What does being part of an Urban Saints Group mean to young people, particularly in the last year or so as we emerge from the pandemic? One Group decided to find out, and they have shared the illuminating responses with us.
How did you feel during lockdown when Crusaders* could not meet?
- I was really lonely, I missed everyone. I was socially alone.
- I felt pretty sad and lonely because Crusaders is a happy, family place to learn and have fun.
What about Crusaders did you miss the most?
- Games, laughter, care of one another, Leaders.
- I missed seeing people inter-acting with each other. I also missed Circle time as my exciting things happen there.
- The laughter, fun, games, seeing and listening to other people's feelings.
Was it helpful that the Leaders kept in touch with you during lock-down?
- Yes, it was helpful. The best thing about it was the love that they showed.
- Yes, it was as we didn't miss out on some of the annual things that we do at Crusaders.
- Yes, it was nice to know that we weren't forgotten when people were at their loneliest.
- It was a link to the future!
Now Crusaders has re-opened, what's the best thing that the Group gives to you?
- Crusaders is my 'safe place.'
- I love Circle Time when everyone has a chance to say what they like and feel and what's on their minds.
- It helps me to socialise and to get out of the house, which is important to me. I learn how to be around people as well.
- I have a renewed sense of purpose. I've learnt not to take things or people for granted.
Does Crusaders make your life better? If so, how?
- Yes, it gives me a sense of purpose.
- Yes. I'm with people who care for me and my friends. I am happier.
- Yes, because it means being a Christian is an experience that is still relevant in today's secular world view.
- Yes, as it's weekly conversations and staying in touch with everyone which helps me with social skills and competitiveness.
- Yes! I have found new friends and finally found something I like to do.
The boredom, isolation and loneliness of young people in lockdown was tangible to us Leaders. Seeing their faces from the car or house doorway kept us all in touch. It was the commitment to 'the show must go on' ethic that made us, as Leaders, keep going, in spite of Covid's machinations.
The sadness for us as Leaders was that, in spite of our intentions, half of those we ministered to never came back to Crusaders. Some found sports to do, most felt they could not be bothered any more. The Covid lethargy of society we experienced here in microcosm.
When we re-met after lockdown, many young people were quiet and introverted. Circle time was difficult, almost as if the art of conversation had died. People were self-conscious.
For me as Group Leader this survey has been a really emotional experience as the young people and Leaders have expressed all of these opinions. Since our return we have had to start again by re-building the Group and coping with apathy and post-Covid community lethargy. One's feelings oscillate questioningly as to whether the Group should be allowed to become history, then the new shoots of recovery show and so we 'gird our loins and return to the plough!'
The support of our Group Patrons and Urban Saints Support Centre is much valued; pray unceasingly for us all as the need for safe, Christian-based youth groups is acute.
Nigel Spencer MBE, DL
Ramsey/Dovercourt Crusaders Group Leader
*The Group choose to call themselves Crusaders rather than Urban Saints which is fine by us!
