My name is Rachel Milburn and I am the Pioneer Youth Worker for this area. I have been a youth worker based in Brough for several years working for CHOFHS youth group, a secular organisation working with young people aged 11-18.
I am married with 3 daughters and I have lived in the area my whole life. I am a firm believer that you should ‘Bloom where you are planted’ and I have worked very hard to build relationships in the community and with the young people. I was licensed as a Pioneer Lay minister 3 years ago and run monthly Café Church services in Brough. I am surrounded by my close family and my spare time is mostly taken up tending our flock of sheep. I also enjoy watching films, travelling and going out with friends.
The role
My new role includes working in the schools, both in Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.
Pioneering new Fresh Expressions of Youth Church through Youth groups, drop in’s and detached work. Outreach and building relationships with Young People and volunteers.
Working ecumenically across both Mission Communities in the area.
Engaging more fully with the NYC vision, working with clergy, other partners and external organisations to foster creative missional engagement.
What will it look like?
I really am starting back from the beginning!
At the moment it seems like endless meetings but they are vital in the early stages. I need to identify key volunteers and intercessors. I need to establish where the ‘need’ is and find suitable spaces.
I need to ask the Young People what they want and what they don’t want. We need to train helpers in safeguarding, complete DBS forms and safer recruitment procedures. I hope to build teams of intercessors/prayer warriors in each area.
We can then start to build some small hubs of young people, giving them a sense of ownership and letting them lead sessions. We need to regularly gather the hubs to share food, fun and grow together.
How can you get involved?
My contact details are listed on the below. I would love to hear from you if you think you can help in anyway. There are loads of things you could do, either working directly with young people, behind the scenes, help with admin, advertising, praying, cooking (young people love to be fed!) There really is something for everyone. Youth work is so rewarding, I really can’t wait to get started. If you want to give it ago, you have some time or you would like me to come and have a chat then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Rachel Milburn
Appleby Deanery Network Youth Church Pioneer Minister
The Appleby Hub, Chapel Street, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6QR
Phone: 07920 186 673
rachel.milburn@carlislediocese.org.uk