Youth Development Project
In June 2018, Quaker Life employed two regional youth development workers to work on a new 3 year pilot project funded by legacy funding. The workers both cover a different geographical area—one based in Bristol and working across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset and the other based in Sheffield working across all of Yorkshire.
The aim of the project is for the workers to actively seek ways to build community by facilitating and delivering a range of opportunities aimed at increasing the engagement and participation of young Quakers (and other young people) within the Religious Society of Friends; working towards the strategic aim of ensuring that Quaker communities are loving inclusive and all age (’Our Faith in the Future’, 2015).
The youth development worker for Yorkshire is Lee Lester. Lee has been a Quaker for over 12 years and is a qualified youth worker and football coach.
Upcoming Events – Youth Work Project
SYFAN
SYFAN (Sheffield Young Friends Action Network) is a monthly youth group for young people aged 11-17. The focus of the group is creating a safe and fun space for Quaker young people and their friends to socialise and discuss issues that affect them and their community.
The group has done work around LGBT history month, International Peace Day and Black History Month.
This is the SYFAN logo. It was created by the young people in collaboration with a local graphic designer. 
Twice a year the group have a larger scale event – ‘The Winter Social’ and ‘The Summer Social.’ These events are a great opportunity for young Quakers to invite their friends to an evening of games, music and craft.
The summer social will take place in June (date to be confirmed)
The dates for the next 4 SYFAN sessions are:
Sunday 26th January
Sunday 23rd February
Sunday 29th March
Sunday 26th April
The group takes place at Sheffield Meeting House from 5.30-7.30pm
Young People’s Residential
Lee has been involved in organising a national Quaker event for young people. Below is the Flyer with details:
Self Defence Workshop – Date to be confirmed
During February, Lee will run a self-defence session for 11-21 year olds at Sheffield Meeting House. Lee is a qualified trainer in martial arts and self-defence and is keen to give young people the skills to keep themselves safe when out and about in Sheffield. Young people from Sheffield Meeting House will be given priority when booking a slot on this workshop however this session will also be open to other young people in the city. The workshop is free and will look at basic techniques to use if a young person finds themselves in a dangerous situation.
The Patchwork Project – Art Group
Lee will be running a monthly Art Group for young people under aged 11-18. Below is a Flyer, which contains dates for the sessions:
For any more information on any of these events, please contact Lee Lester – Leel@quaker.org.uk