Weekly council satellite service adds to the offer at Sutton Methodist

Guests arrive at Sutton Methodist Warm Welcome with a number of questions, problems and queries. A lot of the time we are able to give them some support however, on other occasions some need specific support that we were not able to assist with. Often, this will mean that they need to make appointments, arrange travel and alter their routines to get to the city centre to see the correct organisations. After a little research it was clear no service existed in our part of the city. 

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We approached Hull City Council, and it was agreed that our Space was able to have a weekly council satellite service as a pilot. This new service was advertised in the church, the local community and the wider area by doing a leaflet drop. This is the first pilot of its kind in the city.

As we began to develop the project it was identified some people required more specialised assistance from Citizens Advice Bureau. This required people to call the Citizens Advice Bureau, to make an appointment. This was immensely problematic and rarely achieved, leaving people unsettled and unable to get the situation resolved. 

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We decided to explore if we could help. This was a great deal more complex to arrange. By working in collaboration and adopting the partnership approach with Citizens Advice Bureau we were able to have a Citizens Advice Bureau presence at our Space on a trial basis, initially once a week then once a month. Guests to our space could not be more thankful, having all of these services under one roof made such a difference to so many.

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Shortly after our space opened we quickly identified that our guests’ primary reason for joining us was due to loneliness and social isolation. We made sure that we were offering an inclusive, relaxing, friendly environment identifying everyone as an individual but demonstrating togetherness. Communicating and actively listening, spending time with our guests in a friendly, physical and mentally warm and positive atmosphere takes place every session. This is part of our foundations. We are privileged to have built and developed the relationships and friendships with our guests allowing us to recognise when someone needs some support. 

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Our first project was converting a concrete courtyard into a courtyard garden producing immediate positive impact on everyone including passersbys. Offering everyone a safe space to be themselves cements the relationships, trust and respect with have with everyone who attends. 

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People are regularly visiting us knowing they are in an accessible, calm, welcoming and friendly environment receiving assistance and support that’s closer to home reducing their anxiousness and stress helping create more time for themselves, improving their wellbeing and reducing their expenditure. Additionally, they chat to other people and engage in other activities and stay longer with some visiting more regularly. Consequently, enhancing their social interactions, mental health plus getting warm drinks and some nourishment.

The Hull City Council and Citizens Advice Bureau satellite services were extremely well received by guests, volunteers and the wider community. The Hull City Council service was so successful it is a fixture of our Space with the Hull City Council staff becoming part of the family at our Space. Guests regularly reflect that, “I don’t need to get two buses into town any more. I feel a lot better knowing I don’t have to sit in a big waiting room feeling stressed and worried.”

Helping people access these services at our Space is far more convenient, in a more relaxed and friendly environment and receiving free drinks all helps with their general wellbeing and mental health.

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Sutton Methodist Warm Welcome Space was a runner up in the inaugural Warm Welcome Awards in June 2026.