Providing care

The Church delivers and supports a range of social care programmes in Scotland through its Social Care Council, which operates under the name CrossReach, Caring for Scotland.

As one of the country's largest provider of social services, CrossReach Services include care for older people, help with alcoholism, drug and mental health problems and assistance for homeless people and those with special learning needs. CrossReach has its own website at www.crossreach.org.uk .

Although CrossReach is part of the Church of Scotland, its range of services are available to people of all faiths or none at all. The Social Care Council's remit is to offer services in Christ's name and specialist resources to further the caring work of the Church to people in need, such as the elderly, children, families and those with learning difficulties. It also helps to identify areas of need and to guide the Church in pioneering new approaches to relevant problems in society and to make responses on issues arising in the council's areas of concern.

About CrossReach

CrossReach was launched in June 2005. It continues the Church of Scotland's long tradition of providing care and support which started back in 1869. We employ more than 2,000 staff and we support some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. Just over one per cent of its funding comes directly from the Church of Scotland, with most of the rest coming from local authorities. Donations and legacies are also essential to help continue its vital care work.