19.06.2009
26,000 Involved in Church Youth Work - New Report
A new all-Ireland survey commissioned by the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) was launched today at Church House, Dublin. The independent survey, An Audit Report of Youth Work in the Church of Ireland, reveals a number of striking findings relating to engagement of young people aged between 11 and 25 with the Church.
Significantly, the survey finds:
- That there are approximately 26,000 young people aged between 11 and 25 years old active in the Church of Ireland’s youth work per week;
- That this work is supported by over 3,000 adult volunteers; and
- That the work encompasses a range of youth initiatives, from work with immigrant young people to the organisation of youth clubs, and from running Silver Bands to undertaking faith development programmes.
The Audit Report was launched by Mr Barry Andrews, TD, Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs and the Most Revd Alan Harper, OBE, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
David Gardiner of DSG Consultancy which conducted the survey said, ‘By commissioning this, the most extensive survey of Youth Work ever undertaken in the Church of Ireland, CIYD is demonstrating its commitment to the strategic support of youth workers and youth work across the entire Church, and to accurate reporting to stakeholders. With at least 3,300 volunteers providing parish-based youth work for up to 26,000 young people every week, the Church is making a substantial contribution to Irish society. With a further 17,500 young people engaged annually at a diocesan level, the impact and reach of Church of Ireland youth work is nothing less than impressive.’
