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Crossways Community has for 40 years been supporting people with mental health difficulties in residential houses, first in Croydon then for many years in Tunbridge Wells.
We believe God wants us to look beyond our residential homes and share our knowledge and experience of God’s healing grace with those who find themselves in a less supportive environment, living in the local community.
To do this we wish to work with individuals, groups or organisations that have a heart for those with emotional and mental health difficulties.
Although we believe this project should begin in Tunbridge Wells we envisage it moving out into other areas of the country
How will it work?
We want to provide a safe and comfortable place for people to come and spend a day or weekend where they will feel secure enough to enter into a time of healing. These days will be called ‘Restoration’ days.
These events will vary but will include some of the following:
a safe place to talk
a safe place to be quiet
the opportunity to network with others
to teach coping strategies
opportunities to express oneself creatively
opportunities to enjoy music
a place to worship and meditate
to be prayed for
to enjoy a meal together
a place to have fun.
All this and much more!
We are looking for people to join us who can bring their ‘gifts’ and skills, their love and compassion to join us in this outreach.
You do not have to be an expert; we need people who:
can support us in prayer in a variety of ways
have creative gifts
are worship leaders
are administrators and fundraisers
can publicise the outreach
will be willing to help set the venues up
can be caterers.
Whether you are an individual, a member of a group or an organisation, who has a heart for those with mental health difficulties and would like to join with us, we should love to hear from you. Please contact Martin Granger or Kathy Lewis at Number 8.
Who’s Who?
The Steering Group
The group sees its role as facilitating the setting up of Restoration. Steering Group members are:
Donna Farmer – Donna lives in Maidstone with her husband Peter; she has a real concern for people with emotional and mental health difficulties.
Martin Granger – For the past few years Martin has wanted to see an outreach approach to supporting people with mental health difficulties living in the local community.
Alan Harvey – Alan has been involved in church leadership and as Chairman of Crossways over many years and therefore brings a wealth of experience to the group.
Kathy Lewis – Kathy is a psychiatric nurse (RMN) and oversees the day care of residents at Crossways, she has developed a programme of coping strategies for people living in the local community.
John Neel – John was a volunteer worker at Crossways until he joined the organisation as manager of the hostel. He is very enthusiastic and full of ideas!
Helen Steven – Helen has been coming alongside people with enduring mental health difficulties for many years. Helen is very creative and encourages others to get involved in painting and weaving etc., as many find these activities therapeutic.
Jo Wheeler – Jo works part-time at Burrswood Healing Centre, and until recently she managed an advocacy centre in Tunbridge Wells for people who experience mental health difficulties.
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