What?

Connect is a voluntary, cross-denominational, Christian youth work, based in Crediton, Chulmleigh and Okehampton. Connect workers are volunteer trainee youth workers, trained by South West Youth Ministries (SWYM). There are usually two Connect workers in each of the three towns.

Why?

Connect began out of a need local churches felt to reach out to young people in school, meeting them where they are. Our aims are to:

• demonstrate Christ's love for young people;
• offer support on behalf of Mid-Devon's churches to each Community College in each area in developing young people mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially;
• encourage young people to work out, own, and stand for their Christian faith among their peers, in their school and community.

How?

Connect workers get involved in a variety of work within their particular school, including:

• lesson support in R.E. lessons and any other lesson in which they have a speciality;
• teaching part or all of an R.E. lesson;
• running the Christian Union and other lunchtime clubs;
• getting alongside students in detached youth work (i.e. 'hanging out' with them in the playground or dinner hall);
• planning and taking assemblies;
• mentoring young people.

In the wider community, Connect workers continue the link with young people in the schools by getting involved in local church youth and discipleship groups and secular youth clubs. There are also opportunities through the year for young people to go away on camps organised by SWYM.