Unite Southampton

Over the summer a few of the local church youthworkers met to adapt SAFE's Choices course for use with youth. It was great spending time with those guys - we know each other so well. From eating lunch, hanging out, going places, we've built up brilliant friendships and that's where I see unity between Christians from different backgrounds. When we come to do a project together, we know each other and understand where we're coming from. I think friendships generally (probably not always) need to come first for unity to work, but that's a topic for another conversation.

Back to the point. Choices helps people see hope for the future. Where people feel stuck in life, it helps to boost their self-esteem and show them that there is choice ahead. For young people who think they have nothing to contribute to our world, trying hard at school or getting a job doesn't seem to have much point. But when they can see the passions they have inside, and the potential to change the direction of their lives, then they catch hold of hope.

Eastleigh College are going to run the first pilot with NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) at the end of this month. 3 secondary schools are interested in using it. But it isn't restricted to the classroom. Could this be a way of serving those we meet on StreetLight?

SAFE have found from experience that working to transform people's lives has had a profound effect, not only in terms of employment or education, but also in causing them to wonder what kind of God has motivated their trainers to put so much effort into their lives.

Kim Carey is heading up the Choices for young people project. If you're interested in finding out more or getting involved, then get in touch.