Methodist Church says young should matter more to government
-08/11/05
Methodist Church says young should matter more to government
-08/11/05
By Gary Hopkins
The Methodist Church in the UK has raised concerns over proposals from the government affecting young people.
The consultation document in the form of a Government Green Paper entitled; ëYouth Mattersí does not pay enough attention to the spirituality of young people the church suggests, and fails to address concerns about alienation, rural isolation and the specific needs of those from minority ethnic groups or with disabilities.
According to the government Youth Matters aims to “radically re-shape services for young peopleî. It is suggested that ìall young people should achieve five key outcomes (being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being).î
But Mike Seaton, National Secretary of the MAYC (the youth work arm of the Methodist Church), said that the underpinning principle for young peopleís services ìmust be a desire to care for their well-being.î
The Church is concerned that Youth Matters does not go far enough. ìWe welcome some aspects of this green paper,î said Mike Seaton, ìbut feel it does not go into sufficient detail in some areas.
ìServices must treat them with respect, and engage them in meaningful projects that prompt ownership and provide the proper levels of participation, support and guidance.î
He added ìWe want to emphasise the role that the voluntary sector has to play in this area, including Christian organisations.î
At several events this year the Methodist Church has used a video diary room to record young peopleís hopes and concerns.
Among the issues that young people said troubled them were family situations, being alone, bullying, friendship, exam pressures and crime.
MAYC Staff also report that spiritual development, health, family breakdown, multicultural issues, poverty and education are particular issues that young people are concerned about.
After similar findings earlier this year about young people in Britain the Methodist Church is continuing to use its experience in a wide variety of young person’s schemes.
Gary Hopkins is a reporter for Ekklesia and a Methodist lay preacher.
Methodist Church says young should matter more to government
-08/11/05
By Gary Hopkins
The Methodist Church in the UK has raised concerns over proposals from the government affecting young people.
The consultation document in the form of a Government Green Paper entitled; ëYouth Matters’ does not pay enough attention to the spirituality of young people the church suggests, and fails to address concerns about alienation, rural isolation and the specific needs of those from minority ethnic groups or with disabilities.
According to the government Youth Matters aims to “radically re-shape services for young people’. It is suggested that ‘all young people should achieve five key outcomes (being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being).’
But Mike Seaton, National Secretary of the MAYC (the youth work arm of the Methodist Church), said that the underpinning principle for young people’s services ‘must be a desire to care for their well-being.’
The Church is concerned that Youth Matters does not go far enough. ‘We welcome some aspects of this green paper,’ said Mike Seaton, ‘but feel it does not go into sufficient detail in some areas.
‘Services must treat them with respect, and engage them in meaningful projects that prompt ownership and provide the proper levels of participation, support and guidance.’
He added ‘We want to emphasise the role that the voluntary sector has to play in this area, including Christian organisations.’
At several events this year the Methodist Church has used a video diary room to record young people’s hopes and concerns.
Among the issues that young people said troubled them were family situations, being alone, bullying, friendship, exam pressures and crime.
MAYC Staff also report that spiritual development, health, family breakdown, multicultural issues, poverty and education are particular issues that young people are concerned about.
After similar findings earlier this year about young people in Britain the Methodist Church is continuing to use its experience in a wide variety of young person’s schemes.
Gary Hopkins is a reporter for Ekklesia and a Methodist lay preacher.