360 Community project launches to encourage and equip children, families and youth ministers across Devon

Over 70 children, families and youth ministers met in Torquay last week to launch their 360 year with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM).

360 Community is a new project from SWYM. It is designed to wrap around children, families and youth ministers with regular encouragement, training, and rest through the year.

It includes an annual retreat, an annual conversation, learning communities, small groups, professional development day, an annual commissioning, and a weekly 30 minute online moment to pray for children, young people, families, and one another.

It also includes a membership of the Association of Children’s, Youth and Families Ministers (worth £50).

Amongst the participants were some of the 60 funded spaces from the Church of England, in partnership with the 6 West Country dioceses.

Fifteen participants from the Diocese of Exeter are taking part of the 360 Community year, with support from Sharon Blyth, Children and Families Mission Enabler, and Jonny Schnarr, Youth Advocate.

Children, Young People and Families are one of the Diocese of Exeter’s Five Strategic Priorities, with a focus of placing them at the heart of all we do.

75-85% of people come to faith before the age of 18, so reaching children and young people with the Gospel is vital.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier, spoke during the evening session, sharing communion and encouraging the leaders who work with all ages of youth and children to keep on journeying in faith, even in times of challenge.

Sarah Robertson, who works for the White Cross Mission Community and in the Lympstone community, was one of the participants from the Diocese of Exeter. Sarah said, “I think what comes to mind is reset, relax and get fed spiritually, mentally and physically.

“I am very grateful to hear from other youth leaders about their experiences and challenges.”

Another participant said, “The retreat was amazing. Having time to rest, disconnect, and worship together was exactly what I needed. Being fed through the Bible studies and the talk, without worrying about what rota I was on or what I needed to do, was really refreshing.”

“Hearing the testimonies of how God calls people to work with young people was truly inspiring.”

If you want to know more about the 360 Community for 2027,  or find out about Diocesan links with SWYM contact:

Sharon Blyth, Children and Families Mission Enabler: email Sharon
Jonny Schnarr, Youth Advocate: Email Jonny

Find out more about 360 Community here.