By Sarah Robinson

Published at 11:10, Thursday, 19 July 2012

HELPING young people and discussing faith is the aim of a Moresby youth worker.

it’s good to talk: Gavin Rushton

Gavin Rushton is working in schools and youth groups to help youngsters talk about faith and make a difference in the community.

The 34-year-old took the role of youth and children’s minister at St Bridget’s Church and leader of Ignite Youth Church in September. Since then he has been involved in a host of activities.

He said: “It’s important to look at what’s going on in the community and get involved. We want young people to invest in the community and take ownership of it. It’s about engaging with young people and talking to them about what they are facing.”

There are two strands to his role – working with young people in church groups and working in the community.

A group of ministers has previously gone in to schools to do RE lessons, and Gavin has been building on this.

He said: “I believe that as a faith community we need to be showing our schools that we care about them. We care about what happens in our school.We are there to support them both spiritually and pastorally.”

Gavin has been working in Lowca Community School and Whitehaven School. He said: “Hopefully next term we are going to be looking at getting some prayer boxes around the school for both staff and pupils. I’d like to get some interns for pupils and staff to talk to.

“I really believe that when a group of young people stand and take action, positive things happen on a practical and spiritual level. The older community becomes invested in the younger community.”

Gavin has also been working with Valda Young, from the North Copeland Partnership, and getting involved in detached youth work with Young Cumbria.

He said Valda has been consulting with the parish council to improve the play facilities in Moresby village. Plans are in the pipeline to open a youth centre at St Mark’s Methodist Church at Moresby Parks.

Young people are being invited to a monthly youth service, featuring Christian music, a talk and discussion. The next service is taking place this Saturday at St John’s Church at Hensingham from 7pm until 9pm. It is open to young people over 11.

Activities are also taking place at St Bridget’s Church, including a messy church, which is being held in the church hall on Sunday from 4pm until 5.30pm. Wednesdays playdays are also starting next week.

Gavin has a wealth of experience in youth work. He began the role at the age of 18 and since then has worked around the country leading and training youth workers.

During the terrorism attacks on September 11, 2001, Gavin was working as a youth worker in Virginia. When he returned to the UK, he became a social care worker eventually becoming a registered home manager in Hull. After 10 years in social care work, Gavin applied for the post at Moresby.

He moved to Lowca with his wife Annie and their two children, Caleb, five, and three-year-old Talitha.

For more information about the upcoming events contact Gavin on 07976701454. To check out details about Ignite, go to www.igniteyouthministry.org.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk