Close, and personal: Annaliese Brogden & Nicola Brogden Payne on Glebe House

‘The announcement of its closure has shocked and disturbed us.’

'Glebe House in Cambridgeshire does internationally renowned specialist work with teenage males with sexual issues, often victims and/or offenders. They are referred to Glebe House by local authorities or the courts. They come to the Trust as some of society’s most vulnerable people, often because of learning difficulties, multiple care placements or a history of childhood abuse. Through a two to three year programme of training and personal development, many go on to become active and productive members of society’ (from the ‘Quakers in the World’ website).

In the early 1960s, our father Geoffrey Brogden, of Diss Meeting, was working as a probation officer. He wrote to the Friend urging Friends to create a non-punitive establishment for young men who would have otherwise ended up in borstal.

We grew up with Glebe House in the background. As adults, we came to understand the deep conviction and concern that had moved Geoffrey to put so much passion and energy into establishing and supporting Glebe House. So the announcement of its closure has shocked and disturbed us.

The founding of Glebe House came through Quaker discernment, listening to the promptings of the Spirit. The concern was tested in Local Meetings, Monthly Meetings, and eventually Meetings for Sufferings, which endorsed it.

We cannot help but ask: Has the decision to close Glebe House gone through a similar process of discernment? Has it also been brought to the Light? Has the decision been made with the same trembling before the Spirit as the decision was to found it?

Our father travelled the country raising awareness and money in order to be able to fund a property. Eventually the rectory and three acres of land was purchased, and then, he wrote, ‘the fun started’.

The work of Glebe House has required Friends to ‘live adventurously’. It needed ongoing vision, courage, and a degree of risk taking. Our belief that there is that of God in everyone was a central part of the founding ethos and ongoing engagement with each resident. It has not always been smooth sailing, but Glebe House has weathered many storms and came out stronger each time.

One special occasion for Geoffrey was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding in 2015. We went with him to the celebration. After the presentation, he paused for some moments, clearly moved by an image, in the shape of the building of Glebe House, made up of all the names of every young man who had passed through as a resident (see picture).

Peter Sorrell spoke at our Dad’s funeral in September 2021. He told us that, to that date, Glebe House had helped 599 young men. Our question now is: How many more could still be helped?

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Comments

Thank you, Annaliese and Nicola. There was an inspiring presentation and discussion on Glebe House at a recent Yearly Meeting - I would be glad to be in touch with those Friends.
Anne Wade
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By Anne & Rob Wade on 17th October 2024 - 13:38

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Dear Friends
As the last CEO of Glebe House, I want to add my voice, as I carry an immense sadness for not being able to save Glebe House.

I joined Glebe House in April 2022, as the first external appointment in the CEO role. For various reasons, it became necessary for me to implement a number of reviews around practice, culture, leadership and infrastructure. The outcome of these reviews informed various decisions by the Board, resulting in their ultimate decision to close.

During my 2 1/2 years, I was privileged to form great working relationships with a number of Quakers. I sought counsel from them on several issues, as they had significant experience of regulated care homes, Therapeutic Communities and the business world in general. This was always with a Quaker perspective.

It would not be appropriate for me to go in to the detailed reasons for the closure, but the Trustees faced an incredible challenge in making their decision, which I supported.

I hope that one day, the details behind the closure decision are able to be communicated to everyone.

In sincere and genuine Friendship
Stephen Cheetham

By Stephen Cheetham on 5th November 2024 - 11:49

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