ON THE afternoon of Sunday, February 25, people from the churches and chapels around Holsworthy gathered in Holsworthy’s Youth Centre, on Sanders Lane, to welcome Ruth Jones as ‘Holsworthy Community Christian Youth Chaplain’.

Ruth, who has just completed her training as a youth worker with South West Youth Ministry, along with a degree in applied theology, gave up a career in biochemistry for the ultimate career in applied chemistry — youth work!

Ruth will divide her time between the Community College and youth groups in the surrounding churches and community, including the youth club that takes place in the Youth Centre on a Tuesday afternoon.

In the college she will be offering lesson support in science and religious studies as well as leading assemblies, offering pastoral support and running Christian based extra curricular activities.

Holsworthy Community Christian Youth Chaplaincy (HCCYC) is a new venture but it builds on the work done by the connect youth work trainee Jonathan Schnarr, who worked in and around the Community College between 2015 and 2017.

Jonathan has now moved on to be the West Devon Methodist Circuit’s youth worker.

Holsworthy is a relatively isolated rural community and there is much need for both people and activities to inspire and engage the young people of the area.

Ruth’s job will not be an easy one, but HCCYC hope that the community will embrace and encourage her and that in return, she will be a blessing to the young people and to those already working with them.