Training for New Adult Companions and Chaplains

There is an upcoming training session for new Adult Companions to be held on 23rd October, 7-8:30pm - at St Anthony's House, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1JF.

The course will cover the basic principles and methods of the YCW, tips on how to get started, an in-depth look at the role of an adult companion and how they fit into the YCW meetings. Finally, it will look at the most important aspects of being a companion, how best to support the young people in the group.

Please get in contact if you are keen to attend or would like more information.

Training Event for YCW & Impact Companions and Chaplains

On Saturday 14th October 2017, 11.00am - 4.00pm there will be a training event for YCW & Impact Companions and Chaplains held at St Antony's Centre, Trafford Park, Manchester, M171JF.

The day will include an introduction by the National Team into the new YCW project on Young People and Mental Health and an update on the 80th Anniversary Year of the YCW.

There will also be a talk by Colette Burke on "The Art of Listening". Colette is a highly trained and experienced counsellor, who will be using Ignatian Spirituality to help develop skills around active listening. 

We hope to see as many companions and chaplains there and we're sure it'll be a worthwhile day.

Billingham YCW Group Meets With ICYCW

On Thursday 27th July 2017, Billingham YCW group, whilst on pilgrimage to Rome, visited the International Coordination of the Young Christian Workers (ICYCW) HQ to meet the team there.

Berhanu Sinamo, who is the International President, and Idy Balberan, the International Treasurer, warmly welcomed the pilgrims, gave them a tour of the HQ and spoke about their work, their ambitions and future projects, whilst also giving the Group a greater understanding of the International dimension of the YCW.

Berhanu said of the group “It was a great experience and exchange for us and also to meet young people from the local level. They are doing great work, especially regarding fundraising activities and support for others outside their parish.”

Marc Besford, who led the YCW group, said: "This was a unique opportunity for the group to meet the International team and for them to share their experience of the YCW. They quickly understood that they were part of something bigger than Billingham."

The President of the Billigham YCW Group, Callum Walker, added: "I really enjoyed meeting the International team. We were all saying that we were looking forward to returning to the parish with a better understanding and realisation of how our work is truly contributing to an international movement of young people."

New President of the YCW in England and Wales

The Young Christian Workers has officially welcomed its new President, Kate Wilkinson today. This follows her unanimous election at the 78th National Council of the YCW held back in April 2017.

Kate, 25, is a long-time member of the YCW having become involved in the movement when she was at high school. The President is a voluntary position, involving chairing the regular team meetings and annual National Council, representing the YCW at home and abroad, and coordinating the training and development programme. Alongside this new role, Kate works as a Chaplain at Carmel College, St Helens.

She takes over from Phil Callaghan, who has been President for the last 6 years. In recent years, Phil has overseen moving the YCW headquarters from London to Trafford Park in Greater Manchester, the largest industrial estate in Europe.

Commenting on the handover, Kate said: “The YCW has a proud history of encouraging young people to step up and take responsibility for the running and development of the movement. In this 80th year of the YCW in England and Wales, I am honoured to continue this. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the movement over those years, but in particular Phil who has led the YCW so well over the years. We have a growing number of members and groups, established our new HQ and an ambitious vision for the future. I look forward to the opportunity to continue this great work.”

Phil added: “Kate will be an excellent President. She knows and loves the YCW. I’d like to thank all those who have made my years as President so memorable and enjoyable, it has been a privilege.”

Today also marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Fr. Joseph Cardijn, who founded the YCW in Belgium in 1925 and was later to be made a Cardinal for his work with the movement. Cardijn visited Britain on a number of occasions, remarking that "it was the best retreat I made at the beginning of my priesthood." He was inspired by his talks with Trade Union leaders, clergy and of course, local workers.  

Later this year, the YCW will be celebrating their 80th year in England and Wales on 18th November 2017 from 3pm, with a Mass at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Evangelist in Salford, followed by a celebration in the Cathedral Assembly Room. All members, past and present, friends and supporters are welcome.

Local YCW Groups Meet Up

On Tuesday 4 July, YCW groups from Sandbach, Urmston and Trafford Park met at the National Headquarters.

They come together to share their experiences of what they do in their groups and also why they joined the YCW. Amelie led the introductions and split the group into three separate groups which gave time to share more about themselves and their groups. Also within their groups they participated in answering questions with the answers located around the HQ.

After the review of the questions the group were able to enjoy a BBQ that was prepared.

After the group had eaten, they came back together to discuss some scenarios ranging from refugees and homelessness to being grounded for something a younger sibling had done. The group had to order them as they thought was most unjust. This exercise led to a great in-depth group discussion on realities of today’s society.

Young Voter Turnout Surges!

Reports about voter turnout figures for the recent General Election show that younger people turned out to vote in record numbers on June 8th.

58% of 18-24 years old voted this time round, compared with 43% in 2015 and 44% in 2010. Overall turnout increased by 3% to 69%, which shows that although younger voters still turned out below average, the increase of 15% has significantly closed the gap. It is also worth noting that the turnout of people 70+ was 84%, so there is still a large divide across the generations. 

Before the election, the Bishops of England and Wales stressed the importance of engaging in our political system more widely, inspired by the message of Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium. They concluded with this prayer: "Lord grant us wisdom to act always with integrity, seeking the protection and flourishing of all, and building a society based on justice and peace."

Let us stay true to this message.