Who is my friend? Who is my neighbour? Being a good friend and neighbour starts with each one of us.
FAN groups are small groups of friends and neighbours – or people who soon become friends. A FAN group is a lovely place to meet others in your community. They are for anyone who wants to meet new people and improve their English if they are learning the language. At a FAN meeting, people gather to listen to each other and feel more hopeful for the world.
FAN (Friends and Neighbours) is a Cardiff-based charity that provides anyone interested with information about how to start and run FAN Groups. There are now groups in ten towns and cities in England and Wales.
Cardiff”s 11 groups include one based in the Oasis Centre in Tavistock Street, off City Road in Roath, home of Oxfam Cymru’s Sanctuary in Wales project in the city. This group, like many others, is looking for local English speakers to assist its multi-national members with practicing the language.
I’ve worked for FAN from Oxfam Cymru’s office for the past six months. Oxfam provides us with office space and equipment to help support the charity.
With the help of Oxfam’s support the charity has grown and is looking forward to its tenth year. Our host’s friendly staff and flexibility has meant using the office is effortless and enjoyable.
Ommelyla Gilani, FAN Development Officer
https://www.thefancharity.org.uk