Police Community Youth Pastor
This pioneering post is all about responding to the needs and issues that surround youth crime and anti-social behaviour. This post recognises that crime and anti-social behaviour is the outworking of a young persons response to their life journey so far. In other words involvement in such activities is a direct reflection to a young person sense of community and belonging.
Therefore the Youth Pastor is in post not simply to seek to curb behaviour but enable a young person to unpack the reasons why the behave in such a way and to bring Hope into there lives.
At present east to west is running this work out of Egham Police Station, through Dan West who has specific responsibilities for:
Pioneering and delivering pastorally responsive youth work in partnership with the Egham Police Constabulary
- To invest into the lives of the young people who come to the attention of the Egham Police Constabulary, seeking to be a constant supporter of and to provide positive outcomes for those young people
- To provide support, training and momentum to the established police youth initiatives in Egham and to help pioneer new opportunities
- To be an active member of the Runnymede JAG, CIAG
To partner with and to support Egham Hythe & Egham Churches with outreach youth work
- To be an interface between the local church and the local need for young people
- To provide support, training and momentum to the local church's youth outreach initiatives in Egham and to help pioneer new opportunities
Dan West: an introduction
My name is Dan West and I've been involved in youth work since 1997, starting in the East End of London working for a church on a voluntary basis. My experience varies from Council-based youth work to working as a Learning Support Assistant in an Emotional Behaviour Disorder School. I have a real passion for helping young people to become involved in their community and to see them grow and develop within that community.
My aspiration for this new role is simply to see hope brought to the lives of the young people through the work we do. A hope of purpose and destiny, a hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Commendations
"east to west is an organisation committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Therefore, as a church, we will be very pleased to partner east to west in the challenge presented to us of changing and shaping young people's lives for the better. We are prepared to offer them as much practical support as is possible."
Keith Pearce, Hythe Community Church
"Together with all the Council members of the High Sheriff Youth Awards scheme, I applaud all that is being achieved with your project. Please convey our admiration and appreciation to those involved with the east to west Police Community Youth Pastor initiative."
Sally Varah, High Sheriff of Surrey