Growing younger - Youth and Young People

Hi there!

I’m so glad you’ve made your way to this page.

My name is Matt, Diocesan Youth and Young Adults’ Officer here in Suffolk.

I am really passionate about seeing young people thrive, helping them discover faith for themselves and finding a home in one of our churches.

I’ve spent my life working in youth work and youth ministry – both inside and outside the Church of England.  I get it and I understand both the joys and challenges of week in week out youth work. I am so excited to be working in this role to grow youth work in churches and communities across Suffolk.

Just so you know – I understand that it’s tough to grow youth ministry and I’m here for you as church leaders and representatives. I’m really happy to come and talk with your youth team or PCC about the kind of things we can do to help make our churches safe spaces for young people to discover faith in Jesus and then to grow in that faith.

Ps. And If you’re really interested - outside of work, I am a mega fan of Cryptozoology, Wonderwoman, Eurovision, the game Risk and work amongst street children in Guatemala and Honduras?! So feel free to ask me about that too!

Becoming a volunteer or starting youth work in your church

Do you like working with young people? Are you passionate about seeing them develop spiritually, socially and personally? Do you want to invest in someone’s future?

If the answer is yes to any of those questions, then do email me, I would love to hear from you! Youth workers are key influencers on the lives of young people.

We can offer bespoke training to your parish, benefice or deanery in the kinds of things that you will need to think through as you start youth work.

Training, licensing, mentoring and support for those doing youth work

If you’re already heading up youth work in your church and want some advice, 1:1 mentoring or further information about Licencing as an LYM please get in touch! You can also visit our Licensed Youth Ministers page.

Kagera

As a Diocese we have a partner link with a diocese in Kagera, NW Tanzania.  In the summer of 2021 we are planning to have a youth trip out to support them. Obviously Covid-19 has thrown a spanner in these works but if you’re interested email me to be kept updated with our plans.

Children, youth and families' newsletter

For topical resources and ideas straight to your inbox, please sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter by emailing Lesley Steed.

For further information 

For a list of youth projects in our diocese please visit:

Young people in our churches | Weblink

Latest research on youth and the pandemic  | Weblink

Young people/star photo above by thiszun