Resources for Children, Young People and Families

Here are some resources suggested by Jodie Thorpe, our Children, Youth and Families Enabler:-

CYF Racial Justice Resource is a brand-new resource thoughtfully and prayerfully compiled by the CYF Round Table to be used by people who work with children and young people.  It aims to speak positively into the racial justice issues which were illustrated so clearly during 2020 following the death of George Floyd.  Through history, reflection and questioning we hope to create spaces that will open new avenues for conversation with children and young people.
The resource can be downloaded here. If you would like to receive a printed copy, please contact Jodie.

Joining the Dots is a podcast that draws on the wisdom of experts and the experience of those on the ground to help start the conversation in exploring the context of the child so that the dots between home, church, community, school and faith begin to join up.  
The first series, run by the CYF (Children, Youth and Families) Round Table, looks at schools and some of the unique opportunities for sharing Jesus.
To access the podcasts, use this link and keep checking back as more will be added regularl

Care for the Family are hosting their ‘Playtime National Conference’ online for church-based toddler groups with a theme of ‘Catalysts for Change’.  Further details - click here.  

The National Estate Churches Network are hosting an online conference exploring ministry and mission to children and young people of our estates and marginal communities.  Find out more - click here. 

Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet
Riding Lights theatre company, York, presents Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet - a play for all children, especially those who found lockdown made them feel stressed and anxious.
Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet will be available download in November and December (or for live performance if you’re within range of a day return journey from York). It comes with additional classroom materials, giving teachers resources to help children engage more deeply with the issues raised through this delightful, interactive show. To express interest, please contact Chloe Oldroyd on 01904 655317.

HOPE UK aims to equip young people to make drug-free choices and is hosting a series of online courses for churches:-

Drug awareness for youth workers - 27th September 8pm
County Lines for Parents –  20th September 8pm
Click here for details and booking information. 

Videos filmed during an online leaders' day hosted by SCBA (Southern Counties Baptist Association). In them Rachel Gardner, Director of Youthscape and President of The Girls' Brigade, considers the
challenge of reaching, supporting, developing and empowering young people and young adults.
Follow this link to see the videos.

www.yfc.co.uk  Some great video resources for older children and young people.
 
https://kitchentable.org.uk/  I’d particularly recommend their ‘talking faith’ series.
 
www.scriptureunion.org.uk "With new ideas, updates on the 95 campaign and resources for leaving lockdown."

The latest Covid-19 guidance relating to Children’s, Youth and Families Ministry is available from Baptists Together - click here.

Below are some other useful websites, links, events, materials that might be appropriate for your ministries with children, youth and families:-

Tabletalk - Usually purchased in the format of cards to discuss around a table.  Tabletalk have currently got some great discussion questions available free on their website to help generate chat with friends and family.  Could also be used in a youth group setting.  (Something to keep your eye out for too - they are developing a new ‘wellbeing’ table talk game which sounds great.) http://www.table-talk.org/

1277 National Network of Church-based Toddler Groups - Have some good ideas for praying for and with Toddler Groups.  See their website and Facebook.  Also links to various resources ready for when you are able to get Toddler Groups back up and running.  https://1277.org.uk/

Toddler Time - A weekly story, craft and song time for Toddlers on YouTube from West Mersea Free Church.  Accessible from their website (https://merseafree.church/youth/toddlers/) and on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvqUJSqo2zw)

Joanne, from Beauchief Baptist Church, Sheffield, has shared her really useful blog where she reviews various Christian apps and advises which ones are good.

‘Together at Home’ - family resource sheets around scripture with suggestions for activities, prayers, discussion etc:

Godly Play UK - 10 easy things to do to help us talk to each other … listen … be calm and relax …be quiet and still … and, perhaps, be silent.