31 August 2005
Meetings to highlight the importance of spirituality for young people
Recent research commissioned by the Commission on Urban Life and
Faith shows that, while 70% of young people who live in urban areas
said they felt live was worth living, 52% said they often feel
depressed and 27% have sometimes considered taking their own
life.
The World Health Organisation shows that young people in Britain
are amongst the unhappiest in Europe and this detailed research
adds to the concern. At the same time the media often give young
people a hard time. There is therefore a pressing need to consider
the well being of young people in Britain, especially those in
areas of multiple deprivation.
There is now an opportunity to discuss these and other issues that
affect young people's well being and how this may influence our
work with young people today. The Methodist Church is organising
events around the country to enable all those who work with young
people in any capacity to be involved in such discussions.
These events will draw on the extensive research prompted by the
Commission on Urban Life and Faith and undertaken by the University
of Wales, Bangor and The Children's Society. They will inform the
churches' and others' youth work and will provide useful material
to feedback to government in response to their Youth Green
Paper.
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 churches and other faith groups
have a genuine desire to help young people and their know-how in
the area of spirituality can be a major contribution to youth and
children's work. 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.
'These seminars offer a chance for church leaders, youth workers,
local government and everyone else concerned with the well-being of
young people a chance to come together to discuss these vitally
important topics. The report gives us a previously unavailable
insight into the role of spirituality in young people's lives, and
these meetings will provide a unique opportunity to develop this
further.'
Baroness Kathleen Richardson will chair some of the seminars. She
said: 'these seminars will be very interesting to anyone involved
with children's work in our urban areas. 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. Faith communities of all
types have important roles to play in the development of our
children, and in overcoming the negative image of urban youth that
too many people have. Faith groups can provide the positive adult
role models, sense of purpose and the moral practical guidance that
children clearly need.'
The seminars 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.