Working with Young People
St. Stephen’s takes its responsibility for the protection of young people seriously; all Junior Church and TAG leaders, as well as those supervising Creche have been cleared by the CRB for working with children. Our Child Protection Liaison Officer is Caroline Carter.
We have a vision of church:
  • which values children and young people
  • where children know they are also church
  • where children are actively involved in worship
  • in which children are affirmed in their ministries
  • where children are enabled to feel a sense of belonging to the worldwide Christian community
  • where children feel safe to express themselves and be actively listened to, and where appropriate action is taken to protect their welfare and promote their well-being
  • where the safe-gaurding of children is paramount and church members continuously seek to provide a safe environment where every child matters
  • which has good contacts and relationships with schools. pre-schools, uniformed organisations and other community groups for the purpose of helping to provide a cohesive and safe environment for all children in the local community
  • which allows children to express their faith and finds creative ways of nurturing children’s spirituality.
The Diocese of Worcester sets standards for church work with children and young people. St Stephen’s was the first church to achieve the Bronze Award and has just become the first to receive the Silver Award.
‘First Steps’ Creche
A Creche service is usually available during the Sunday 10.00 am Parish Communion Service - UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SERVICE IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. Children of creche age are welcome to play with the soft toys in the Children’s Corner, or the area in front of the pulpit, but they will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian. We hope to resume the Creche as soon as possible.
‘Junior Church’
Junior Church meets during the Sunday 10.00 am service every Sunday except for the third Sunday of each month, when we hold a ‘Praise Together’ Service in place of the regular Parish Communion Service. Intended for children up to the age of Confirmation (usually around 11), Junior Church meets in the Bishop Allenby Hall, where sessions include teaching, prayers, singing, craft activities, cooking and drama. Children leave the service during the first hymn and return when we go up to receive Holy Communion or a blessing. For further details please contact Tracey Fraser-Clarke.
‘TAG’
‘Teenagers and God’ or ‘Talking About God’, this discussion group for those above Confirmation age (11 upwards) meets during the Sunday 10.00 am service on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Topics for discussion vary, with plenty of games and other activities included. New members are always welcome; please contact Ian King for more information.
‘Little Stars’
A new group for ‘mothers and toddlers’ (or fathers, grandparents, carers) for the youngest members of our community, from birth until four years. The group meets informally from 1.30 until 2.45 pm on Thursdays in Church. There are toys and activities for the children and the adults can relax and chat over a ‘cuppa’ and biscuits. On the second Thursday of each month, for anyone who wants to take part, we include a short, informal act of worship, especially for very young children and their families. Please come along, meet different people and enjoy a short break - you will find a warm welcome and it’s FREE! For more details please contact Sue Gething on 01905 774455.
Local Groups for Young People
Worcester District Scouts
Girlguiding Worcestershire
Worcester Sea Scouts