Introducing

Graham Richards

The Children and Young People's Development Worker  for the Richmond Archdeaconry

Hello, I'm Graham Richards, the Children's & Youth Development Worker for Richmond Archdeaconry.

Children are Welcome Deanery Evenings this September and October - click for more details

I trained as a community and youth worker and have worked in many settings, including Youth for Christ, the Inner London Education Authority, Frontier Youth Trust and several dioceses. I also had a career change and worked as a professional Fundraising manager for 12 years, before coming back into children's and youth work in 2010.

I've had experience of working both in inner city situations and in very rural areas, so understand the specific challenges faced by many churches in working alongside young people.

Over the past three years I've been developing skills in the area of social media and seeing how we can use this as a tool to help us in our voluntary sector work. One of the first things I've done in the Ripon & Leeds team is to develop The BUZZ, an online, e-news that is sent to all those children's and youth leaders (as well as clergy) who subscribe to it. The great thing is, it offers us a fast and easy way to get information about resources, funding, events, training and examples of good practice to you, the practitioners, via email. Do be sure to click on the link below and sign up for it!

How can I help you in your work?

 I am available to come to your parish and help you with things such as:

• Looking at developing your programme ideas
• Exploring the resources that you can use in your regular activities
• Providing specific training for your team
• Thinking through child protection issues & procedures
• Setting up new work/groups
• Exploring spiritual development in children and how your activities can work towards this (rather than simply teaching the same old Bible stories over and over again!)

I am also keen to provide opportunities for volunteers in parishes to get together and network with others from parishes in their area. I know that it can be quite isolating  (particularly) working in a rural setting, yet between you, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Occasional training events and resource sessions are something I will put on from time to time in your area. Watch The BUZZ for details of these.

If there is anything you need to know or think I might be able to help with, please do get in touch with me on: 07774 495773 or email me at:

graham.richards@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

To subscribe to The BUZZ please click on this link: