For almost 30 years Waddington Street United Reformed Church, Durham has been supporting people with mental health problems.
The church’s mission to provide care and support to some of the most vulnerable in society began in a very small way as a day centre, run by volunteers, open one day a week. In response to demand and as funding became available the day centre’s provision was expanded and opened 5 days a week. In 1998 a terrace house next to the church was purchased and renovated with assistance from the Health Authority. In 1994 the adjoining property was purchased and the two houses provide space to accommodate a resource centre. In 1997 funding was secured from the national Lottery Charities Board to reconstruct and integrate these buildings to form a single building. The renovated building was completed in 1998 and operates 5 days a week. The resource centre offers social day care and support to over 120 people who come to the centre on a regular basis.
The church recognised that one element of its mission is through the work of the centre. Although the centre is now housed in its own refurbished building, the mission element of the church’s life still continues.
On Thursdays, in the church hall, an act of worship takes place and lunch is served to some 30 guests. It’s significant that throughout the centre’s history prayer has undergirded the work and progress of the centre. Today Waddington Street Centre is recognised as one of the largest and most successful voluntary sector facilities for people with mental health problems in the North East of England.
For more information check out: http://www.waddingtoncentre.co.uk/
From a paper “Mission to the mentally ill,” University of Durham, 2003
- Revd Ray Anglesea