02 May 2013
Calling young people: this is your OPPortunity to shine
Young people are being encouraged to apply for one-year placements with a variety of innovative church projects throughout Britain. The opportunities range from working with young people directly affected by drug and alcohol problems to addressing some of the UK's most pressing social issues on a national scale.
The One Programme is a paid year out for young people aged 16 to
23 years old. One Programme Participants (known as OPPs) are paid
to work 15 hours a week: nine hours in a local church project and
six hours for training and other national work. The projects are
selected by a panel of young people and key-workers. Successful
candidates will have the opportunity to make a difference in their
own communities and will be paid a
living wage.
Hayley Moss, Methodist Youth President, said: "I'm delighted that
the Church has chosen to continue to invest in the One Programme.
It offers excellent opportunities both for the young people and the
projects hosting them. Young people get stuck in to an exciting
local project and participate in an excellent training programme
alongside other young people from across the UK. Churches benefit
from having an enthusiastic, dedicated young person involved in
their work. I loved my year on The One Programme. I think it is a
fantastic, challenging, worthwhile experience both for young people
and their host projects. Everybody wins!"
Each project is unique, with the OPP given the freedom to shape and
develop the work according to their own skills and insights. The
posts are open to anyone who will be between the ages of 16 and 23
on 1 September 2013. Anyone within that age bracket - whether
connected to a local Methodist church or not - is welcome to apply
and the best applicants will be invited for interview.
Last year, Esther Salisbury was based at the Cross-Links project in
Dover, where she worked alongside the youth worker, lay minister
and volunteers to reach out to young people. "As a young person
myself, I know that the passion youth hold can be far more
energetic than any other and that trust in the ability of youth
needs to grow," she said. "The opportunity I have been given as an
OPP has allowed me to not only influence the lives of other young
people and children, but its challenges have greatly impacted the
way I think and live; growing me into a stronger disciple of
God."
Deadlines for applications range from mid-May to early June - for
more information and to apply click
here.
Notes:
1. A hi-res image of Hayley Moss is available to download here.