This week (6–12 July 2026) is RECOGNISE, a national week of appreciation for everyone involved in ministry with children, young people, and their families (CYPF).
This coming Sunday, 12 July, churches across the country are encouraged to take a moment within their services to celebrate and thank those who serve in this vital ministry.
Here in the Diocese of Leicester, we’re recognising the many volunteers, leaders, and clergy who faithfully invest their time, energy, and gifts in nurturing the faith of the emerging generations. So many people serve tirelessly behind the scenes, and RECOGNISE is an opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you.
Let's create a wave of appreciation across our churches this week and celebrate all those who are helping children, young people, and families encounter and grow in faith.
Share your thanks on social media by posting a message, photo, or video using #RECOGNISE2026 and tagging the Diocese of Leicester.
Thank you to everyone serving in CYPF ministry - you are making a difference!
We spoke to Alex Scott, who has served as the Head of Youth and Children’s Work at Holy Trinity Leicester (HTL) for 25 years!
How long have you been involved in ministry with children, young people and their families, and what was your journey into this calling?
I have been working with children and youth for 36 years. I came to faith as a teenager, and ministers and youth leaders invested in me as I started my journey in discipleship.
When I was just about to finish at university, I realised I had no plan for my life. I went to my room and cried out to God, "Tell me what to do with my life". As I was praying there was a knock on the door, it was a member of the Christian Union, but not someone I knew well. He told me that he had been praying and God had a message for me - I should do youth work! I was staggered!
I joined Youth for Christ, worked with them for 2 years, then was offered a job as kids and youth worker at St Editha's in Tamworth, taught RE and Geography for 6 years in Wigston and then was offered the post at HTL 25 years ago.
What does this ministry mean to you?
It is the greatest joy to see children and young people grow in the love and knowledge of God and make him their Lord. I have had the joy of seeing a whole generation grow up as disciples.
I currently work alongside Mary, who I have known since she was born and have seen her grown in faith and confidence and now, we lead kids and youth work together.
Some of the children I have mentored now have kids of their own at HTL. It is the greatest joy to see faith in Jesus passed on from generation to generation.
How does your ministry play out in your church community?
At HTL we have over 100 children and young people connected with us. We run 7 age specific groups for 0-18’s with groups running on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. My role is both hands on, working with children and youth whilst also looking to set culture, train new leaders and look after safeguarding.
I really love working with children of all ages, each age has its own joys and connect with God in different beautiful ways. Working with children is the best ministry I can imagine.
What’s your favourite ‘glimpse of glory’ experienced whilst doing this work?
There have been so many glimpses, but each time a child or young person connects with God, hears His voice, connects with scripture, or says yes to His call, it is the most fantastic and wonderful thing.
What would be one piece of advice you’d give to someone discerning a calling to this ministry?
Take every opportunity to give it a go, to join in with others working with children, listen to the children you are working with, giving them time and hear their interests. Gaining experience with children and youth will help you to know if this is God's call for you.
We will pray for you, but what other gesture would make you most happy from people wanting to show their gratitude for you?
Give opportunities in your context for children and youth to have a voice and to have opportunities to contribute to the mission of your church.