Notts venue for church youth and children's workers pioneering convention

More than 230 professional Church of England staff from all over the country who work with children and young people, in schools, churches or the wider community, will come together for the first time next week, at Centre Parcs in Sherwood Forest.

Listen to the Voice is a pioneering youth and children's work convention and will run from Monday, 11th to 13th June.

The convention promises opportunities for delegates to hear the voices of young people, church leaders and non-governmental organisations over three days at Center Parcs in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Special guests at the conference will inlcude the Bishop of Sherwood, The Rt Revd Tony Porter, who will open the event and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who will take part in the closing service on Wednesday ( 13th June).

Doreen Lawrence, mother of the late Stephen Lawrence will address the convention on our response to the pressures on young people today.

The convention 's twin themes are ‘Encounter with God’ and ‘Encounter with young people and children' so there will also be opportunities for spiritual reflection and worship.

The convention’s aim is to nourish, affirm and inspire delegates as they engage in a new culture where local authorities work often work together in new ways and in partnership with others.

The Revd Janina Ainsworth, the Church of England's Chief Education Officer said:

"Concern about the quality of children’s lives is increasingly evident and never has it been more important for the Church to have joined-up strategies to serve children and young people around the country and across different roles.  The convention provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our collaboration."

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