A number of parishes in east Birmingham have worked with Safe Spaces For Young People to develop a number of drop-in Youth Projects across their area. They provide a safe space for young people to gather every week where they feel welcome, connect, participate and build positive relationships. Each parish shares the same priority, and yet is doing youth work in different ways.
The first project that was funded was at St Andrew’s Chelmsley Wood. This seedcorn funding drew in wider funding and the Youth Café is a phenomenal place. A variety of volunteers have been drawn in along the way and young leaders have been built up, read Frances’ story. Youth Alpha has been offered to those who are interested.
At St Barnabas Kingshurst Revd Mandy took part in Launchpad, through the Mission Support team, and the church started up ‘Old Skool Youth Club’. It has a real family feel, with a great team of volunteers and local people. The vibe is also fantastic and yet completely different to that at St Andrew’s Youth Café.
Hodge Hill Church took a different approach again. Worth Unlimited are a youth work charity based in the areas. Safe Spaces funded FAB Church (a new worshipping community) to build on their existing youth work with Worth Unlimited. Out of this initiative emerged a pilgrimage to Holy Island in the autumn of 2025 which included 8 ‘wild baptisms’. Confirmation followed back at Hodge Hill Church shortly afterwards.
Please pray for all those who are part of these communities, and contact Mission Support if their story inspires you and encourages you to think again about connecting with the young people in your Oversight Area.