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Mothers’ Union continues to do ‘Something Wonderful’
Mothers’ Union has a new project in its Action and Outreach - adopted since the MU Diocesan Festival in Benwell in June 2024.
‘SOMETHING WONDERFUL’ is a project established by the Benwell and Scotswood Parish Team. It is based at St James Church in Benwell and aims to strengthen the local community. It is run by and for people of all faiths and none and actively aims to include and amplify community voices from diverse backgrounds.
It is named ‘Something Wonderful’ as they want to do just that – for St James to continue to be a place run by and for the community, where people of all faiths or none can encounter / eat / learn / create / do / be ‘something wonderful’.
St James Church is a historic and beautiful landmark at the heart of a community which has known much change. It continues to be a resource for the community, also a hub for the West End Food Bank, and is open every weekday with hundreds of people coming through the doors every week.
Although currently in a poor state of repair, the PCC aim for St James' to be less burdensome and more environmentally friendly, to secure its future for a diverse urban community, as a place that belongs to them and is part of their story.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL engages with hundreds of people every week. Working with other community partners and organisations it provides activities for anyone who may be isolated and vulnerable. This includes families in food poverty, asylum-seekers, those with poor mental health, the elderly, disabled, and others.
Just a few of the activities include the following:
CREATIVE WRITING Drop-in
Free to all. A safe place to drop in for a cup of tea, a biscuit and a friendly chat with creative guide, Dani. A safe way to ‘tell your story’, grow in confidence and to explore your ideas for future.
ART CLUB Drop-in
Free art and craft sessions for all ages and backgrounds. Supporting creativity, mental health, socialising, and learning more about yourself! The Art Club is run by St James artist in residence, Artep Avordno, who supports you both with your own work and encourages experimentation and teaches new techniques. This ‘family’ have staged several acclaimed exhibitions of art and personal stories.
DROP-IN CAFÉ
Hot meals - Breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee and cake. Drop-in at any point and stay for a chat, come and go as you please, this is a time to spend meeting others in the community. Open to for anyone, any age, any background, any physical or mental ability and any beliefs. The café runs on a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ basis, though donations do not cover the costs of the food provided. Run by local volunteers, including Shirley, the Anna Chaplain with special care for the elderly.
MU COFFEE, CAKE AND CRAFT.
Hosted by Mothers Union. Open to all women, whatever age or background. Free. A time to spend with other women, share a coffee and cake and try a Bible related craft. A safe space to share personal stories and gain confidence.
PATHWAYS: Food Bank and Welfare support:
A drop-in for anyone in need of help with benefits, housing, debt, health, asylum, or anything else. Supported by volunteer professionals and church hospitality.
How MU can support ‘Something Wonderful’
Help is needed with all these projects, including supplies of art equipment, regular food donations for the café, and also volunteers. MU has already gifted a slow cooker and an air fryer for the kitchen to make catering easier and safer for the volunteer cooks.
For more information about how to help, please contact the Chaplain (Anne Marr) or the A&O Trustee.
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For more information about the Something Wonderful projects, the Benwell & Scotswood Team and the community in the west end of Newcastle go to www.benwellscotswood.com