Calling Young Disciples Mission Enabler, Amy Stokes has beenworking with the Anglican Churches in Bromsgrove to set up a listening servicefor local secondary schools.A group ofvolunteers have been trained to go into the schools with individuals takingtime to sit and listen to a young person for up to half an hour.
Amy said: When I started networking with local schools inthe area, it became clear that there is a real need to provide young peoplewith more pastoral care than the schools are able to give them. We have workedwith the local council and the YMCA to set up this service where our volunteersmeet with lower risk young people for whom it would be a benefit to havesomeone to talk to.
12 people are now working in the local schools as listeners.They are all trained in listening skills, safeguarding, mental health issues,drugs and alcohol and sex and relationships. Before starting they areinterviewed by either Amy or the Council or YMCA and they are DBS checked.The young people are referred through theRespect Programme run by Bromsgrove Council for higher risk young people ordirectly from the school.
Were aiming to provide a safe place for young people totalk about whatever they want and with someone who will provide compassion. Thelistener should have as little input as possible, but we do provide resourcesto get the conversations started if necessary, for example cards with differentthemes on.Its very early days, but theschools have been really positive and were receiving more referrals all thetime. At our touch base session, all the listeners also seemed very happy they enjoyed the conversations and some have already taken on a second youngperson!
It has taken around 6 8 months to set the scheme up andmuch of the administration is done through the Council and YMCA. The churcheshope that they can make a real difference to some of the local young people.
