Vision and Values
The Haven has been developed as a Wellbeing Project to serve the Bognor Regis area, an area with a complex mix of issues and needs.
An older than average population struggles with isolation and health concerns; younger families are disproportionately less affluent - several wards in the town (those adjoining the church) are some of the most deprived in the county; young people, including a sizeable student population, lack resources and opportunity and positive mentoring.
The Haven Project dovetails seamlessly with the rest of the church’s vision and life, and is an accessible gateway for those who experience this good news to begin the journey of discipleship. We are a dynamic and healthy church community characterised by a warm welcome, engaging worship, and a full and varied programme of discipleship, special interest and fellowship groups. We believe that The Haven Project will build credibility and trust with the community by serving them well.
We are coming to terms with the aftermath of the pandemic whilst coping with the Cost-of-Living crisis. In this context we feel God has called us to pursue the wellbeing of our community in all its facets - practical, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
We are in times of great uncertainty and fear. People are confused, anxious and afraid for the future. Particularly concerning is that those in more precarious economic positions or burdened by existing inequalities – young people, women, clinically vulnerable adults, disabled people and those living in the most deprived areas of England – have been disproportionately affected. This suggests that inequalities in our society have worsened as a result of the pandemic. Despite increasing rates of depression, diagnoses by GPs fell by almost a quarter, suggesting access to mental health care is in decline as well.
Our strategy for the future is to engage with and support our local community via our Haven Wellbeing project to help reduce the burden on those most disadvantaged people of all backgrounds and ages.
