Keeping Connected: churches encouraged to support young people through school transition
Church leaders and youth workers from across the diocese gathered on 6 May for an inspiring and practical workshop exploring how churches can better support children and young people moving from Year 6 into Year 7.
Hosted by the Growing Younger Team, the ‘Keeping Connected’ workshop brought together speakers from a range of ministry contexts to share honest reflections, encouraging stories and practical ideas for transition ministry.
Contributors from Matt Tarling, Vicar of St Paul’s in Spennymoor) Catherine Simpson, Chaplain at St John’s Primary School Shildon; Meg Haslam, Youth Enabler at St Nics, Durham; and Graham Cleland, Growing Younger Strategic Leader, who each spoke about both the opportunities and challenges involved in supporting young people during this significant stage of life.
The event also welcomed Ian Kent and Geoff Brown from Scripture Union, who introduced new free online resources designed to help churches and ministries engage with transition work more effectively.
A Q&A panel facilitated by Jeni Nottingham, Youth Mission Enabler, created space for discussion and shared learning, while Christine Muneza, Children’s Mission Enabler, led an Action Learning exercise, helping attendees reflect on their own contexts and identify practical next steps.
Several participants said the session gave them greater confidence and clarity in thinking about how to develop ministry for young people navigating the move to secondary school.
Reflecting on the day, the Growing Younger Team said they were encouraged by the passion, creativity and commitment shown by churches seeking to serve young people well through times of transition.
Anyone interested in exploring Year 6–7 transition ministry further is invited to contact the team for support and guidance.