Welcome to our newsletter in this our 20th anniversary year. This rather went under the radar during the lockdowns, so we are delighted to be officially celebrating 20 years of serving local young people on behalf of churches in Godalming and the surrounding areas.
Some of you reading this will perhaps be leaving a little imprint of jam or chocolate at the top of the page as you may have joined us for tea, cake and a short presentation at Godalming Baptist Church! If you were unable to make it then we will circulate a link to the short film we put together with the help of friends, partners, young people, stakeholders, and the editing expertise of Matt Blake.
We are so grateful for all those who have been involved with TTT over these two decades; for the original vision casters, the various management teams who have (and continue) to give their time, governance and advice, the youth workers over the years (and current team) local statutory services who have supported our vision, the head teachers and staff who continue to welcome us into their schools, parents who allow their children and young people to attend our groups and programmes, those who support us by volunteering, by giving us space to use, who pray and give financially, all playing a part in allowing us to spread the love of Christ and support young people in fulfilling their potential. Thank you, sincerely, on behalf of the Team and Trustees of TTT.
Summer Activities Programme (Monday 24th – Friday 28th July)Once again, we are able to offer an accessible, subsidised programme thanks to the support from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund that will enable local teenagers to access a range of outward-bound activities to include a theme park, aqua park, karting, paintball, quad bikes, archery and more – we will update you in the autumn with photos from what looks like another amazing week in prospect.
We were delighted to have begun our summer programme of Year 6 Moving On workshops, Year 7 Intake Day’s, and school retreat days as we support local children in making the significant step up from junior, primary, and middle school to secondary school.
There are so many changes to adjust to, having lessons in different classes with specialist subject teachers, new timetables, uniform, discipline, daily routines, extra homework (via online portals) new friendship groups and more. Our practical and interactive ‘Moving On’ workshop highlights the key challenges and opportunities pupils face in this next step, engaging them in activities designed to stimulate greater ownership and accountability to help make the most of their secondary school experience.
“The workshops acknowledge that whilst it is an exciting time of their lives, a growing number of children require the support and advice that the TTT offers.” Adam Samson, Head, Godalming Junior School
In addition to the practical support we offer local junior schools through these workshops, we also facilitate away days or quiet days such as the the Barrow Hills Year 8 Retreat. We discus in small groups some of the challenges and opportunities that await them and share some of the Alpha Youth resources designed to equip and empower the students in their next chapters.
“It is a day like no other in such a positive way. The whole day is both reflective, spiritual, and fun and pitched perfectly for children of this age by TTT who totally get the teenage way of thinking.” Paul Crisell Deputy Head, Barrow Hills & Head of Theology, Philosophy and Religion
Thank you! For continuing to support the work of TTT through your prayer, volunteering and financial support. Please pray that we will continue to have amazing gospel opportunities in our local schools, churches and communities and the resources to build the team and broaden these mission fields.
Andy Poulsom (Team Director) on behalf of all those at TTT
