what we do
Communities
Outreach - Our Youth Van
In line with the Youth for Christ vision, our team is out in the community every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6pm, meeting young people right where they are —offering connection, care, and consistency.
Tuesdays: Priorswood Park
Thursdays: Hamilton or Halcon
Frequently referred to as 'The Van Fam', Our mobile youth van is more than a vehicle—it’s a space for encounter. Fully equipped with TVs, Xboxes, hot chocolate, and a constant game of Uno, it provides a welcoming environment where young people feel seen, valued, and safe. Since its launch in 2022, the van has been an invaluable tool for building trust, offering a sense of belonging, and creating space for real conversations.
We listen to stories, walk alongside young people, and reflect the heart of Jesus in every interaction. Through this outreach, we're not just showing up—we’re helping to build stronger communities and inviting young people into a journey of hope, transformation, and purpose.
Mentoring
At the heart of our community mentoring is a deep commitment to the Youth for Christ vision: taking the good news of Jesus relevantly to every young person—especially those who feel forgotten or left behind.
We meet young people right where they are, particularly those who have become disconnected from school, services, and safe relationships. Many face significant challenges such as unstable home lives, mental health struggles, or involvement in risky behaviours. These situations can leave them feeling invisible, powerless, and without hope.
Through consistent, community-based mentoring, we create spaces where young people feel safe, seen, and valued. We build trust over time, walk alongside them in their everyday realities, and reflect Jesus’ love through compassionate presence and practical support.
Our goal is to break cycles of harm, nurture resilience, and help young people rediscover their worth and purpose. We believe every young person carries God-given potential—and through mentoring, we help them take steps toward a brighter, hope-filled future.
Drop in Youth club/revision space
Our drop-in youth club was born out of listening—created in direct response to what young people told us they needed.
.What began as a simple idea has become a vital space for vulnerable young people in our community. It’s a place where they feel safe, seen, and supported—often one of the few environments where they can escape pressure at home or challenges in their social world.
Here, young people can build life skills, explore learning opportunities, and grow personally in a relaxed, informal setting. But more than that, our dedicated team is always ready to listen, encourage, and walk alongside them—offering emotional support and consistent presence week after week.
By creating a culture of belonging and genuine community, this youth space helps young people grow in confidence, develop resilience, and discover hope—not just for today, but for the future God has for them.
Asylum Seekers
In response to Jesus’ call to love those on the margins and guided by the Youth for Christ vision, we are committed to reaching asylum-seeking young people with compassion, dignity, and hope.
Many of these young people arrive in the UK carrying the weight of trauma, uncertainty, and displacement. They often face language barriers, cultural isolation, and the painful reality of having left behind everything familiar. In the midst of these challenges, we offer a consistent, relational presence—helping them feel safe, welcomed, and known.
Through weekly outreach, we create spaces where they can relax, play, build friendships, and begin to trust again. Whether it’s through games, conversations, or simply showing up week after week, we seek to reflect the love of Jesus in ways that are practical, personal, and filled with grace.
Our heart is to walk alongside these young people and their families as they navigate a new chapter of life—affirming their value, restoring their sense of belonging, and helping them discover hope that transcends borders.
Bible Study
At the heart of our work is a desire to share the good news of Jesus in ways that are real, relational, and relevant. Our weekly Bible studies reflect this, offering a space where young people can explore faith at their own pace.
These sessions are completely voluntary—young people choose to opt in because they’re curious, searching, or wanting to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Whether they’ve grown up in church or are asking big questions for the first time, everyone is welcomed without pressure or expectation.
Each week, we open the Bible together and create space for honest conversation. We explore who Jesus is, what faith means in everyday life, and how the gospel brings hope, purpose, and transformation.
With snacks, laughter, and plenty of space for questions, these gatherings are more than just a study—they’re a safe and encouraging community where young people can wrestle with truth, encounter God, and support one another on the journey of faith.
Schools
Court Field School
We have a Chaplain based at Court Fields School whose role is firmly grounded in our Christian faith and a genuine desire to serve the school community with compassion and consistency. As an integrated part of the school, we aim to reflect the hope and love of Jesus by providing a listening ear, emotional and spiritual support, and practical encouragement to both students and staff as they face the challenges of teenage life.
Whether through one-to-one conversations, group sessions, or simply being present throughout the school day, our chaplain Chloe builds trusted relationships founded on respect and care.
It is a true privilege to walk alongside students in this space, sharing God’s love in an inclusive way that helps them feel seen, valued, and supported.
Pyrland School
Each week at Pyrland School, Kelly team is present and ready to support in whatever way she can. We come alongside students who are finding lessons difficult, offering mentoring, a listening ear, and practical support to help them feel encouraged, valued, and better equipped to engage with school life. On Wednesdays, we’re available during lunchtime, creating a safe and welcoming space where students can drop in, chat, and be heard.
Our support extends to staff as well, offering a listening ear and working closely with the school chaplain wherever needed. From delivering assemblies to helping at community events and taking part in end-of-year and Christmas celebrations, our desire is to reflect the love and heart of Jesus in all we do.
This work plays a key role in bridging the gap between our community outreach and the school, bringing consistency, compassion, and hope to the whole school community.
churches
Safeguarding and Youth Culture Training
We offer safeguarding and youth culture training to equip churches, ministries, leaders, and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence they need to work safely and effectively with young people. Our training covers essential safeguarding principles, practical advice for creating safe environments, and insights into the ever-changing culture young people are navigating today.
From social media and mental health to identity and peer influence, we help churches understand the challenges this generation faces and how to respond with compassion, wisdom, and biblical truth.
Whether you're new to youth work or looking to refresh your team’s understanding, our training is designed to be informative, engaging, and tailored to your context. Get in touch to find out how we can support your team.
Resources
We are committed to equipping the local church to reach and disciple young people effectively. We provide a range of youth resources designed to support churches in their mission to engage the next generation—whether you're starting from scratch or looking to strengthen an existing youth ministry.
From session plans and games to discipleship tools and practical guidance, our resources are created with both relevance and biblical truth in mind. We’re here to stand alongside you, offering support, training, and materials that empower your team to build meaningful connections with young people and help them grow in their faith.
If your church could benefit from youth resources or would like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.
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Sunday morning sharing
At Taunton Youth for Christ, we are passionate about sharing what the Lord is doing right here in our town and among this generation. We regularly speak at churches to inform, inspire, and encourage believers with real stories of transformation and hope. God is on the move in powerful ways—young lives are being impacted, restored, and set on new paths through the love of Jesus.
When we visit churches, we don't just bring updates about our work; we share praise points that glorify God and highlight answered prayers, as well as current prayer needs where we are seeking His continued guidance and breakthrough. Our heart is to build unity between the local church and the mission to reach young people, helping congregations see the vital role they can play through prayer, support, and partnership.
If your church would like to hear more or invite us to speak, please get in touch—we would be honoured to come and share what God is doing in this place.
Our faith and what we do
What is Youth for Christ?
Youth for Christ is an international Christian charity with a long history of supporting young people. Founded in 1944, Youth for Christ has a presence in over 100 countries, including the UK, where we have been active for decades. Our mission is to reach out to young people, offering them guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. At Taunton Youth for Christ, we are part of this global movement, dedicated to making a positive impact in our local community by providing support and fostering positive relationships among young people.
What’s our approach to faith?
Our work at Taunton Youth for Christ is deeply rooted in our Christian faith, which shapes our approach to everything we do. We are guided by values such as love, compassion, and respect, driving us to create a welcoming environment for all. While our actions are inspired by our faith, we are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels valued, respected and welcome. Our goal is to serve the community with genuine care, helping young people to thrive and reach their full potential, always with an emphasis on safety, understanding, and support.
The 4D model
As christians we believe that Jesus is our hope and our salvation and so we want to share that joy and belief in everything we do using the 4D model of evangelism:
We DEMONSTRATE the love of God,
We DECLARE who Jesus is,
We give opportunities for a DECISION to follow Him,
We DISCIPLE young people to live their lives to the full.
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