Grace and Andrew spent last Saturday in Manchester. Why we hear you ask? It was time for 2014’s Youth Work Summit!
They arrived, bleary eyed after a 5am start, at !Audacious (think large warehouse & cool interiors…) uncertain about what to expect from a conference with the name ‘Open Your Eyes’. However, what followed was a whirlwind of inspiration, fun and encouragement. The conference took on the super engaging form of many speakers only having a 10 minute slot each – this meant for snappy, well-thought through talks that really packed a punch. We heard talks from big names such as Loretta Minghella (CEO of Christian Aid) and Shane Claiborne (full on ledge!), and other talks on topics ranging from pornography, living the life of a teenage girl, attachment and hope.
As well as the great talks there was also a chance for Grace and Andrew to visit the exhibition of stalls, all of which offered great resources and suggestions for youth work (as well as a stash of pic’n’mix). It was a real encouragement to both Grace and Andrew to be surrounded by such energised youth workers who are really passionate in seeing the younger generations be transformed by love and subsequently transform their societies and we came back buzzing with suggestions for the Choices team. Happy days.
