Who is it for?
Staff of member agencies, service agencies, churches, schools, parents and ex-mission partners who are concerned with the welfare of Third Culture Kids (TCKs). TCK is the term used to describe anyone from anywhere who has spent time growing up outside their home country.
What is its focus?
The forum’s main focus is to help and encourage in the support, care, education and training of Third Culture Kids. It also provides one-day family-orientated events to help parents and children who are considering or committed to living and working overseas. Members also run the Re-Konnect summer camps for TCKs aged 6-18 to aid return to the UK after a period of growing up overseas.
What issues have we covered recently?
'Debriefing' for children on home leave and re-entry; children in restrictive societies; investigation procedures in child protection; family support from first application to adulthood
When do we meet?
The forum usually meets once or twice each year, but there are also separate training events. The forum is also closely linked to the European TCK Network.
Who is on the planning team?
The Chair is Steve Bryant (WEC International). Other members are Paul Lindsay (Global Connections), Janet Chapman (OMF), Stephen and Yolanda Jerrard (New Tribes Mission) and Gill Cheffy (Wycliffe Bible Translators).
If you would like the Core Group to help you think through your TCK care, including policies and procedures, please contact Paul Lindsay using the 'more information' link below.
Access to NHS Treatment for Mission Partners
The Department of Health has published some rules, procedures and documentation on access to hospital and primary health care, including NHS charges and exemptions for former UK residents currently working overseas. Missionaries are specifically named as an exempt category, eligible for free NHS treatment in England. Full information can be found on the Department of Health website
