Resources
There are three books with 10 to 12 sessions on 'Mixing it up with':
- Harry Potter
- The Simpsons
- Football
All by Owen Smith. More details from the Youth Team
A Rough Guide to Starting a Youth Group
Youth work is not that difficult! Effective youth work is based on building responsible and meaning relationships with young people. There is no age limits involved. Look for those who care about the needs of young people and are prepared to give spefic time and commitment. Just giving young people a welcome and space to meet to be themselves is a great start. One of the central aims of youth work should be to build healthy and meaningful relationships with young people. Invest time in the beginning in getting to know them, listening to them and finding out what interests them. Don't be too anxious to share your faith too soon. Before long you may well be questioned as to why your church is putting on a youth club. As relationships develop expect to receive more questions about your faith.
The more ownership they have of the group of the group, the more effective it will be. Make fun activities a priority. These will help young people relax and facilitate relationship building. A pool table and table tennis table and equipment could be a start. Consult young people in your area about the activities they would like to do.
There should be a minimum of 2 leaders involved in the work (one male and one female) with a recommended ration of leaders to young people of 1:8
Refer to your church child protection policy in accordance with the diocesan child protection Policy. You will need a parish child protection officer. If you are unsure about any issues you should contact child protection advisor Revd Jean Skinner 0191 236 3474 . Alternatively you can contact Andrew Shipton 0191 2363788, Simon White 01670 787268 or Bar Nash- Williams 01661 886853
It is a good idea to spend time reflecting on why you want to work with young people and what you want to achieve. This will ensure that volunteers are all working to a similar agenda
Initial training in working with young people is available -please contact the Youth Development officers. It is also recommended that leaders attend at least one training day a year
It is a good idea for volunteers to met at regular intervals and plan and pray. This will help ensure that the work is well organised and that there is a strong sense of team work
Do inform the rest of the church what is happening. This could be done in the context of a service or a specific meeting. Why not commission your volunteers in during a service? Ensure regular reports are given to the PCC. Agree a budget with the PCC for the aims of the group to be met
Publicity
- Ensure that Young People are aware of the group and when it is meeting. Could you ask a young person to design some attractive literature?
- Do also obtain contact details of the young people who come along to the group so that you can communicate regularly. An email distribution list could be an effective means of communication.
- Inform other churches in your area of your group and the local youth service
The Premises
- These should be flexible, comfortable and warm. A risk assessment should be undertaken on the premises that are to be used for work with the young.
- Ensure that the church's insurance covers the work with young people and that you know of any excluded activities.
- A First Aid kit will need to be held on the premises
- Ensure there are adequate fire exits in the premises used an appropriate number of fire extinguishers
- Finally ensure that you have plenty of recourses to achieve your aims. It may be useful to visit the resources centre at Church House, where books and video's can be borrowed.
- If you require help or advice in your work with young people please don't hesitate to contact the Diocesan Youth Development Officers.
Andrew Shipton
More information within this section