FAN (Friends and Neighbours) is about to celebrate its 17th birthday!
Starting from just one ‘women-only’ group in Cardiff, now more than 30 groups meet weekly in Cardiff, Barry, Newport, Usk, Bridgend, Swansea, Llanelli, we even have one in Cambridgeshire! Everyone friendly is welcome to FAN! If you are new to the area, are feeling a little lonely or low, you will find coming to a FAN group can help. If you are looking for ways to connect with your local community come to FAN. You will have an opportunity to speak and to listen in a non- judgemental, welcoming space. Each week we talk about ourselves, our daily life and a topic. Groups try to start on time, last no more than an hour, can be full of laughter, sometimes tears and are always interesting – because people are always interesting! FAN has the capacity to bring communities together, to bring friendship and joy into people’s lives – through a simple, safe, listening group. If you are learning English or would like to help people practise their new skills you will have a warm welcome in FAN.
There are two FAN Groups meeting in Llanelli. Last November a group started in The Wheelhouse@Antioch, which is a new café at the Antioch Centre, Copperworks Road. We meet every Wednesday at 9.30am, do come along and join in the fun!
Then in February, through funding from the Welsh Government, we have opened a second group. It is hosted by Ty Gwyn Church, Vauxhall Road. You are most welcome to come along, it’s friendly and free to attend!
Here’s what some of our members say . . .
“I come to FAN to meet people of different nationalities and interests”
“The variety of people who come to the group means we get a broad insight into people’s lives and cultures, which has enlightened my views”
“It’s a highlight of my week I really look forward to coming!”
Any questions about FAN? And for more information, contact Philippa Wisdom:
Tel: 07938978397
Email: Philippa.fan@gmail.com.
Website: www.thefancharity.org
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Commenting about FAN in Llanelli, The Chair of Llanelli Community Partnership, Paolo Piana said, ”There are so many issues in our community around loneliness and social isolation. We are delighted that the Llanelli FAN groups are giving people the opportunity to get out and make new friends” He added “ We were delighted to hear that FAN had secured the additional funding they needed and hope the two groups go from strength to strength”
