Some Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Peace Hub?
We believe that a just & peaceful world is possible if we work together: if that sounds like a world you’d like to be a part of, we’d love to connect with you!
Our new priorities from 2025 onwards are:
- Working with & supporting other groups committed to peace & social justice, through outreach, inreach & networking;
- Organising peace events & activities that build on this partnership work;
- Taking people on a journey from passive to active in this peace work.
Read more about Peace Hub.
How can I get involved?
Peace Hub is all about building a community that cares. There are plenty of ways to join that community, so whether you’re completely new to peace & justice, or an experienced peace-maker, get stuck in!
However much (or little!) time and energy you have to give, there’s a way of getting involved: we’re here to help you find the actions that are right for you. Find out more about getting involved.
Why isn’t the Hub open for drop-ins any more?
From 2025 we’re exploring exciting new ways of working that will get us out into the community, running events and organising actions.
While we are excited for the possibilities these changes bring, we recognise that they are not compatible with the drop-in model that the Peace Hub ran between 2014 and 2024. In order to facilitate the work that we have identified as most valuable, we will no longer be opening the Hub to the public on regular days.
Instead, look out for events – online, in central Brum, and around the city – where you can explore what peace and social justice means, and how you can take action.
Do you take volunteers or work experience placements?
As part of our exciting new work starting in 2025, we will be developing new volunteering opportunities with Peace Hub.
Do I need to be a Quaker to join in?
No, Peace Hub is for everyone!
Although we are a Quaker organisation, we aim to inspired a diverse community in Central England to act for peace and justice. The same faith that leads Quakers to live out our testimonies on peace, equality, simplicity and truth, also leads us to respect differences and work together with individuals and groups or all faiths or no faith.
(If you would like to find out more about Quakers, visit the website of Quakers in Britain)
Do you work with other groups?
Yes definitely: that’s what being a ‘hub’ is all about.
We focus on a broad range of peace & justice themes, and are keen to work together with other groups who are already taking action on those themes. We’re not in the business of reinventing wheels: our aim is to bring together the information and activity that’s already out there, and present it in a friendly and understandable way to the public.
So, if you’re working on a topic that overlaps with one of our themes: get in touch.
And we help organise events to bring together people working for peace & justice to share ideas, information and skills. Check our events listing to see what’s coming up.
What does ‘peace & social justice’ mean?
We all want a world where we can feel safe, happy, and play our part. ‘Peace & Social Justice’ means making that world a reality: one step at a time.
The range of themes under the umbrella of peace & justice is very broad: from resisting the arms trade to supporting Faitrade, via working for a low-carbon future and showing solidarity with conscientious objectors. And if that all seems a bit daunting: don’t worry, we’re here to help! Get in touch for a friendly chat about how you can get involved.
How do you decide what topics to focus on?
A focus group help develop the content for Peace Hub work and provide guidance on issues and groups for Peace Hub to work with. This is envisaged as a ginger group: ‘an active or galvanising group within a larger organisation or body.’
The group will enliven and stimulate the work, and help align priority areas for Peace Hub with the energy and concerns of Friends. The group is open to any Friends (members or attenders) within Central England who are concerned about peace and social justice issues. Group membership is though active participation, rather than formally nominated. Any Friends wishing to join or interested in learning more can contact the Peace Hub Coordinator: office@peacehub.org.uk
How are you funded?
Our work relies on support from people like you, who are passionate about peace & justice. Please consider making a secure donation online.
Peace Hub is a branch of the Central England Area Quaker Meeting Charities (reg. charity no. 224571). That means that we are a not-for-profit organisation, and we therefore need to raise funds to support our work for peace & justice from a mixture of sources, including: Central England Quaker Area Meeting, trusts and grant-making bodies, local Quaker meetings and individuals.
We do not receive any public funding, and as a Quaker organisation we do not apply for or accept any funding from gambling, including the National Lottery.
Do you have rooms available for hire?
Unfortunately, our small office building is not set up for hiring out meeting space.
Next door, the Priory Rooms have a range of versatile meeting rooms for hire that can accommodate from 2 to 210 people, with friendly and professional staff.
Can you sign a document as a ‘justice of the peace’?
No, for that service you need Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Their main switchboard number is 0121 212 6609 or alternately you can come to the Court (on Corporation St, Birmingham city centre, B4 6QA) between 9am-2pm Monday to Friday to the public enquiry office where they can assist further.
If your question hasn’t been answered here, please feel free to get in touch.