Hope in Higher Education 

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In 2014, the Free Churches Group (FCG) with the Free Church Education Committee commissioned a working group to write a report and make recommendations for the work of the Free Churches Group for the arena of Higher Education. A Working Group was established, chaired by Revd Dr Stephen Heap. A Report was written and presented to the FCG Directors in 2015. In May 2016, a forum was held to discuss issues and actions resulting from the report. An Action Plan was created, in Dec 2016, based on the report's Recommendations and the Free Churches Group are fully committed, in partnership with the Working Group, to develop strategies and make progress with the Recommendations. The Report is entitled Hope in Higher Education - a full copy of the report can be downloaded HERE.

In August 2016, the Working Group drew up a paper setting out how the we, as the free churches, could work towards a Free Church Vision for Higher Education. You can read this visionary paper HERE. 

Resources to support you, your church and students who are moving away and coming into your community. If you and your church are supporting young people who are going off to university, then you might find these leaflets we have published useful. These are designed to be printed out double-sided and folded into 3 and covers a variety of aspects which will help you, your church and the students.

  • Branching Out - supporting young people who are going to university

  • Keeping in Touch - supporting young people who are at university

  • Making a Difference - supporting university students in your community

  • Home from Home - supporting university students in your church


    You may also find the ideas and resources helpful on the links below:

NB. Safeguarding notice: Most of the students going to university will be 18, but some of the young people involved in activities suggested in Branching Out and Keeping in Touch may be younger, and it is important that you follow your church’s safeguarding policy when organising activities. Some young people over the age of 18 may be vulnerable adults, and your safeguarding policy should include provision for these students. This is particularly important when considering mentoring schemes and organising hospitality. If you need further advice, please consult the safeguarding officer for your church or group.

For further information about the work that FCG are undertaking in the field of HE, please contact the FCG Education Officer, Sarah Lane Cawte sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk  

Sara Iles, Education Assistant