Arbourthorne, Sheffield

Arbourthorne & Norfolk Park sits just slightly south east of the city centre and is part of a ward which is among the 100 most deprived in the UK.

Many locals are imprisoned by poverty, and face family and community breakdown, high unemployment (50% higher in Arbourthorne than the city wide average) and a dependency benefits culture leading to low confidence and lack of hope.

Local young people are often bored, alienated and at risk of anti-social and criminal behaviour. Many are disenfranchised by the educational system and lack good role models/mentors becoming victims of addiction, abuse and poor lifestyle choices. In a recent survey of residents, most considered vandalism, motor bikes, gangs, and the anti-social behaviour of young people as the biggest problems in the area. They said the main thing they wanted to see was more youth provision.

Eden in Arbourthorne is a response to that, in partnership with The Beacon – a contemporary Anglican church, based in a converted pub on the Arbourthorne estate. The team is led by Simon Allison who has been resident in the area with his family for many years and knows it extremely well. The Beacon’s ministry is all about showing God’s love in action. Key features of church life are a family feel, participative worship, small numbers but a big heart, openness to God and each other, a heart for youth, generosity, community and building God’s kingdom not our own.

The Eden team has gathered pace over the last 18 months building relationships with young people through an activity based weekly youth group; a youth forum; trips; small groups, as well as through various events hosted at church.