A recent study showed that 76% of children and young people are experiencing loneliness in the post-pandemic world. At school age there has been a steady increase (some accelerated by the recent pandemic) of issues such as poor mental health, depression, anxiety, bullying, unhealthy choices, confusion about the future, identity, peer pressure, media pressure and more. Many of these young people have never been part of a regular Christian community. It is therefore important to build relationships with them through trust and communication. Since the pandemic, we have started more Urban Saints Groups in schools increasing the number of safe spaces available for young people. Currently, we have ten new opportunities to open safe spaces in schools, but we need your help to continue this.

Your support will enable volunteers to go through safer recruitment checks and be trained and equipped to provide safe spaces in school settings. This will help children and young people feel a sense of belonging. To improve their physical wellbeing, young people are given opportunities to take part in sports-based programmes and other physical activities. For their social wellbeing, these safe spaces are available to them to meet as part of the wider school community to explore areas of faith, life, and purpose. For their spiritual wellbeing, they have opportunities to explore and encounter the good news of Jesus.