Bringing together all ages, The Open Well makes an incredible difference in South Bank. The team provide food, community, and support, ensuring no one goes hungry, is lonely, or doesn’t know where to turn.
We’re open to everyone in the community, regardless of faith. Open every day, an average of 140-160 beneficiaries visit weekly for food, friendship, community and support with accessing health care, benefits, food parcels, wellness, employment, training, addiction support, debt advice and anything else on their mind.
We provide food, a warm space, social gatherings, and community. The Toasty Club meets on Thursdays and offers a warm space for a cuppa, a toastie, and a chat. Plus, food parcels are available for anyone who needs them, and a homework club starts on Fridays in November. We’ve recently started a men’s breakfast once a month on a Saturday morning, and all men are welcome. We’re also delivering life skills training, helping those who come to budget and manage their bills.
Tuesday evenings are faith-based, but everyone is still welcome. We begin by sharing a meal before entering a time of worship and prayer; then, somebody will share a testimony of the difference that Jesus has made in their life.
We got to know one lady who had been having suicidal thoughts. She had recently lost her dad and her son was in prison. Life was tough and she was struggling with drug addiction. But at the Open Well she experienced love and acceptance, in fact, she said she had never felt love like it before. She has been journeying with us, has completed an Alpha course and attends Church regularly. We have also been writing to her son in prison and sending him encouragement, explaining how well his Mum is doing and that there is support for him too. She believes she will be able to be a much better mam to him when he gets out and has said that she has been given hope.
We have another person coming, who had barely left the house for the past few years because of trauma and anxiety. Though he managed to attend, his anxiety levels were so bad that he couldn’t manage to stay for the full evening and would often leave within the first 10 minutes – but he kept coming and allowed us to pray for him. A few weeks on and his life is completely different. Not only is he able to come to The Open Well, but he comes to Church too! He is able to attend courses with the aim of finding employment and actually has a job lined up! He told us that this hope he has found in Jesus has saved his life and is now totally full of joy…seriously his smile lights up the whole room!
There is nothing like this in South Bank, and we are quickly becoming a central hub. Plus, a Drug & Alcohol service and Women’s Centre are nearby, making us extremely well-placed.
If you would like to sponsor The Open Well team, email your pledge to Dave Marley, who will put your name on the sponsorship form or will help you to connect in any cash donation.
01 Jul 2024
