Aims and Ethos

'We believe in the presence and potential of young people
at the heart of church and community'  St Albans Church Vision Statement

Come as you are!  We welcome and work with any young people (school years 6-13): 
regardless of reputation, status, size, gender, sexuality, racial/cultural/ethnic classification, physical or mental health, ability/disability, or faith background.  Come with friends if you like! 

We don't: judge!  

We do:  

• listen carefully, ask questions, and respect your views and choices
• seek to work in a way which upholds the dignity and safety of all our young people at all times. 

We want you to:

• have somewhere you feel you can come and just be yourself: stress-free!
• feel welcome, feel valued, find your place and purpose; 
• gain confidence and skills that will help you deal with difficulties and flourish in life; 
• discover and develop your voice, abilities and potential.

The aim of all our work is to build trusting relationships to facilitate: 

• pertinent (the right kind of) support - where and when it's needed; 
• engagement, development and learning where it's inspired; 
• active & healthy lifestyle;
• connections to amazing life-changing opportunities;
• healthier relationships with peers, family, church/community, self, and God;
• young people's empowerment and and leadership.

We want all our environments to be safe, peaceful, creative and stimulating spaces
where you feel you are welcome, you belong, and can pursue interests and grow into your potential.

We are proud to work with so many amazing young leaders!  We don't believe young people are just 'tomorrow's leaders':  Every day young people are not only being influenced but also speaking up, making great decisions, supporting and influencing others!  
We partner with and empower young people to be bold, respectful and discerning influencers.  
We develop conflict resolution and leadership skills, helping to promote and develop positive role models, peace makers and leaders.   Our Young Leaders Steering Group meet 4 times a year.

Thank you to the Young Harrow Foundation (YHF) and Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) for helping us recognise and reward such service and leadership, and congratulations to our 1st groups of young people to win JPF Achievement Awards:  
Abi, Carl, Eleanor, Grace, Josie, Millie, Rumaisah, Thomas, Sophie, Chloe, Ryan, Cameron, Eleanor !

We are big believers in the value of both team and of great partnership. We benefit hugely from a range of local and regional partnerships and memberships, but are always keen to hear how we can work together to meet particular needs for/with our young people.

We appreciate our close links with:  Young Harrow Foundation, RiSE [Harrow Churches Youth Worker Network], Harrow Youth Collective, London Youth, the Ignite Trust, Buckingham Preparatory School, Re:Gen Harrow, and Scripture Union.

What are you church people doing youth work for? 

Good question!  Churches do youth work because.. 

(1) we believe young people matter: 

Jesus did not come just for older people - nor did he come for 'religious' people:  
He came to love, serve & call everyone!  He welcomed the young when others sent them away. 
So those following Jesus' example: welcome, help, involve, and reach out to young people, too. We believe in the presence and potential of young people at the heart of church & community. We are here for all young people in the area - those of Christian faith, other faiths, and no faith. 
In a culture where young people learn our value lies in how we look, perform, what we can offer, how quickly we are willing to climb above others, the things we (either) have (or don't have);
we have a different vision:  of the innate value, dignity, and equality of all young people, 
of people mattering more than the things they own, use or wear;  and of life being lived out together with people from every background - in respect of God, care of creation, and service of others.

(2) we believe relationship with God matters:  

In the Bible in the Gospel of John, chapter 10 verse 10:  
Jesus said  "I have come to bring you life - life in all its fullness!"
- contrasting this with what is "stolen away, killed and destroyed".  

We love diversity, and respect people's choice on how they want to live their life,
but we also recognise Harrow young people's concern with the current high levels of
gang-related violence, bullying, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and mental ill-health. 

With this in mind..
We are committed to see young people grow robust, helpful, successful lives-to-the-full:

• knowing who we are
• knowing our purpose and calling in life   
• knowing our value
• knowing the offer of God's peace and love  
• knowing 'life to the full' - and what this means in the service of others    
• being able to care for self and seek support when we need it   
• being able to care for and support others.