Youth work in South East Cornwall

Cornwall is an amazing place to be and for young people to live in but behind the beauty lies some heart breaking stories of hurt, family break-ups, hunger and drugs. A longing for identity and a need to belong. Cornwall is a county with a hidden and broken heart.

I am employed by Anchor Anglican Church to reach out to that heart. I was asked to work in the community and provide for their needs in whatever way possible. I have spent two years walking the streets and meeting young people where they are. With the limited resources and buildings available for young people in Cornwall we decided that the best approach was to work with the local secondary school and provide for young people at several levels:

1. Food. Young people are hungry and parents lack the means to properly feed their children. I will grow food and teach young people how to cook on a budget.
2. Self-worth and image. I will teach young people how to create projects and then build them. In doing so I will journey with young people and develop relationships allowing me to hear their stories and build their confidence.
3. Fun. Chickens are hilarious animals and fun to be around. Building a shed or a fence is fun. Sitting around and sharing a drink in an orchard, chatting, and enjoying the sun is fun. Putting a smile on young people’s faces is fun.

The journey began two years ago and now continues with the partnership I share with the school. It is heartbreaking and fun.