Find out more about the exciting range of events we organise for children, young people, young adults, and schools, as well as events for those involved in leading these ministries. If you would like to know more, please contact our Growing Younger Strategic Lead:
Graham Cleland
Growing Younger Strategic Lead
graham.cleland@durham.anglican.org
Events for Children
Launch of a Diocesan Children’s Ministry Additional Needs Advisory Group
Following a listening exercise across Durham Diocese, a clear need was identified for support in developing more accessible children’s ministries for those with additional needs. In response to this, a Diocesan Additional Needs Children, Youth and Family Ministries Advisory Group has been established to explore how best to support churches across the diocese in developing more accessible ministries.
Next due to meet 16th June 2026, Cuthbert House, please get in touch for dates for subsequent meetings.
If you would like to know more, or access support in this area, please contact Christine Muneza Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
WAVE Taster Mixed-Ability led Service followed by coffee and cake!
SAVE THE DATE: 17th October 2026, All Saints Newton Hall, Durham. (timings tbc)
WAVE stands for We’re All Valued Equally. WAVE supports churches in developing mixed-ability led church services and social activities.
In partnership with WAVE national team and WAVE Makers Darlington we are hosting a Taster WAVE church service followed by coffee and cake! Come and be inspired and equipped to run mixed-ability led services near you. Watch their 3-4minute video which beautifully summaries what WAVE is about: WAVE VOICES: AN INTRODUCTION TO WAVE FOR CHANGE - WITH SUBTITLES
We hope you will join us! To find out more and book your place email Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Growing Hope
We are delighted to announce that Durham Diocese are partnering with Growing Hope to support churches become more accessible to those with additional needs. For more information click here.
Please get in touch with Christine Muneza to find out how your church could access free training soon!
Pilot Stockton Deanery Children’s Ministry Network
Following a listening exercise across Durham Diocese, a clear need was identified for localised children’s ministry networks. Many of those involved in children’s ministry expressed a desire for greater connection and support. In response to this, a pilot Children’s Ministry Network was launched on 14th October 2025 in the Stockton Deanery.
This new network aims to provide opportunities for prayer, shared learning, resource sharing, and the identification of relevant training opportunities. Each meeting is hosted by a different church within the deanery. New localised networks are currently being explored across the diocese. Please contact Christine Muneza for more information Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Launch of Durham Deanery Children Ministry Network:
12pm – 2pm, 13th July, St Laurence Church Pittington
Launch of Durham Dales Deanery Children’s Ministry Network:
6pm -8pm, 14th July, Barnard Castle.
Who is it for: Children’s Workers (employed/volunteer) who want to connect with others in Durham deanery for fellowship, networking and sharing of resources and ideas. And/or church leaders who are exploring starting children’s ministry in their context.
Please email for booking link: Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Walking Pilgrimage Retreat Day
Tuesday 15th September, 9.30am–4.00pm
For those in Durham Diocese involved in Children and Youth Work, and Student & Young Adult ministry work. A restorative day which offers experiential insight into running Pilgrimage Retreats.
The Revd James Shelton, Director of Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral will guide us in a 3–5 mile circular walk exploring the ‘Seven Principles of Pilgrimage’ with space for reflection, Holy Communion in the Cathedral, and a closing pilgrims’ blessing in the newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Free - Places are limited, we will operate on first come first serve with a waiting list. Please sign up using the following link or email Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Events for Young People
Walking Pilgrimage Retreat Day
Tuesday 15th September, 9.30am–4.00pm
For those in Durham Diocese involved in Children and Youth Work, and Student & Young Adult ministry work. A restorative day which offers experiential insight into running Pilgrimage Retreats.
The Revd James Shelton, Director of Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral will guide us in a 3–5 mile circular walk exploring the ‘Seven Principles of Pilgrimage’ with space for reflection, Holy Communion in the Cathedral, and a closing pilgrims’ blessing in the newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Free - Places are limited, we will operate on first come first serve with a waiting list. Please sign up using the following link or email Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Events for Young Adults
Walking Pilgrimage Retreat Day
Tuesday 15th September, 9.30am–4.00pm
For those in Durham Diocese involved in Children and Youth Work, and Student & Young Adult ministry work. A restorative day which offers experiential insight into running Pilgrimage Retreats.
The Revd James Shelton, Director of Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral will guide us in a 3–5 mile circular walk exploring the ‘Seven Principles of Pilgrimage’ with space for reflection, Holy Communion in the Cathedral, and a closing pilgrims’ blessing in the newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Free - Places are limited, we will operate on first come first serve with a waiting list. Please sign up using the following link or email Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
2026 Pilgrimage to Taizé | 1 -9 August
18-35-year-olds are invited to join a group travelling from Durham Diocese for a unique experience of encounter, fellowship, pilgrimage and prayer with Taizé.
The Taizé community in France welcomes tens of thousands of young adults from Europe and other continents for week-long gatherings, during which they experience prayer and life together with time for biblical reflection, in an environment where they can ask questions about their lives and their future. Whether you're exploring faith, seeking space to encounter God, meet other young adults or find time to retreat, Taizé is a precious space of connecting with God and with brothers and sisters in Christ. Durham Diocese are joining with Lincoln Diocese for this Taizé trip, please register interest for more information and to book a place. Please contact Phoebe.Turner@durham.anglican.org with any questions. Subsidised places are available, please ask Phoebe Turner about financial assistance.
Events for Schools
Y6 Leavers’ Services
Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June 2026
We look forward to welcoming Year 6 students and their teachers to Durham Cathedral to mark their transition from Primary School to Secondary School. These special services give children the opportunity to say thank you to God for their time at Primary School, and look forward to the coming years in Secondary School. Services are interactive with banner procession, prayer spaces, songs, a short talk and moments for reflection. For more information please contact our Children’s Mission Enabler, Christine Muneza christine.muneza@durham.anglican.org.
Hands up if... you want to volunteer at Durham Diocese’s Year 6 Leavers’ Services
9th - 11th June 2026
This is an opportunity to be part of a Diocesan wide volunteer team supporting Year 6s at a significant time of transition in their lives, helping them engage in prayer spaces, whilst strengthening your own parish school links and supporting Year 6s to deepen their faith beyond leaving primary school. Take part in our Prayer Diary for each of the schools involved.
Please get in touch by emailing Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org
Walking Pilgrimage Retreat Day
Tuesday 15th September, 9.30am–4.00pm
For those in Durham Diocese involved in Children and Youth Work, and Student & Young Adult ministry work. A restorative day which offers experiential insight into running Pilgrimage Retreats.
The Revd James Shelton, Director of Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral will guide us in a 3–5 mile circular walk exploring the ‘Seven Principles of Pilgrimage’ with space for reflection, Holy Communion in the Cathedral, and a closing pilgrims’ blessing in the newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Free - Places are limited, we will operate on first come first serve with a waiting list. Please sign up using the following link or email Christine.Muneza@durham.anglican.org