The last of the projects that this year’s Bishop’s Lent Call is supporting within the Diocese of Southwark is the Croydon branch of the Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health (APCMH).
Croydon APCMH started its first drop-in in 1990 and has grown in the last 28 years to offer a much wider range of services to those with mental health needs in the Croydon Area. From their base at St Mildred’s Community Centre in Addiscombe they now run a Women’s Club, Creative workshops on art and writing, a Spiritual Club with meditation, three drop-ins in various locations in the borough and a Welfare Support project – helping people who are experiencing difficulties accessing local mental health services or are confused about benefits.
Father Andrew Wilson, the Vice Chair of Croydon APCMH, takes up the story…