Hunsley Christian Youth Trust Newsletter Easter 2025

Secondary school work – South Hunsley

Since January 2025 I have taken 15 students through a mentoring programme, designed to build their self-esteem and resilience. I’ve focused heavily on using the “Big Green Heart” model, but spent some time over the Christmas break reworking the model to suit the students I see at Hunsley. The core principles have stayed the same – just the way I deliver it has changed, and it’s had a positive response from students. The two key elements are: identifying and accepting emotions and acknowledging areas of unforgiveness and being willing to forgive. I teach that the power of foreignness is a Biblical truth and explain that in the Bible Jesus’ teaching of forgiveness is a powerful way to live. Showing forgiveness to those who hurt us helps us to live more freely and sets us free from pain we often hold onto. One year 9 student commented “I didn’t even know what forgiveness was or that I could forgive people, but it’s really helped”.

Another student said “I didn’t know Jesus was all about forgiveness, that’s never been told to me.” I went on to explain more and said if he wanted to know more to visit a local church.

After the February half term We also started “Simo’s Circle”, an opportunity for young male students to gather at lunchtime, share food and conversation about life, mental health and showing support one another. A few 6th formers turned up, which was a great start. However, it hasn’t had the uptake of younger students. So, it’s going to be ‘relaunched’ after Easter in the hope of attracting some students of younger years.

I’ve also done my lunchtime walkabouts prior to the “Simo’s Circle”, group meeting, which have been great. I was stopped by a group of yr 7 students and explained who I was and asked them questions about church. All of them said “church is boring and for old people.” I then asked what would you like to see from the church to engage you and get you interested? Some thoughts they shared “make it fun., music, food and games” another suggested “sports club, like football.” One girl said, “youth night disco”. Food for thought ???

After the February half term I also carried on with my boy’s group and finished with them at Easter. It was a success as students started to bond and form friendships and support one another, which was nice to see.

I made an Easter assembly video for year 11s, talking about freedom and explained that many people feel that following a religion is like following a bunch of rules and you can’t have any fun. I shared my testimony, that in truth following Jesus is the most life-giving way to live.

My colleague Michael delivered an assembly an Elloughton Primary School in March and I’m booked in for June for an assembly and some transition workshops for yr 6s.

The Brough youth club with Rev Becky hasn’t taken off yet. It was going to be an evening thing but thoughts have now changed to an after-school club. Please do pray for volunteers to come forward as I think that is why it hasn’t started yet. I will keep you updated if I hear any more.

Please do pray for the students of Hunsley as they head into the summer term. Thank you for your continued prayerful and financial support.

Blessings to you all.

Adam Norton

Schools Worker @ Label of Love

Partnership with Label of Love to end

We have had a close partnership with Hull Christian youthwork charity Label of Love since 2022, with their schools workers at Hunsley School on our behalf.  However, after much deliberation the Trustees of Label of Love wrote to us in December to say they had taken a decision to close Label of Love at the end of the current academic year (August 2025) after 30 years of ministry in Hull and East Yorkshire. We really appreciate having had good notice of this change and we are discussing with Adam and others our options for continuing our ministry in the Hunsley area.

Please do pray for us !

There’s lots to thank the Lord for, and lots that we would ask you to join us to pray over:

  • Thank the Lord for all the opportunities Adam has already had this school year to share his faith – see his report above.
  • The students who Adam is able to mentor.
  • The relaunch of “Simo’s Circle” in the summer term.
  • Lunchtime playground “presence” at South Hunsley.
  • For teaching and support staff as they start the summer term.
  • For the success of transition workshops for yr 6s during the summer term.
  • For Adam and Michael and for others at Label of Love as the charity plans to close.
  • For plans for an open youth club in Brough.
  • For the Trustees at HCYT to know the Lord’s guiding for our work going forward.

Finally we would like to wish you a very happy Easter time – He is Risen !

For details of our termly prayer meetings see our “home” page.