March update
Youth Club Traitors evening
March Update – Just42
Welcome to our charity update for March 2025. A lot has been happening with Just42 since the start of the new year. January can often be a tough month for many young people and adults, as it’s a long month with short days. However, as we move into spring, it’s amazing to see nature coming back to life, and we are excited to share some of the encouraging things happening across our work.
Childrens Work
Jo, our Children’s Worker, has been busy running lunch clubs across the community in local primary schools. She has also started leading Open the Book assemblies at Orford Primary School, helping children explore the Christian faith in a fun and engaging way.
Jo has also been making great progress in growing the Kids Club at the Fred Reynolds Centre in Woodbridge. Supported by Quay Church and a wonderful team of volunteers, the club now runs every two weeks and numbers are steadily increasing. It has been amazing to hear the stories the children share about their faith and the thoughtful questions they ask about Christianity in a safe and welcoming environment.
Recently, parents were invited to join the club. Children, volunteers, and parents all sat together to share a meal, enjoying a time of fellowship and experiencing Christian hospitality together.
Youth Work
Jacqui, our Youth Work Coordinator, has been very busy with the youth clubs in Rendlesham, which continue to grow week by week. Running two clubs in the area has been a big undertaking, and we are currently looking for additional staff members, one to help lead the clubs and another to help run the clubs alongside the lead session worker. We also need a volunteer each week at the junior club.
At the moment, Caroline, our Charity Manager, has been stepping in to help run the clubs alongside Jacqui. We have seen a strong demand for youth provision in the area, highlighting just how much this space is needed. If you know anyone who may be interested in volunteering or joining the team, please do get in touch - Vacancies for roles here. We have been thrilled to have Rosie help run the clubs but we do need some local support.
All our other clubs have also been running well. The Creative Thursday club has finished their electronic Christmas tree activity and has now moved on to creating large art pieces with the help of Cathy, our very creative and talented volunteer.
Babysitting sessions have also restarted, and Jacqui has been busy running the babysitting course, checking the virtual babies, and working with Farlingaye High School to support a large group of young people who are keen to gain their babysitting course certificate.
Young People receiving their certificates as young leaders at St Mary’s church, Grundibsurgh
Mentoring
Lydia has been busy responding to mentoring referrals from Farlingaye High School as the demand for mentoring continues to grow. Alongside this, Lydia continues to run a thriving Christian Union, with 45–50 young people attending each week. Supported by Quay Church and St John’s Church, the group provides a fun and welcoming space for young people to meet regularly.
Lynette has also been very busy with mentoring referrals at Kesgrave High School. In addition to mentoring, she runs two lunch clubs and leads a Christian Union called Soul Space. The group is well supported by local churches, and the young people have been exploring the book of Colossians while asking some big questions about faith and life.
Just42 is thrilled to be able to offer this space, and it is a testament to the strong relationships Lynette has built with the school that we are able to run this group.
Looking Ahead
Just42 would like to thank everyone for their continued support. As we look ahead to the summer term, we are preparing to support Year 6 pupils as they transition to high school, alongside many other exciting activities and opportunities for young people.