The national church has set aside a week in July to celebrate leaders, both lay and ordained, who work with children, young people and families. 

The 'Recognise Week' will run from July 7 to 13 and it is aimed at anyone who is involved in children's and youth ministry in a church setting. This may be a paid employee or a volunteer; it's important we recognise both. 

As a Diocese we are grasping the opportunities this Week gives us to highlight people who work in this important part of parish life; as well as featuring the children and young people who benefit from their efforts. 

Every day of the Week on all our communications channels, including social media, you will see relevant content you can read, listen to, watch and share. 

All of it is intended to showcase the amazing work happening all the time across the diocese to support the next generation as we seek to help them grow in their faith. 

We'll feature videos from our Diocesan Youth Forum; toddler groups; Authorised Lay Minister (ALMs) events; a message from Bishop Philip and more, including material from our parishes. 

That's where YOU come in. We will be messaging all clergy across the diocese directly soon with a special form they can use to send videos (with permissions sought where necessary) to talk about and thank those working in children's or youth ministry. 

If you work in those areas and want to get involved directly, speak to your parish priest in the first instance or you can email kaitlyn.rose@blackburn.anglican.org and she will send you a link to the form directly. If you aren't a member of the clergy but want to get involved please make sure you link in with your church leaders to make them aware you are doing so. 

Meanwhile, why not take the opportunity to talk about, celebrate and thank people on your own social media channels if you have them? Why not make a video to show at a church service and bake a cake (or two!) to celebrate the great work they do?

If you do any of this, use #Recognise and make sure you let us know for reposts on the diocesan and national Church of England social channels ... #tagusandtellus 

Find out more about Recognise and sign up for a resources pack here.

Ronnie Semley, May 2025