Back in the Rhythm: Two Weeks In

I’ve now been back full-time for two weeks, and what a couple of weeks it’s been

It’s hard to overstate just how energising it has been to step back into the work. Busy? Definitely. Full-on? Without question. But more than anything, it’s been refreshing, a reminder of why this work matters and the many different ways we get to show up for young people, families, and our wider community.

A lot has happened in a short space of time.

I’ve been back out doing detached youth work in schools, reconnecting with students in their own environments and continuing those vital informal conversations that open the door to deeper support. There’s something uniquely important about simply being present where young people are. Although this also took an extra three hours this week just building a bunch of table football sets!

We also ran a Redefine session focused on stress, exploring it through a biblical lens. These conversations continue to be so valuable as young people navigate increasing pressures in their lives. Creating a space where faith and real-life struggles meet feels more important than ever.

Alongside this, we’ve been building our online presence through the AskRedefine TikTok channel. We’ve created a few moer short videos aimed at engaging young people where they already are and offering accessible responses to the questions they’re asking.

Partnerships have also been a key focus. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with leaders from three local schools, as well as the local youth services team, to explore delivering identity-focused sessions in schools. A particular area of interest is developing targeted interventions for young boys who are struggling with questions around masculinity, identity, and aggression. These are complex challenges, but ones we believe we can engage with meaningfully and constructively.

There’s been important time spent with a trustee this week working on a particularly exciting development. We’re doing the early shaping of a new Church Champions initiative, something we’re really looking forward to sharing more about in the coming months.

It’s also been great to reconnect with supporters over coffee, exploring how we can deepen those relationships and help more people feel connected to the work happening on the ground.

And as if that wasn’t enough, planning is underway for a new training day aimed at supporting parents and other adults raising children in an increasingly ‘online’ world. This feels like a crucial area, and we’re excited about what this could become.

So, yea… it’s been a full couple of weeks, but more than that, it’s been exciting, encouraging, and a privilege to be back in the mix of it all.

Thank you to everyone who supports, prays, encourages, and partners with us. There’s a lot ahead.