The results of our summer term listening exercise on friendship are now in, offering a valuable insight into what children and young people across the diocese have to say about one of the most important aspects of their lives.
During the exercise, the children and young people discussed things such as what makes a top friend and the best ways to make friends. They created more than 100 “Top Friend” cards, inspired by Top Trumps, which revealed a wide range of qualities that they associate with being a good friend.
A particularly significant finding was that many believed the best way to make new friends is simply to be themselves.
The exercise also found that most children and young people preferred spending time with friends playing games and socialising in person rather than online, offering an encouraging insight into the importance they place on face-to-face relationships.
How we authentically hear and respond to the voice of children and young people in the Diocese of Leicester is incredibly important to us. Since our termly, youth-led, listening process began we have heard from 1552 young voices across 21 primary, four secondary schools and 17 church groups via nine listening exercises.
Bishop Martyn has recorded his video response reflecting on their contributions and the themes that emerged. He also thanks all those children and young people who took part in the exercise, saying:
“I was so struck by your responses, particularly what it means to be a good friend to someone else. The fact that you rated number one the quality of kindness says a lot to me and in fact is very encouraging to me.”
Talking about the listening exercise, Matt Long, diocesan Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler, said: "Having asked children and young people what they wanted to talk about, it was great to respond by exploring their top theme - friendship.
"I particularly enjoyed receiving over 100 ‘Top Friend cards’ (think top trumps cards with friendship powers) and seeing the variety of characteristics that CYP think makes up a good friend. I was fascinated that CYP said the best way to make new friends is to ‘be yourself' - a lesson for us all? And encouraged to hear that most CYP preferred to meet friends, play games, and socialise in person rather than online."
Read all the reports and Bishop Martyn’s responses.
