Explore values and virtues which will help 16-19 year olds grow as rounded individuals

Are you working with young people aged between 16 and 19 years old?

The West Midlands Churches’ Further Education Council has prepared some thought-provoking and interesting resources entitled Ready for Life in six different topic areas:

1. CULTIVATING IDENTITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

2. BEING FAIR AND JUST

3. BEING MERCIFUL AND FORGIVING

4. BEING THANKFUL

5. CARING FOR OTHERS, ANIMALS & THE ENVIRONMENT

6. BEING HOPEFUL AND VISIONARY

Explore values and virtues which will help 16-19 year olds grow as rounded individuals.

For further information and to find out how to order your copy:

(cover photo courtesy of Eliott Reyna @ Unsplash)

Relationships, Presence and Hope: University Chaplaincy during the COVID–19 Pandemic

Chaplains and faith advisors have been on the frontline of the pandemic. This report explores the unique contributions of university chaplains during this time. (2021)

Throughout the pandemic, chaplains and faith advisors have been supporting the isolated, comforting the bereaved, and providing pastoral and spiritual care to anyone who needs it.

In universities, chaplains have faced a massive health crisis among students. In November 2020, a survey of 4,193 students conducted for the National Union of Students found that 52% said their mental health was worse than it was before the pandemic, but only 29% of those people had sought any help.

This report captures the experience of higher education chaplaincy during the pandemic, drawing on interviews with 16 chaplains from universities across the UK. It explores the unique contributions of chaplains during this time, the challenges they have faced, and what lessons can be learned by chaplains and employers.

Download the full report HERE and read an executive summary HERE.

For more information, please visit Theos

Praying for schools across Wales on 25th February - join us!

As you may already know, FCG plays an active part in the work and mission of the Pray for Schools network. I have been part of their steering group over the last 4 years. I am pleased to be able to share with you that, following a dynamic and prayerful meeting earlier in January and an inspiring steering group meeting recently, we are hosting a time of prayer for schools across Wales on 25th February from 12.30-1.15pm.

You can register for this prayer time here:

We look forward to welcoming you on 25th Feb and praying alongside you, for our schools across Wales.

Let’s take heart, believing in Jesus’s wonderful promise that ….

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

— John 15:7 (NIV)

(cover photo courtesy of Zac Durant @ Unsplash)

2021 National Conference for School and College Chaplains - online on 9 June

Over recent years, here at FCG we have been an active partner in the work and mission of the Centre for Chaplaincy in Education. We are delighted to announce that further information and how to reserve your place on their forthcoming conference are now available.

The conference is aimed at School and College Chaplains and will be held online on 9th June and on the following day there will be a retreat-style gathering.

The conference is entitled People of Hope in times of change. For further details and how to reserve your place:

The conference will provide a time and space for reflection and growth as we continue to connect with others.

“We are excited to offer an ‘unprecedented’ full day and evening of keynotes, workshops and evening celebration with spaces for reflection and worship and opportunities for networking”

— says the Centre for Chaplaincy in Education

Festive news!

Festive is the FURTHER EDUCATION & SIXTH FORM INITIATIVE! Over the last few years, FCG have worked collaboratively with Festive and so we are delighted to share the good news and their latest annual review with you.

They are a UK based Christian charity who seek to:

• Inspire Students

• Equip Mission

• Love Further Education & Sixth Forms

Their Annual Review of 2020 is out now for you to read and share.

Please join me as we continue to pray for the work and mission of Festive.

In 2020 Festive have collaborated with some fantastic organisations and projects including…