Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry

*** For more information on "Breathe 2012 click here***

Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry (DACYM) is a community based youth-focused outreach initiative that helps supports churches with their work with young people. DACYM also specialises in emotional & behavioural support for young people. Established as an independent charity in 2010, we work from an inclusive Christian value base, using the principles and practices of informal education and community development. It is our aim that through this work, the lives of young people will be transformed educationally, socially and spiritually, thus empowering them to achieve their full potential. DACYM works with over half of the secondary schools in Darlington, it helps by providing assemblies, RE/PHSE Lessons, lunchtime activities and support for pupils with behaviour problems and at possible risk of exclusion.

In the wider community DACYM runs a lunchtime drop-in for 6th Form Students, a Friday Night Drop-In for young people in Hurworth, two annual residential events, a girls group as well as supporting numerous churches and youth-leaders in the Darlington area with the development of their youth work activities.

The project is headed up by Melanie & Martin Stand. Melanie is an experienced and qualified Youth & Community worker who is well respected within her field. Melanie is currently working towards an MA in Reflective Practice and Applied Theology. Martin has experience of managing projects having worked as a manager in the charitable sector for the past twelve years, he also has over 20 years worth of youth work experience. Martin recently completed CPCAB Level 3 in Counselling Studies.

Martin & Melanie are supported by Gavin Rogers who is a student on a three year placement with DACYM whilst training as a Youth and Community Worker.

You can contact DACYM by e-mail at dacym@yfc.co.uk or by telephone on 07717 336183.

The trustees of DACYM are:-

Dr Revd David Bryan (Chair) - St Andrew's - Haughton
Mrs Helen Dalton (Treasurer) - St Laurence's Church, MSG
Revd Phil Hilsdon - Kings Church
Mr Pat Howarth - All Saints & Salutation, Blackwell
Cllr Cyndi Hughes - St Augustine's RC
Mrs Hazel Neasham (Secretary) - Hurworth Methodist Church
Revd Paul Neville - St Laurence's, MSG & St Andrew's, Sadberge
Mrs Helen White - Cockerton Methodist Church
Revd Sheilagh Williamson - St Columba's

---

*BREATHE - a contemporary youth retreat. Sunday, 24th to Saturday, 30th July 2011. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVMmh76gHJU for more details or email breathe@yfc.co.uk.