A fresh start this September as His Place launches new autumn programme and community services

Based in the heart of Hastings, His Place is opening its doors wider this autumn, welcoming not only local residents but people from across the surrounding communities who may be looking for friendship, support, activities, learning opportunities, somewhere to showcase their talents, or simply a safe place to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.

His Place is perhaps best known as the home of His Place Fathers Heart Community Church, but the building is much more than a church. It is also home to The Café @ His Place, a community venue providing free activities, social and support groups, and Henry Ward Hall, which provides space for concerts, rehearsals, conferences, educational activities and community events.

The community programme at His Place is non-faith based and is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background, circumstances or beliefs.

The aim is simple: to create a place where people can meet, belong, learn, volunteer, receive support, develop their talents and build friendships.

Sunday 6 September – a day for the community

The autumn season begins with a busy His Place Open Day on Sunday 6 September, giving people the opportunity to come through the doors, see the facilities, meet people involved and discover what is happening at His Place over the coming months.

The day begins with Morning Praise and Worship from 10.30am until 12 noon at Café Church.

There will be no preaching during the morning, with the focus on praise and worship. For those who simply want to enjoy being in the space, games and activities will also be provided.

At 12.30pm, the community can sit down together for a Community Lunch.

The cost is £7, with a buy one, get one free offer. Guests can choose between chicken pie or vegetable pie, followed by a choice of puddings.

Booking is essential and must be made by the end of Friday.

The afternoon sees the launch of another regular opportunity for the local community.

At 3pm, Groundbreakers takes place in the historic Henry Ward Hall. This regular open mic event gives local performers and creatives an opportunity to showcase their work in front of an audience.

Groundbreakers also records performances, giving the artists their recording to use as they wish – whether to share their work, promote themselves or help develop their creative careers.

Running alongside Groundbreakers from 3pm until 6pm will be a Pop-Up Activity Café Afternoon, providing a relaxed space where people can enjoy refreshments, activities and company.

Parents Together – a safe space for parents

One of the new initiatives launching this autumn is Parents Together, a friendly and informal support group for parents, carers and guardians.

The return to school in September can be particularly difficult for some families. While many children happily return through the school gates, for others school attendance can become a daily struggle, with anxiety, distress and challenging behaviours placing enormous pressure on parents and carers.

Parents Together has been created as a safe and welcoming space without judgement.

Whether you have struggled to get your child through the school gates, are exhausted by difficult behaviours, are worried about your child's education, or simply want to meet other parents who understand, the group provides an opportunity to talk, listen and share experiences over a cuppa.

Pre-school children are also catered for during the social sessions. Two rooms will be available, including a smaller, quieter room for those who may prefer a calmer environment. The main hall will provide arts and crafts, games and seating for people who simply want to come along and chat.

The message behind the group is simple:

You don't have to have all the answers – and you don't have to face it alone.

Parents can come for support, friendship and conversation, or simply have a cup of tea and a little time to breathe.

A new youth support service

His Place is also launching a new 12-Step-inspired support group for young people under 19 who are experiencing difficulties with addiction.

The group is intended for young people who may be struggling with issues including drinking, smoking, cannabis use, gambling or other addictive behaviours.

The programme takes a different approach from a traditional meeting. Young people will have opportunities to take part in activities such as crafts, colouring and playing dominoes while discussing questions designed to help them understand triggers, behaviours and what may have led them towards their chosen coping mechanism.

His Place has run an adult 12-Step programme for the past eight years and is concerned that some young people can fall between the gaps in existing services, particularly when their level of addiction is considered too low to qualify for specialist support.

The organisation believes that prevention is better than cure and wants to provide an early opportunity for young people to talk, develop understanding and seek support before problems escalate.

For young people under 16, parents and carers will be welcome to stay and will have a separate lounge area where they can have refreshments away from the young people's session.

A taster evening will take place on Wednesday 9 September from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Anyone wishing to register should email [email protected], providing only the young person's first name and initial and their age. People can also simply turn up.

Henry Ward Hall – bringing heritage and community together

The autumn season at Henry Ward Hall is also getting underway.

The historic hall provides a distinctive venue for concerts, live performances, rehearsals, conferences, educational activities and community events.

This autumn's programme includes folk and jazz, alongside performances from a range of established and emerging artists.

Upcoming events include:

Either Ore presents: The Memory Band / Ish & The Meantime / Haydn Ackerly

DJ King Sunny Ade Peachment

Joe Webb – the pianist who has emerged as a leading force on today's global jazz scene

Nadia Reid – Live with Strings

The full programme and ticket information can be found at www.henrywardhall.one.

More than a venue

With the historic Henry Ward Hall at the centre of the project, His Place is looking at how the building's heritage can be brought together with the needs and opportunities of today's community.

The organisation wants the building to become a vibrant community and heritage venue where people can experience live performance, develop skills, access support, volunteer, learn and make connections.

It is also keen to encourage people from outside the immediate area to discover what His Place and Henry Ward Hall have to offer.

Everyone is welcome

His Place is a registered UK charity – His Place, Charity No. 1054331 – working to provide a welcoming community space and opportunities for people in Hastings and beyond.

The organisation is inviting local people to come along this September, find out what is happening and discover how they can get involved.

HIS PLACE OPEN DAY

Sunday 6 September

His Place Robertson Street Hastings TN34 1HL

Sunday 6 September programme:

10.30am – 12 noon – Morning Praise & Worship at Café Church No preaching – games and activities also available.

12.30pm – Community Lunch £7 | Chicken pie or vegetable pie | Choice of puddings Booking essential by end of Friday | Buy one, get one free

3pm – Groundbreakers Open Mic Henry Ward Hall – local talent showcase and recording opportunity

3pm – 6pm – Pop-Up Activity Café Afternoon

Everyone is welcome to come along and discover what is happening at His Place this autumn.