Cross Gen Entertainment is a new community based business in Bletchley, Milton Keynes who plan on opening a centre to support people in the area who struggle with mental health by offering a range of activities including; gaming, music, movies, stand up and community projects.
Cross Gen was registered on 11th November 2020 as a limited company to Jordan Garner of Bletchley. The idea seeded after a period of time off from full time work in no relation to COVID.
‘My biggest issue was mental health during 2020. Lockdowns haven’t helped obviously, but it’s been more of a personal journey of self understanding and belief. I have suffered with depression and anxiety my whole adult life, but never really appreciated it as a problem that others have as well, until I was waiting 8-9 months for a referral from the GP. This level of care during a time when everyone is struggling was not great! I had an epiphany and came up with the idea to help others. Or at least try!’
There is not anywhere in Bletchley that supports mental health to a degree where others can relate, feel encouraged and comfortable enough to open up about their struggles. Not enough people talk about their struggles or feelings nowadays and this has forced us apart as a community, so they plan to offer a safe, welcoming and calm environment for people to see that it is still okay to talk. The centre will be decorated with stories and items to support people in whatever walk of life they are from. The stories will be real life experiences with as much detail as possible so everyone can try and feel some comfort and understand that others have spoken up, and it’s okay for them too.
Since registering, Jordan has done many activities to build an audience for his new venture. He has created various Facebook groups to encourage building a community network and form friendships with people who share the same interests, but may never have crossed paths. COMMUNITY CLEAN UP SCHEME and INSOMNIACS are just some of his ideas on show so far;
- The Community Clean Up Scheme is set up to encourage the public to take part in making our home cleaner and happier. This will include regular litter picks, graveyard and park cleanups and lots of other local based activities. Neighbour Nomination is the biggest idea in the project. This sees donations in time, funds, resources or equipment from local individuals and businesses to help those in our community that are less able bodied or financially stable to complete certain tasks for themselves. Ranging from landscaping, home repairs or a cash gift, we aim to help those out that need it most.
- INSOMNIACS is a Facebook group to support those nocturnals who are awake when the rest sleep whether it be for insomnia, work or even to walk the dog. Anyone can post what they do to keep themselves busy eg gaming or walking the dog and others who share similar interests or do the same activities, can get in contact and form a connection through activities.
He has already formed a strong network by making donations to a local care home, helping homeless with food and shelter, purchasing work items to help struggling youths and completing the first neighbour nomination which can be followed on the Cross Gen Entertainment Facebook page. He hopes it continues to grow from strength to strength as more share the idea and join him on the adventure!
Jordan is getting regular support from The Princes Trust and People Plus to help the entrepreneur. He is regularly working on a new project or updating his business plan with new ways of helping others. He has had a business plan approved with People Plus but due to his personal difficulties, his chances of obtaining the funds for the centre have been delayed, but he is still trying every day to secure connections with anyone who shares the idea of making MK better!
The Cross Gen Entertainment Centre will include the Cross Gen Gaming Centre. This will be used to build a more social aspect of gaming since people can do it so easily from their own home. Team based competitions, tournaments and other memberships will be available for people to engage with others who share the same interests, building a stronger community and giving people somewhere to enjoy what they usually do alone in the company of fellow gamers. 10% of each membership card will be donated into the Community Clean Up Scheme to ensure the funds are there.
The centre will hold workshops to encourage activities people often use to escape ill mental health such as arts & crafts, computing, fitness and car maintenance. It will also have regular drop in sessions for anyone who needs a chat. The doors are open for anyone who wants to show support and understanding to follow the venture because this is going to make a difference!
You can keep up to date on Cross Gen’s journey by liking facebook.com/crossgenentertainment and instagram.com/crossgenentertainment
