infusenews

Self Harming Teenagers

A survey of over 800 young people found that 22 per cent of males and females aged 11 to 19 had self-harmed, while 56 per cent said they know someone who has. Of those that self-harmed, over 70 per cent admitted to cutting, 49 per cent used punching, 14 per cent resorted to burning and 10 per cent tried poisoning. The study, commissioned by mental healthcare specialists Affinity Healthcare, found nearly half the self-harmers blamed depression for their actions. Anger triggered 17 per cent, while stress...

        Depression blamed for self-harm epidemic - Health - Log in to Children & Young People Now

What’s God got to do with it?

The very word ‘theology’ is a turn-off for many activists. Too often, theology seems abstract and disconnected from the reality of day to day community work. Often a gap emerges between the activists and the reflectors to the detriment of both sides. But we believe that for social activists good theology can be like the roots of a healthy tree –it can resource, nourish and sustain effective community mission. This interactive and fun day will offer an alternative to an academic approach. It will help you reconnect your work to your deepest convictions and gain vision for how to integrate a down to earth theology into your front line work.

The day will include:

• Unpacking key theological ideas that underpin community mission
• Maintaining the Christianity in our Christian community projects
• Inspiration for seeing success through Jesus’ eyes rather than our funders?
• Practical ideas to help you and your team think theologically in your community work
• The facilitator for the day is Mark Perrott, who has worked in the inner city for 18 years.

He spent six years working for the Earls Court Project with those caught up in homelessness and life-controlling issues. He is now Chief Executive of the Catalyst Trust and pioneered Urban Mission Toolkit, a year-long practical course for Christians who want to learn to put their faith into action in the midst of urban poverty. He has helped many people gain fresh vision and excitement for urban mission. To book: Contact Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 or jclark@livability.org.uk Takes place Wednesday 11 June 9.45am - 3.30pm

(We start promptly at 10.00am) £10/person to be paid on the day (includes lunch) Salvation Army Territorial HQ, 101 Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle, SE1 6BN

YFC Local Ministries Manager

YOUTH FOR CHRIST are currently looking for a full time Local Ministries Senior Manager responsible for the development and oversight of Local Ministries in YFC. the main focus is to pioneer and support the growth, development and management of new and existing Local Ministries within YFC around England and to coordinate appropriate support in developing local initiatives. This will include 

• Facilitating Centres in developing models of good practice in all areas of the work.
• Leading new Centres through their development process including applications to the charity commission. 
• To manage strategic planning with Local Ministries.
• Coordinate the smooth running and development of Centre management groups.
• Providing appropriate support and communication with Centre Chair people.
• Monitoring the implementation of YFC strategy, policy and procedures and Criminal Record Bureau registration in Local Ministries.

 

Salary £20,842 to £26,200 depending on experience (Youth for Christ staff currently work towards raising some salary costs (50%) in personal support and developing a team of partners to support them in their work within YFC. We would be looking for someone who has a positive attitude towards this requirement, given support and training). Closing date for aplpications is June 1st 2008 with an inteview Date to be arranged  

   

for informal enquiries to: Leon Coates, Personnel Officer 0121 5029629 or email  chris.nightingale@yfc.co.uk

VACANCY: Church Youthworker/ School Chaplain

St. Mark’s Church, Gillingham are looking for a Church Youthworker/ School Chaplain, Salary £25k+  

Location              Kent     

Closing Date      Fri 9 May 2008  

Starting in September 2008  

This is an innovative post for an experienced and qualified Youthworker with £25K plus for right candidate and a 3 yr minimum contract  

   

For more contact the Administrator, St Mark’s Parish Office, The Old Vicarage, Vicarage Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5JA
info@stmarkschurchgillingham.co.uk 

OXYGEN MInd the Gap

A gap year with Oxygen is a journey of discovery, it is one when people enter into a period in their lives when they are given a chance to discover Jesus for themselves whilst also seeking to reveal Jesus to others.

Each year, Oxygen takes on up to 10 people, usually aged 18 – 25 to come together in this MIND THE GAP adventure. They come together in times of sharing, teaching and exploration learning to rely on God, before heading out into streets, clubs and churches seeking to serve and relate to young people they meet.

We believe in Jesus’ own instruction when he called for people to go out and be involved in mission and discipleship. As he showed us, it is as we respond to this call so we are transformed by the people we meet, just as we hope and pray that they are transformed by meeting us. This is why Oxygen’s MIND THE GAP is not a GAP year but rather a chance to respond to Jesus instruction to be involved in the work of the Kingdom.

MIND THE GAP is not about people coming to serve us, but more about us going on a journey together to discover what God’s will is for ourselves and the young people that we meet. Our hope is that Oxygen is a place where both young people and workers draw closer to God and closer to each other.

So if you or someone you know wants to find out God’s plan and pattern for life. All we ask if that you love God and love young people and are willing to be challenged, trained and supported through something that will affect you not only for a year but for the rest of your life

For more information on Oxygen’s Mind the Gap scheme contact Debbie Garden

020 8547 0566

debbie.garden@oxygen-online.org  

Living as an ordinary radical?

Living as an ordinary radical: A dialogue with Shane Claiborne

Faithworks, Livability Community Mission and Tearfund are hosting a free discussion evening with Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution and founder of The Simple Way community in Philadelphia.

It takes place on Wednesday 30 April 2008 Church.co.uk, 1a Kennington Road, London, SE1 7QP 7:30pm Free To book: In difference to our normal events, booking is not necessary. Arriving early is recommended, though, as this event will be popular.

Young people the Aiming High Implementation Plan

 

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has published the Aiming High Implementation Plan, which sets out how the Government’s Youth Taskforce will support delivery by helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.   

 

The Department has also published the Youth Taskforce Action Plan aimed at tackling children and young people’s antisocial behaviour. The action plan will be supported by a £218.5 million fund for tougher enforcement to tackle unacceptable behaviour, compulsory treatment of the underlying causes of poor behaviour and improved prevention measures. www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/_files/7470DCSFYouthTaskActionPlan.pdf  

Vacancy: Youth for Christ Theatre Company

Do you have the skills, passion and creativity and drive to pioneer an all new Youth for Christ Theatre Company working in Schools across the UK. You will need proven Acting, Leadership and Directing experience and ability to motivate, support and recruit staff and volunteers. You will be working alongside a vibrant creative team using theatre and drama to communicate the good news of Jesus to young people. The successful candidate will be well organised with excellent communication skills.

Salary in the range of: £16,621 – £22,962

The deadline for the application is 21st April. for more contact www.yfc.co.uk