Theatre opens doors to those in need

Lichfield Garrick has joined the Place of Welcome network - becoming the first theatre in the country to open up its premises for people to feel safe to connect, belong and contribute.

The Garrick and Stoke City Football Club are the latest venues to join a 600-strong network of Places of Welcome, venues that open their doors to provide a space where once a week anyone can drop in for refreshments and a conversation if and when they need it.

The Diocese of Lichfield supports venues in its area, and the national network is supported by Church Urban Fund.

Daniel Buckroyd, chief executive and artistic director at Lichfield Garrick Theatre said: “The thread that runs through everything we do is about creating together, and opportunities for people to come together.

“A lot of that happens through creative programmes but it can also happen through a cup of coffee, or board game. Places of Welcome seemed like a great initiative and us linking up with it seemed like a way of us helping signpost that we're open and welcoming.

“Our being part of the Places of Welcome initiative is part of a longer-term ambition to get this place open and active and inclusive and welcoming.”

Julie Jones, chief executive of the Diocese of Lichfield, said: “We are delighted to be breaking new ground in welcoming a professional football club and a theatre to our network of Places of Welcome.

“The Places of Welcome initiative is an integral part of work to strengthen communities across the diocese. We wish to continue developing our Places of Welcome network as part of our wider missional focus.”

Elizabeth Carnelly, director of partnerships at CUF, said: “Places of Welcome provide places where, every week through the year, local people can connect, belong and contribute, alongside a cuppa and a chat. We all need to feel welcome and make connections to people where we live.

“We already have libraries, faith buildings and community centres, so a theatre and football club are a great addition.”