GET INVOLVED

Churches

The Bridge Youth Project has always been rooted in relationship with local churches.

Since 1994, churches across the area have supported our work through prayer, giving, volunteering and partnership, a relationship that's only grown more important as our chaplaincy work has expanded.

We believe churches have a vital role in supporting young people, schools and communities. The Bridge exists to build those connections: trusted relationships between churches and schools, so young people feel seen, known and loved.

How churches can partner with us

Every church is different, and every local context brings its own opportunities. We would love to talk with your church about what partnership could look like.

This might include:

  • Praying regularly for our chaplains, schools and young people

  • Giving financially to sustain and grow chaplaincy

  • Supporting a Bridge Chaplain in a local school

  • Providing volunteers, mentors or practical support

  • Helping schools connect with local community support

  • Partnering with us through Third Space, worship nights and other youth gathering events

  • Hosting training, gatherings or youth events

Building bridges between church and school

Every church and school relationship is different. Some churches already have strong ties to their local school. Others want to serve young people but aren't sure where to begin.

The Bridge Project can help either way.

Where a relationship already exists and a Bridge Chaplain is in the school, we'd love to work together to strengthen what is already happening, adding capacity, and supporting collaboration between church, school and community. That might mean mentoring, collective worship, community events, parent support, after school clubs, food bank links, pupil leadership or transition support, shaped around what the school needs.

Where there is no active relationship yet, our chaplains can help create natural, trusted points of connection. Because they are already part of school life, they are well placed to listen, build trust and explore where partnership could grow.

We are not here to force a model just to help churches and schools build relationships that are genuine, helpful and sustainable, so young people are served well, schools are supported practically, and communities grow more connected.

Third Space: Beyond the school gate

Third Space is one of the key ways churches can partner with The Bridge.

Through school chaplaincy, we meet young people open to questions of faith, identity and belonging. Many have no church connection and are looking for a safe place to belong and explore life's big questions.

Third Space creates welcoming spaces beyond school where young people can gather, be known and encounter Christian community naturally. It's invitational, not pressured, giving young people room to:

  • Belong and build friendships

  • Ask honest questions

  • Take next steps at their own pace

Through worship nights, youth gatherings and shared events, it also helps young Christians across the city grow in confidence and faith, and see themselves as part of something bigger than their own school or church.

We support the supporters too. Our Youth Hub brings youth leaders, volunteers and churches together for encouragement, shared learning and prayerful collaboration, because youth ministry can feel isolating and leaders need community as much as young people do.

Third Space doesn't replace local church youth ministry. It exists to serve and strengthen it, creating pathways for young people and helping churches work together for the next generation.

Find out more
 

  • "She helps me understand my feelings better and we talk through how I can do better in school."

    Year 6 student

  • "He has an incredible relationship with some of our most vulnerable families who she has really helped out of some dark times."

    Year 3 teacher

  • "Other staff are often really stretched but with our Chaplain she has that time that no-one else seems to have!"

    Headteacher

 

Interested in partnering with us?

If your church would like to support The Bridge Project, explore chaplaincy in a local school, partner through Third Space or connect with the Youth Hub, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact us to start a conversation. We would be glad to hear about your church, your local context and the young people you are seeking to serve.

Get in touch
 

  • Chaplaincy in schools

    Through mentoring, clubs, workshops, prayer spaces, collective worship and individual support, our chaplains help young people grow in wellbeing, spirituality and hope.

    Find out more

  • The Third Space

    Working alongside local churches and community partners, The Third Space is where young people can belong, build friendships and explore faith.

    Find out more