nearby town

“So far with Warm Space Plus, we have had chair fitness, music sessions, crafternoons, plus various wellbeing advice and information hubs . Today's Falls, Aches and Pains event was organised in collaboration with the NHS and K2 Healthcare. It was great to see diverse groups from the community coming together, with regular Warm Space guests interacting with representatives, while newcomers discovered what Warm Space is all about,” explains Rebecca.

Ruskington Warm Space has an average of 20 guests weekly, but events such as Falls, Aches and Pains bring twice as many people to the premises.

For Sally, neighbourhood Care Coordinator for the NHS, “It's a valuable resource for those I support, especially vulnerable individuals who may feel socially isolated. By networking with other services, we can connect and communicate to provide holistic support. Today, I received a few referrals and helped resolve some issues for people who might not have known where to seek help.”

The Warm Space is located in a church, but it engages the entire community. Both Christians and non-Christians come as guests or volunteers. As Pauline puts it, “It's a nice atmosphere, we come here and we know we will be welcome and accepted.”

In April, Ruskington Methodist Church received 795 pounds from Lincolnshire Co-op for being a community champion. The money will help fund refreshments, resources and activities for their Warm Space.