Tools

I usually slope into the office at about 9.30 or 10 in the morning. There’s no rush, as the nature of youth work is flexible hours – annoying if you want to be free every single Saturday night, but good if you like working from home and enjoy the odd lie-in.

I start the day with a big cup of tea and an emailing session, sorting out requests for talks and sessions from vicars, teachers and youth leaders.

Sometimes I also get emails from local media types, asking for more details of this year’s gap year trip to Kenya or requesting an interview.

After lunch, I often work on ideas for youth groups or write up session plans.

I find the simpler, yet slightly bizarre ideas are the best. For example, in one of my youth group sessions on climate change, I soak a load of strange items in water and then ask the young people what on earth they think I’m doing.

Working with teenagers is very rewarding as they’re often more open to new ideas than adults.

The best feeling is when you manage to change someone’s mind about something, for example, why people are poor, whether climate change is happening or not, or whether or not they can do something about it.

When I do have some success, I keep in touch with the group and keep them involved in the work of Christian Aid – whether that’s signing postcards, organising a fundraising event or following up with another session on a different topic.

If I have a youth group session in the evening, I’ll normally take the morning off the next day.

However, I do get some evenings free, in which case I’ll cook myself a delicious meal or go out with friends. It’s not a bad life for a gapper!

Next: A year in your life