Catalyst

Graham Boot-Handford shares a vision to provide a Christian input to kids in our secondary schools...

atalyst is a charity supported by local churches that's been in existence for over 10 years. Its aim is to employ a Christian youth worker in the secondary schools of Tavistock. We’re all aware of the range of problems and temptations surrounding older kids nowadays - drugs, alcohol, lack of self-esteem and discipline, self-harm, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abortions - the list goes on. Past Catalyst workers have helped in schools with mentoring, peer support groups and being an independent listener - many children feel a need to talk to someone outside their usual peer group for help with issues they’re going through.

But Catalyst workers don't just help with problems - they also support and encourage young Christians attending the school. They take assemblies, help with lunch clubs and after-school activities that provide back-up for young people seeking to lead Christ-centred lives. (With the input of local youth workers and clergy we're continuing to support ‘Free Tea Friday’ at Tavistock College, where Christian sixth-formers give out free tea and coffee during breaks as an act of Christian service.)

After a gap of a year without a worker Catalyst is looking forward to recruiting a new person this summer. We've broadened the vision so that the worker will be less of a ‘one-person army’ but will instead look to enable people from the wider church community into helping with the needs of schools, acting as a real catalyst for change. There is also a role to be played in connecting up the youth work already being done by churches and organising Christian youth events that are open to everyone.

We've raised enough funds to get the project off the ground, and we have a 5-year plan to become self-sufficient by attracting individuals who are willing to contribute £10 a month to support the work. If you want to know any more please contact me, Graham Boot-Handford, on 01822 841185 or email me . If you'd like to financially support this work contact the Treasurer, Geoff Orton on 01822 615552 or by email . (PS You can find a potted history of Catalyst and an outline of its vision by clicking here.)

Graham