By Lisa Ramsden
A bright yellow building along Castlewellan’s Main Street is equally as brilliant and beautiful once you step through its doors.
The Well is a hive of activity for people of all ages and backgrounds. It offers a relaxed, warm and safe space to spend time with friends and make new acquaintances.
With the support of local minister Rev Pat Kerr, supported by the Church of Ireland, and couple Lorraine and Trevor Brimage, The Well welcomes people of all faiths, and none, as well as those who are curious about how they can find support and guidance whilst enriching their lives.
Through its series of get-togethers each week, the project is at the heart of the community. It has an after-school drop-in, which caters for those aged between 11 and 18, and is enthusiastically attended by pupils from a number of local secondary and grammar schools.
There is also a community coffee shop, and Sunday evening gatherings, which take the form of contemporary worship. Striving to build relationships and hold community events, with the hope of inviting people to hear the Gospel and join a community of faith, Rev Kerr describes it as “a fresh expression of the Christian faith”.
With community, relationship building, and exploring faith sitting together at the heart of its vision, The Well is grounded on a simple – but powerful – conviction, that everyone has a seat at the table.
Supported by the Church of Ireland and working in partnership with Rev Kerr and the congregation at St Paul’s, Lorraine and Trevor Brimage are also central to the project. They have really immersed themselves in local life since relocating from Monaghan.
The trio want to come alongside the local community, offering a warm, safe and welcoming space for anyone who chooses to call in. They have big dreams of being an active part of community life, providing services that meet people’s needs right where they are.
“Already, The Well hosts a youth drop-in called ‘Our Place’ every Tuesday, drop-in community coffee mornings from 10am until 1pm each Wednesday and Friday, and an informal Sunday evening gathering at 6.30pm for those who want to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting.
“We also run a range of events for men, women, young people, and older members of the community – all with the aim of fostering connection, belonging and hope,” Rev Kerr explained.
Sitting in The Well’s roomy surroundings, with its designated games and TV areas, pool table, dart boards and the kitchen next to reams of comfy chairs, the three people who are intrinsic to The Well say the support received since moving in has been encouraging. They also explained they are delighted to see a cross-section of the community showing their support.
Lorraine and Trevor, who are family and community evangelists, say they love engaging with people of all ages, and from all walks of life. It is clear to see that they, along with Rev Pat, care about this community and want to do all they can to help everyone.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do,” the local clergyman explained.
Lorraine and Trevor are delighted by how well the various initiatives have been received by the wider community. It is, they add, proof that “we are meant to be here doing what we do”.
Trevor said: “There is a sense of community, a sense of warmth and a great welcome.
“We look forward to growing this as we go. No two models are the same, and what we want to have here is something that is right for this lovely town.”
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