"Volunteering for Arena Community enables me to serve a charity and community that I am passionate about. I enjoy meeting local people and have the privilege of listening, sharing, encouraging and hopefully making a difference in someone’s day."

Sue Buckley, Arena Hope Volunteer

Six years ago I saw a leaflet advertising a drop in coffee morning at (Buddies) Arena Church. A little anxious, I popped my head in and was greeted by "Hello, have you come to join us?" It was a lovely lady named Sue from the Arena Church. Buddies has given me massive support in my darkest days after losing my daughter in 2023 to cancer and more recently the passing of my sister. During the Covid pandemic, Buddies really was a lifesaver for so many already experiencing loneliness and isolation. We were able to meet as a support group. I facilitate a peer support group for local people through Rethink Mental Health. The majority of the members are elderly who have been referred via GPs or mental health services. I am pleased to say that many of this group now attend Buddies and to quote one 83 year old gentleman "I've got my mojo back!" Buddies has made a huge impact on people's wellbeing, not only receiving the support from Christine and the wonderful team but also people giving back to the community and each other by fundraising for the charities and food bank. The feedback I get from everyone is they feel motivated to come to Buddies where they feel safe and able to share their feelings and worries. On a lighter note, the senior events and social gatherings are so much fun and we are all truly spoiled. Long may Buddies continue!"

Sandra Kimbley, Buddies attendee

“I have used your service for a number of years now. To help and support people of all ages who I work with this is a vital service I use and many others to help get people with mental health and substance issues to be more engaging into the local community who I work with to build their confidence and self-esteem back. I have had nothing but amazing feedback from people who did not even know about this place until I started to work with them..From their comments about the happy pleasant staff the hot drink and toast as well as the great cakes they give out. They enjoy playing pool and being able to sit down and have a chat over a hot drink in a calm, safe and relaxed environment. Thanks for a great and vital service in Mansfield if only this could run more days a week and longer times to help people in the local community as I know me and others in the team would use this. Thanks Again"

David, Notts C.C. PIW Worker

"Before I moved into Arena Shared Housing, I was homeless for 10 years. I had stayed in other shelters and properties, but none of them worked out. Since moving into Arena, I have been able to commit to a more stable life."

Neil Weston, Supported Living service user

"2-2.5 years ago, I fell on hard times and lost my job. Since then, I've been using Arena Foodbank every so often, and they have been amazing. Their support has been crucial during tough times. I would be lost without them when I’m short. Thank you for all the help."

Robert Stevenson, Foodbank service user

"My first impressions are that this is a really unique venue with brilliant facilities, run very efficiently by the friendly team. We have been made very welcome today, and the refreshments have been great."

Andy, professional

"I’ve been coming to the Food Club for a year now. Living on my own for quite a while, the Food Club helps me manage my money. The food I get can feed me nearly all week. There's a really good choice that changes every week, and it’s excellent value for money."

Food Club service user

“For those arriving with minimal possessions, we endeavour to meet these needs in-house; by providing clothing, food, furniture and the material needs. More skilled professional help required is met by connecting them to specialised services including those for addressing substance dependencies and mental health concerns. Our support network also offers a vital avenue for emotional support, reaffirming their worth and providing avenues for communication and connection. Although the job at times can be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding to see someone who has hit rock bottom of life to slowly start to change and improve their life”

Mansfield Community staff member at Care for a Coffee

"Over the past couple of years, I’ve used the Arena Food Bank many times, which has helped me when most desperate. Always happy to help, the volunteers serve with a smile. Without this support, I would have struggled more with depression and mental health issues. I would like to say a big thank you."

Lee Cunningham, Foodbank service user

Buddies is truly a Godsend to seniors in the local community. I have been a widower for 12 years and my loneliness worsened when Covid came along. When the Covid restrictions were lifted, I decided that I needed to get out and find a social group to attend and hopefully meet new friends. This was over 2 years ago when I found the Buddies group in the Arena Church and I have attended every week since then. Many of those attending would be sitting alone and miserable at home, like I was, if they did not get the opportunity that Buddies offer to get out and meet old and new friends for a laugh and a chat every week. We all appreciate the lovely ladies who not only look after us every week with tea and biscuits but also arrange some special seniors events during the year where a lunch or afternoon tea are provided. It's a BIG THANK YOU to Arena and staff for providing us with the Buddies group."

George Dixon, Buddies attendee

“I support 2 people to Arena Church on Wednesday mornings. Being able to attend Arena Church with my 2 service users they have been able to build friendships and independence. Since supporting both service users they have started attending Arena Church by themselves and meeting with friends whilst there. I have other service users that are interested in attending Arena Church which I will be supporting too soon”.

Megan, NHS OT- Mansfield Community

“Stay and Play has been an opportunity for me as a mum to have the space to get to know other parents and children and to watch friendships grow as children played. We particularly enjoyed story time and group activity, lovely to see smiles and laughter from everyone”.

Stay and Play service user

"I’ve been coming to Arena for 18 months. I like to play pool with my friends. Having Care for a Coffee gives me something to come out of the house for and a chance to meet others. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the free refreshments are good too."

Nadean, Care for a Coffee service user

“I have supported a number of people in the past. It is a fantastic safe place and the people who attend really would miss this social group when social groups are very hard to find. The Arena makes a huge contribution to the Mansfield community and also people further afield and long may that continue. The staff are amazing and accept everyone with open arms. I really hope they manage to get the funding because they really deserve to for the incredible work they do”.

Angie, Notts C.C. PIW Worker