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28 July 2010

Nomad Youth and Community Project brings Henley families together

The Nomad Youth and Community project is opening a new Children's Centre in Henley - with the support of the local council, police and schools - after 15 years of transforming the teenager's lives in the town.

Nomad deals with teenagers who face domestic violence, emotional poverty, abuse, or learning disabilities.  It focuses on teaching life skills including communication, handling anger, healthy eating, self esteem, and team work.
Always on the lookout to respond to the needs that arise within the area, Nomad works together with Henley Baptist Church and many volunteers.

Through the Oxford County District Fund, the support of Henley town council and many other partners, Nomad will be able to open a new Children's Centre in September which will enable them to minister to even more people.

Sue Prior, Nomad project director, says: "Many children and teenagers experience broken relationships and families, and the clash between rich and poor is very noticeable in our town. Although people might not struggle financially, they often show emotional needs."

With a large amount of church volunteers, Nomad reaches out to schools and the wider community. "People love us and schools cannot get enough of our involvement", explains Sue. "The project has grown so fast and it is a privilege to work for the organisation. God has opened many doors."

Social behaviour issues are quickly recognised in a small, wealthy town like Henley and Nomad puts intentional effort in these young people's lives. The initiative started in 1996 as a detached youth project and has experienced great success and support.

In 2008, the programme was contracted to run Children's Centre Services for the Henley district and now actively works together with parents and children to strengthen families and teach them Christian principles. A recently launched seven week course for parents and children has been most effective and challenged people to think over their priorities and family values. "Here at Nomad, we believe in faith and action. Only when the two are combined, we can be most efficient," says Sue.