Wellbeing space opens in Knaphill
On 18 October, Knaphill Baptist Church will open a Renew Wellbeing hub. The church will be open on Monday afternoons 2:00 – 4:00pm and Friday mornings 10:00am – 12:00noon as a quiet shared space where it’s OK not to be OK. The project takes its name from the national charity Renew Wellbeing, which helps local churches to set up safe spaces for anyone in their community to attend to their wellbeing. In Knaphill the number 88 indicates the location of the church on the High Street.
Renew 88 is a welcoming space which strives to support emotional and mental wellbeing in a spirit of acceptance, belonging and community. The aim is to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. It’s a ‘bring a hobby, share a hobby’ co-produced space where all local residents are welcome, any faith or none. Jigsaws and board games are available, and people can also bring their own. The room at the back of the church will be used as a quiet space for prayer and meditation should people wish to make use of it, so that element is optional.
Similar Renew Wellbeing hubs already exist in over 100 places around the UK and the number is rising fast. Especially after the lockdowns the demand for companionship had grown enormously.
Knaphill Councillor Melanie Whitehand said: ‘I know from experience how important it is not to have to say that you are OK. Too often it is expected that we put on a brave face. I applaud the efforts of Renew 88 in offering support to help overcome the feeling of isolation.’
The church’s Community Pastor, Hetty Lalleman, said: ‘I am meeting lovely people in Knaphill, but there is also loneliness and hurt after COVID. All such people are very welcome at Renew 88!’
For more information click here, come along and visit us, or contact us.