‘They helped me recover and get things back on track. It wasn’t easy – and it wasn’t a quick journey, but without CrossReach I can confidently say I wouldn’t be here today.’
Chris McCleary shared his powerful story ahead of CrossReach Sunday. It’s a story of a life transformed, one that radiates hope and encouragement about what can be achieved when people are able to access the right support at the right time, enabling them to flourish and live full and fulfilling lives.
As the Social Care Arm of the Church of Scotland, CrossReach is one of Scotland’s largest care providers, offering care and support for all ages in Christ’s name. Help is given to people experiencing mental health issues, learning disabilities, challenges with substance use, and homelessness. Residential care and education, prison visitor centres, and a wide range of counselling services are available to those who need them. Support is offered to older people to identify, shape, and tailor residential services, care packages, and creative art programmes.
Rt Rev Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, describes CrossReach’s work as ‘Ministry and Mission in action’. In a video message for CrossReach Sunday, he refers to how CrossReach integrates with Churches and congregations across the country, including hosting ‘Heart for Art’ classes and many partnerships initiated and growing through the ‘Share the Love’ programme. Invaluable prayer support resonates nationwide, and many people regularly make financial and voluntary contributions.
The impact of CrossReach and its work is wide and varied. In the last year,
- Twenty-three people completed recovery and rehabilitation and took up volunteering opportunities with CrossReach and other community-based projects. Six more graduates from previous years are now in employment within the sector and have gained recognised qualifications.
- A 20% increase in demand from individuals and families using counselling services led to over 17,300 sessions being delivered. Over half the clients seen are living in the 50% most deprived areas of Scotland.
- One hundred twenty-five participants and 70 carers took part in Heart for Art sessions across Scotland.
National programmes also have an impact on people who are supported through CrossReach. Teams across the country work with colleagues in other organisations and with the Scottish Government on many initiatives, including:
- Working towards the aspirations of the Dementia Strategy through the provision of specialist dementia training benchmarked against the Promoting Excellence Framework. Training in dementia-specific palliative care and access to palliative care guidelines are provided, as well as non-pharmacological interventions, including Reminiscence Therapy, Playlist for Life and Namaste.
- As a response to the National Mission of Drugs Deaths 2022 – 2026, CrossReach is constantly working to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use. Support is available in residential rehabilitation services to those looking to live abstinent-based lives, offering over 120 placements per year. Later this year, 24 additional placement opportunities will be available in Inverness, thanks to the Scottish Government’s Rapid Residential Rehabilitation Capacity Programme funding.
Rev Douglas Hamilton reflects that everything done through the work of CrossReach is driven by a desire to follow the greatest Commandment – to love one another. We would invite you to share in that love and support the work of CrossReach. Sunday, November 3rd, is CrossReach Sunday. A series of resources have been developed, and congregations across the country are invited to use these as part of their Church service or as part of a special meeting or gathering.
To view and share CrossReach Sunday Resources: https://flipbooks.crossreach.org.uk/SupporterResources24
To read more about the impact of CrossReach
To find out more or get in touch with CrossReach
0131 657 2000
