Our future plans

The PCC has been considering over the past two years how we might use our church buildings for greater community benefit.  This will open up our space, which currently is empty for over 80% of the time, for use by all – not just regular church-goers. 

Funding is being sought to build an extension to and some remodelling of the church itself so that further community projects can be based at St John’s and we can establish much-needed facilities such as a community café and networking centre.  Then modifications and extension are necessary to render the main church building suitable for week-day community use. 

What specifically is proposed? 

An environmentally sustainable reimagining and remodelling of the church to enable increased and varied local use, positioning St John's as a hub of activity and support at the heart of the community.

This will include:

1. A re-developed, extended porch and atrium to house a community café, with free WiFi access (currently, the closest place with public WiFi, especially important for those without wifi at home, is Oxted Library);
2. An accessible central body of the church to be used for education, health and wellbeing initiatives such as parenting courses, stay-and-play sessions, youth groups, a food bank, mindfulness, yoga, art and music groups, etc., as well as extend or re-locate the established Community Fridge and Community Hub which are starting to outgrow their current location. All this, while ensuring the church continues to offer space already valued by local people for quiet reflection and services;
3. Secure meeting rooms which can be used by local organisations for counselling and support, including Health Hubs (we have already run one successful trial, and require more suitable, regular space for this).

The issue we are tackling

Hurst Green has a strong community where people look out for each other, but it is also home to many who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Cuts to public services and the aftermath of the pandemic have made things worse and people report feeling isolated and overwhelmed and often struggle with mental and physical health concerns. They can find it impossible to know where to turn for help or to travel to the nearest town to attend appointments or access support. It can even be difficult in Hurst Green to simply find people and places to socialise and relax, which is so vital to well-being.

Over the past year, we have set up a Community Fridge and a Community Hub to tackle deprivation and isolation. The response has been overwhelming, and our current venue struggles with capacity. We also have existing social and art groups for older people, a stay-and-play group for parents and carers of young children, a youth group, and we have trialled pop-up health provision.

However, it is not enough. Hurst Green has very limited facilities for the 6000+ people who live and work here. There is a great need for an accessible, inclusive and safe space local people trust and can call their own where they can meet with others to work, relax or feel supported; develop new skills; and access help and professional support.

In this re-imagined space at St John's people will feel welcome and cared for, can grow in confidence and find hope. New jobs will also be created through this project designed to serve the community and help address multi-faceted local needs.

Members of the subcommittee responsible for identifying ways in which we can make our church space more flexible, sustainable and accessible met with local MP, Claire Coutinho to outline our plans and gain her support for working with the wider community.