Andy Drozdziak
A Catholic youth organisation is hoping to inspire young people who are struggling with isolation and mental health in its first conference since the Covid-19 pandemic.
NHS England statistics show that, in 2023, about 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 years had a probable mental disorder. This was 20.3% of 8 to 16 year olds, 23.3% of 17 to 19 year olds and 21.7% of 20 to 25 year olds. NHS Mental Health Director Claire Murdoch said that these statistics from November 2023 showed ‘the continued unprecedented pressures faced by young people.’
YMT (Youth Ministry Team) will explore youth ministry in the light of such issues at their Youth Ministry and Practical Theology Conference on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at Cardinal Hume Catholic school, Gateshead– its first conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beth Outram, senior keyworker at Barnardo’s children charity in Manchester, will be offering a ‘mental health toolkit’ during a workshop entitled How can we do youth ministry when young people face challenges in mental well-being?
YMT said: “We are glad to welcome Beth to the Diocese to lead a mental health workshop, considering how we can include mental wellbeing awareness within youth ministry.”
The theme for the conference will be “Investing in the Fearlessness of Youth”, inspired by a quote from Pope Francis’ 2019 letter to young people, Christus Vivit.
Other speakers and workshop leaders include international speaker and best-selling author David Wells and Greg Finn, National Director of The Mark 10 Mission. The keynote speaker will be Reverend Professor David Wilkinson from St John’s College, Durham, who will explore how to engage young people in the Gospel whilst living in a world of science. Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Stephen Wright will also be attending.
Mary Madziva, YMT’s Retreat Development and Outreach Coordinator, pointed out that the conference is aimed at a variety of people working in youth ministry.
“Whether you are a lay youth minister, parish priest, school chaplain, an ad-hoc volunteer or just interested in how your Church/school/community can best serve young people, we hope this line-up of speakers and workshop leaders has something for everyone,” Mary told the Universe.
“Youth Ministry is what excites us-to help young people realise their identity as beloved children of God. However, we all know that today’s world poses many challenges to young people and the Church, and we must constantly reevaluate how we can best share God’s message and best serve His people. We endeavour to explore some of the ‘barriers’ faced by young people and youth ministry today.”
Tickets cost £12 per person. For further information, email nsalkeld@ymt.org
Picture: Some of the speakers at the conference are pictured.