A NEW scheme designed to help people meet others and get support and advice on a range of issues will soon start spreading.
Fresh Start Clubs have been launched primarily to provide a caring, supportive and welcoming place for people to drop-in and have a free brew and snack and a chat.
But they will really take hold after the first one popped up in Haughton Green – soon they will be in Stalybridge, Hyde, Ashton and Denton.
The venture was instigated by Tameside Council’s Community Safety Team in partnership with housing providers, who have provided venues, funding and support, and volunteers.
Venues have zoned areas where people can chat, a ‘worry box’ where people can post their concerns or whatever they wish to discuss and a walled space to place ideas and suggestions.
They will have the radio playing in the background to relax to and many will have computer facilities available.
The first Fresh Start Club was at Oasis Community Resource Centre at Tatton Road in Haughton Green on Wednesday, September 14 and will happen every week.
Now it can be found every Tuesday from 9am until 11am at Ridge Hill’s Big Local and will launch in Newton from October 6, alternating between Acresfield Jigsaw Homes Community Hub and St Mary’s Church.
Ashton’s Ryecroft House, on Park Street, will host them from October 18 and every Tuesday from 10.30am until noon.
Denton’s Victoria Park Community Centre will also be the venue for one, with dates yet to be confirmed.
Councillor Vimal Choksi, Tameside Council’s executive member for towns and communities, said: “Fresh Start Clubs are a great initiative where anyone can attend at a warm, informal setting and receive a friendly welcome and free refreshments.
“They will be caring and supportive places for people to just drop-in and make new friends, or reacquaint with old friends, or get advice from other services running in many of the venues at the same time.
“The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a lot of isolation and people drifting apart but our Fresh Start Clubs will give an opportunity for people to get back together in a safe and social environment and rebuild and develop networks.
“They will help combat loneliness and also support new people moving into the area, and potentially help Ukrainian families who have moved to Tameside to integrate.
“They will also help community leaders identify any local issues or where support groups are needed.”