In the Autumn term we asked children and young people, ‘what matters to you and what do you want to talk about?’
Their top answer was Friends.
So this Summer term, our listening exercise is exploring the theme of friendship – and we want to hear from as many young voices in the diocese as possible!
Matt Long, Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler, says: “The summer term brings a unique combination of fun, sunshine, trips, sports days, and celebrations, mixed with the anxiety of end-of-year pressures and transitions - as children grow up and move on from school year to school year, or from primary to secondary school. Friendships are critical at this time of year!
“That is why I’m so fascinated to learn from children and young people… what do they think makes a good friend? How do they make friends? What about online friendships?
“We’d love to hear from as many children and young people as possible during this busy term. Please consider facilitating a listening exercise in your context.”
So far, since our listening exercises began in 2023, we have heard from 1450 young voices across 19 primary, four secondary schools and 17 church groups via eight listening exercises.
How we authentically hear and respond to the voice of children and young people in the Diocese of Leicester is incredibly important to us.
Talking about the impact the listening exercises have had upon him and the diocese, Bishop Martyn says: “We have tried to revolutionise the way we listen to children and young people in the diocese. It’s been a good learning exercise for me, going beyond just listening out-of-interest, but listening to the point of saying, ‘how is this going to directly affect what I’m doing’.
“I've started to have repeated conversations with people I work with, where I say to them, “What are you doing to listen to the voices of children and young people as you're making decisions about things in the life of the church or of our schools?”
All you need to get involved is a group of children or young people and a facilitator to run the listening group. In school, that might be during lunch break, at an after-school club or as part of a school council meeting. In church, that could be part of your Sunday activities, at a mid-week gathering or club.
Download the Facilitators’ Guide here, which includes everything you need to get started.
Groups should be completed and feedback submitted to Matt.Long@LeicesterCofE.org by Friday 10 July.
See all past reports and Bishop’s responses on the BCYC webpage.