The core principle of Elm St Mission arrives from a theology of mission which sees the key mission of the church as ‘being with’, not ‘doing for’. We may or may not be able to solve problems or ‘fix them’ as such, but we can offer a safe and loving space where people can gather, feel they belong, and are valued, respected, supported and encouraged. This then becomes our mission – to be ‘with’. A core goal is community.

The Elm Street Mission provides a welcoming space for those with mental health and well-being issues and/or who are socially isolated. It offers structured and unstructured activities to create opportunities for people to socialise and engage in the broader community from which they may feel excluded due to mental health issues or limited finances.

The Mission, together with Hope Springs and Boroondara Community Outreach, are part of the Mental Health Network of the Yarra Yarra Presbytery of the Uniting Church in Australia. We also participate in the Knox City Council Mental Health Round Table and the Knox Emergency Relief Network.