Greenwich Centre of Mission
Kidbrook, Eltham, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood, southeast London
Working in some of the most deprived communities in the UK, the Greenwich Centre of Mission is rooted in the areas most impacted by high rates of knife crime, drug activity, anxiety and depression. The centre of mission is reaching out to hundreds of children, young people and parents each year to provide safe spaces, mentoring and activities along with gospel input. Between Nick, based in Kidbrook and Eltham, and Karen, based in Thamsemead and Abbeywood, the Greenwich Centre of Mission is bringing a message of hope and change to individuals, families and communities.
KAren Saunders Writes…
“The main challenges facing these young people are knife crime, drugs, and gang violence.
Tragically, young people in our area have been murdered, one of the victims wasn’t associated with a gang at all but became collateral damage. I was asked by his mum to join with the celebrants and take the funeral service, and I read the eulogy. They didn’t want a lot of ‘God’ in the service, or the vicar, but as I was one of them, raised here on this estate, they wanted me to do it.
One of our other boys, in youth club, was a witness and saw the whole thing, and we’ve supported and sought counselling for him. We also invested in some bleed out kits and have been distributing those and training the local pubs, clubs, and schools on how use them in the event someone is stabbed.
It’s difficult for these young people, they could be the fourth or fifth generation of their families living here. And most of these kids don’t know who or how to trust. By 7pm on a Friday night their parents could be either high or drunk and don’t even know their kids are out of the house, let alone with us in youth club.
Educational attainment is poor, there’s very little local employment, there hasn’t been acceptance or support at home, and those in gangs are making serious money each week and walking around in the latest trainers. It’s hard to compete with that.
But I see God at work here. Particularly when one of our young people comes back, like a young man who came to me three weeks ago and said, ‘Karen, I’m on my way home but wanted to show you this before I show my Nan,’ and it was his first car.
This was a boy who had lost his one parent, and we saw him through a really difficult time. And to tell you he was one of those kids I will never forget is an understatement, he caused some real issues, but we persevered, and we persevered, and we persevered.
For me, when one of them stays out of prison, stays alive, stays off drugs and ends up buying himself a car and being in a job, it’s like Rejoice! Absolute joy!”
Karen Saunders, Abbey Wood, Greenwich Centre of Mission
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Type of Work
Church Planting /
Fresh Expressions
Mentoring
Schools work
Bible Study
Youth/Kids
Food distribution
Recreation activities
Social isolation
Poverty alleviation
Mental health
Family work
Evangelists & Leaders
Karen Saunders
Partnerships
diocese of southwark
The Diocese of Southwark is a vibrant and diverse Christian community spanning South London and East Surrey, encompassing Church of England parishes, schools, chaplaincies, and mission-focused groups.
XLP
XLP is about creating positive futures for young people growing up on inner-city estates, struggling daily with issues such as family breakdown, unemployment and educational failure, and living in areas that experience high levels of anti-social behaviour and gang violence. Every year XLP helps thousands of young people recognise their full potential.
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