Youth For Christ Supports Community In Killyeagh

DAVID Wallace, youth worker with Youth For Christ in Killyleagh, said that the drop on centre in the town provides a range of activities for the community from infants up to the elderly. Established in 1998, the drop in centre had been located in the centre of the town in Cross Street.

The Killyleagh Youth for Christ drop in centre is part of the world-wide Christian movement working with young people around the globe. Motivated by their faith in Jesus Christ, they share the good news of God with young people.

Pictured at the fundraising quiz for Youth For Christ in Killyleagh were Olga and Lorna Davy, Elizabeth Kittlle, Michelle Lacey, with Olga and Josh Kittle

The organisation is made up of tens of thousands of local people in over 100 countries throughout the world seeking to spread God’s message of hope to the young people of their nation. The programmes in each area are tailored to the local circumstances, relevant to the context of the local culture and life circumstances.

Most of the users are of primary school, secondary school age and teenagers. We do get involved with other organisations and clubs too in partnership work which is good.

david said, ”Popular activities in Killyleagh include the 5-a-side soccer. Killyleagh has close associations with this sport. Christ For Youth is an inter-denominational club and we even have a bible club on a Wednesday. We have been looking at the Story of Joseph and it involves games, songs, activities and crafts. It is great fun.

Laura and kenny Starbuck, Aidan and Joan Rice, May Garrett, Oliver Priestley, and Joe Garrett ready for the Youth For Christ quiz at the Killyleagh Yacht Club. 

“We do place an emphasis on healthy and social lifestyle and the hiphop dance sessions are very popular with the girls. We like to promote health and fitness too in our activities. Recently we have been running the ‘Kicks’ programme which explores how we literally get our kicks.

"It looks at drugs and alcohol and other ideas basically helps the young people to make informed choices about growing up. We get in speakers and guests to talk about the different themes and it is very interesting for teenagers.

“The drop in centre is a safe place for the youth of Killyleagh. Like any community, the town may have its issues but all are very welcome to come in and join in the activities. If it gets them off the streets and doing something that is positive then it is all worthwhile.”

David explained that the Down District Community Safety Partnership has kindly supported the drop in centre and that the PSNI too had also helped out with some programmes. We will work with anyone to help improve the prospects for the youth of the area. We do our best for them.

"Recently we organized a pub quiz at Killyleagh Yacht Club to help raise funds for the drop in centre. On a Friday morning we have a senior citizens coffee morning and again everyone is very welcome.”

The work of the dedicated volunteers at Christ For Youth is never done.

David Campbell, Yputh For Christ Youth Worker, and Tony Davies, former Chairman, with Aidan Brown, Karen Campbell and Rachel Spence