Belper Community Cottage

The Belper Community Cottage is an ancient stone cottage situated in the grounds of the Central Methodist Church on Chapel Street, Belper , opposite the Bus Station on the A6.  We offer a warm atmosphere and a lovely garden.

Belper Community Cottage operates as a charity and no charges are made to visitors except for a modest fee for refreshments.  

The objective of the Belper Community Cottage is to provide a central place where people can drop in for a wide variety of facilities.  From a quiet sit-down with a cup of tea and biscuits  --  a chat with the friendly volunteer staff  --  to more serious matters needing advice, information or connection to an existing agency.   

The Cottage has 4 meeting rooms which, for a small fee, can be hired by individuals or organisations. The rooms are capable of accommodating up to 20 people and are furnished with either easy chairs or tables and upright chairs.  Rooms are located on the ground floor and upper floors of the Cottage.

We also have a quiet room that is suitable for counselling individuals or families.

The Cottage has a good sized, well fitted kitchen where food and drinks etc. can be obtained or prepared by arrangement.

The ground floor of the Cottage has a toilet with facilities for disabled visitors.  There are also toilet facilities on the upper floor along with baby changing facilities on both levels.

The Cottage garden is available simply for the pleasure it gives, and also for anyone with an interest in gardens who feels able to help keep it looking tidy and colourful.

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THE  BEGINNING

The Belper Community Cottage was the brainchild of Liz Reeve in 1990

A member of Belper Methodist Church, Liz, with the help of representatives of other Belper Churches, envisaged a facility which, whilst remaining informal, welcoming and friendly, would provide benefits for visitors.  It was set up to function in a non-institutionalised manner without discrimination to sexuality, gender, disability, faith, multi-culturalism, ageism of social stigma.

The Community Cottage started in what was then a rather run-down building and it took several years of blood, sweat and tears, together with a lot of friendly persuasion to prepare for opening.

The committee of the day were successful in encouraging local businesses to become involved by providing either materials or funding for the renovation of the building.  

The present Cottage was opened to the on May 1st 1995.

“GROUPS”

The Community Cottage is open on Wednesdays from 10.00 a.m. until 12.00 p.m.  Visitors will be offered a warm room, a comfortable chair and if available, a volunteer to talk to.  For a reasonable charge we can provide tea, coffee or a soft drink.

On the first and third Thursdays of the month people are on hand to meet visitors who have been bereaved.

On Tuesdays, by prior booking, we provide lunch for approximately 16 people who come along every week to enjoy a lunch together. Many of the group are older people and live alone and they look forward to this get-together for the company and companionship the Cottage provides for them.

On the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, for a small fee, we hold a Knit & Natter group with tea & coffee where everyone is welcome - no need to book.

Cottage Home Page

Child Contact/Volunteering

Rooms  for Hire