The Boulding Foundation is delighted to have awarded a grant of £4,667 to the Diocese of Hallam Youth Ministry, helping to strengthen a range of initiatives that enable young people to grow in faith, develop leadership skills and build lasting connections within their communities.
The funding will support five complementary projects that together create a continuous journey for young people, from their first experiences of faith-based social action in Year 8 through to becoming confident young leaders serving others across the Diocese.
Among the projects being supported is Faith in Action, which introduces Year 8 pupils to the practical expression of faith through community service, reflection and formation. The programme encourages young people to discover that faith is something to be lived as well as believed, helping them develop confidence, responsibility and compassion.
The Foundation’s grant will also contribute towards a programme of annual retreats, giving young people dedicated opportunities to pause from the pressures of everyday life, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen friendships with peers who share their faith.
Support has also been provided for Hallam’s participation in FLAME 2027, the largest Catholic youth gathering in England and Wales. The event brings together thousands of young Catholics at Wembley Arena for a day of worship, inspiration and celebration. Funding will provide diocesan scarves for Hallam’s young people, helping foster a shared identity and a powerful sense of belonging to the wider Church.
The grant will also help deliver Summer Camp 2026, providing younger children with a safe and enriching week of adventure, friendship and faith while giving older participants valuable experience of serving as young leaders. For many families, the camp represents an opportunity that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Alongside these activities, the Foundation is supporting the Young Leaders Formation Programme, which equips young people aged 15–22 with the confidence, spiritual formation and practical skills to take on leadership roles across diocesan life. Regular formation sessions, prayer, mentoring and opportunities to serve help participants become role models for the next generation, while financial barriers are removed so that everyone has the opportunity to take part.
Importantly, these projects are designed to work together rather than as standalone activities. A young person may begin with Faith in Action, progress through retreats, become involved in the Young Leaders programme, and eventually help lead pilgrimages, prayer events and summer camps. In doing so, they not only grow personally but also help shape a Church that listens to and engages with young people in meaningful ways.
Commenting on the award, Deirdre Boulding, Trustee of The Boulding Foundation, said:
“Young people thrive when they are given encouragement, responsibility and opportunities to serve others. We are pleased to support Hallam Youth Ministry in creating a pathway that nurtures faith, develops leadership and builds lasting communities. We hope this funding will enable many more young people to discover their gifts, grow in confidence and make a positive difference to those around them.”
Sue McDonald, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Hallam, described the projects as a connected journey that enables young people to grow from participants into leaders, creating a vibrant and sustainable future for youth ministry across the Diocese.
The Boulding Foundation is proud to support initiatives that strengthen communities, remove barriers to participation and invest in people with the potential to make a lasting difference. We look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have on young people across Hallam in the months and years ahead.
