The hard-work and dedication of one member of St John’s Church in Peasedown St John has paid-off by being awarded an NVQ Level 3 qualification in youth work.
Andy Stockinger, who for the last two years has worked as the church’s ‘Football in the Community’ coach, undertook the course to support the work the church already provides at Peasedown Youth and Children’s Centre.
Church Leader, Revd Matthew Street, said: “Congratulations to Andy for achieving this new qualification.
“As a church we continue to build strong links with the community – particularly around youth and children’s work – and now Andy is a qualified youth worker it means we can do even more.”
St John’s Church, which is part of the wider St J’s Group of Anglican churches, run regular school assemblies, after-school clubs, seasonal holiday clubs, and four children’s groups every Sunday.
The church also holds its Sunday afternoon worship meetings at the youth and children’s centre, and is soon to start school breakfast clubs in partnership with Peasedown St John Primary School.
Matthew added: “St John’s is committed to working alongside the community to do what we can to support people in all parts of their lives.
“Youth work is highly valued here in Peasedown – largely due to the expertise of the youth workers at the centre, and so we are pleased to be working alongside them.”
Over the past year Andy has been volunteering at the youth centre to help provide support, advice and encouragement to young people.
He said: “The young people in Peasedown St John are great. They have a lot of potential and many, with the right support, are reaching their goals.
“It’s been a privilege to volunteer at the centre. The hands-on experience has helped me gain my new qualification and shown me how beneficial a listening ear can be to making all the difference to a young person’s life.”
Andy’s NVQ 3 is equivalent to an A-Level.
St John’s Church, along with the wider community, will soon be releasing details of new open access youth work sessions coming to Peasedown Youth and Children’s Centre. More details will be available soon.
