Wednesday 16^th October 2024

Exploring Welcome Places in South West Sheffield

On a crisp morning in South West Sheffield, 23 people gathered to explore the concept of Welcome Places and their role in fostering community connections. The event marked a significant first step in addressing key challenges and opportunities within these spaces, sparking valuable discussions and forging new connections.

Despite the strong turnout, many interested people couldn’t attend, highlighting the importance of ongoing engagement. Attendees were left energised by the ideas exchanged and ready to tackle the work ahead.

Key Areas of Focus

The discussions centred on six critical areas that are essential to enhancing Welcome Places:

• Volunteering: Acknowledging a decline in volunteer levels since the pandemic, particularly among younger demographics.
• Dementia Support: Addressing the complexities and gaps in support for those living with dementia.
• Funding: Strategising how to target efforts for the best chance of securing resources.
• Community Transport: Tackling the rising demand and logistical challenges of transport services.
• Social Media: Exploring its untapped potential to promote and connect Welcome Places.
• The Digital Divide: Identifying ways to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in an increasingly digital world.
• Building a Resource for Welcome Places.

This event was a fantastic start, demonstrating the power of collaboration in shaping Welcome Places' future. Stay tuned for updates as we work together to build stronger, more inclusive communities.