Make new friends in our libraries with Places of Welcome

Published 28th October 2022

Befriending Week is 1-7 November 2022!

Our libraries are the perfect place to meet new people, explore our resources and find out more about how to get involved in your community. We have weekly Places of Welcome groups at venues across Nottinghamshire, helping to provide a network of community venues where anyone can go to find a friendly face for a cup of tea and a chat.

An image of three women sat around a table with hot drinks, smiling at the camera. There is a quote at the side "We enjoy coming, people talk to you and you make friends. It's a friendly place to come, plus it's warm and doesn't cost you a penny!"

Our friendly Inspire volunteers are on hand, nurturing a warm and welcoming environment for those who may live alone or feel isolated, are new to the area or have little opportunity to meet other people in their neighbourhood. It’s somewhere everyone is welcome. All ages. All backgrounds. Always.

Madge, an attendee at our Sutton in Ashfield Places of Welcome and Kath, one of the hosts who volunteers at the session, told us about their experiences:

"I haven't been coming long, but it's not overwhelming or scary and you get to know people. You see them in the street or around town and they say good morning to you. My family all live far away, so coming here is like having a new community around me" -Madge

"I didn't know anyone before coming here, getting out and meeting new people has made such a difference in my life. There are a lot of nice people in the world and a lot of lonely people too. I can see people grow in confidence each time they come, it's lovely to see the impact I have on others" -Kath

Sessions take place in a number of Inspire libraries: