HCYT Newsletter – Summer 2026
We start our newsletter, as usual, with a termly update from Adam Norton, Schools/ Youth Worker.
End of Term Report
As another school year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the privilege of walking alongside so many young people this term. One of the ways I evaluate the impact of our time together is by asking each student a few simple questions. Their responses not only provide valuable evidence for the school but also help me refine and improve the support I offer to future students.
I have been using a process called the “Big Green Heart”. This is not counselling, but is a gentle, practical and visual therapeutic model. This group-based programme helps children explore forgiveness, understand their emotions and develop healthy ways to express how they feel. It’s not overtly Christian, but is founded on Christian principles. Find out more about the charity at www.biggreenheart.org .
Rather than simply telling you what has happened this term, I’d like to let some of the students’ own words tell the story.
- What is something you’ve learnt about yourself now we have completed our sessions?
“I’ve learnt I can overcome challenges and feel stronger afterwards” – Year 8 student.
“I’ve learnt I’m quite a good friend, and even when I’m shy, other people like me” – Year 9 student.
“I’ve learnt I can change when I want to. I was always getting into trouble, but I haven’t had a detention for weeks” – Year 10 student.
Hearing students recognise their own growth in confidence, resilience and self-worth is always a real encouragement. It’s a reminder that, given the right support and someone to believe in them, young people can flourish.
- Which concept from the Big Green Heart do you feel most confident about now?
“I know I can forgive people who hurt me. It doesn’t mean I have to trust them, but I can let it go now” – Year 7 student.
“Not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to be poisoned.” (A quote I often use when explaining the Big Green Heart) – Year 9 student.
“I understand now that Jesus forgives us and why it’s important to forgive others” – Year 10 student.
It has been wonderful to see students not only grasp the principles of forgiveness but begin to apply them in their own lives. For some, this has brought freedom from past hurts; for others, it has opened the door to conversations about faith and the hope we have in Jesus.
- Have we achieved the goals we set out at the beginning?
“Yes, I wanted to stop getting detentions, and I haven’t had one all term.”
“Kind of. I still feel sad about what has happened, but I know it won’t last, and I can move forward with hope.”
“Yeah, I’m more confident now. Thanks, sir.”
Success doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s fewer detentions, sometimes it’s growing confidence, and sometimes it’s simply finding hope in the middle of difficult circumstances. Every step forward is worth celebrating.
Outside of my planned sessions, I’ve continued my regular lunchtime walkabouts, chatting with students about faith, Jesus and world current affairs. These informal conversations remain one of the highlights of my week, creating opportunities to build relationships, answer questions and simply be a consistent, trusted presence in school.
This term I also had the privilege of leading two assemblies at Elloughton Primary School: one on teamwork and another for the Year 6 pupils as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. It was a joy to present each pupil with an It’s Your Move booklet from Scripture Union, equipping them for the exciting changes ahead.
Looking ahead, I’m delighted that an opportunity has arisen to deliver the Big Green Heart programme at Elloughton Primary School. I’m excited to begin in September alongside Julie, the school’s ELSA and Pastoral Lead, and Liz, the School Link Adviser with Big Green Heart. I’m grateful for this new opportunity to invest in younger children and pray it will have a lasting impact on both them and the wider school community.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers, encouragement and support throughout this year. I hope these stories have given you a glimpse of the difference your support is making in the lives of young people. Your partnership enables this work to continue, and I’m deeply grateful.
Have a wonderful summer.
Cheers,
Adam Norton
Schools/ Youth Worker.
Support for Brough Youth Club @ All Saints
Friends at All Saints, Brough have been running launch a youth club after school on Thursdays over the summer term, focused on Year 5 and 6 students. They are also running 4 longer sessions over the summer holidays.
HCYT has had a pot of money set aside for some time, which we are pleased to be able to share in order to support this venture.
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 had over the last school year to share his faith – see his report above.
- Pray for the individual and group students who Adam is able to mentor.
- Pray for lunchtime playground “walkabouts” at South Hunsley.
- Pray that the Lord would provide Adam with meaningful opportunities to share his faith with students, staff and others.
- For teaching and support staff in our local schools as they take a summer break and then prepare for the new school year ahead.
- For Adam’s work at Elloughton Primary School over the autumn term.
- For the Trustees at HCYT to know the Lord’s guiding for our work going forward.
For details of our termly prayer meetings see our “home” page.