About Us
This is the place to be to find out more about WCYP! Find out about:
Our Purpose, Our Home, Our Team, Our Finances, and Our Story.
Our story
1992
THE BEGINNING
A long time ago, the team at Holy Trinity Weston decided to begin Weston Church Youth Project to meet the support of the children and youth of Weston.
1999
GAINING MOMENTUM
By 1999, WCYP had 4 team members, including a Project Manager, two youth workers and a Project Trainee, and recieved regular funding from over 8 organisations.
2001
ROCK SOLID
By the year 2001, our WCYP records talk about an 'Open Youth Club' called Rock Solid! It may have the same name as our current Wednesday group for 7-11 year olds at the Venny, but it has changed a lot over the years!
2015
THE VENNY
In 2015 Weston Church Youth Project starting running sessions at the Venny like Rocksolid our former open access groups and Resilient Kids our mental health wellbeing group.
2017
C.I.O.
In June 2017, Weston Church Youth Project officially became a charitable incorporated organisation (C.I.O.) and was granted charitable status.
2020
THE PANDEMIC
As you know, March 2020 was the beginning of the first UK lockdown as a result of 'rona (the Coronavirus). Just like the rest of the UK, WCYP had to adjust to lockdown life, from social distancing and mask-wearing through to home fitness and video calls. Sadly, the pandemic was not a positive experience for a lot of people, including children and young people, having a significantly negative impact on social, emotional, physical, and mental health, as well as behaviour and education. This impact was disproportionately higher amongst those in poverty, such as in our local community. We witnessed this negative impact in Weston, and did what we could to continue supporting our community during this time.
2022
WCYP'S 30TH BIRTHDAY
How has the time gone that quickly? In August 2022, we were joined by supporters of WCYP and various members of the community at the Venny for a fun community day celebrating WCYP's 30th birthday!
2023
LOVE WESTON
As time goes on, more and more churches, charities and organisations are wanting to make a difference in our community. It's not an official term, but we introduced the name 'Love Weston' for community partnership events in the area. Check out our Halloween Light Trail or our Easter Trail.
2024
LAUNCH OF HOPE CITY
In 2024, a new church began in Weston - Hope City Church, Southampton - which was launched as a partnership between WCYP, Holy Trinity Weston, and Kings Community Church. They are based at the Hope Centre and meet at Weston Shore Infants School. While a multi-generational community, this church is particularly focused on supporting people aged 19-29, as a continuation of our work supporting 7-18-year-olds at WCYP. They are now independent from WCYP but still work in partnership with us. They meet every Sunday 10:45am at Weston Shore Infant School.
THE FUTURE
What's next for WCYP? We continue to dream big dreams and have faith for the continued work of WCYP and what we could get up to in the future.
In order for us to keep serving our community and helping "the young people of Weston to live life to the full", we'd love you to get involved, whether that's by helping, giving, or praying.
