Youth provision has always been a top priority in Durham Diocese. Now our churches are improving their offer after taking part in the Launchpad programme, designed by the Christian youth work charity Youthscape.
Launchpad is a series of training sessions for clergy and church leaders in parishes where there is little or no youth provision in place. The programme has given them the insights, strategies and confidence needed to introduce and further develop youth work in their church communities.
Here's the first in a series of case studies, exploring churches in Durham Diocese which have used Launchpad to breathe new life into their youth provision.
St Chad’s Sunderland
Children and young people have always been welcome at St Chad’s. But without any formal youth provision in place, the church’s biggest challenge was retaining them.
Now thanks to Launchpad, St Chad’s offers an after-school club, a holiday club and is in the process of taking over the running of the community’s toddler group which is based at the church.
A small but dedicated team of volunteers is helping St Chad’s to build relationships with the younger generation through a series of activities, which include cooking, arts, walks and trips away.
Priest in Charge, Fr John D’Silva said: “Previously we would see a few young people come in to church, but there was no specific provision for them and they would leave after a couple of months.
“We are grateful to Launchpad. The programme helped us to think about the context of our young people and what could work for us and our church context. It was great for us in taking our first steps, building confidence and doing something that is achievable. It also re-enforced the importance of building the relationships with young people and how to do this.”
Cooking and baking are at the heart of the after-school club, and also the holiday club which takes place occasionally during the summer holidays. The annual parish away weekend in July is also an opportunity for a small number of teenagers to join adults at Shepherd’s Dene Retreat House, at Riding Mill in Northumberland, for Bible-themed walks and other related activities.
John added: “Cooking is a good way to get people talking. It opens up wider conversations and it’s wonderful to see young people really thriving as part of our church community. Launchpad makes you realise that children and youth work is possible – within our resources and our capabilities.”
The local toddler group was previously a community-run venture. But with new leadership needed, St Chad’s had both the confidence and resources to step in. From September, it will run the group which is already based within the church.