About Lichfield Christian Schools Work Trust
Lichfield Christian Schools Work Trust (LCSWT) is a christian charity specialising in youth work for over 20 years. Over time, the focus of the Trust has changed and developed and it now oversees 4 projects in Lichfield, working in most of the schools in Lichfield. We strive to provide excellent support for our young people and excellent support and training for our volunteers.
Our Goals
Our mission is to uplift and empower young people, guided by our values rooted in Christian principles. We believe in the inherent worth and potential of every child, fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ, we work towards enabling young individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Through love, compassion, and justice, we strive to create opportunities for personal growth and development. Grounded in our faith and belief in the power of human connection, we are dedicated to making a positive impact and bringing hope to the lives of those we serve.
Our Vision
The Lichfield School Works Trust envisions transforming children's lives through education and Christian values. Our vision is to equip young individuals with the tools and principles necessary to become exemplary members of society.
We provide comprehensive support to children in their educational journey, integrating Christian values into our programs. From academic assistance and mentoring to character development and faith-based activities, we create a nurturing environment where children can flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." - Rita Pierson
Origins of Lichfield Christian Schools Work Trust
In the 1990s Government Policy emphasised the need for schools to hold regular acts of collective worship with a Christian character. A good many schools found they were not geared up to deliver these assemblies effectively.
A local Christian teacher, Andrew Rushton, recognised schools could do with more support and help to make the assemblies relevant, worthwhile and effective.
He, along with other Christians in Lichfield and Scripture Union, established Lichfield Christian Schools Work Trust with the aim of delivering meaningful school assemblies in line with Government policy and helping schools with RE lessons.
A Schools Worker was appointed and over a short period of time, they earned the trust of schools and their staff. The Trust delivered assemblies, RE lessons and provided a degree of pastoral support for staff.
After a few years, Shepherds Crook Puppets was set up to support primary schools with their assemblies. They developed a number of memorable plays based on Bible stories using puppets – this project is still going strong.
There was a gap in providing services to secondary schools whilst The Trust reassessed the changing priority in schools. In 2013, this led to a change of emphasis as the Trust’s Schools Workers expanded their role to offer mentoring support to young people who had low self-esteem and confidence. This change of direction coincided with the diminished need from the schools for support with assemblies and RE lessons. The change was a direct help to vulnerable young people – it helped them to develop and live their lives to the full; an underlying feature of the Christian Faith.
This project has developed into Engage Youth Mentoring. They work with over 120 young people a year through the services of over 30 volunteer mentors.
In 2016 support for young people was expanded to help them with their employability skills through the Bridge Builders project.
Over the years, LCSWT has gained a good reputation and developed the trust of the local community. The work has developed and changed to what we see now and continues to be underpinned by a strong Christian ethos ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.
What We Believe
The values of the Trust are based on our Christian belief and on our understanding that all people are called to have a special relationship with God and with one another.
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Everything we do is in response to God’s gift to the world - Jesus Christ. Jesus promised ‘good news’ for the poor – The Trust sees this as supporting young people to enable them to live their lives to the full and to support volunteers to be able to give and receive themselves.
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Jesus called his followers to ‘love God and love your neighbour’. Through his life and teaching, his death and his resurrection, he inspired his followers to love God, love their neighbours and long for justice.
Our faith in God, and in his loving relationship with us, gives us the confidence to offer all we can to strive to make the lives of those we engage with ‘full and rewarding’.