Transforming Communities Together and Places of Welcome

Transforming Communities Together (TCT) exists to respond effectively to the issues of poverty and social justice in the Black Country, Staffordshire and northern Shropshire. Transforming Communities Together was formed in 2014, as a Joint Venture charity between the Diocese of Lichfield and the Church Urban Fund Together Network.

TCT partner with a wide range of organisations to seek the common good, working for justice, so that communities can flourish and those who are vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged might enjoy life in all its fullness.

TCT follow an asset based approach, being a people of hope who empower churches, other faith groups, individuals and groups to work alongside communities. Listening to communities and their experience is always key to their work, as well as celebrating and recognising the good that is present.

Places of Welcome is one of the flagship initiatives, is which aims to create a network of safe places where people can connect, belong and contribute. There are now well over 450 venues, rapidly spreading to other villages, towns and cities across England and Wales from its West Midlands base.

South Staffordshire Water Community Hub is the latest member of the Places of Welcome family, opening its doors on Monday mornings to welcome the Wednesbury community, so head on down to South Staffordshire Water Community Hub on Union Street, Wednesbury – where you will be very welcome!

The Place of Welcome at St Andrew’s Church in West Bromwich has also recently reopened. Julie Powell, the Outreach Worker, hosts the Place of Welcome on a Monday morning between 10 am and 12 noon. There is always a warm welcome, lively conversation and free refreshments. It’s a great way to meet new friends, share experiences, and find out about the local area. St Andrew’ Church is located at 18 Dudley Street, West Bromwich.

One of the goals of the TCT is to help build a network of places in each area, where you can make friends and meet people, and can be in any location accessible to the public, including churches, mosques, temples, community centres, housing associations, libraries and pharmacies, even community gardens.

The work of the organisation currently covers social and financial inclusion, health and wellbeing and community cohesion, as well as concerning a number of networks. See www.tctogether.org.uk for more information.