The Nidderdale Churches Youth & Children’s Project
The Methodist Church, Ripon Road, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5NL
Tel: 01423 712665 Mob: 07811 744685

The Connection is a youth work project sponsored by The Rank Foundation and Nidderdale Churches. With the aim of maintaining a variety of programmes which cater for the personal, social, emotional and spiritual needs of children and young people in Nidderdale. The project was set up in September 2000.

What we do:
Our late night and after school groups provide a safe and friendly space where young people can come together. During these sessions we provide a variety of activities including; information points, internet ready pc’s, games, music, refreshments arts & crafts and the opportunity to talk and have fun.

Pateley Bridge Methodist Church
  • Late Night Connection – a drop-in centre for young people in school years 7+. Monday & Thursday 7-9pm.
  • After School Connection – a drop in centre for young people in school years 6+. Tuesday & Thursday 4-6pm.
Summerbridge Methodist Church
  • After School Connection – a drop-in centre for young people in school years 6+. Wednesday 3.30-5.30pm
  • Summerfield Connection – a Christian fellowship group for young people in school years 7+. Thursday 7-8.30pm
Schools Work
Audrey & Bob lead weekly assemblies at the 6 primary schools in Nidderdale. We also bring a range of organisations and groups into the schools to provide learning and fun through drama, music and arts & craft workshops.

Special Events
During school holidays we run Christian holiday clubs at various Churches throughout Nidderdale for children aged 5-11 years.

We also organise a wide assortment of special events that include bringing in various Christian musicians, artists and drama groups. Part of our work is taking groups of young people on trips to other various concerts and venues across the country to allow them to widen their experiences of Christian life.

Future Developments:
  • Expansion of the current work we do including opening up new drop-in groups in Darley.
  • Continuing to support spiritual development of young people through Youth Alpha.
  • Continue to offer training to young people through running accredited courses including First Aid and Babysitting.
  • Encourage the active involvement of the young people in the running of the project through the Key Group; a young people’s management committee.
Thanks To:
The Rank Foundation
Churches in Nidderdale
Our sponsoring organisations
All our volunteers

We especially thank our outstanding and dedicated team of volunteers who have supported us from when the project began. We have a team of 43 volunteers who are registered with us and help us run various trips, holiday programmes, sessions and workshops for the young people in the Dale. Without our core team of 15 volunteers who regularly give us their time, skills and experience we would not be able to provide the invaluable service that we do. Thank you!