Letter from Archdeacon of Dudley

Over the summer I read the Good Childhood Report 2019published by The Childrens Society, and was sad, but not surprised, to learnthat children and young people have become increasingly unhappy as childhoodbecomes ever more complex. The societys research shows that many children areunhappy with their friendships and their appearance, and are concerned about widerissues like school culture, the experiences of those with low or strainedfamily finances, and whether or not some children actually feel safe during theschool day. Too many children are struggling with their lives now, and largenumbers are also anxious about their future. Large proportions of children areworried about everything from money and getting good grades at school, to widerissues like crime and the environment.

It is so important that we keep reminding ourselves and eachother that working with children and young people is one of our strategicpriorities, and that as part of our Kingdom People vision we are

dedicated tohelping children and young people to belong and be nurtured in faith

We can all play a part in this.Even if we dont have many children in ourchurch, most of us will have contact with children in our family and friendshipgroups.How can we better mentor them,share faith with them, instil confidence in them and communicate their inherentvalue to them?How can we help to easetheir unhappiness?Perhaps by showingunconditional love, and spending quality time with them; certainly bycommitting to pray for them.

Mark Russell, Canon of Worcester Cathedral and new ChiefExecutive of the Childrens Society, said in his introduction to the report, Howcan we enable children to thrive not just survive. How do we solve problems likerising mental ill-health, millions living in poverty and the scandal of far toomany young lives being lost to knife crime and exploitation? We must start bylistening to young people. I mean REALLY listening. We need to stop side-liningyoung people and harness their enthusiasm and radical energy for change.

As a new school year gets underway, lets commit afresh tohelping the children of the Diocese of Worcester to belong and be nurtured infaith.Lets pray for our church schools,all who work with children in paid or voluntary roles, and the Mission Enablerssupporting churches as part of our Calling Young Disciples project, andlets listen to the children and young people we know and harness theirenthusiasm and energy for change, that their future might be full of hope, andour lives enriched by the part they play.

Nikki Groarke

Archdeacon of Dudley