St Leonard’s Church, Malinslee

In 2024, St Leonard’s Church was awarded £500 from the Welcoming Spaces Fund, sponsored by Telford & Wrekin Council, to set up a new Saturday social group.  Their monthly ‘Coffee and Company’ on Saturday mornings from Spring to Autumn 2024 was enjoyed by attendees but not well supported.  In October 2024 they introduced ‘Saturday Afternoon Teas’ every other month, offering food and companionship to local residents, especially those feeling lonely and isolated. This initiative has been very successful, attracting up to 30 people for a small fee. Towards the end of 2024, they decided to pause ‘Coffee and Company’ and focus on the Afternoon Teas. They plan to revisit ‘Coffee and Company’ and possibly replace it with a ‘Place of Welcome’ on a weekday morning, which they believe will be more appealing than a Saturday morning. The remaining funds allocated for Coffee and Company have been redirected to support the Afternoon Teas, ensuring a warm welcome for all attendees.

The funding allocated to the Wednesday exercise class and Monday Drop-In food bank has allowed St Leonard’s Church to sustain these activities by covering the costs of heating, lighting, and refreshments. The exercise class has a small but dedicated group of 7 to 10 participants who enjoy this weekly opportunity to stay fit. The food bank serves an average of ten people every Monday morning, providing a warm place, social interaction, and a hot drink. Attendees appreciate the chance to chat and feel heard.

Afternoon Tea at St Leonard’s Church, Malinslee