Published 30th October 2025
Inspire, who run Nottinghamshire Libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, are proud to be highlighting their work to combat isolation and loneliness this Befriending Week (1-7 November).
In libraries across the county, people gather to form friendships and beat the winter blues at Places of Welcome sessions. The free groups take place weekly and provide hot drinks and biscuits for all. With now 26 venues and some groups branching out into quizzing and games too, Nottinghamshire Libraries have established themselves as homes of community and warmth when people need it most.
Just a couple of miles west of Mansfield, Nottingham, the village of Skegby is home to a library that has become a lifeline for its community in this way. Since opening in 1967, Skegby and Stanton Hill Library has always been a hub for books and creativity, but in 2024 it took on an even greater role by launching its Places of Welcome coffee mornings. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, providing a third space for people to gather, make new friends and seek support from its dedicated volunteers.
Held every Wednesday, these sessions offer more than tea and biscuits – they provide a safe space for connection. One attendee shared,
“Where I live, I don’t see a soul all week. It’s very lonely, but I’ve met all these people. They’ve accepted me… It’s like one big family!”
Another added, “My family begged me to come after my wife died. I suffer with depression, but when I come here, I feel better.”
The group has grown alongside the library’s Food Share service, run in partnership with the local Co-op. While helping to reduce waste and ease rising costs, Food Share has also brought new faces to the coffee morning.
Volunteer Janine explains: “People that come to Food Share found companionship with the Places of Welcome. There were younger people that would enjoy the company of older people and vice versa. We had a number of people using Food Share where English wasn’t their first language, and they’d come and practice English with the group too.”
I’m proud we’re able to offer such an important group. It’s been
amazing to see new friendships being forged, with the library at the centre of
it all.
Building stronger communities is at the heart of Inspire’s aims, and continuing
to provide Places of Welcome in libraries is just one of the many ways we’re
achieving it. To be able to witness such benefits to the wellbeing of
Nottinghamshire’s residents is a privilege, and my hope is that this winter and
beyond we can continue to provide a nurturing environment for these friendships
to thrive.
Skegby’s story is just one of many and demonstrates the importance of free and comfortable community spaces where people can gather, chat freely and make connections.
Find out more about Places of Welcome in libraries at inspireculture.org.uk/placesofwelcome.
