What We Do

Connect Workers are placed in one of four areas: Holsworthy, Okehampton, Crediton and Chulmleigh, to work in the secondary schools and churches within the catchment area and to be involved in the local community.

Schools

Connect workers are involved in a variety of ways including:

  • Providing lesson Support to students in various lessons
  • Helping to deliver parts of the RE curriculum
  • Running a Christian Union and other lunchtime clubs
  • Giving friendly support to teachers and other staff
  • Offering a listening ear and encouragement to students during school hours
  • Planning and taking assemblies
  • Mentoring young people on a one-to-one basis

Churches

Connect Workers are linked to one local church but take part in the life of a variety of churches of different denominations within the catchment area of their secondary school. This may include:

  • Taking an active part in the life of the local church
  • Participating in Sunday services
  • Supporting and taking a leading role in church youth groups
  • Being available to teach and encourage individual young Christians
  • Helping to develop the work of existing Sunday School Teachers and youth volunteers
  • Accompanying young people on local youth camps and events

Communities

In the wider community, Connect workers continue the link with young people from their secondary school and churches. This may involve:

  • Engaging with young people at local community youth clubs
  • Taking part in community events eg. Remembrance parades, carnivals and agricultural shows
  • Being available to young people on their terms, including detached work

 

    Where we work…

    Chulmleigh
    Crediton
    Holsworthy
    Okehampton
    “Our CONNECT worker has been a real asset in the college, supporting pupils who struggle in lessons and providing a ‘living illustration’ of a Christian when Christianity is studied such as in the GCSE RS classes. Pupils are able to ask them personally about their faith and test the curriculum against a real person. They have an excellent connection with pupils in the college who may also know them from youth events and church activities in their towns and villages.”
    Amy Eaton, Head of Humanities, Chulmleigh Community College