Workspace and Youth Advocacy

Carol completed Stepping Up in April 2023 and was commissioned as a Community Minister in Kirkleatham Parish, based at St Hilda’s Church, Redcar.

Carol felt God was asking her to extend her work with families to develop the support needed in the community.  Carol began by joining Workspace as part of the Blank Canvas Team, a safe and well-resourced space for 11-16 year olds to complete homework tasks and have fun.

Initially Carol’s role was to cook a hot meal every week for the young people, who can then enjoy good food, good company and good conversation and receive help and support with their schoolwork.

Carol’s role has now developed into providing advocacy support.  This involves meeting with parents/carers, and liaising with schools and outside agencies, anything that is needed to support young people.

Part of this role means meeting one-to-one on a regular basis with young people who feel they need to talk over any worries or concerns they may have, or maybe just to have a laugh and a burger at McDonalds to lighten their load.  

In some cases Carol also tries to support the whole family as they struggle along together, for which many are so grateful for the listening ear they provide. 

To find out more about Kirkleatham Parish, click here and Blank Canvas, click here.

To read more about Carol’s story click here.