|
The Spitalfields Crypt Trust • Introduction • The Crypt • Our Clients Ongoing projects and Initiatives • Drop-In Centre • Acorn House • Downham Lodge • Bridge House Fundraising • Charity Shops • How You Can Help • Volunteering Future Plans • Training and Education Centre Links • Hanbury Community Project |
The Crypt The "Crypt" work started in 1965, and from the beginning, the SCT’s residential home and main therapeutic programme was located in the Crypt of Christ Church, Spitalfields. From the Crypt we also provided a fairly wide range of other services at our front door. Tea and soup at various times in the day, blankets in the evening, and even clothing. Perhaps most importantly of all however, was the fact that we were available to anyone who came to the door, whether it was for a simple chat and a cup of tea, or for help and advice to get accommodation or a place to get help with an alcohol problem. As a Christian Charity, one of the things that distinguished us from other projects, was that admission to the Crypt was never solely dependent upon funding. Thanks to the support that we received from individuals and Churches, we were able to consider anyone for entry onto the programme on the basis of need rather than finance. This was only possible because of the support that we received from dedicated individuals and churches who believed in what we were doing, and showed their support in material ways as well as with their prayers. We will always be indebted to those generous people. Our programme in the Crypt predominantly catered for clients who had been on the streets for a long time, who needed some structure and support, but who were not ready for or perhaps capable of undergoing a highly demanding programme. This included those who may have been in hospital for a period of time, and required on-going support in an alcohol free environment until they were physically well again. It also included clients with mental health problems who were using prescribed mood altering drugs. Such people were often excluded from other services because of their multiple needs, but these too were also worked with very productively. We were able to accomplish a great deal within the Crypt, despite operating from fairly basic facilities. The Crypt found a place in the hearts of thousands, helping many many people to change their way of life. It was with sadness that after 35 years, the Trust's work in the Crypt of Christ Church ceased in June 2000, pending the opening of the new building in Shoreditch in 2002. There were several reasons for the Crypt's closure. A dormitory in a windowless Crypt simply does not compare very well at all with some of the alternatives that had become available to people. Building work on the Church had been extremely unpleasant at times (jack hammers in the corridor for instance!) and further intrusive and disruptive work was scheduled for the months ahead. For health and safety reasons, life in the Crypt became untenable and largely as a consequence of the above points, occupancy dropped to a level that proved unsustainable financially. The premises that one works from are not everything. New buildings and single rooms are all well and good, but it is what happens inside the building and who is there with you that is important and makes the difference. With the experience of the Crypt behind us, it could only make us stronger, secure in the knowledge of what can be accomplished. With a high quality team of staff, a full programme of planned activities and now new, excellent premises, we had faith that the Spitalfields Crypt Trust would grow from strength to strength. |
| Copyright © 2004, Graham Marshall, The Spitalfields Crypt Trust, (Contact) |