LEEDS SPACE NETWORK
Exploring faith. Nurturing young people. Transforming communities
Leeds Space Network is a Christian youth organisation working in Leeds with 11-19-year-olds from the inner-city areas.
Leeds Space Network was set up in 2003 out of a need to offer something to the young people of Leeds and support them as they grew too old for Kidz Klub. Space believes in the positive potential of the young people of this city and we have hope for a new future for individuals and communities.
They run weekly groups which provide consistent support and opportunities for young people in every aspect of their lives and help them to explore the Christian faith. Space groups empower young people to make the best choices towards a better future and are focused on the all-round development of these young people, proactively nurturing their social, personal, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Space groups are led by volunteers who represent a variety of churches and Christian communities from across Leeds. Over 80 young people attend six Space groups each week.
SPACE groups meet once a week during term time in a variety of locations across the city. The project provides games and activities in a safe environment and provides opportunities for young people to discuss life issues like healthy living, friendship, respect, self-esteem, emotional awareness, dealing with conflict and communication skills. The areas where the young people live are socially deprived with problems such as vandalism, high truancy rates, violence, substance and alcohol addiction, teenage pregnancy and general lack of community cohesion.
Alongside the weekly meetings, each young person is visited in their homes. This is a chance to strengthen relationships with them and their families, to meet people in the communities and make Space presence known. We also arrange trips out every half-term and residential activities during the summer holidays.
In addition to weekly meetings, they provide trips and residential opportunities.
What do people think of Space…?
“Space supports my children with any problems they have, builds their confidence and gives them experiences that they wouldn’t have otherwise. They’ve experienced the diversity of our area and mixed with a variety of people. When they come back and tell me what they are doing, that has made me want to be a better person” – Parent
“Space is like a big family. Despite our differences or problems we look out for each other and share the ups and downs together” – Young person
Contact Leeds Space Network:
aeospace@googlemail.com
www.leedsspacenetwork.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/leedsspacenetwork/