How often do people really listen to us? Do we ever get the chance to talk about “ordinary things” with an extraordinary group of people from all over the world?
Current FAN groups in Swansea are:
St Helen’s Page St FAN Group meeting.- Every Tuesday 10.00-11.15. Quaker Meeting House (Starting 02/02/10)
FAN groups started in Cardiff a few years ago and there are now 15 with more opening, in Cardiff. FAN stands for Friends And Neighbours.
The idea is simple. Each group is advertised widely and often attracts a good mixture of people of all ages, classes and nationalities. After offering a tea or coffee the group starts by reading out a written statement which welcomes everyone who comes in a spirit of friendship. The leader for the week chooses a topic relevant to everyone’s daily lives – e.g. food, rubbish, money, exercise, and everyone in the group can say something while everyone listens. Often people say something about themselves, and their week as well as their thoughts on the topic. While someone is talking everyone listens. There is no discussion during the FAN Meeting itself. Some groups then have refreshments and chat together and in some cases people offer informal English language help. Some just meet for the hour and leave.
Here is an example of a FAN group in practice:
Amy Cuff, the development officer is available to support people who would like to start groups and there are already firm plans for a group somewhere in the city centre and perhaps for one in an area further out from the city centre.
FAN groups could be a really great idea for City of Sanctuary supporters who would like to bring people together in friendship in their area. The groups are easy to run. To start off they need some publicity – which Amy could help with – a small group of people willing to ensure that they happen each week and a place to meet. Some meet in community centres or places of worship, others meet in supermarket cafes! Each group is self running, but uses the opening and closing statements provided by FAN.
To get FAN Meetings off the ground in Swansea we are looking for people willing to attend the first FAN groups. We are also looking for people willing to start a group in their own neighbourhood. Coming along to one of the first groups will be a great way of learning to do this.
For more information, look on the FAN web-site www.thefancharity.org or contact Amy Cuff, FAN development officer on amy_fdo@yahoo.co.uk or call 07880630553.
