The Porch Project
The project so far... (up to December 2010)
The project was born in September 2009 out of a dream to open the church doors to those teenagers who gathered in the church porch. Initially around 15 young people, mostly boys, came on Friday evenings between 9 and 10pm. The two fundamental purposes are:-
(a) to provide a safe space for young people to meet;
(b) to offer hospitality.
There is an important biblical link to the feeding of the five thousand.
Over the winter the church has been available every day from 4pm to 8pm for young people to meet after school or college; some of the older ones meet earlier if they are not at college. They use the hospitality area to chat, eat and play table games. Also, thanks to Sudbury Citizens Advice Bureau, they now have a three-quarter size snooker/pool table which they can use at any time.
Young people have written their own "house rules" now on display in church on their own notice board.
There are over 20 people who specifically pray for the project, especially on Friday evenings, and a rota of 25 adults who volunteer to help on Friday evenings. A team of 4 is always on duty, with two nominated as team leaders for the evening. All volunteers have had the CRB checks, required by law for anyone working with youngsters.
Free food and drink is provided; some donated by members of the congregation, some purchased. Especially during the cold weather we provide bacon, sausages, burgers, pizzas and the like. Young people help by carrying the food from the supermarket, and a number are keen to volunteer for "chef for the night".
By request, the bell captain spent one Friday night taking the youngsters into the tower, explaining with the ringing team what happens and offering to let them try bell ringing. The evening was very successful. We have also had a samba band to give a demonstration and teach them how to play.
We are currently in contact with around 40 young people from Hadleigh High School and a further 30 who are at college, university, sixth form, or just beginning their first job. Average attendance on a Friday night is now 25-30.
Many people from the church give regularly to a restricted fund set up for the project. There are also generous people from the community who give one-off gifts as well as regular standing orders. Financial help has already been given by Hadleigh Town Council, Babergh District Council and Extended Schools.
A management group of 5 adult helpers and 5 young people meet once every five weeks and talk through problems but also are beginning to talk about activities and future plans. Suffolk County Council detached youth workers support the project by providing counselling in the prayer chapel.
We now have in place our Porch Project Youth Worker, Craig Hutton - he can be reached by email: porchproject@stmaryshadleigh.co.uk
Relationships with Hadleigh High School are excellent. The Dean regularly leads year assemblies there as well as attending special events at the school. The school has offered a large amount of extended schools equipment for the project to use.
The mayor of Hadleigh is very supportive: the Dean was guest speaker at the 2010 Town AGM, speaking on the project.
Several young people have helped with moving furniture and setting up parish events. Many actively ask questions about faith, church and ethics; some help to set up the church for services.
... and now! March 2011 update
Around 200 young people attend (not all at the same time!) and so the Project now runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Thanks to Hadleigh business Wpk Systems, the Project now has a presence on the internet - http://www.porchproject.co.uk. The email address is now craig.hutton@porchproject.co.uk, but mail sent to the previous "stmarys" address will be automatically forwarded.