We know how time strapped our parishes are and understand that researching youth engagement programmes and resources won’t be top on your list. Whether you have an existing youth worker, or no youth presence in your parish at all we want to support you in finding the right support for whatever stage in the journey you are currently at.
That’s why we have pulled together a range of resources into one place. It is up to you whether you utilise all of these, or none at all but we hope it will alleviate some of the background admin, so that you can find what you need more easily.
Please bear in mind that these resources are sourced from external sites and are provided in good faith. We have no control over their content. Please do draw upon those that are appropriate in your setting.
Networks for youth workers
Christian networks can provide a supportive community for those working with under 18s, giving them an opportunity to share positive experiences and concerns in a non-judgemental space. Here are just a few across the Diocese:
- Diocese of Bristol Youth and Children Network (Facebook): A group for Christian Youth, Children, as well as Schools ministers, workers and volunteers to connect and share stories, resources, training opportunities. Please invite anyone who is involved in Christian Youth Ministry from the Diocese of Bristol. We want to connect with each other, learn from each other and be encouraged.
- Müllers Y&C Network: The Y&C Network exists to equip, connect and support those whose Christian faith motivates them to work with under 18s in the Bristol region. Their goal is to see young people become life-long disciples of Jesus, experiencing wholeness, and playing their unique part in embodying the values of God in this world.
- Missional Youth Church Network: A Learning Community that allows youth leaders and volunteers to come together for training, encouragement, prayer, and support as they build for the future.
- THE MIX BRISTOL: The mix is all about seeing young people having a life-changing encounter with Jesus. It is a Christian worship even or church youth groups of the Bristol region.
Children's work resources
Planning activities for children's work can be challenging, especially when time is limited. Fortunately, we have collated a range of resources to make this task easier for you.
Youth work resources
Sessions and discipleship
Mental health, identity, and wellbeing
- Headstrong Mental Health Resource Hub | Youthscape: Here you’ll find a wide range of information, resources, and advice around supporting young people’s mental and emotional health - and your own.
- Freedom in Christ | Youth for Christ: A three-part course that aids to tackle the issues of ‘identity, breaking free and responsibility’ that can be issues and challenges for Christian young people.
- Young people's mental health & wellbeing resources | The Children's Society: Resources that are co-designed by young people and mental health professionals that help make sense of issues that many young people are facing and dealing with.
- Youth Track | Taste Life UK: A robust, sensitive, high-quality resource for use in secondary schools and youth groups. The three interactive sessions are designed to equip young people with a healthy awareness and understanding of eating disorders: why they develop, how they can affect somebody’s life, and those battling them can be helped.
- Youth | Kintsugi Hope: Working with partner churches and Christian organisations to facilitate wellbeing groups, run weekends away, produce and deliver assemblies and equip people through training.
- 10:10: An innovative wellbeing resource to help young people discover how to live differently and find their best life.
- Mental health and Wellbeing | Scripture Union: A resource intended to help you engage children and young people in supportive and helpful conversations around the challenges that a child or young person may be facing.
*Could be delivered at a school.
Practical support for churches and parishes beginning to explore youth minstry
We know there are a lot of churches out there that are only just starting their exploration of youth ministry. We have brought together the fundamental resources and templates you will need to kick start your youth group in your setting.
You can find resources on recruiting a team, through to templates on risk assessment. It is essential that you ensure these are relevant to your setting before you begin but we hope they will offer a useful place to begin.
Templates
The National Youth Agency has produced several documents that can be used as templates to write your own consent forms and ensure that the important legal bits are covered. There is plenty of guidance, tools, policy, and research on their website regarding starting, running, and facilitating youth work.
Find out more about the resources from the National Youth Agency
The below links cover a range of templates that will be helpful when developing a youth ministry and programme:
Training and recruitment
- JOIN: Recruiting volunteers | The Church of England - Would your church like to recruit more volunteers to lead children and young people? The JOIN resources offer a toolkit for churches that already have youth ministry in place to plan and run a successful recruitment campaign.
- Youth Work One: A one-stop shop for everyone working in the youth sector in England. It covers the latest learning, resources and evidence around best practice and impact when working with young people in youth settings.
- Youthscape Essentials | Youthscape: An exciting course to equip and strengthen anyone working with/ ministering to young people in churches and community projects.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with the Under 18s team, contact under18s@bristoldiocese.org or call the office on 0117 906 0100.