connect faq

Q. Why bother with school's work?

A. The 11-14 age group is crucial. Between year 8 and year 9, which is ages 12 and 14, many young people fall away from church. Indeed, for some children, church or Sunday School has no relevance in their lives whatsoever. However, connect workers have the opportunity to get into that age group at school, and let young people see them - as Christians - leading assemblies, lessons, and clubs, and being culturally relevant and appealing to them.

Connect workers also have a unique function in creating a link between the church and the college in a way that local clergy or ministers can't. They can also play a crucial role in being a positive role model in a young persons' life, being a mentor figure who can help young people fulfil their lives and make the best of their opportunities and choices.

Q. How much does it cost to support a connect worker?

A. One connect worker costs roughly £8,000 a year. Here's where the money goes:

• SWYM Training fees: approx £2,500 per year
• Hosts' allowance: approx £2,340 per year
• Connect workers are hosted by local families. 'Host parents' receive a weekly allowance to cover basic food, heating and rent expenses for their 'lodger'
• Car expenses: approx £3,100 per year
• since connect is based in such a rural area, cars are essential for the workers to get around

Q. Is connect denominational?

A. No, Connect is an cross-denominational organisation.