The Front Room is a welcoming community space at St Luke’s, Downham, open every Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Everyone is welcome! There’s no need to book or contact us before you come — just come along. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, meet new people, have a chat and take part in activities at your own pace.
There are lots of things going on throughout the week, including arts and crafts, sewing, bingo, chair exercises, social activities and practical DIY projects. Members help shape what we do and have a say in the activities, food and trips we organise.
Food and refreshments
Breakfast, tea and coffee are free at every Front Room session.
We also provide affordable lunches:
- Monday and Friday: two-course lunch for £4
- Tuesday: one-course lunch for £3
Please arrive by 11.30am if you would like to order lunch.
Tuesday Advice Hub Drop-In
On Tuesdays, alongside the usual Front Room session, we run our Advice Hub Drop-In, bringing different sources of advice and support together in one welcoming community space.
You can drop in and speak to an advice worker, domestic abuse worker, Parish Nurse or energy adviser, as well as access fundraising support. We are also developing links with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and many more.
The Advice Hub Drop-In is there for anyone who needs a bit of extra support or wants to find out what help is available. You don’t need to make an appointment — just come along and talk to someone.
Advice and practical support
We know that sometimes people need a bit of extra help. At the Front Room, you can get support with things such as benefits, forms, personal banking, computers and other technology.
We can also provide one-to-one practical support when you are dealing with something that feels difficult or overwhelming. Our aim is to help people understand their options, build confidence and take the next step for themselves.
Health and wellbeing
There are opportunities to access health and wellbeing support in a familiar and friendly environment, including:
- Parish Nurse – health advice, guidance and support
- Therapy for Healing – physiotherapy and wellbeing support
- Happy Feet, Age UK – nail-cutting service (please arrange through your GP/Doctor Surgery)
- Other health and wellbeing activities and advice
Our activities
Hands On – practical DIY, upcycling projects and opportunities to learn useful skills or get help with simple repairs.
Craft Table – sewing, arts, crafts and creative activities.
Social activities – bingo, chair exercises, games, conversation and plenty of opportunities to spend time with other people.
Trips and outings – members can take part in regular trips and days out, giving people the opportunity to get out and about, try new things and spend time together outside the Front Room.
Everyone is welcome
The Front Room is a place where people can come as they are. Whether you want to join in with activities, get some advice, enjoy a meal, meet people or simply have a cup of tea and a chat, you are welcome.
We want the Front Room to be a safe, inclusive and authentic space where people feel valued and accepted. We believe everyone has something to contribute, and we encourage members to share their ideas, support one another and have a say in what happens.
Children are welcome too, and we have a play area with books, toys and soft play, so feel free to bring your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
Want to find out more?
There is no need to contact us before your first visit — just come along and see what we do.
If you would prefer to speak to someone before visiting, you can call us on 07512 384 653.
Supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund
