Friends of Crosslight Advice
rev’d Neil Durling - Vicar at Tonbridge Baptist Church
We love working with Crosslight! As a church that believes in the whole Gospel for the whole person our work together is so important. We see this in the life and ministry of Jesus, and I feel that together we, in a modest way, reflect his heart and action.
Pete Wynter - Vicar and Director of Leadership College London
The Crosslight centre at Saint Paul’s Hammersmith is an integral part of our commitment to serve and love our local community. We count it a huge privilege to see so many people accessing the essential support and advice that our Crosslight team are able to give. The work that the team and volunteers do is more necessary than ever, and we are constantly amazed by the stories of transformation and hope that emerge from the hundreds clients who have benefitted from the personalised and expert advice and support they have received.
We at the community larder are so grateful for Crosslight’s monthly visits to the larder. We have 80-90 visitors every week and hear some very sad stories. It’s wonderful to have Crosslight on site to give advice and help to our clients. Their volunteers are always so approachable and ready to help and we have very grateful individuals who have benefitted from their knowledge and expertise. It’s a wonderful charity and we are so thankful for them.
Sophie - Volunteer
I’ve been a volunteer for over a year and learned a whole new set of skills and ways of looking at things and experiences. The knowledge I now have has opened my eyes up to what is happening out there. Being a debt adviser really brings the reality of what people are experiencing in this country to the forefront of your mind.
Ebony Campbell-Grant - staff member
I've been at Crosslight for four years and it has been a significant chapter in my life. As the first point of call, I’ve helped many by getting them booked for the initial appointment. Our approach to debt advice is not only focusing on the debts but the holistic view of how everything could affect our client’s debts. My favourite part of my role is overseeing the client grants. We strongly work alongside ACTS 435 to offer grants for our clients which can help to provide white goods, furniture, smartphones, help with food and utility bills and so much more. Over the years we have given out over £60K to clients. This has been truly transformative and brought joy to our client’s lives. Crosslight is like no other as they genuinely want the best for our clients and their families. It is wonderful to be a small part of this organisation that is spreading their wings year by year.
Community Larder at Christ Church, Southborough
Crosslight has been so helpful for members of our community who are struggling with understanding different aspects of their finances and often are quite anxious and in need of help. It's been great to have a place where we can refer people for sound financial advice, a listening ear and where we know that they will give them the love and care they need to get themselves back on a firmer footing.
Benefact Trust is proud to celebrate Crosslight Advice's 15th anniversary. In a world still grappling with the pandemic and cost-of-living challenges, free, compassionate financial advice is crucial. Their expertise not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also boosts mental health and confidence. We commend their dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners for encouraging thriving communities. As we look back on their achievements, we remain committed to our collaboration, working together towards lasting change.
“We are so grateful to Crosslight for the work they do among some of our regular visitors to the Community Larder. Always willing to listen, to help and to signpost those who are struggling financially, and it is always without judgement”
LORELEI FREEMAN - staff member
I joined Crosslight almost 8 years ago and I can honestly say it's the best place I've worked. I think it boils down to the essence of our organisation being the focus on our clients, and the love and care that the whole Crosslight team puts in to achieving positive outcomes for each and every person who comes into contact with us. That passion permeates through the organisation and means that it is a genuinely positive place to work, with fantastic, caring colleagues. Our amazing volunteers also restore my faith in human nature every time I see them in action - dedicated and skilled people who devote big chunks of their time to helping others and making such an impact through their work.
One of my passions is our money education work, equipping others with skills to manage their finances and feel more confident about their money, and I'm so proud of the work my team do to help others benefit from our workshops and courses. I'm also incredibly grateful to those who provide one-to-one budget coaching for our clients, making a real impact on their lives and helping them to take decisions and actions that will bring about positive change.
Rev’d simon brandes - vicar at st nicholas, chiswick
We are all created in the image of God and we are cherished by our creator. It stands to reason therefore, that we all have a God given value, worth and dignity. To uphold the marginalised, poor and the weak is to uphold God's vision for his creation. The object of Crosslight is to live out this vocation of love, by its work. It makes God's love visible, it is a concrete expression of God's compassion. It is good.
Natalie - grant manager, SHCJ
We are delighted to have been able to support Crosslight over the last few years and have just awarded them a third grant. Through their reporting and a visit we made to see their work in action, it is obvious how much their advice on important subjects - including money, debt, benefits and housing – helps people. At a time where the cost of living crisis is affecting so many people they provide a vital on the ground service and we’re pleased we can help towards their core costs.
Susan - volunteer
Being a Crosslight volunteer is so profoundly important to me, more than I ever expected it could or would be. Every single person comes in with a different situation; no day volunteering is boring! I always feel that if nothing else has happened in my week, I know I’ve done some good and helped someone. You can physically see clients getting better when you work with them as debt can have such a physical and mental impact on a person. A recent client was in a bad place when they first came to us and had physical and mental health issues whereby at each appointment they would be suffering and there were so many tears, but they are now laughing, which is incredible!
