A Warm Welcome Awaits you at Tynecastle Park
Big Hearts, the charity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, are running a ‘Warm Welcome’ programme, providing a free weekly lunch for vulnerable individuals and families.
In partnership with Cyrenians, the project started in December 2022 as part of a package of winter support for the local community in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Participants are welcomed to Tynecastle Park by our team of Volunteers to enjoy a hot meal, a chat and some good company. Some participants have taken it upon themselves to start a dominoes competition, with everyone welcome to play.
The group, who are joined weekly by Walid, our volunteer and Welcome through Football participant, play dominoes for an hour or two every week. Walid had never played dominoes before, but after participants taught him how to play he won in his first two games!
Warm Welcome lunches are open to anyone living, working or learning in the area, and will continue all year round due to an increase in demand.
Thanks to grants from Edinburgh Council’s Southwest Community Grant, the National Lottery Awards and Wood Mackenzie, the group is able to continue supporting vulnerable and socially isolated people within our communities.
Dave Boyd, Service Coordinator at Cyrenians said: “Personally, I have really enjoyed meeting all the participants and seeing how the Club is reaching people who are very isolated.
It is great to be part of this partnership and Big Hearts have been very generous with their staff and resources.”
John from Teens Plus volunteers on the programme, and greatly benefits himself. Speaking on behalf of John, a Teens Plus representative said: “John absolutely loves coming to volunteer at Big Hearts. It is giving him a confidence boost and he really looks forward to coming each week.
It makes him feel like an important part of the community, gives him a purpose and makes him feel like he’s doing something worthwhile. Plus, he’s a massive Hearts fan!”
The lunch group runs every Wednesday in the 1874 Fans Bar at Tynecastle Park, with 30-40 individuals of all age groups and backgrounds attending each week.
A warm welcome from Big Hearts and Cyrenians awaits you every Wednesday! Join us in the 1874 Fans Bar at Tynecastle Park from 12pm – 2pm, each week. There is no need to register and everyone is welcome!
– September 2023