Youth

Our youth work is an integral part of Drop Inn Ministries. We opened our first youth centre in Richhill village in 1994. Over the years the location has moved but for the last 5 years we have been based on the Dobbin Road just outside the village in the same building as our church and on the same site as the Charity Shop.

We open the doors for the young people on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights from 7pm to 10pm.

The youth centre has a pool table, table tennis table, internet access, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, Sky TV and board games. We provide courses for young people who are interested in getting qualifications in youth work and the possibility of becoming trainee leaders in the centre.

Every year we have a summer scheme when we have a week long program of activities. This year we had a group over from Canada and we had a kids club in the mornings and then took part in several community projects throughout the week. We have also had camping trips, a weekend in Bushmills and various nights out.

Our goal is to provide a safe place for young people from all communities and all walks of life. We want them to have fun, we want to offer them an attractive alternative to hanging about the streets but ultimately we want young people to know that Jesus loves them, that he lived and died for them and that they are of great value and worth.

Drop Inn Ministries has a real heart for the young people of Richhill and further afield. Although it works in many places around the world it sees their Youth Program at home as one of its most important projects.

Every week the dedicated youth leaders open the doors of the Stonebridge Centre and offer a real alternative to any and every young person who wants to come…and the reason they do this is that they know that they can make a real difference in a young person’s life and its worth every minute spent with them. As these short extracts confirm from just one of the events in 2010

“I felt like Ireland was a chance to grow in my faith with new people in a new place. It was a way for me to enjoy new culture and God at the same time and see how great it could all be. It was an experience I really wanted to take but I also really needed. It was a great opportunity to rejuvenate my faith in God and to bring back my experiences and the faith you all have.” Jessica, Canada

“As anyone will tell you I was very, very excited about the Canadians coming over but little did I know how much them being here would help me grow in my faith and even turn to God as my Saviour. Being with Canadian team everyday was an amazing experience for me. It meant I could learn from them and their faith, also getting to make some amazing friends that I will keep for life.” Kelly, Richhill

“The trip to Northern Ireland was very important to me. It was very nice to go and see what goes on out there and how things are different. I travel a lot and have been around and have never had as much spiritual surroundings anywhere as much as Northern Ireland. The best thing of all was to meet all you great people and to watch my old friends and new friends grow in faith. I have been changed and grown stronger in faith from being here.”

Evan, Canada

There is always a great buzz around the Youth Centre on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and Ian, David, Paul and the rest of the leaders would welcome any young person to ‘Drop In’ and see what it’s like..You never know you might just enjoy it, you might find yourself experiencing a whole new life and you could find yourself in places you never thought you would….YOU will definitely find yourself a whole new bunch of great friends..

Need any more information give Niall a call on 07882774243

We’ve put a gallery together of photographs of what we got up to last year.

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