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Young Life

Sharing the love of God with children, young people and families right across our parish.

Young Life is the banner under which we gather all the work we do with 0–18 year olds and their families across the parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw. It brings together our Sunday morning provision (Sunday Club, Sunday Cellar, and the crèche), 'The Cellar' Thursday evening youth club, parish trips to Yorkshire Camps, Campfire Church, and larger community events such as 'Glow' (formally known as our annual light party) and the Summer Carnival.

These ministries take place across our three parish centres and serve children, young people, and families from both church, our schools and the wider community.

Young Life events across the parish — from Campfire Church to Sunday clubs — Moments from Young Life — across our three parish centres.

Our vision

Sharing the love of God

Young Life exists to share the love of God with children, young people and families. We do this through Bible stories, Christian teaching and most importantly by living out our faith in everyday actions and relationships.

We are intentionally inclusive; our events are not just for church families. Whether someone has a strong Christian faith, is exploring spirituality, used to attend church, follows another belief system, or has no faith at all, we want them to know they are truly welcome.

What we long to see

Belong, explore, grow

We long to see children and young people flourish in every part of life.

Belong

Finding a safe, welcoming place where they are valued.

Explore

Engaging with faith, life, and community in creative ways.

Grow

Developing spiritually, emotionally, and socially as part of God's family.

Sunday mornings

Groups for every age

On Sunday mornings there's a warm welcome and a place to belong for children and young people of every age.

Sundays · term time

Sunday Club

For children from preschool age up to Year 5, meeting weekly at St Mary's School during the 10.45am service (except the first Sunday, when we stay in church for all-age worship). Led by an incredible team of volunteers, it's an inclusive, child-led space where children explore and ask questions at their own pace, following the week's reading through fun activities and small-group discussion — so each child leaves knowing a little more of God's love for them.

Sunday mornings

Sunday Cellar

Our Sunday morning group for young people in Year 6 to Year 9, meeting in St Mary's Cellar during the services. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for conversation, discussion and exploring faith together — a space where young people feel at home, can share openly, and deepen their understanding of God and his love in a way that connects with everyday life.

Sunday services

The Crèche

A dedicated space at the back of St Mary's Church for our youngest children. It allows parents and carers to remain part of the service while their little ones play in a safe and comfortable environment.

1st Sunday monthly

All-Age Services

On the first Sunday of each month, children and young people stay in church for a service where everyone worships together. Designed to be engaging and accessible for all ages, with prayers and readings often presented creatively and led by our children and young people — and our final worship song is usually accompanied by everyone's favourite: bubbles!

Through the week & the year

Clubs, celebrations & adventures

Beyond Sundays, there's plenty happening — from a weekly youth club to outdoor worship, big celebrations and weekends away.

Thursdays · 7:30–9pm · term time

The Cellar

Our weekly youth club for young people in Years 7–9, on Thursday evenings during term time. Each week brings games, activities, snacks and time to relax with friends, and we sometimes explore the Christian faith together in an informal way. An open, welcoming and inclusive space where every young person is valued — led by a fantastic team passionate about investing in our young people.

Monthly · outdoors

Campfire Church

A monthly service held outdoors at Emmanuel Church Centre, with hot chocolate, games, singing, Bible stories and plenty more. All are welcome!

Annual · around Halloween

Glow

Our annual light-themed celebration, formerly known as the 'Light Party'. It takes the form of a disco and fun activities, bringing together children from our parish and partner schools. Held around Halloween, Glow is all about sharing the light of Jesus through fun, music, and community.

Annual · summer

Summer Carnival

A fun-filled afternoon for primary school-aged children, celebrating the start of summer with candy floss, face painting, samba drumming, a graffiti wall and much more. A fantastic chance for children to have fun, make new friends, and experience the warmth and welcome of our parish community.

Annual · 10-day outreach

Capernwray Outreach

Each year we welcome a group of students from Capernwray Bible College for a ten-day outreach. They bring energy and encouragement as they spend time in our local schools and parish groups, sharing their faith in practical, creative ways — and we host special community events such as a ceilidh and a games night that bring families together from across the parish and our partner schools.

Two weekends a year

Yorkshire Camps

Each year we run two exciting weekends away to Yorkshire Camps — one for KS2 children and one for KS3 — bringing together children from our church centres and partner schools for fun, friendship and faith. With plenty of activities, games and opportunities to explore the Christian faith, the camps are always a highlight of the year, helping children grow in confidence and build lasting friendships.

Celebrating milestones

Baptisms & dedications

Over the years we have celebrated many baptisms, dedications and confirmations among our children and young people. Each of these milestones is a real encouragement, highlighting the way God is at work in our parish — and a reflection of the value we place on children's and families' ministry as we support young people and their families to grow in faith.

In our schools

School connections

We're woven into the life of our partner schools — Holcombe and Hawkshaw church schools, and Holcombe Brook Primary — through worship, outreach and community events.

Weekly · St Mary's School

Coffee to Go

Our weekly outreach at St Mary's School, taking the church into the playground. During the cooler months we offer free hot drinks to parents, carers and grandparents on the school run — a simple but meaningful way to build relationships, share conversations and let families know what's happening in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Each term · Emmanuel

Coffee Afternoons

Held each term at Emmanuel Church, bringing school, church and local community together. Faith Ambassadors from Emmanuel School welcome parents, carers and visitors over tea, coffee and homemade cake — strengthening relationships and celebrating the children's enthusiasm for their faith.

Weekly

Class Worship

Each week Liz, our Children and Families Lead, provides class worship resources for both partner schools — a Bible story (often brought to life through video), a creative reflective activity and a prayer — supporting schools to explore Christian values and faith.

Weekly

Collective Worship

Weekly collective worship in both partner schools — creative, interactive and engaging, helping children explore Christian values and Bible stories. In summer, outdoor worship is a favourite, with songs, bubbles and interactive activities creating a joyful, memorable experience.

Weekly · Holcombe Brook

Open the Book

A storytelling programme that brings Bible stories to life through simple drama, props and imagination. Each week, volunteers from our parish visit Holcombe Brook Primary School to share a short, engaging story — warmly received by staff and pupils who thoroughly enjoy these weekly visits.

Seasonal

Experience Christmas & Easter

Interactive journeys through the Christmas and Easter stories, delivered to our partner schools on a rotating basis. Through hands-on activity stations, children explore these important events, discover the people involved, and reflect on their true meaning — fun, memorable and thought-provoking, in an age-appropriate way.

Annual · September

Reception Party

Held each September to warmly welcome new families and children into the life of the parish. While children enjoy a fun, safe space to play, parents and carers relax with drinks and cake — helping everyone feel at home and begin forming connections right from the start of the school journey.

Safe & welcoming

Safeguarding matters to us

We take safeguarding very seriously in the parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw. All of our volunteers working with children and young people have completed the relevant safeguarding training in line with diocesan requirements, and their DBS checks are kept fully up to date. Our aim is a strong culture of safeguarding across the parish, creating the safest possible environment for our youngest members to learn, grow and thrive.

Get in touch

Meet Liz

Children and Families Lead

Liz Webber

Liz oversees the children's, youth and families work across the Parish of Holcombe & Hawkshaw. She works closely with our partner schools, supports volunteers, and helps create opportunities for children, young people and families to explore the Christian faith in fun, creative and welcoming ways. If you'd like to find out more about any of our activities or get in touch, Liz would love to hear from you.

07541 168474 liz@holcombehawkshaw.org

Stay connected

Follow Young Life

Keep up with everything happening for children, young people and families — events, photos and news — on our social media.

younglifeholcombeandhawkshaw Young Life at Holcombe & Hawkshaw

Safeguarding

The parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Manchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer Liz Webber — safeguarding@holcombehawkshaw.org

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Abbey Clephane-Wilson — safeguarding@manchester.anglican.org · Read our policy