The Up2U Youth Club was set up nine years ago by Fiona and Adelle, two members of the congregation at St Mark’s Church, in Wellingborough Deanery. The vicar at the time wanted to reach out to the young people on the surrounding estates and had found that Messy Church and similar activities weren’t really working for them. Fiona and Adelle both had children of youth club age and so spent a year putting Up2U together launching it in 2016.
The club provides a safe space for 100 children on a Friday evening, every fortnight. The young people use the hall plus the front and rear secret gardens for creative and sporting activities including football, basketball, pool, table tennis, craft projects and much more. There is time spent in church, known as a ‘God slot’ for relevant and seasonal input and every effort is made to develop a sense of Christian community and care. Trips are organised and community safety is promoted with relevant guests and speakers.
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St Mark’s is located in a deprived area and many young people often face additional challenges and disadvantages. As an inclusive church with outstanding leaders and volunteers St Mark’s strives to meet those challenges. The club is supported by a number of volunteers including young adults who were, once themselves, members of the youth club. The club is, in the main, self-funding with the £1 per fortnight subs covering the majority of the refreshments and activities although Adelle and Fiona have found this is becoming more challenging which led to them applying for a grant from the Gen2 Grant scheme. This grant was received in December of 2024 enabling them to offer additional, activities and refreshments during the Christmas period.
The club will be celebrating its ninth birthday later this year and plan to hold an evening full of fun for everyone involved with the club.
Revd Ben Lewis said ‘It is valuable witness and missional outreach into our community and really valued by the young people who come. As a church we continue to prioritise our work with young people.’
Up2U Youth Club runs fortnightly, during term time. More details can be found via their Facebook page