Bringing the community together with New Connections

A community hub right in the centre of Fort William is being hailed a great success by all involved in the project as well as those who use it.

 

 

 

Operated by Lochaber Hope, New Connections provides a warm welcoming space with no barriers so members of the community can walk into and enjoy a variety of activities and services.

 

Not only that, but it also hosts a Vintage Café, which serves up soup, sandwiches and an array of delicious sweet treats on a donation-only basis.

 

The building which used to be the old Job Centre in Fort William also provides a safe space for people who are anxious about socialising following months of lockdowns.

 

Opened in June 2021, New Connections was originally a pilot project for the local charity, which would run for 12 months with the hope that demand for the space by the public would be extended into the future.

 

Three years later and that demand is still on the increase.

 

Manager Carrie Kirkegaard told us: "The original idea was to have a space to reduce social isolation and bring people together to share interests, ideas and (usually) some cake and a cuppa.

 

"We have lots going on day-to-day and many more things we are working towards and hoping to achieve.

 

"We open Monday to Friday and welcome anyone in to take part in anything that’s happening, or even just to use the accessible loos, have a warm space to breastfeed or warm up with a cuppa and a chat."

 

In addition to the craft, parent, games and support groups who use the space, New Connections supports the Vintage Café, operated by the Montrose Centre, in running their drop in 'pay what you can' operation.

 

The project also provides a physical hub for a wide variety of partners in Fort William town centre. It expands opportunities for community inclusion and directly delivers an opportunity for people to communicate with a wide range of service providers, or just between each other over afternoon tea.

 

Rooms are available to rent to local businesses and enterprises, such as Beauty in Mind by Emma Norval, while regular drop-in sessions provide support and information to the community. Organisations such as Lochaber Housing, ALIenergy, and Social Security Scotland get involved with the venue, acting as a hub for inter-organisational work.

 

During the three years of hosting Lochaber Breakfast Networking Meetings, which have more than 60 organisational and individual members, all the feedback is that this is the most beneficial networking opportunity Lochaber Hope has had.

 

New Connections can be found at Waverley House, High Street, Fort William. To find out opening times for the Vintage Café and information on other groups at the venue, visit the New Connections Facebook page.