Calling a man a “cry baby” can have a significant psychological impact, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and leading to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and repression of emotions. This can manifest in various ways. Internalised Shame: Men may internalise the message that expressing vulnerability is wrong or weak, leading to low self-esteem and difficulty forming healthy […]
Exploring Issues Faced by Young People
The world throws a lot at young people today. From climate anxiety to the pressures of social media, it’s no wonder they’re facing unprecedented challenges. This series dives into the biggest issues affecting youth today, and explores how we can support them in navigating these turbulent times. There are many challenges facing young people today, […]
Too Heavenly or Too Earthly? Finding the Balance
There’s a saying that you can be “so heavenly minded that you’re of no earthly use,” or conversely, “so earthly minded that you’re of no heavenly use.” Both extremes present a danger to our Christian walk and our effectiveness in serving God and our communities. The Danger of Being “Too Heavenly” This describes a person […]
Engaging Young Minds
Here are some activities designed to challenge young people to think critically and creatively, with a little Cornwall twist where possible! Creative Thinking Cornish Myths and Legends Reimagined: Have them research Cornish myths and legends like the Beast of Bodmin or the Mermaid of Zennor. Then, challenge them to retell these stories in a new […]
Anchor Church and Fowey River Academy Join Forces to Spread Christmas Cheer
In a heart-warming display of community spirit, Anchor Church and Fowey River Academy have teamed up to bring joy to those in need this Christmas. Together, they’ve organised a fantastic initiative to create festive hampers filled with food, treats, and gift cards for local families. Parents of Fowey River Academy students generously donated a wide […]
Parents Evening
Tomorrow evening I partake of the usual parents evening. I have been doing this for the last 10 years or more and I think it is time to ditch the usual “How’s my child doing?” and unleash some truly random questions that will leave your child’s teachers speechless (and maybe slightly concerned about your sanity). […]
Polytunnel Walk Through
Getting to know you
Two Truths and a Lie How to Play: Each person shares three “facts” about themselves – two true and one false. The others try to guess which statement is the lie. Why it Works: Encourages listening, builds trust, and reveals interesting titbits about each person. Human Bingo How to Play: Create bingo cards with squares […]
I See People in Ones
Youth work is often about numbers. How many kids came? Did we hit our targets? Are we growing? But what if we shifted our focus? What if we saw people in ones, not statistics? Think of Jesus. He didn’t gather crowds just to boost attendance. He saw the individual. Zacchaeus lost in the crowd, the […]
Sychar Trust Annual Report: Cultivating Growth and Connection (October 2024)
The past nine months have been a season of significant growth and development, marked by tangible progress on the land and the deepening of relationships with young people. While our focus remains firmly on building authentic connections rather than chasing numbers, we are pleased to report significant achievements across various areas. Land Development Youth Engagement […]
Learning to Ride a Bike
Learning to ride a bike is a bit like life itself – full of wobbles, a few bumps, and the occasional fall. But here’s the thing: those falls aren’t failures, they’re just part of the process! Every time you lose your balance and hit the ground, you learn something new. You learn how to adjust […]
Wet and Cold Weather – Time to Dress Up Youth Workers
Staying warm and dry while working with young people in a detached setting during the UK winter months is crucial! Here’s a breakdown of clothing recommendations to keep you comfortable and able to focus on your important work: Layering is Key Essential Items Additional Tips Remember, staying warm and dry is crucial for your health […]