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In the market town of Chipping Sodbury, the Warm Welcome space called the Oasis at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church lives out its motto every day: a space where everyone is welcome. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, the doors of the church are open, providing warmth, connection, and for people across the local community, a place to belong.
The local community has helped to support the space, including putting flyers in shops and cafes and referrals e.g. from the local chemist, library, and health and social care services. Guests are known by name, helping to foster a sense of belonging. The Oasis welcomes many people, creating a safe space to be and supporting integration into the wider community, particularly following Covid.
The Memory Café runs twice a month, with the team of volunteers facilitating a relaxed environment for people living with dementia and their carers. Jean, who has volunteered since the cafe began in 2016, continues to play a central role. Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club also supports the café with funding and volunteers, and trips for guests such as Bristol Aerospace and boating excursions.
Long-standing community activities also take place in the space. Thursday Friends (lunch club) has been running for at least 40 years, cooking meals for 35–40 people. Footsteps, the baby and toddler group, meets here, and more recently Mindsong runs its ‘Sing to Remember’ group, a supported, dementia friendly singing session.
Volunteers of all abilities play a central role, supporting tasks from washing up to hosting activities. The church also acts as a collection point for the local food bank.
Local businesses have also contributed, including Hobbs House Bakery, Morrisons and Tesco. Energy usage and costs are a significant challenge, with heating alone around £12,500 per year. The church is registered with the Eco Church programme and is working towards an Eco Church Gold Award. It is exploring longer-term solutions such as solar panels.
At its heart, the Warm Welcome Space is about relationships. Guests come to make new connections, attend groups, spend time together, or simply sit and chat. Carol and Ray, for example, attend Memory Café together, with Carol painting while Ray engages with other activities.
Through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and a commitment to welcoming people as they are, The Oasis at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church continues to offer a Warm Welcome rooted in care, community, and connection.
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