Warming Hearts in the Heart of Norwich: St Giles Church’s Community Outreach

In the bustling center of Norwich, a remarkable community initiative has been quietly transforming lives throughout 2023. St Giles-on-the-Hill church has opened its ancient doors every Thursday to welcome anyone seeking warmth, nourishment, and companionship. Since January, this historic church has become home to “Hot Spot,” a weekly gathering where visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and conversation in a warm, welcoming environment. The initiative began during the winter months, attracting around 80 people weekly during the coldest weeks. Even as seasons changed and temperatures rose, a dedicated group of 20 to 30 regulars continued to attend, proving that the community’s need for connection transcends weather conditions. This heartwarming project has been made possible through grant funding, including support from the local council, enabling the church to sustain its outreach throughout its first year.

St Giles-on-the-Hill stands as just one beacon in a growing network of churches extending similar hospitality across the United Kingdom. According to the Church of England, by early 2023, 485 churches had joined the Warm Welcome Spaces campaign, while nearly 400 participated in the Places of Welcome network coordinated by the Church Urban Fund. This nationwide movement represents a significant response from faith communities to address social isolation and provide practical support during challenging times. The Hot Spot sessions at St Giles are facilitated by a dedicated team led by Reverend Melissa Snell, Assistant Curate with the St Giles benefice, alongside Father Alaric Lewis, Reverend Annie Blyth, and a team of committed volunteers who work together to create an atmosphere of genuine hospitality and belonging.

For Reverend Melissa, the Thursday gatherings have become the highlight of her week. “We have such a great mix of people,” she reflects. “It’s grown organically; you just put out the food and drink and offer a space to chat and they come.” What began as a simple outreach initiative has blossomed into something much more profound—a tight-knit community where relationships flourish. The depth of these connections was beautifully demonstrated when half a dozen regular Hot Spot attendees traveled to Norwich Cathedral to support Reverend Melissa at her priesting ceremony. This organic community development represents one of the project’s most meaningful achievements. “It’s not ‘the church’ putting something on,” Melissa explains. “We all get involved and people have taken ownership of it. If a member of the team is away, there’s always someone here to help.” This shared sense of responsibility has transformed what could have been a traditional charity model into a genuine community where everyone contributes.

The volunteers who dedicate their time to Hot Spot frequently express how rewarding their involvement has been. Lesley Worne, one of the church’s dedicated team members, shares, “I love this church. On Thursdays it’s nice to chat to other people who have different lifestyles and experiences to you, which you don’t always get to do after a service. I really get to know people better at the Hot Spot.” The initiative has attracted visitors from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and perspectives. Jonathan Kemp exemplifies this beautifully—after initially hearing about Hot Spot at his local library, he began attending when the program first launched. Now, he contributes his considerable culinary expertise, developed through over a decade of professional and volunteer kitchen experience, enriching the community offering and demonstrating how Hot Spot creates space for everyone to contribute meaningfully.

For longstanding members of St Giles-on-the-Hill, welcoming new faces into their historic church has brought immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose. Janet Hopkins, a church member, believes that Hot Spot has significantly enhanced church life by broadening its horizons and deepening its community connections. “It’s about opening up to other people and lifestyles,” she explains. “We’re showing we do care for our community in a practical way as well. After all, this is their church, it’s available to them.” Janet observes that the initiative has cultivated a culture of kindness that extends far beyond the Thursday gatherings. The success of Hot Spot, she believes, stems largely from the unwavering dedication of the clergy team. “People here are so grateful for Father Alaric, Rev Melissa and Rev Annie – the whole team. They’re so committed and will do anything for anyone.” This spirit of genuine service has created a foundation upon which meaningful relationships can flourish.

As St Giles-on-the-Hill continues to open its doors every Thursday from 10:30am to 1:00pm, the Hot Spot initiative stands as a powerful testament to how sacred spaces can serve their communities in practical, transformative ways. Located on Upper St Giles Street in Norwich, this medieval church has found new relevance in the 21st century by responding to contemporary needs while honoring its traditional role as a sanctuary and gathering place. The story of Hot Spot demonstrates how relatively simple actions—providing food, creating space for conversation, extending welcome—can weave together to form something remarkably profound: a resilient community where people from all walks of life find belonging, purpose, and care. As similar initiatives spring up in churches across the country, Hot Spot offers an inspiring model of how houses of worship can serve as vibrant hubs of community life, breaking down barriers and nurturing connections that enrich all involved.