Belonging by Design

It’s easy to assume that being safe and feeling safe are identical, but research shows that for young people, these are two separate concepts and that children and young people need both to feel they belong. A child can be safe on paper (according to our policies and procedures) but still not feel safe and a child who doesn’t feel safe cannot feel they belong, however welcoming the environment looks. This webinar explores the links between safety, belonging, and flourishing for neurodivergent children and young people: how being safe and feeling safe together lay the groundwork for belonging, and how belonging is what allows a child or young person to actually flourish. We’ll cover what this looks like in practice, then consider some concrete steps churches can take to help enable belonging and flourishing for neurodivergent kids and youth

Discover how St A’s Merri-bek is creating a church community where people of all abilities and neurotypes can experience genuine welcome, belonging and participation. In conversation with the Rev’d Angela Cook, we will explore how listening, practical action and a theology of God’s welcome are helping inclusion become part of the parish’s everyday life and mission.

Discover how YASC, a Presbytery of Yarra Yarra initiative, has empowered teens and young adults to shape their own faith engagement through a collaborative co-design process. In conversation with Kate Clough from Living Faith Church Greensborough, we will explore how listening to the diverse experiences, interests and gifts of young people has led to creative opportunities for mission, evangelism and Bible engagement, while fostering communities where faith, identity, belonging and leadership can flourish.