What is Connect?

 

Connect is a weekly youth event for 11-18s. It's a safe and fun space where you can be yourself, make new friends, and discover hope and meaning to life.

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We have two groups: 11-14s, and 15-18s. You'd be so welcome to join us! Everything you need to know is on this page. If you want to try it out, you can register here.

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DATES FOR SUMMER TERM

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+ Every Friday night

+ 19 April - 19 July (except half term)

+ Doors open at 7:15pm, ready to start at 7:30pm. Connect finishes at 9:00pm.

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IS CONNECT FOR ME?

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Life can feel confusing sometimes. School can be tough. It can be hard to make friends, and sometimes we wonder where we fit in. In our free time we have TikTok and Netflix and Snapchat and Gaming... but is that it? Where do we find real meaning or purpose? How do we know what we're supposed to do with our lives?

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If you feel like this, Connect might be for you. We're a Christian youth charity. We believe there is a God who loves you and has a purpose for your life. Connect helps you discover why you were born and how you can live your life to the full. You can ask any question about God and the Bible... you can talk to others your own age with no pressure...  and you can play a lot of games and generally just have a great Friday night. Everyone's welcome. Why not give it a try?

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What do I need?

 

You don't need anything! We'll provide some free snacks and soft drinks. Please don't bring energy drinks.

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How much does it cost?

 

All Vision youth events are free! You don't need to bring any money with you.

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I'm new. Can I join?

 

Absolutely! ​If you've never been to VISION and would like to try out Connect, please register your details. If you've been to VISION before, just send us a message. 

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Who's on the team?

 

Our team leader is Nathan S. We have a big team of volunteers who help out on different weeks: Adam, Christine, Emma, Jake, Joseph, Kathryn, Karen, Nathan A, Rose, Steve and Suzie. 

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Registration

 

Once a young person has registered, we'll send their parent/carer a link to our Parental Consent Form to make sure we have everything we need to keep their child safe.

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If a young person already attends another VISION activity, they don't need to register again. If they are interested in joining Connect, just message our youth team.

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Reminders and updates

 

We send occasional updates to parents/carers via text message or WhatsApp. Young people can also opt-in for weekly reminders (ages 11-12 will need parental permission first). 

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Dropping off / picking up

 

• Connect is held at VISION in Waterfoot, close to Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School. Please use our front door on Tenterfield Street. Our postcode is BB4 7BA.

• Doors open at 7:15pm ready to start at 7:30pm. 

• Please pick up your child at 9:00pm. We'll open the door as soon as we're finished.

 

Behaviour

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We want to provide a safe environment where young people feel inspired and encouraged. We expect young people to respect each other, behave sensibly, and treat equipment with care. Our team will proactively work with young people and their parents/carers if behaviour is impacting the rest of the group.

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​Mobile phones

 

Young people should keep their mobile with them in case parents/carers need to get in touch, but otherwise we like to keep Connect 'screen-free' as far as possible and would prefer young people not to use their phones between 7:30-9:00pm.

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Safeguarding

 

VISION is an established and trusted youth charity. Keeping young people safe is always our first priority; we have detailed and robust processes and training in place. For more information please read our Safeguarding Statement.

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Christian ethos

 

Connect is a faith-based activity, focusing on a Christian message of hope, freedom and new life that we believe is found in Jesus. We talk about God, faith and the Bible, and give young people opportunities to pray for each other. If you have any questions about this aspect of the activity, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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Donations

 

All our events are free for young people to attend. If you'd like to help towards our running costs, please consider donating £5/month to Vision (or making a one-off donation) which will help us keep our building open for all young people in Rossendale.

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