Space Makers for families
A contemplation and reflection resource from the Diocese of Oxford.
The pack is specially designed to equip caregivers, parents, grandparents and Godparents with tools to nurture their own everyday faith and spiritual journey, alongside the children and family members with whom they live.
Space Makers for Families is designed in an easily accessible way for children – even the youngest – to take part, share their reflections, lead and guide the practices.
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NEW Youthscape Essentials Course 2026/27
Youthscape Essentials is all-round training for every volunteer youth leader who works with young people. The course covers 30 different topics; including insights into youth culture, practical skills to build confidence and the development of leadership characteristics.
The diocese holds a license to run this course for any C of E church to attend, so this means any course run in the diocese is free. Alternatively, if you would like to host your own local course also for free, please contact Kathryn Aboud.
Click on the link to book on the course and enter the course code 4387746: Register
Why not come with your team or other volunteers in your church!
To find out more watch this video on Vimeo.
Dates are:
2nd Nov – Online (7:30-9:30pm)
7th Dec – Online (7:30-9:30pm)
11th Jan – Online (7:30-9:30pm)
1st Feb – Online (7:30-9:30pm)
1st Mar – Online (7:30-9:30pm)
Sat 24th April – In person 10:00-2:30pm (Sessions 9-10) LUNCH INCLUDED.
If you sign up, please make every effort to attend especially on the 10th October. Catering will be arranged based on bookings, and your attendance helps us to avoid unnecessary waste and makes the best use of the facilitator’s time.
Please do try and be available at all other dates, but we understand it may not be possible some times. You are still welcome to book on but please do email Kathryn Aboud.
A certificate and gift will be sent to you upon completion for full attendance of the course.
Training
Leading your Church into Growth (LyCiG): Children and Families
6 February – The Barn, Christ Church, Abingdon – this training will be hosted by LyCiG – to book click here
ODBE Space Makers – for Schools and Churches
26 February – Church House Oxford – to book click here
11 June – Buckingham Parish Church – to book click here
Induction Day for newly employed Children, Young People and Family Ministers
13 May – Church House, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford – to book click here
Amplify Adventure
16 – 18 July – Adventure Plus, Clanfield, Oxon – to find out more and to book click here
Resources
Search through our database of resources or use our pre-made filters to help you find exactly what you need to meet children, young people and families where they are in your context.
Spiritual development
Your own spiritual nurture is of paramount importance as you spiritually accompany children and young people.
Contemplative Toolkit(s) and training
Contemplative Toolkits are our way of supporting the spiritual nurture of children and young people through easy access contemplative practices in schools, at home and in church groups and worship. The core practices of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending and Blessing are developed from mainly Ignatian Spiritual practices.
Take a look at Space Makers: The Contemplative Toolkit for Schools and Churches , and enjoy this sneak peek of the Noticing exercise .
Oxfordshire Godly Play Network
All are welcome to join Godly Practitioners who meet a few times a year. Please contact group coordinator Carol Carter.
Learning opportunities
Various courses for any interested learner are available through Oxford Diocese Lifelong Learning programme.
Other sources of training and development
- Messy Church
- Aurora Youth & Children’s Ministry Course
- Youthscape Online Confidence and Skills Course
- CYM
- St Padarn’s MA for Children, Young People and Family Specialists
- National Youth Ministry Weekend
Consultancy, mentoring, support and bespoke training
There are a team of Discipleship Enablers attached to each of the Archdeaconries. They also hold specialisms across youth work and ministry, children’s and family ministry, and partnership with schools. They would be delighted to hear from you. Meet the team.