Networks

A big, vibrant network of parachurch colleagues from all over the country -

some of the most well-known national charities and many amazing smaller and mighty local organisations.

Collaborating to effect culture change together – all welcome! 

Colleagues from parachurch organisations, committed to meeting regularly throughout the year in order to:

• Increase understanding of Growing Faith, the contribution their organisation currently and potentially makes through their work with families, schools and churches, and their confidence in sharing with those they encounter
• Explore research together and learn from others in the field
• Share their own work and disseminate information and resources to other organisations and directly to dioceses throughout the church of England
• Engage in critical reflections and challenge with one another

SIGN UP HERE!

You can read more about what we have got up to in previous meetings here:

• Parachurch Network Meeting 1 - October 2022
• Parachurch Network Meeting 2 - January 2023
• Parachurch Network Meeting 3 - May 2023
• Parachurch Network Meeting 4 - September 2023
• Parachurch Network Meeting 5 - January 2024
• Parachurch Network Meeting 6 - May 2024

Dates for upcoming meetings of the Parachurch Organisations network:

Monday 13th January 2025, 11:00-12:30

Thursday 15th May 2025, 10:00-11:30

Tuesday 16th September 2025, 11:00-12:30

Aims

Organisations working for children and young people through churches, households and schools will  gather regularly and build relationships

We will understand the Growing Faith commitment and how and where we are contributing, and that this knowledge will help us in our work

It will be an opportunity to share our organisation's key resources and news through diocesan channels

We will learn together via shared research and evaluation of resources and methods

We will work increasingly in collaboration to support the spiritual flourishing of children and young people

How can our churches best contribute to the life of the local school(s)?

Join a group of people from your diocese who are passionate about church-school connection. 

Click here to read about the network in more detail.

JOIN HERE!

The purpose of this network is to: 

• provide peer support for people who are working in their local schools 
• equip and empower churches who want to serve their local school
• share stories, ideas, resources and encouragement
• broaden horizons of what is possible
• build relationships and regional support

Aims

We will gather regularly and build long-term, supportive relationships

We will understand the Growing Faith commitment and how and where we are contributing, and that this knowledge will help us in our work

We will share our knowledge, experience, resources and skills for the common good of the group, and ultimately the benefit of the children and young people we serve

We will learn together from experts in the field, and from each other

We will work increasingly in collaboration to support the spiritual flourishing of children and young people

We will serve our local schools more effectively and build meaningful, long-term relationships with staff, pupils and families

A buzzing network of chaplains from all over the country in diverse contexts throughout the primary, secondary, FE, Independent and State sectors, all working together for peer support and learning.

We gather in large national gatherings, and meet regularly in smaller, sector-specific support groups.

Are you a chaplain in a school, MAT or FE college? We'd love to meet you!

Click here to read about the network in more detail.

JOIN HERE!

Dates for upcoming meetings of the Parachurch Organisations network:

Tuesday 14th January 2025, 1:00-2:30

Monday 24th March 2025, 9:30-11:00

Thursday 10th July 2025, 11:00-12:30pm

The network is formed of chaplains (and those who work and volunteer in similar capacities)  in schools and post-16 education. We meet in order to:

• Increase our understanding of Growing Faith and the contribution our roles currently and potentially make through our work with children and young people, families, schools and churches
• Explore themes relevant to our work together and learn from others in the field
• Provide peer support in a safe space, including encouragement, ideas, resource-sharing and prayer
• Engage in critical reflections and challenge with one another

For further information, contact [email protected]

A network which platforms the significant expertise and resourcing of colleagues in parachurch organisations and dioceses, combined with the opportunity to consider it all in the light of your own context.

A brilliant opportunity to improve the way we value and work with others.

Please see full details in the brochure below and sign up here.

For further information, contact [email protected].

Are you part of (or connected to) one of the Growing Faith Learning Hubs?

We meet termly to share stories and support one another.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

This network hopes to encourage, uphold, notice, inspire and build relationships with and between people who work with CYP in musical settings, fostering a peer supportive and collaborative community of learning and sharing.

Click here to read about the network in more detail.

Sign up here.

Click here to read about the network in more detail.

This network was formed of Ordinands from different contexts and stages of training and from a range of TEIs.

We met in order to:

• Increase our understanding of Growing Faith and the contribution our roles currently and potentially make – now and in our future ministries
• Explore themes relevant to our work together and learn from others in the field
• Provide peer support in a safe space, including encouragement, ideas, resource-sharing and prayer
• Engage in critical reflections and challenge with one another

Aims:

• We gathered regularly to build long-term, supportive relationships
• We sought to understand the Growing Faith commitment and how and where we are contributing, and that this knowledge will help us in our work
• We shared our knowledge, experience, resources and skills for the common good of the group, and ultimately the benefit of the communities we serve
• We learned together from others in the fields we have chosen to explore, and from our peers
• We increasingly saw our wider studies and role through the lens of Growing Faith. 

Listening and responding to children and young people was a short-term, focussed, action-learning network, in which colleagues who are already working in this area, as well as those who are at the beginning of the journey, were facilitated into a community to explore:

• How we hear from children and young people
• How we respond to children and young people
• How we facilitate young people becoming part of the change-making process

This network is in a time of transition. You can read about what happened in Phase One in the reports below.

Phase Two is currently in underway, as we move to listening to CYP on some of the difficult issues which were highlighted in our previous meetings. 

Please find below some interactive reports from each meeting for you to explore with colleagues and young people:

• L&RCYP Meeting 1 - September 2022
• L&RCYP Meeting 2 - October 2022
• L&RCYP Meeting 3 - November 2022
• L&RCYP Meeting 4 - December 2022

If you would like to hear more about how diocesan colleagues are moving forward with the work since these reports, please contact [email protected]

Click here to read about the network in more detail.

This was a network for the amazing people who run toddler groups, as well as members of their local church. Members were encouraged, equipped and inspired to see Growing Faith as part of this precious ministry.

We met in order to: 

• Increase our understanding of Growing Faith and the contribution our roles currently and potentially make through our work with children and young people, families, schools and churches 
• Explore themes relevant to our ministry and Growing Faith together and learn from each other 
• Provide peer support in a safe space, including encouragement, ideas, resource-sharing and prayer 
• Engage in critical reflections and challenge with one another

Principles 

We had an ‘accompanier’ – a member of the local church who agreed to join us in this network 

Other members of the toddler group team and parents were also welcome to join us 

We brought our lunch to meetings 

We might have had young children playing in the background, and that was fine! 

Aims

We gathered regularly to build long-term, supportive relationships 

We worked to understand the Growing Faith commitment and how and where we are contributing, and recognised that this knowledge will help us in our ministry 

We shared our knowledge, experience, resources and skills for the common good of the group, and ultimately the benefit of the children and families we serve 

We learned together and encouraged one another   

We worked increasingly in collaboration to support the spiritual flourishing of the communities we serve 

In 2022-3 a group of Young Adults in the Church of England met to share their contributions to Growing Faith. The participants of this network have a produced a guide for churches on fostering and sustaining relationships with young adults in their communities, which can be found below. If you are a Young Adult and would like to connect with the Growing Faith Foundation, please contact [email protected]

Young Adults and Your Church of England Church: Guidance for Churches

Olivia Haines

Hi there, I'm Olivia, fairly new Rev and former primary school teacher. Since ordination, I've done a lot of focussed work in our local primary school, building relationships, restoring relationships, leading worship and even teaching a bit of RE. I'm really keen to explore what chaplaincy might look like in the primary school and have limited experience so always looking for opportunities to grow and be mentored.

Context: Not currently in school, but focussed on primary

Work postcode: TF5 0ED

Email: [email protected]

Chrissie Aindow

I was a voluntary primary school chaplain before moving to Southampton. I am in the final yr of part time Masters in Chaplaincy. For my dissertation I am exploring how chaplaincy could support foster carers and those associated with fostering.
I've just started a p/t youth work role with the local council.
I would ultimately like to have a paid role as a chaplain but realise this is fairly rare.
I enjoy creativity and creating tangible experiences.
I love stories - reading them, sharing them and hearing them, both real life and imaginary.

Context: Just moved location so looking for primary or uni

Work postcode: SO304DU

Email: [email protected]

Alex Shoderu

Hi, I'm Alex. Was born and lived in Nigeria till I was 10yrs old and lived in London since then. I think my dual nationality and culture helps me a lot to understand people from different backgrounds. I came to a personal faith halfway through Uni in 2005 and have been in ministry in some capacity since then. I've served as a School Chaplain since Jan 2020.

Context: Secondary school

Work postcode: SW18 5JR

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 07770182900

Sally Milner

I am Sally Milner I have been chaplain to Northumberland C of E Academy Trust since 2012. As well as the usual round of Collective Worship, linking with parishes etc i have a particular interest in asylum seekers and refugees. I liaise with families and staff and help to improve our provision as we welcome thosr

Context: A small trust with Primary / Secondary and a special school

Work postcode: NE63 9FZ

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 01670 816111

Catherine Simpson

Hi, I'm Catherine and Durham Diocese employs me to develop the work of Growing Faith and chaplaincy in our schools two days a week. I am also a primary school chaplain, spending one day a week as part of a fantastic school team. I am married to Mike, a secondary RE teacher, and we have two children: Hope, 22, a photographer and writer, and Jacob, 18, studying music at Salford University. I am in my third year of study with CYM, working on my Master's dissertation on chaplaincy! I would love to connect with more primary school chaplains.

Context: Primary and Secondary

Work postcode: DH1 3RY

Email: [email protected]

Deborah Jackson

I am a lay chaplain who is working in a large, secular FE college in Hereford. As Chaplain of "all faiths & none" I would love to hear from others working in a secular context. I am paid for 12 hours a week which is a great privilege as I know that many similar institutions are lucky if they have a few hours of voluntary chaplaincy.

Context: Herefordshire

Work postcode: HR1 1LU

Email: [email protected]

Revd. Susy Dand

I have been involved in youth and schools ministry for 20 years. I have been working as a secondary school chaplain for the last 8 years. I was ordained in 2018. I am a champion for Prayer Spaces in Schools.
My hobbies are running and crotchet.

Context: Secondary CofE

Work postcode: HA4 8EE

Email: [email protected]

Paul Sanderson

For over 14 years I have been serving two large academes (The Littlehampton Academy and Sir Robert Woodard Academy) being ‘good news” thought listening, encouraging, and creating opportunities for people to make a difference. This has been done by running a range of activities and events from prayer weeks to assemblies and international trips to peer mentoring services. I have two chapel spaces that are used for prayer, reflection, training and celebrating.

Prior to that I was involved in community development for 18 years. This was both developing new projects hands on as well as line managing projects I had set up and handed over.

This was alongside 10 years of involvement in a foundation as director and then Chair of Trustees. We developed a programme of recruiting, training and leading teams of young people to over 10 nations to serve alongside our long-term partners running activity weeks in education and community settings.

I took a short detour for 3 months in the summer of 2017 to run as an Independent Candidate as MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. I got over 1200 votes, lost my deposit but created lots of waves!

I am big on family and have been married to Heather for 34 years and we have 4 children aged 16 – 28.

I am keen to pass on the skills I have collected by training and supporting passionate and creative individuals who want to make a difference with their lives and the community they serve.

I want to be a part of a team that hopes, dreams and plans for better lives and better outcomes for those lives.

My personal mission statement is to show people that they are loved, they can be free and their life has meaning. I have it written on the walls of the chapels in big bold letters.

I love developing relationships with a variety of partners and building on them to learn from each other and make a bigger change.

I am passionate at communicating a message that inspires and encourages and motives people to get involved.

I want my faith to continue to grow alongside others as we live life to the full, bringing hope and joy and peace and of course love. I believe we bring this by understanding who we are, and then how we speak about and treat other people.

Context: Woodard Academy

Work postcode: BN17 7FE

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 07802565987

Steve Younger

I am a Baptist Church Minister in Scotland with 40 years of experience in School Chaplaincy in Scotland. I work one day a week for Christian Values in Education Scotland. I teach chaplains and school staff on a level 7 module at the Scottish Baptist College (part of the University of the West of Scotland).

Context: Primary, Secondary, ASN

Work postcode: G72 0XU

Email: [email protected]

AJ Stark-Ordish

Hello! I am in my second school chaplaincy role and have also been a chaplain in another sector. I am passionate about what chaplaincy looks like in a contemporary context and about supporting other chaplains. I am very happy to hear from anyone who wants to reflect on chaplaincy and their context.

Context: Secondary independent boarding

Work postcode: RG45 7QE

Email: [email protected]

David Joey Mitchell

I’ve been involved in youth work & chaplaincy for over 10 years, and am currently based in Leyton, a dynamic & diverse part of East London, splitting my time between a Sixth Form College & a local Church. My multi-faceted role centres around supporting students and creating community, and has recently focused on men’s mental health, poetic justice, & creating places of belonging & sanctuary. I am passionate about encouraging & supporting anyone working with young people, specifically those working in secular or multi faith contexts, & those exploring local church & school links.

Context: Sixth Form College

Work postcode: E10 6EQ

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 07741745253

Richard Marshall

I've been the full-time Chaplain at The King's Church of England Academy in Kidsgrove, Stoke-on -Trent since June 2022. I have 16 years' experience as a Vicar and Foundation Governor of a large church Primary (420 on roll), 8 years teaching experience in the Independent sector and I've worked as a chaplain in two other schools and at Manchester Prison.
I'd be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has to provide daily Form Worship material for delivery by teachers, many of whom don't profess faith, to Secondary students who are not from a church background.

Context: Church of England Secondary Academy

Work postcode: ST7 1DP

Email: [email protected]

Robert Goddard

Hi I’m Rob I’m in my final year of curacy and have been the full time Chaplain in the primary school of our parish for the last 5 years. I also work in the parish as assistant minister. My wife and I like to retreat to the Lake District for short breaks and walk our Mini Dachshund. It would be great to be contact with other primary school chaplains that work in estate ministry to share and support each other.

Context: Primary School

Work postcode: ST2 9AS

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 01782 229138

Simon McMurtary

I am currently Chaplain and Head of Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (Ages 3-18). I have previously worked in other boarding schools and in both lay and ordained parochial ministry in Hampshire in a variety of church traditions. I am a Third Order Franciscan and am involved interfaith work with Zen Buddhism. I have also trained in both mental health first aid and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I would be happy to be contacted by other Chaplains looking for someone to share the journey with them.

Context: Primary, Secondary, Independent

Work postcode: DH1 4SZ

Email: [email protected]

Joshua Hunt

I have worked as a secondary school chaplain in a school of no religious character for 10 years, employed by an ecumenical para-church charity. Particular interests include bereavement support, school gardening and research into school culture and ethos. Happy to hear from new or experienced chaplains, particularly those in state sector, and those forming partnerships between schools and churches.

Context: Secondary, Academy, State

Work postcode: IP11 9QR

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 01394288228

Mike Haslam

I'm inspired and animated by faith, family, friends [including furry ones] and fell-running. I've been a chaplain in almost every level of education and I am now a diocesan chaplaincy adviser in Somerset and chair of trustees for Centre for Chaplaincy in Education. Hope and vulnerability are too words that I have long associated with chaplaincy and they still ring true for me.

Context: Diocesan Chaplaincy Advisor

Work postcode: BA5 1FD

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 07530 677493

Rachel Rogers

I work for a small schools work charity called Regenerate which is supported by a group of churches from different denominations. I am a Pastoral Student Mentor in two schools and I also visit 11 primary schools termly to lead Collective Worship and seasonal workshops.

Context: Primary

Work postcode: BS37

Email: [email protected]

Jarrod Taylor

I am a lay chaplain at Bede's School in East Sussex and would like to share experiences with other chaplains in Sussex

Context: Primary and Secondary

Work postcode: BN27 3QH

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: +447710501454

Ruth Parnell

I am working as a primary school chaplain (paid by the parish church). I am also midway through my MA in Chaplaincy. I’d love to share ideas and connect with other chaplains for a similar age.

Context: Primary school chaplain

Work postcode: TN2 4EZ

Email: [email protected]

Paula Challen

I am a parish priest with a heart for chaplaincy particularly, but not limited to, schools. I am based near Junction 15a of M1, where the A5 & the A43 meet.

Context: Parish with 4 primary, 1 secondary

Work postcode: NN12 6YY

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 01327 350459

Bradley Deysel

Originally from Zimbabwe and have now been in the UK for 20 years. Trained as a teacher and have always worked in schools but never been a chaplain until last year. Would love to meet and visit chaplains within a radius of 20miles of Crawley to see how you do what you do

Context: Secondary CofE Comp

Work postcode: RH11 8JE

Email: [email protected]

Jo Kudlacik

A secondary teacher (MFL) since 2000 and a Methodist Local Preacher, I have been working as a Part Time Chaplain in this very diverse CE Secondary School since Sept 2019. My highlights in that time have been working with student worship leaders to lead worship throughout the year, gardening club, listening to and praying for and with individuals and the wider school community, supporting our bid to be a School of Sanctuary, involvement in various charity appeals and enjoying our annual celebration of cultural diversity. I am looking forward to wherever God might lead us next...

Context: Secondary, CE Academy

Work postcode: WV6 8XG

Email: [email protected]

Louisa Parrales

I have been a fulltime school chaplain at my current school for 5 years - given a remit to 'redefine chaplaincy for the 21st Century', looking particularly at the place of intersection of Chaplaincy with interfaith dialogue, personal development and EDI. Previously I have worked in church, charity and schools - all in pioneering roles, reimagining new ways of doing things. I am a trained coaching facilitator and mediator. Being a lay chaplain can be a lonely space at times so I am keen to connect with and support anyone who is navigating new ways of bringing chaplaincy into their schools.

Context: Independent all-through school

Work postcode: E17 3PY

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 02085094677

Lou Peet

Hello i'm Lou, an experienced Secondary School (lay) Chaplain! I love walking alongside young people and staff and seeing them develop in every way including spiritually. I am also a part-time Ordinand at Queens Foundation in Birmingham and involved in a local parish church.

Context: Secondary

Work postcode: C1 2BA

Email: [email protected]

Work phone number: 07776454987

24-7 Prayer

Website: https://24-7prayergb.com/  

What they do: We help people to pray

Association of Christian Teachers  

Website: www.christian-teachers.org.uk       

What they do: We support Christians working in education to be salt and light in their places of work. We resource them, connect them with other Christian professionals and seek to influence the context for the glory of God. 

Bible Society 

Website: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk          

What they do: We want everyone to have access to the Bible and to understand its message for them. We translate it into different languages, and we also invite people to engage with it through the resources we provide.

Bristol Schools Connection 

Website: www.bristolschoolsconnection.co.uk         

What they do: Our vision is to see every school in the Bristol area having a good connection with local church. We support churches in the Bristol area as they connect and deepen the relationship with their local school. This involves coaching, training, resourcing, networking and prayer.  We work with churches from all denominations and encourage churches to work together as they connect with their local schools.

CHIBOOKS

Website: https://chibooks.co.uk

What they do: CHIBOOKS supports schools, churches, and families by providing a wide range of children’s books that foster the Christian faith, learning, and creativity. Our carefully curated collection includes resources that inspire spiritual growth and reflection, making it easy for educators and parents to introduce faith-based values in engaging and accessible ways. CHIBOOKS helps build a strong foundation for young minds to explore and deepen their faith in Jesus.

Christian Youth Work Training  

Website: https://www.cywt.org.uk/        

What they do: The 'go-to' website for details of the training available for those who wish to work/minister with children and/or young people

ChurchWorks           

Contact number: https://www.churchworks.org.uk/             

What they do: The ChurchWorks Commission helps churches and Christian organisations to collaborate with each other and the Government to catalyse partnership working around our key priorities: Wellbeing & Mental Health, Vulnerable Children and Families and The Cost of Living.

Cinnamon Network 

Website: https://cinnamonnetwork.co.uk/                 

What they do: Cinnamon provides grants, training and resources to enable churches and social action leaders to set up projects that impact the community.

Common Good Schools    

Website: https://commongoodschools.co.uk 

What they do: Common Good Schools supports schools and youth groups to be a force for the common good in their community; for the flourishing of all. Our unique 10-week Common Good Schools (CGS) programme teaches the principles of Common Good thinking in practice. Designed for KS3&4 (11-16 age groups) in schools and youth settings, the resource cultivates a respect for others and the importance of good relationships, while demonstrating good stewardship and valuing community.

CPAS 

Website: https://www.cpas.org.uk/        

What they do: CPAS exists to resource the local church for mission. For over 100 years, CPAS has been running Venture and Falcon holidays, and more recently School Venture residentials for CE primaries and their supporting churches. CPAS is currently developing new ways for CE schools and their local churches to create pathways of discipleship for pupils. We offer leadership training to support this including dedicated support for church and school leaders collaborating more deeply.

CRiBS

Website: www.cribsonline.org                  

What they do: Work in schools in London Borough of Bexley and NW Kent to present Christian message through RE lessons and seasonal dramas and to support well-being of children and young people through mentoring and small group interventions

Faith in Kids 

Website: https://www.faithinkids.org/           

What they do: Our vision is to see confident parents and thriving churches working together to raise children who trust in Jesus eternally. We do that by encouraging, inspiring and equipping the influencers of faith in children with support, training and resources.

Fresh Expressions    

Website: https://www.freshexpressions.org.uk                      

What they do: Fresh Expressions is a movement; we're a band of misfits, visionaries, prophets, evangelists and creative entrepreneurs from across all church traditions who can see what isn't there and have the grit and faith to go out, listen, love, serve, tell people about Jesus and work with their communities to create a new and authentic expression of church that makes sense to them. As a charity we are constantly connecting networking, calling and equipping ordinary people to form these new communities with our extraordinary God.

Frontier Youth Trust

Website: https://fyt.org.uk/          

What they do: Frontier Youth Trust is a movement journeying with young people on the margins of church and society. Across the UK we are a tribe of people and projects working with young people in local communities; creating new projects and possibilities; calling others to ministry on the margins; and challenging and changing the system. For more than fifty years Frontier Youth Trust has been a home for those building a better world for young people.

The Growing Faith Foundation

Website: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/education-and-schools/growing-faith-foundation            

What they do: Change the culture of the CofE so that CYP are at the heart of all mission and ministry.

Global Children's Forum

Website: https://www.max7.org/en        

What they do: The Global Children’s Forum (GCF) is a global pioneering partnering community working to see children everywhere walking with Jesus. We are committed to Kingdom-focussed collaboration and striving to be more effective by doing together what we cannot do alone. Click the link to get to our free resources site.

Hand to Mouth

Website: www.handtomouth.org.uk      

What they do: Hand to Mouth work in Primary Schools enabling children and school communities to explore Christianity and reflect on their own spiritual journey. We do this through our Amazing Journey into a Holy Space, RE lessons, Godly Play and Collective Worship. We also lead Journeys and staff training for adults.

Hope for Families

Website: https://hopeforfamilies.org.uk/             

What they do: Registered in 2021, Hope for Families is a Christian charity providing a range of family support services in Northamptonshire and the surrounding area. Engaging with parents early on, before reaching crisis point, Hope for Families aims to build strong and secure family relationships and increase parents’ confidence, enabling brighter and thriving futures.

Hope Together

Website: www.hopetogether.org.uk   

What they do: Resources Christians and churches to reach everyone everywhere with the good news about Jesus in culturally relevant, everyday ways. Our aim is to mobilise Christians and churches in local communities so that every street is a prayed for street and every home has an opportunity to hear about Jesus. Hope works collaboratively with others, 'kingdom collaboration' and joining dots hence the 'Together' in our name. Our resources range from prayer and prayer walking, to training churches in evangelism using Talking Jesus to supporting Christian toddler groups and young people. Together we really can reach everyone everywhere!

iSingPOP      

Website: www.isingpop.org         

What they do: We support Schools, Churches and Communities with resources, workshops and events to  explore worship together.

KICK

Website: www.kick.org.uk     

What they do: KICK’s mission is to transform young peoples lives, with God's love, through sport and support. We do this through values-driven physical education, street dance, mentoring, chaplaincy in schools and church-based KICK Academies to impact young people. We aspire to see a generation of young people who will reach their God given potential; where communities have been socially impacted; and where spiritual change has transformed a nation. We are committed to seeing young people experience a hope for the future and joy in the present.

Kids Matter

Website: kidsmatter.org.uk    

What they do: We are working to reduce the impact of poverty on children through partnering with churches to run our friendly evidence informed parenting programmes in their local communities. Research has shown that the most effective early intervention to help children is group-based parenting programmes. For children to thrive, it is important for mums, dads and carers to increase their own wellbeing and confidence in their parenting skills. Whilst all parents need support, our effective and accessible programmes have been written for families facing disadvantages.

Kitchen Table Project

Website: www.kitchentable.org.uk

Wat they do: We share tools, ideas and inspiration to help parents and carers feel confident to nurture their children’s faith at home, and we equip churches to support parents in that. A Care for the Family initiative.

Messy Church   

Website: www.messychurch.brf.org.uk          

What they do: Messy Church is a way of being church that is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.  We provide training, resources, a directory and a supportive community to help you on your Messy Church journey.

Missional Generation

Website: www.missionalgen.co.uk

What they do: At Missional Generation, we're passionate about empowering churches and local communities to thrive. Through our dedicated team of full-time trained youth and children leaders, we support new worshiping communities and local churches in revitalizing their youth and children's programs. Our goal is to provide strategic support and coaching to local churches, fostering lasting ministries that bring positive change to both churches and surrounding communities. Over the years, we've witnessed vibrant youth and children's ministries flourish, uniting young people in worship, mission, and evangelistic initiatives across the North of England. With a focus on churches in Leeds and Bradford, we've actively invested in engaging schools and local communities, making a tangible impact in the lives of young people. Missional Generation is at the forefront of digital innovation, developing tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to facilitate faithful conversations in churches and schools. Our mission is to support and equip youth and children leaders, church leaders, and schools in fostering holistic growth and discipleship among young people, both within the church and the broader community.

Müllers      

Website: www.Mullers.org        

What they do: We strengthen churches to care for vulnerable young people in Bristol and the developing world by freeing children from poverty, focussing people on Jesus, and fuelling leaders for mission. This includes youth & children ministry training, free theological study, grants to overseas missionaries, a quarterly worship event for Bristol teens, and a museum to our founder, George Müller.

North East Religious Learning Resources Centre

Website: www.resourcescentreonline.co.uk  

What they do: A comprehensive resources loan and advice service.  37,000 resources, all vetted by our staff to ensure accuracy,  quality and accessibility. Academic and practical resources for Religious Education and Theological study, mission and ministry. Our collection reflects our Christian foundation but also the multi-faith communities found in our region. Events, courses, training and consultancy. If you lack confidence or expertise our staff can help. Contact us!

Open Doors Youth  

Website: youth.opendoorsuk.org       

What they do: We create resources for youth and schools workers as well as young people to help connect them to their persecuted family, understand the cost of following Jesus and take meaningful action to strengthen the global church.

Paraklesis

Website: www.paraklesis.org.uk          

What they do: Paraklesis is The Association of Children's, Youth and Families Ministers. We offer CPD, mentoring and resourcing for churches and those working with children, young people and families - including a Charter for Churches that offers a set of standards for participating churches.

Parenting for Faith (BRF Ministries)

Website: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/   

What they do: We equip parents and carers to help their kids meet and know God. We also equip churches - and their children's, youth and family leaders - to wrap around and support parents as they do this.

Pathway

Website: www.pathwayonline.co.uk 

What they do: Equipping churches to reach out to children in their community through clubs, events and schools work

Pray for Schools       

Website: https://www.prayforschools.org/                

What they do: We are a network of prayer groups, individuals and schools work organisations, who pray and support their local schools. We provide termly newsletters and resources to encourage prayer and action

Prayer Spaces in Schools

Website: https://prayerspacesinschools.com/

What they do: Helping you to create space in schools where pupils can pause to reflect or pray

RaiseUpFaith

Website: https://www.raiseupfaith.com                    

What they do: RaiseUpFaith is an all-in-one children’s ministry curriculum platform. With 18 customisable multimedia curriculums, it has everything kids ministry leaders need to deliver joy-filled Jesus-centred ministry moments. You can access individual activities, entire lessons, engaging series, and full curriculums. You can also get creative and build your own lessons by using any of our 15,000 songs, videos, prayers, games, crafts and activities. There are also 3 holiday clubs and lots of seasonal resources to help with those super busy times of year. Try some lessons for free with a Free Sampler account or subscribe for as little as £19 per month.

ROC Angels (Street Angels, Festival Angels)

Website: www.streetangels.org.uk    

What they do: Supporting initiatives working around the night-time economy, at music festivals, in communities and through chaplaincy. Our website has resources for work in schools around alcohol and safety.

Roots for Churches

Website: www.rootsforchurches.com

What they do: Are you leading all-age services? Running a toddler group, or youth small-group? Strengthening church-school links? (Ever feel that you need an extra team member?!) Let Roots step in. Experienced practitioners have joined forces to produce weekly resources that will help you lead well, whether you’re leading for the first time or the 100th. Discover flexible outlines for children's, youth sessions, under 5s and intergenerational worship all based on lectionary Bible passages. Practical and time-saving, Roots will help you engage young people and their families as you explore how Scripture relates to life today.   rootsforchurches.com/freetrial

Scripture Union England & Wales

Website: https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk         

What they do: Train, equip, support and resource churches to create opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith.

Soul Children UK   

Website: soulchildren.uk.com

What they do: We are a network of youth gospel community choirs, introducing young people to a lifelong friendship with Jesus through music and songs they can relate to.  Choirs meet weekly all over the country, with 5 core values: Glorify God, Honour people, Influence society, See and be seen, True joy and honesty.  Collectively we take part in both national and international Soul Children Festivals.

Spinnaker Trust Ltd

Website: www.spinnaker.org.uk

What do they do: 'Inspiring wonder and worship in primary schools'. Spinnaker creates opportunities for children to engage with Christianity in primary schools, delivering collective worship and RE lessons in London and the Southeast. We have been supporting schools in this way since 1986. We are passionate about working with churches to serve local primary school communities, offering training, support, and resources – everything that is needed to thoroughly equip a school visitor. We create engaging, relevant worship and learning resources. These are distributed widely via our website and are free to download.

Street Child

Website: www.street-child.org

What they do: Street Child is one of the fastest growing international children's charities, ensuring that children are safe, in school, and learning, especially in low-resource environments and emergencies. From active conflict zones, to disaster affected regions, Street Child are experts in child protection programming and are operational in over 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The charity has grown under the faith-inspired leadership of Tom Dannatt (founder and CEO), and would love to partner with and help resource UK churches and communities in their response to global emergencies.

South West Youth Ministries (SWYM)      

Website: www.swym.org.uk    

What they do: Our vision is that every child and young person across the SW might encounter Jesus, come to know Him and make a choice to live for more. We support and encourage local churches to reach out to this generation, train youth and children's leaders through full time courses up to degree level as well as professional development training and support. We also run residentials, local youth and children's united events and mentoring for young leaders across the region working from Cornwall up to Gloucestershire and including the Channel Islands.

The Boys' Brigade

Website: boys-brigade.org.uk

What they do: The Boys' Brigade partners with local churches to engage with children and young people aged 5-18  (boys and girls)  in their communities.  Our varied programme helps young people explore what it means to 'live life to the full' in it's truest sense through adventurous living and a relationship with Jesus. Alongside this, our Spaces groups for 11-18 provide allow for young people to explore the Christian faith in greater depth and the opportunity for intentional discipleship.

The Door Youth Project      

Website: www.thedoor.org.uk    

What they do: Community youth work, open-access youth clubs, 1:1 mentoring, faith-based groups

The Hope-Filled Family

Website: https://thehopefilledfamily.com/                

What they do: Supports Christian parents in family discipleship, reviews Christian books and provides digital devotional resources. Extra resources for adoptive families.

The Resource

Website: www.theresource.org.uk          

What they do: Training, Mentoring and Consultancy for church leadership teams especially in the area of working with children and young people, faith formation, line management and supervision of staff.

TLG

Website: https://www.tlg.org.uk/your-church

What they do: At the heart of TLG is the unwavering belief that local churches have the power to transform lives. We’re all about supporting churches to bring hope and a future to struggling children and families. With expertise in emotional wellbeing, food insecurity, and a crucial understanding of trauma-awareness underpinning all we do, we're seeing thousands of lives transformed for good every year!

Truth Be Told: Storytelling For Life

Website: www.truthbetold.org.uk      

What they do: Truth Be Told tackles isolation with the hope of the gospel by partnering with churches, providing everything they need to run intergenerational storytelling groups with families and older adults in care homes and also the community for asylum seekers and refugees. Full of joy, hope and life.

UK Christian Youth Work Consortium

Website: https://cte.org.uk/mission/coordinating-groups/uk-christian-youth-work-consortium/      

What they do: Serving and promoting Christian youth and children’s work/ministry across the UK In partnership with Churches Together in England.  Working together on issues in common, representing Christian youth work/ministry in society generally;  promoting training; promoting and supporting research and critical reflection;  raising the profile and value of Christian youth and/or children's work/ministry across the UK; providing an occasional network email on everything to do with Children and Young People, ministry and service

Youthwork+

Website: https://youthworkplus.com/            

What they do: Youthwork+ seeks to inspire and support churches and Christian ministries to see more young people’s lives transformed and hopefully more young people finding a home within supportive church communities. Our vision is for kids and youth leaders to feel valued, supported, equipped and encouraged to learn from each other and work together to enable the kingdom of God to breakthrough into the lives of children and young people in their communities.