When a Warm Space was set up just after Christmas in Ashill to provide a place for local people who may be struggling with their heating bills, the organisers didn’t expect it to become as popular as it has in such a short time. The first week 6 people came, then 9, then 18, then 27. It has not only provided comfort for those who need it, but has also raised money for the local foodbank.
Brenda Pyle, Churchwarden at The Blessed Virgin Mary Church Ashill says, “We hold it in the village hall and that seems to break down the barriers, rather than just being seen as church people, we are taking church out to the people.”
And the team at Ashill are already seeing unexpected connections and blessings springing up. One lady in the village who has dementia and can’t get out much, has been brought to the group regularly by her son. He has now offered to help with the care of the churchyard this summer.
Leonard and Hannah, a Ukrainian couple who come regularly even though they are unable to speak English, have told organisers via a translator, that they have found it a place of peace and calm. In a letter translated by their daughter, which they asked to be read out at the Warm Space, the couple said, “Dear Friends, we are very happy to be here for the last nine months. We pray for peace every day and will be happy to meet you in our home in Ukraine one lovely peaceful day.”
Using the £500 made available by the diocese to help parishes that are supporting those in their communities who are badly affected by the rising energy costs, the volunteers in Ashill have been able to hire the hall for a small cost and pay for supplies of tea, coffee and biscuits. People can leave a small donation if they wish and so far, £96.60 has been raised for the local foodbank. Brenda says she intends to run the Warm Space until the money runs out.