'We became best friends at a warm hub'

5 days ago

Sarah-May BuccieriLincoln

News image — Alan Thompson and Jane Innes have become "best friends" since starting sessions at Green Synergy in Lincoln

BBC Alan Thompson is wearing a white jumper and has glasses with black edged rims. He is sat next to Jane Innes who is wearing a blue jacket and is smiling. Behind them is a red bricked wall and a window. — Alan Thompson and Jane Innes have become "best friends" since starting sessions at Green Synergy in Lincoln

A pair of childhood friends who were reunited at a community support hub have praised the "vital charity" which runs it.

Alan Thompson, 71, first visited Green Synergy in Lincoln two years ago where he met Jane Innes, 70, and they have been "best friends" since.

"We'd gone our own ways and bumped back into each other," Thompson said.

The charity on Roman Pavement offers offers warm space sessions as well as advice and support.

"Two years ago I wouldn't have thought of coming to one of these places. Getting to know Jane again has been brilliant," Thompson added.

Innes, who has attended sessions for more than five years, said she enjoyed talking to people in her community.

"You meet people, neighbours who you've known since you were a kid," she said.

"You try and help people if you can."

Alan Thompson is wearing a white jumper and has glasses with black edged rims. He is talking to Jane Innes who is wearing a blue jacket and is smiling back at him. — Alan Thompson and Jane Innes visit the hub every week and described it as a "vital part" of the community

Green Synergy was awarded £5,000 by National Grid to support its warm spaces project which also involves handing out items such as blankets and hot water bottles.

Community engagement co-ordinator Wendy Slater said her team was made up of "real people" which gained the support of people in the city.

"They know they can come here, they trust us," she said.

Slater said the charity offered various sessions and was "here for whatever people want".

She said: "I remember being in a situation myself when I felt no one was there to help.

"The rough times I've gone through are beneficial to others."

Wendy Slater is wearing a black and white patterned top and is smiling. She has blonde hair. Behind her are three people sat on chairs eating sandwiches. Colourful bunting lines the room. — Wendy Slater has worked at the Green Synergy community hub since 2023

As well as offering a warm space, Green Synergy supports vulnerable residents living poverty, loneliness and isolation. It also runs community gardens to help improve mental health and wellbeing.

Slater said she felt a sense of pride when someone uses the support to better their life.

She said: "When you see someone walk past the door and they've gone from really struggling to have a job.

"I didn't do it for them, but I gave them that step on the ladder."

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