The history of CrossReach stretches back 150 years ago, yet, it is often referred to as "a humble charity" or "the Church of Scotland's best kept secret". It is high time we give it the praise it deserves.
CrossReach is one of the largest social care providers employing 1700 staff and volunteers.
Last year, CrossReach supported 28 000 people. It has delivered £62 million of loving social care across Scotland, providing perinatal counselling, caring for the severely disabled, counselling families in crisis, supporting those in recovery from addiction, providing accommodation for the homeless, homes for people with dementia, and more.
CrossReach has 62 locations across Scotland, and whichever of them you visit, you will find the most caring and dedicated staff. CrossReach's annual survey of service users found that the top three words used to describe how people felt about CrossReach were: safe, supported and happy.
During his visit to our presbytery earlier this year, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson visited four CrossReach services across NENI: CrossReach Counselling: Moray, The Bungalow, Walter & Joan Gray Care Home, and Clashfarquhar House.
Counselling in Moray (in the photo above) had a very humble beginning: the service operated from the Solid Rock Café in Buckie. It was established in 2005 with funding from the Women's Guild.
In 2010, the service moved to a dedicated building at 1 Burnside Court. Thanks to funding from Inspiring Scotland in 2019 and from Charles Gordon in 2023, the service now employs two perinatal counsellors, Ann Farquhar and Alison Wood. Clair Rochester has been with the service as the Counselling Manager since 2024.
Moray’s Perinatal Counselling is unique in that it offers support to expecting parents and parents of children up to three years old, a service not commonly available elsewhere. Another significant advantage is the generous offer of up to 20 counselling sessions per client. In 2024, the service supported 100 clients on a donation-based model and nine at a fixed rate
Moray Counselling Service offers both adult generic counselling and perinatal counselling. The service made itself accessible by establishing hubs in Keith, Aberchirder, Portsoy, and Lossiemouth and offering sessions online.
Over the years, the reputation of Moray Counselling Service has grown, with referrals coming from health visitors, midwives, and even other counselling services. Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 92% reporting improved psychological health and 85% experiencing a better quality of life.
These statistics do not reflect the significance of help received at the right time. Anyone expecting a baby or living with a child under 3, can face challenges, sometimes leading to difficult feelings and making it hard to cope. Here is the story of Jacqueline, who got help at a different CrossReach service, albeit illustrating the importance of CrossReach care:
The convener of the Church of Scotland's Social Care Council (CrossReach), Dr Mike Cantlay, reported to the General Assembly 2025 that social care in Scotland was under unprecedented pressure. He urged us to remember, however, that debates about funding overlooked social care's core purpose: delivering compassionate care to those in need.
"Providing loving care is central to all we do," Dr Cantlay said.
"Quite simply, we take our lead from the Gospel. We are called to love extravagantly, and care, deeply. And so, we do."
The recent series of posts on our social media channels has been putting a spotlight on CrossReach:
CrossReach needs your support, now more than ever, when National and local government are closing provision or curtailing funding.
Follow the link to learn more about how you can support CrossReach.