Diocesan Youth Weekend Away: Bringing Young People Together
In October 2025, we hosted our first diocesan Youth Weekend Away, bringing together 60 young people from 11 small churches who might not usually get the chance to attend a weekend away. Many of the participants face barriers due to heritage, access, or economic reasons, and this weekend was designed to create a safe, inclusive, and fun space for them to explore their faith.
The weekend was packed with a mix of activities designed to engage, challenge, and inspire. Young people took part in outdoor adventures, group games, and creative challenges, as well as sessions of worship, Bible teaching, and reflection. Throughout the weekend, they were encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with one another, building friendships across church and community boundaries.
Leaders carefully organised room allocations and activities by age to encourage interaction between different churches, and a phone-free policy helped young people engage fully with the weekend and each other. Feedback from both young people and leaders highlighted just how meaningful the experience was: “The Spirit was definitely moving in that place,” said one church vicar, while young people spoke about making new friends, learning more about God, and having a great time together.
While there were challenges, like ensuring everyone understood expectations and navigating different church practices, these provided valuable lessons for future weekends. Plans are already underway for future gatherings, with young people excited for more opportunities to worship, learn, and grow together.
The Youth Weekend Away demonstrated the power of intentional, inclusive youth ministry, creating memories, deepening faith, and strengthening connections that will continue to bear fruit across our diocese for years to come.
To find out more, check out our events page
Or to get involved this year, contact Emma Sargeant at emmas@cofebirmingham.com