At Christchurch Southwark, a new Wednesday programme is starting to grow into a place of laughter, learning, and community, with Helen Chantler, the Apprentice Children and Youth Worker working along side the wider team. Helen has been laying strong foundations for welcoming families in the parish, and even in its early days, the work is beginning to make a difference. Both the new refugee group and toddler group, provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their parents. Many of the families attending are Spanish-speaking and Helen has been enthusiastically learning Spanish to communicate more effectively. With a bit of help from Duolingo, she ensures that language is no barrier to connection, conversation, or care.
One particularly practical feature of Helen’s Wednesday sessions is her rail full of clothes and children’s items, available for families to take as needed. This thoughtful provision has already eased pressures on many households and fostered a spirit of generosity and sharing within the community.
Looking ahead, Wednesdays will continue to grow. Plans are underway to introduce Wednesday afternoon sessions, including a homework club and youth club, creating dedicated space for secondary school aged young people. These sessions will offer a safe place to gather, with nibbles, drinks, games, and space to relax, learn, and build friendships, meeting young people where they are and responding to their needs.
Helen’s work also extends into Sundays, where she meets with children and young people during the service. Recently, the group has been exploring the conversion of Saul, reflecting on how God can transform lives in different ways. The young people expressed this creatively by turning LEGO into visual art images of transformation, bringing faith, imagination, and play together.
The young people are also actively shaping the direction of the group. They have shared a desire to visit the Africa Centre locally, and Helen plans to connect this with Bible stories and themes, helping them explore faith through real world experiences, discussion, and action. Listening carefully to what young people want to do is a key part of Helen’s approach, ensuring that ministry is collaborative and meaningful.
Helen’s role as an apprentice highlights the value of dedicated, practical ministry support in the parish. Alongside this work in the parish and as part of the Apprenticeship programme, she is studying the Certificate of Higher Education online at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, deepening her understanding of theology and mission and ministry. Her learning informs her practice, and her practice enriches her learning, a wonderful cycle of growth and service that benefits both Helen, the parish and wider community.
A verse that captures the heart of Helen’s work comes from Matthew 25:40:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Helen’s passion for social justice mirrors that of Christchurch Southwark and her ministry reminds us that acts of care, however small, are sacred. Providing a safe space for children, a listening ear for parents, and English course for refugee, or a warm coat for a child is a way of showing God’s love in action. It invites us to reflect: how can we serve our community and notice the needs of those around us?
Through her creativity, kindness, and dedication, Helen is helping Christchurch Southwark become a place where the whole community can thrive one relationship at a time.
If you are interested in finding out more information about the Apprenticeship programme at the Diocese of Southwark please email Louisa Ley the Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator at [email protected] or call on 02030 930 761.
