Methodist Church highlights concerns about young people
-31/08/05
By Gary Hopkins
In the aftermath of bleak statistics that 27% of young people who live in urban areas have considered taking their own life, the Methodist Church is organising events to explore the well being of young people.
This recent research commissioned by the Commission on Urban Life and Faith and the information from the World Health Organisation, that young people in Britain are amongst the unhappiest in Europe, has sparked action by the Church.
The research found that 70% of young people said they felt life was worth living and 52% said they often feel depressed.
The Methodist Church has indicated that there is a pressing need to consider the well being of young people in Britain, especially those in areas of multiple deprivation.
Steve Pearce, Methodist Secretary for Children, said: ìYoung people in our towns and cities face tremendous pressure, and we owe it to both them and those who work with them to offer all the time, support and insight we can.
ìThe research conducted by the Commission on Urban Life and Faith and The Children’s Society shows just how much difference spirituality makes to young lives and their sense of purpose. The Church, through this initiative, is sharing its commitment with all who are working for the well being of young people.
A series of seminars have been organised for church leaders, youth workers, local government and anyone else who is concerned about the well-being of young people. They will provide a chance to discuss the issues that affect the young and how this might influence youth work.
Baroness Kathleen Richardson will chair some of the seminars said; ìThe research from CULF and the Children’s Society raises many important questions about the spiritual needs and beliefs of children and how these make a difference to their lives and actions.î
The seminars will take place in Brixton, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Newcastle in September and October. They are aimed at voluntary sector professionals, children and youth workers, social workers, health care professionals, local government workers, clergy, and others concerned with the well being of young people.
Gary Hopkins is a reporter for Ekklesia and a Methodist lay preacher. He can be contacted on: [email protected]
Methodist Church highlights concerns about young people
-31/08/05
By Gary Hopkins
In the aftermath of bleak statistics that 27% of young people who live in urban areas have considered taking their own life, the Methodist Church is organising events to explore the well being of young people.
This recent research commissioned by the Commission on Urban Life and Faith and the information from the World Health Organisation, that young people in Britain are amongst the unhappiest in Europe, has sparked action by the Church.
The research found that 70% of young people said they felt life was worth living and 52% said they often feel depressed.
The Methodist Church has indicated that there is a pressing need to consider the well being of young people in Britain, especially those in areas of multiple deprivation.
Steve Pearce, Methodist Secretary for Children, said: ‘Young people in our towns and cities face tremendous pressure, and we owe it to both them and those who work with them to offer all the time, support and insight we can.
‘The research conducted by the Commission on Urban Life and Faith and The Children’s Society shows just how much difference spirituality makes to young lives and their sense of purpose. The Church, through this initiative, is sharing its commitment with all who are working for the well being of young people.
A series of seminars have been organised for church leaders, youth workers, local government and anyone else who is concerned about the well-being of young people. They will provide a chance to discuss the issues that affect the young and how this might influence youth work.
Baroness Kathleen Richardson will chair some of the seminars said; ‘The research from CULF and the Children’s Society raises many important questions about the spiritual needs and beliefs of children and how these make a difference to their lives and actions.’
The seminars will take place in Brixton, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Newcastle in September and October. They are aimed at voluntary sector professionals, children and youth workers, social workers, health care professionals, local government workers, clergy, and others concerned with the well being of young people.
Gary Hopkins is a reporter for Ekklesia and a Methodist lay preacher. He can be contacted on: [email protected]