'Lifeline' hub tackling loneliness by having fun

A project set up to tackle loneliness has received National Lottery funding to keep it going for another three years.

Bransholme Chat has been based at the North Point Shopping Centre, in Hull, since 2019.

The community shop and warm space offers a place where people can connect, make friends and try new activities.

Carrie Murphy, 54, is among the regulars. She said: "For the local community it's good, because people can relax, join in and mix with other people that they don't normally see.

"I enjoy coming because it helps me when I've been a bit low."

The project, run by arts organisation "Back to Ours", has become a lifeline for people who drop in to chat and make new friends.

Ellie Irwin, the co-ordinator, said everything was free and the funding meant the team could continue to provide a safe, welcoming space for people from all walks of life.

"We're extremely blessed," she added. "The National Lottery Community Fund has given us another three years of funding up until late 2028. That's nine years in total – almost unheard of."

Activities on offer include quizzes, jigsaws and arts and crafts sessions for children and older people.

For some, it is not only a social space, but a vital support network operating five days a week.

John Hotchin, 79, said: "People can come here if they've got issues and need guidance.

"It's a friendship place, a help place, a place that cares."

Angela Robinson, 54, said the group offered a sense of belonging.

"Some people come in quiet and then the next minute they're laughing with everybody else.

"It's like a family: everyone knows everyone and just wants to have a chat and a cup of tea.

"You meet friends and then they're like, 'Are you coming in next week?' We just love it in here, it's so friendly."

The project recently celebrated at its Christmas party, complete with festive songs and crafts for children.

Volunteer Tyler Knight helps run the Thursday sessions.

"I love volunteering here. You meet different people and, as a student, the environment is lovely," he said.

Ms Irwin added: "We chose North Point because it's the hub of Bransholme.

"People were already meeting here – now they have somewhere warm and welcoming to go."

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