• Introduction
• Children
• Youthwork
• Xchange

Welcome to the Children and Youthwork section of the site.

Children and Young People Development Team

The Diocese now has a development team whose focus of work is to:

Inspire, support and develop work with children and young people in the Diocese assisting to initiate, develop, and sustain youth & children's work.

Nic Sheppard (pictured centre) leads the team and is full-time Youth Work Adviser across the Diocese. More information

Graham Richards is a part-time Children and Young People's Development Worker who takes a lead in the Richmond Archdeaconry. More information

Anne Carter is part-time Children and Young People's Development Worker who takes a lead in the Leeds Archdeaconry.More information

Please explore the links above for more specific information and events.

Children are welcome - now launched

The team have devised the Children Are Welcome Pack to help churches to focus on ways in which they welcome children and young people and to explore ideas for further action. You can see and download it here. 

Working together as a team we look forward to drawing upon the specific skills, knowledge and experience of a whole host of folk scattered around the diocese.

Our task is to help...

• Inspire and encourage existing & new work with children and young people.
• Share real-life stories and experience to broaden vision.
• Offer ideas, training and help to each church in exploring their mission.
• Provide and share resources to help equip churches for the task.
• Create support networks for those engaging with children & young people.
• Promote events that celebrate the place of children and young people as they grow in the Body of Christ.

Inspiring, encouraging, sharing, training, equipping, resourcing, celebrating are all part of the team's remit.

If we can be of service to you, or you simply have a story to share, please don't hesitate to contact us...

Nic Sheppard – nics@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk  (01937) 585 440

Graham Richards – grahamr@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk (01423) 507 783

Anne Carter - annec@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk (01423) 509 859

Faith in Young People

Last November Bishop John joined with other Yorkshire Church Leaders in making a joint statement concerning the churches response to the needs and gifts of young people (aged 11-18yrs) both in the Church and wider community.

The Statement includes a challenge for the churches which he hopes every church in the Diocese will consider. Click here for the statement and for local stories, ideas and tips to help parishes respond to the challenge.  

Child Protection

The latest child protection advice from the House of Bishops is available as a pdf here. And for child protection and safeguarding issues, click here.