Shanklin United Reformed Church has received a national award which recognises its good work with children, young people and families.

The Child Friendly Church Award is run by the United Reformed Church and is designed to encourage local congregations to aim for high standards in their welcome and ministry to families. The Church of England also runs this scheme. Churches are required to go through a process of self assessment followed by a review looking at how they work with children and young people, including good practice and safeguarding measures. A three to five year development plan is also drawn up to help with better planning.

Ruth White, the URC Synod Children and Youth Development Officer, came over especially to present the award in front of the whole church family (see right). She congratulated everyone on all the hard work that had gone into achieving this, the open welcome that the church offers and the quality of the programmes that it runs for various ages. She said to the whole congregation that the plaque to go by the front door has a double message: It tells the community that here is a church that welcomes children, young people and their parents. It also reminds everyone in the church that they must be on their toes to offer a warm welcome and to keep up the good work that has been achieved.

It was a special moment to celebrate and the opportunity was taken to also hold the annual rededication of the whole youth and children’s team. Several of them stayed on for an informal lunch with Ruth and her husband and daughter to make the most of her visit. Ruth has been in a support role for a number of years now and has carried out a several training sessions on the Island as well as helping in the process of appointing the current youth worker, James Alder, who has been with the church for 18 months now.

Minister, Rev Brian Harley, commented: “This was a very proud moment for me as it was a recognition of all the hard work that so many people in our church family put in. We are delighted to have achieved this award which reflects the standards we seek to work to. People with children often say that they feel welcome when they come along to our services and other activities. We hope that this will encourage more people to look in and see what we have to offer – worship that aims to include everyone, special Sunday activities for children and young people, mid week youth groups, a new drop in after-school youth cafe, CatURpillars – our Parent and Child Activity Sessions, plus various social events, picnics and walks. It is not all about families of course. One of our visitors commented recently that we should also get a Mature Middle-aged Friendly Church Award!”