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The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

New youth worker appointed by Norwich church

Peter Young Oak GroveOak Grove Chapel in Norwich estimates that it makes contact with at least 1,400 people in its community each month.  Now it has been able to appoint a new Community Youth Worker thanks to Children in Need funding.

Oak Grove Chapel based in the Catton Grove area of Norwich is celebrating three years of Children in Need funding for a Community Youth Worker post.
 
After a formal selection process, Peter Young (pictured) has been appointed to the role. Peter lives in the local area and is married to Nicola; they have a young son, Adam.
 
Oak Grove Chapel estimates that each month it has contact with at least 1,400 people from its local area, through initiatives such as youth clubs, kids clubs, food bank distribution, a community choir, coffee stops, a charity shop, over 55 groups and family groups.
 
Ian Savory, the Senior Pastor of Oak Grove Chapel said: “Recent media reports about the struggles in our city’s communities in the current economic situation have highlighted the worrying levels of child poverty, the haves and have not’s, the growing levels of mental illness, debt and many other issues.
 
“In the midst of this, in many different communities throughout the county, the local church is often there faithfully serving its area, sometimes facing needs that seem way beyond their resources but empowered by their faith’s challenge to make a difference, to be a voice of justice, especially for those falling through the gaps. One such local church is Oak Grove Chapel."  
 
The Community Youth Worker post seeks to empower young people, giving them a chance to develop skills and give something back to their community and world.  Peter will also spend his time developing mentoring amongst local young people and doing detached work.  He will seek to get to know young people on the streets, connecting them with positive programmes and people.
 
Ian said: “We thank Children in Need for helping us to make a difference and, even though it is tough in our community for many reasons, we celebrate the people that get on and get stuck in to change things for the better.”
 
The Oak Grove Trust, 70 Catton Grove Road, Norwich NR3 3NT

www.oakgrovechapel.co.uk

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