Our District Youth Officer is Nicola Briggs.

One of the four priorities of the Southampton District is "To give weight to work which focuses on outreach and work with younger people". To help achieve this objective the District has appointed a District Youth Officer.

On 1st. April 2003, Mrs. Nicola Briggs joined the staff team of the District in this capacity. Nicola's job specification is to act as the primary resource for encouraging and supporting work amongst children and young people within the District, and to develop appropriate networks necessary for this. Nicola's role is primarily to be supportive and inspirational - not to do the 'hands on' youth work.

Nicola came to this role with twelve years voluntary and paid experience of work with children and young people in both charitable and statutory organisations. Nicola also holds a BA Degree in Informal and Community Education.

The initial months of the post have included research visits to circuits looking at the existing provision for children and young people, especially their dreams and visions for future work. Contact has been made with ecumenical colleagues and local education authority youth officers. Meetings have also been held with youth workers around the District.

Speaking about her role in the District Nicola says, "I have been greatly encouraged by my visits to churches and circuits. The Gospel is being proclaimed to many children and young people. Churches and Circuits are also looking forward with great hope and anticipation, not afraid to try new ventures."

Nicola sees part of her role as helping to create an atmosphere within which children and young people are taken seriously and treated equally. She said "Children and young people have just as many gifts to offer as adults to the life of our church and they bring a great sense of enthusiasm and vitality - characteristics which it might be argued are missing in too many churches today".

You can contact Nicola by clicking here