Introduction

The Crossing was opened in May 2006 and, from that time, the Church Trustees were committed to opening up the building to the wider community and to creating a community centre within the church building.

To ensure that this was achieved in the best way possible a new charity was formed called The Crossing Social Enterprise Company (SEC). This entity was also a company, limited by guarantee.

The main objectives of this charity were :-

"To develop & implement ethical projects and initiatives – based or delivered from The Crossing Church & Centre – which are designed to benefit the community of Worksop & District"

Within this remit, The Crossing SEC built up many activities & groups that were and are of benefit to the wider community. Some of these have become independent charities and have "flown the nest" as it were.
These have included the Worksop & District U3A and the Bassetlaw Food Bank.

Here at The Crossing we are passionate about breaking down barriers that cause social isolation and loneliness. Instead we try to bring our community together in a safe and non-judgemental place.

The building is also open to many regular independent groups and charities that come together in a safe and welcoming environment.

When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, as with so many other charities we had to sit back and take stock. As a number of our very active leadership were no longer able to take leadership roles we made the difficult decision to reduce our administrative burden and to wind up The Crossing SEC.

While this action has saved a huge amount of paperwork and meetings, all the activities that happen within our building that were headed by The SEC are now run by The Crossing Church so this has been of no detriment to the users of The Crossing. In fact most people will not even have noticed a change.

The Crossing Church now employs the Admin and Caretaking staff (previously the SEC was the employer), the Church Trustees continue support the staff in the development of new projects, management, support of the volunteers and seeking new funding opportunities.

The day to day running of The Church & Community centre is now under the responsibility of the Church Trustees and this includes :-

• Ensuring that all the current projects/ groups are meeting the needs of the local community and are running smoothly.
• Research and developing new projects.
• Supporting all user groups (both regular groups and temporary users)
• Marketing rooms for hire, taking bookings and supporting all organisations who use The Crossing.
• Arranging and supporting fundraising activities
• Buildings management.
• Publicity and promotion of the Centre and all its activities.
• Supporting the volunteers.
• Sourcing external funding to support all of the above.

The Trustees are volunteers, and have the support of our ministerial staff and the Circuit Development Manager. (Richard Dearden).