Who doesn’t love playing with Lego®, I certainly do. But as we found out recently, not everyone feels the same about this time-tested, imagination stretching activity – or at least, that is what they first thought!
Crossways Community recently held an away day for staff and Trustees at the beautiful Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells to build relationships, away from the day to day activities of our mental health care and support. To do this, we invited John Haynes of Switch Learning to take us on a journey of discovery about ourselves and how we each play such an important part at Crossways Community, using some fun Lego® Serious Play® exercises. It is true to say that where some felt an initial lack of confidence in expressing themselves through the medium of Lego®, by the end of the session, everyone was leaning in enthusiastically to build their shared understanding of what ‘One Crossways’ really means.
As the day progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Christian values that underpin all of the work we do were extremely important to everyone present, regardless of their own faith experience. Values such as kindness, patience, gentleness and love are central to the work we carry out, and it was hugely valuable to hear those words being reflected back to us by our staff team.
“Working for better mental health in the community“
The mission, vision and values of an organisation are all well and good when written on a page, but for us to know that they are practically being worked out every day of every year by a staff team who passionately believe in them, is simply outstanding!
Our Mission
We are inspired by the love of God and the example of Jesus Christ to:
• Deliver care and support to people with poor mental health – recognising potential, encouraging independence, and promoting self-worth
• Combat the exclusion and stigma often experienced by people with poor mental health
• Promote improved metal health in the community through information and education.
Our Vision
• Our vision is of communities where people with poor mental health are not alone, but receive the care, respect and support they need.
Our Values
• We trust in God, we act with integrity, we are embedded in our community.
Andy Wheeler – Chief Executive