SNAPSHOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU

Free specialist skills offer from NatWest

NatWest, in partnership with the National Youth Agency, offers the Thrive Skills Volunteering Programme – a programme that matches youth clubs who have a task or project they need to complete, with a NatWest colleague who has the skillset to help. Through NatWest Thrive, you can have access to a network of skilled NatWest professionals who are passionate about making a difference in their community. Volunteers will offer guidance, support, and training on different topics tailored to help your youth club and young people succeed.

SNAPSHOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND YOUNG ADULTS

The Your Faith, Your Online World project will create resources, made up of films and discussion tools, to help young people explore the topic of how they translate their values or beliefs into their online behaviors and choices. The project is a collaboration between the Quakers, the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union, the Moravian church, the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM). The project team want to use online focus groups to collect views, experiences and opinions of young people, before going on to create the videos and resources later in the summer. Short (60-90 minute) online focus groups are being held on Zoom with young people from different backgrounds to give insights on this topic. They are looking for young people, aged 14-16, to be trained in research and facilitation, and help develop the focus groups. If members of your youth group would be interested in taking part in this initiative and you would like to know more, please email Karen Allen in the Methodist Safeguarding Team.

Survey - what does cultural education mean to young people? What do young people need to access and enjoy more cultural opportunities? Share this survey with the young people you know – the findings will help shape the government’s new Cultural Education Plan.

Recruitment for the Careers and Enterprise Company Youth Advisory Group 2023-24 is open! The British Youth Council (BYC) are looking to bring together a group (aged 14-25 years old) with a wide diversity of educational and training backgrounds who are passionate about ensuring all young people receive brilliant careers support throughout their time in education. BYC particularly invites those who have experienced alternative learning, such as specialist provision (eg PRU or SEND schools), home-schooled, T Levels, apprenticeship programmes and other training. Find out more here. The deadline is 11am, Monday 24 July.

Stonewall Young Futures TikTok Creative Academy is a free four-week employability programme that starts on July 25 2023 and will: Develop key industry skills; give access to creative networks and mentors; support exploration of a creative career journey. Applicants must be LGBTQ+, aged 18-24, and NOT in education, employment, or training. The deadline is Monday 24 July.

The Christian Aid Prophetic Activist Scheme 2023 is currently taking applications. This six month initiative is for 18-30-year-olds who are passionate about climate justice and want to speak out - and offers training in campaigning and activism. Sign-ups are being taken until August.

The Big Butterfly Count 2023 takes place from July 14 - August 6. This Butterfly Conservation citizen science project aims to encourage us to help count the butterflies we see, in a bid to better understand the UK’s butterfly and moth population. Launched in 2010, this survey of butterflies has become the largest of its kind, with over 64,000 participants and 96,257 counts of butterflies and day flying moths last year.

Become a member of Christian CND for just £2 a year if you're under 25 or a full-time student. Christian CND has recently created a mailing list of members aged 18-30 to spread the word about opportunities they are sent for young adults. Please email Liddy, CCND Outreach Manager, if you would like to be added to this!

JPIT AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT INTERNSHIPS

Applications are now open! These are one-year, fixed-term roles aimed at young adults aged 21-30. Find out more and apply here. Deadline for applications: 11:59PM Wednesday 19 July.

SNAPSHOTS OF OTHER RESOURCES

Storytelling and youth

In March of 2023, Yale Youth Ministry Institute hosted a gathering with Mark Yaconelli, who spoke to those gathered about telling stories, and deep listening practices with youth. The video recordings and accompanying questions have been compiled into a resource, which could be helpful to you in your journey of reimagining your youth ministry.

Women's World Cup: wall chart from Open Doors

Five countries from the World Watch List are playing in the Women's World Cup (kicking off on 20 July): Nigeria, China, Colombia, Vietnam and Morocco. Order a free wall chart to pray for persecuted Christians during the matches.

Also from Open Doors, Youth Nano

A series of themed simple session outlines that focus on stories from persecuted Christians. Whilst the sessions all highlight the context of persecution, you can use the material to work through key discipleship themes.

NEW FREE SUMMER RESOURCE FROM SCRIPTURE UNION

A resource pack designed to help you engage with children and young people in your community over the summer period. Featuring interviews with experienced practitioners, a sports-based session outline and tools to equip young people to share their faith with others.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SNAPSHOTS OF THINGS TO READ/WATCH/LISTEN TO

Better Together: youth work with schools is a new report from the National Youth Agency, exploring the impact of youth work provision in schools.

A how to guide for innovation in your youth ministry is a resource compiled by Yale Youth Ministry Institute, from a day-long session with Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and the Rev. Matt Overton, exploring how to be more expansive in hopes and dreams for youth programmes.

Behaviour and mental health in schools report is based on a year-long inquiry conducted by the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. It explores the impact of school behavioural policies on children and young people.

Highlights from Cliff Festival 2023 - watch the video!

Highlights from Flourish - Rooted in Love, the Yorkshire North & East District weekend in Scarborough.

Empowering parents to practise faith at home is a recording from Yale Youth Ministry Institute of a workshop led by Rev. Traci Smith, author of Faithful Families.

Four other videos from Rev. Traci Smith explore practices for mindfulness, serving others, dinner time, and bedtime.

SNAPSHOTS OF FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Million Hours Fund

Grants are available for youth organisations working in anti-social hotspots in England to provide more out-of-school activities for young people (aged 11 to 18 years; up to 25 years with disabilities and special educational needs) in areas of high need through the summer holidays. Deadline 12 noon on Monday 14 August.

The UK Youth Fund in partnership with Pears Foundation

Charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations across the UK, who are delivering high-quality youth provision, but whose work is being hindered, curtailed, or cut back due to rising core costs, can apply for cost of living support to address these unprecedented demands. Applications can be submitted any time.

National Lottery Awards for All accepting 2023 event applications

Funding to build strong relationships in and across communities in England, including support to help communities celebrate the national events that are important to them - including the Coronation of His Majesty The King, The Eurovision Song Contest and the 75th anniversary of Windrush. Applications can be submitted any time.

Maurice and Hilda Laing charitable trust

Looks so support fresh expression ministries with children and young people, to nurture their faith as they grow. Applications can be submitted any time.

TRAINING AND EVENTS CALENDAR

Wednesday 19 July 2023, online

Teaching Parenting for Faith to your team

This free training for children’s, youth and families’ leaders is delivered by Parenting for Faith in their dedicated Children’s, Youth and Family Leaders Facebook group from 1pm. How do we excite and inspire our team of volunteers with a long-term approach of parenting for faith? There will be 30 minutes of input, followed by an optional 30 minute Zoom chat with others. The teaching segment will be recorded and can be accessed after the event at the same link.

Thursday 20 July 2023, online event

National Youth Agency Supper Club: the participation of young people in safeguarding

The participation of young people in safeguarding puts them front and centre in the development of safeguarding processes. It involves young people in the design, delivery and evaluation of services, policies and practices. This approach ensures that young people's views are taken into account and that their voice is heard. It also helps to create a better understanding of the risks that young people face and the challenges they need to overcome in order to stay safe. Register here.

27 July to 17 August 2023, John Wesley's New Room, Bristol

Wonderful world of books

This summer, stories will be jumping off the pages into the New Room. Exploring favourite children’s books with a different story read each week, followed by a fun craft activity and then a trip to explore the museum. Plus, a museum trail available throughout the summer holidays. Find out more and book.

Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August, Royal Cornwall Events Centre

Creation Fest: Rhythms of Faith

A full families programme will run alongside the music and speaking content led by Imagine Ministries and a custom-built, free-to-attend undercover skate park draws hundreds of skaters each day. New features for 2023 include a large-scale elephant in partnership with Compassion International, an escape room in partnership with MAF, a gaming centre and competition hosted by Chillblast, and an evening Got Questions series for youth hosted by Alpha UK.  Free of charge for day admission, camping rates apply. Find out more here.

Friday 11 August 2023, online

Becoming a trauma-informed Church

A virtual training event designed to equip church leaders and lay people with a deep understanding of trauma and its impact, as well as a practical application of Trauma-Informed Care principles within the context of the church. Find out more and book here.

Tuesday 19 September 2023, online

Talking to kids about the media

This is a free Facebook live event for all parents, carers and those involved in children’s lives, organised by Parenting for Faith. How do we help our children to be discerning when it comes to what they consume online? 30min input, followed by optional 30min discussion – why not gather a group to watch together? Head to the Parenting for Faith Facebook page at 8pm on the above date. All sessions are recorded and can be accessed after the event from that same page.

Tuesday 19 September 2023, Durham (also in Reading and Leeds on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

Featuring sessions on: collective worship, clubs, year-round support, how to serve your school well, the key to developing local partnerships, ensuring a relational and long-term approach. Find out more here and book for Durham here.

Saturday 23 September 2023, Bristol (also in Sheffield on 5 October)

National Estate Churches Network Conference 2023

The theme for the conference is ‘God With Us: Sharing our journey’, with opportunity to share examples of God at work and good practice in estates ministry, as well as practical workshops and fellowship. Conversations will include starting out in a new church, longevity in ministry and moving on well. Find out more and book here.

Saturday 30 September 2023, online event

Exploring digital

Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an expert panel. Find out more here.

Thursday 5 October 2023, Sheffield (also in Bristol on 23 September)

National Estate Churches Network Conference 2023

See details for 23 September or click here.

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October 2023, NEC Birmingham

3Generate children's and youth assembly

See articles in Well News or click here.

Monday 9 October 2023, Reading (also in Durham on 19 September, Leeds on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for Reading here.

Monday 9 October 2023, Leeds (also in Durham on 19 September, Reading on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for Leeds here.

Thursday 12 October 2023, Birmingham

Beyond conference

Frontier Youth Trust and CURBS are hosting a learning day for those interested in connecting with children and Young people BEYOND the walls of the Church. Most children and young people no longer have a connection to a local church. The old patterns of ministry to children and young people within our walls has to change. The day will create space for youth and children's work practitioners to share stories from their practice. A collection of speakers will deliver short Ted talk style presentations followed by roundtable discussion. Find out more and book.

Saturday 14 October 2023, Manchester

Crackin Good Church

This free event is a gathering to promote new Christian communities at the margins. It’s for anyone who is a part or want to be a part of a community at the margins. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, will be speaking at the event. Find out more and apply for tickets.

Thursday 19 October 2023, online (also in Durham on 19 September, Reading and Leeds on 9 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for the online course here.

Friday 20 October to Sunday 22 October 2023, Cliff College

Community organising

Beginning at 6pm with dinner on the Friday evening and ending after lunch on the Sunday. This course is a starting point for anybody interested in community organising. It will help develop an understanding of what community organising involves and what it looks like in the real world.  Participants will start to explore how people come together so that they can understand and take action on their concerns to build community and overcome social injustice. Find out more and book here.

Tuesday 31 October, Thursday 2, Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 November 2023, online

Youth Mental Health First Aid training

See article in recent Well News or book here for the October/November course.

Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 November 2023, Staffordshire

The Forge gathering

This is a three-day fun and inspiring retreat for all children’s, youth and families’ workers (paid or unpaid). You will be refreshed, laugh, have fun with those who ‘get it’ and be inspired by relevant teaching, Spirit-filled worship and the chance to share ideas with others. £185. Find out more and book here.

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 2024, Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre
Whole Hearted - Evangelism & Growth Conference

The Evangelism and Growth team have felt for a while that we need to gather people across the Methodist Church who have a sense of the hopeful future that the Holy Spirit is leading us to. So we have created the 'Whole Hearted' weekend event, which aims to open us to the bigger picture of God's mission in the world today. Places on the conference, including all accommodation and food costs, are fully funded, but a deposit will be required at the time of booking. This deposit will be returned in full after the weekend to all who attend. As well as residential bookings for the whole weekend, there are also day tickets for Saturday 13 January. Register for a place here.