History

The history of EnCourage

Some years after leaving the cult in which they had been raised, Christine and Joerg Matthis realised there was a real need to support other ex-cult members many of whom were either destitute or in need emotionally.  

As a result they offered befriending, counselling and practical assistance to those struggling with the mechanics of life outside a cult.  

They established the Clearwaters Open Doors Trust in 2004 as a fund-raising vehicle for this work, hoping in due course to establish a separate retreat centre.  However, they did not have time to promote it as they had hoped.

Gillie Jenkinson had a similar vision for ex-cult members and Christine and Joerg were thrilled when Gillie told them of this. Gillie offered to co-ordinate the re-launch of the Trust under new Trustees and with expanded objects.

As Clearwaters Open Door Trust was named after a local landmark it was decided that a less personal name would be used.

Gillie had had a good deal of contact with Dr. Paul Martin of Wellspring Retreat and Resource Centre in Ohio, USA, and found both him and Wellspring such an encouragement that she decided to name the Trust ‘EnCourage Survivors of Cults and Abuse’. Luckily the Trustees agreed with this name!