How can we connect young people to Church?

The charity says:

"Our vision is to be a dynamic and innovative Christian faith-based youth and community organisation.

"We believe that youth work adds purpose to the lives of children and young people. Dorset YFC’s goal is to help young people develop lasting attributes and enable them to reach their full potential. We help them develop confidence, inclusion and self-worth. Most importantly, we help them develop a lasting understanding of the Christian faith and also a personal relationship with Jesus if they decide to follow Him. Our mission is to take good news relevantly to every young person within Dorset.

"Our youth projects include community and church-based youth work. We also work in local schools delivering Christian unions, assemblies, lessons, mentoring, advice and guidance. We are working in partnership with churches and schools but seeking to widen this across every community in Dorset. We are currently exploring outreach projects with the local authority and partnership with other community and Christian organisations."

Nine churches in Bridport have paid for the organisation to go into local schools, and there is currently funding for a one-year role at St Edwards in Poole, but there are hopes to branch out to other schools, and so further funding is needed.

YFC is also creating a role for a school life pastor covering education, well-being and mental health - a practical and spiritual role.

The charity also hopes to launch a pop up café – a van which different churches can hire – for mission and outreach at any space. Funds are needed to get it up and running, and to keep it going.

YFC also plans to launch a local Dorset-wide youth event in October with Tim Alford from the Elim Church, who speaks at national level.

Find out more here.