General Synod apologises to abuse victims
The General Synod of the Church of England has followed the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in apologising to the victims of abuse. The apology, which followed a report into safeguarding of children and young people in the Chichester diocese, was endorsed by the Synod at their meeting in July. Paul Butler, the bishop of Southwell and Nottingham said the report showed ‘serious failures’ in the Chichester Diocese but also ‘much wider institutional failings.’ Rev Butler also said that in failing to act the Church of England had sinned just as much as those who had carried out the abuse.
‘Imagine’ schools work conference
The first week of September sees the fourth annual back to school commissioning event for Christian schools workers in the UK, called ‘Imagine’. Organised by Schoolswork.co.uk , this year’s two events are being held in the south (Bucks) and the north (Leeds) on Monday 2nd and Friday 6th September. The conference is about bringing together Christians who are passionate about connecting with children and young people in schools and providing them with encouragement, inspiration and challenge. For more details and to book your place, go to: www.imagineschoolswork.co.uk
SWYM Training Days
South West Youth Ministries (SWYM) will be hosting their first six Professional Development Training Days in the 2013/2014 academic year. The training days aim to encourage those who are full-time or voluntarily involved in youth work by sharing and developing ideas to put into action. The speakers for the events include Youthscape’s Chris Curtis on, ‘The Future of Faith in Education’, Jeannie Morgan’s on, ‘Let the Healing Begin’, and Mike Pilavachi who will be sharing his recent ‘musings’ on youth ministry. For more information, visit swym.org.uk or email info@swym.org.uk
Prayer Spaces in Schools
Prayer Spaces in Schools will run two development days and two day conferences in England and Scotland this Autumn. The events will cover: how to host a prayer space, creating prayer activities, theology and values, and ‘what next’. Tickets are can be booked online at www.prayerspacesinschools.com/day2013
The Blob Shop
Pip Wilson’s popular ‘Blob’ resource has launched an online store. The Blobs are a tool to help young people express emotions without using language. The shop includes books, posters and downloads and can be found at www.blobtree.com
MindFull SURVEY
New mental health charity MindFull has published the results of a survey of over 2000 young people aged 16 to 25, about their mental health experiences before the age of 16. Findings include: one in five children have symptoms of depression; 32 per cent of children have contemplated or attempted suicide; and 29 per cent have self-harmed.
GLEE STAR FOUND DEAD
Glee star Corey Monteith was found dead in his hotel room following a drug overdose on July 13th. The actor, famous for his role in the US television show and off-screen relationship with co-star Lea Michele, died of a ‘mixed drug toxicity’ consisting of heroin and alcohol. Ask your young people how this, and the similar deaths of Heath Ledger and Amy Winehouse, has impacted their views on drug and alcohol use.
