Charities

Salvation Army ‘Listening Post’ in Liskeard Pub Helps Tackle Loneliness

Good News Post

May 18, 2026 — 2 min read

Theresa and Joe - Image supplied The Salvation Army

By Charities Correspondent

For the past year, volunteers from The Salvation Army have been spending Friday afternoons inside a Liskeard Wetherspoon offering something simple — a chance for people to talk.

The group’s “Listening Post” runs each week at The King Doniert, where volunteers provide free coffee, biscuits and conversation for anyone who wants company or support.

Church leader Teresa Conway said the idea came from wanting to reach people outside a traditional church setting.

“Why would I expect people to walk through my door? People go to the pub – families, the lonely, those with no heating at home, those escaping noise or silence. Jesus always went to where people were. So that’s what we do, meeting people where they are.”

Since launching, the Listening Post has supported people dealing with loneliness, mental health struggles, addiction and financial difficulties.

Volunteers have also helped people access food and gas vouchers, written eulogies and provided practical support through “hospitality boxes” containing toiletries, towels and snacks.

Joe, one of the volunteers, said the project had led to many stories of healing and personal change through conversations in the pub setting.

Teresa said the focus of the initiative is simply supporting people one conversation at a time.

“People will never remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. We’re God’s waiters in Wetherspoons – we give good customer service and genuine love.”

Staff at the pub have welcomed the project and volunteers often help clear tables during busy periods.

Teresa said some people who first spoke with the team at the Listening Post have since asked questions about faith or started attending church services online and in person.

“We’re not a building. We’re a movement. The Salvation Army is a movement – it goes to where people are, listens and helps people in their spaces.”

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