New Agencies Network

Established in January 2008, the Eastbourne Christian Agencies Network (E-CAN) is now 6 months old.

At an exploratory conference held in November 2007 the attendees agreed upon a strategy to ‘work together to strengthen and build a visible Christian Voluntary Sector in Eastbourne' by establishing a new Agencies Network and holding a regular monthly Forum for members, which would enable them to meet for encouragement and to discuss topics of common concern. A Directory has been produced to inform network members and church leaders about the various services provided by Christian Agencies.

One important outcome of the forums has been to see key workers sharing information about the services they offer and discovering opportunities for crossreferral of clients to other specialists. Another key outcome has been the development of interest groups around particular complex needs and as a result several agencies are now working more closely together.

The Friday Forum is currently held monthly on the last Friday of the month at St Barnabas church in Langney, alternating between breakfast and lunchtime meetings.

Chairman, John Soars is available to meet with, or talk to, anyone wanting to know more about the network and its forums. You can contact John on 01323 430211 or at johnsoars@aol.com. The directory is available from Sandy Medway at sandy@bn212sb.freeserve.co.uk.