Many young people hang about in Holywell town centre and around the local council estates. This project has been running since November 2006 and is aimed at reaching out to these young people by meeting them where they are through the use of conversation.  By being out on the streets with the young people we can build helpful relationships, offer support and advice, challenge behavior and attitudes, provide a positive role model and share our faith.  We tackle issues such as alcohol, drugs, vandalism, bullying, relationships, boredom and spirituality. Many of the young people we speak to are searching for acceptance and a sense of belonging. We believe that by sharing God’s unconditional love with these young people they will find purpose and value that will have a resounding impact on their lives.

In March 2008 we received funding to take hot drinks and biscuits out to the young people on the streets. This has really enhanced the work we are doing as the drinks and biscuits provide an effective tool in finding common ground with the young people and engaging with them. Young people who previously wouldn’t talk to us will now stand and chat with us as we pour them a hot drink. We often get called ‘Biscuit Crew’ by groups of young people and others are arranging to meet us to make sure they get their drink!

The long-term aim of our StreetWork project is to provide a safe place for the young people to go in order to encourage them off the streets. Many young people we have met on the streets now regularly come to the HopeShop which is our after school drop in facility. In addition to this we plan to set up the HopeBus. Click here to find out more about this project.