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Celebrating our 140th Anniversary

Each week we work with over 750 Churches and over 20,000 children and young people aged 5 to 18 years across the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland. We could help your Church reach out to children and young people in your community by starting a group.

Since 1883, The Boys’ Brigade has reached out to millions of children and young people. Today we are passionate about partnering with Churches to build bridges into local communities and engage a generation of children and young people with a message of hope rooted in Jesus. Our Vision is that children and young people experience “life to the full” (John 10:10).

Through the BB children and young people (aged 5 to 18+) get involved in local Churches by means of weekly groups, residentials, special events, community projects and training programmes. These activities are led by thousands of volunteers who are trained and supported to work as effective children’s and youth workers in a Christian context. Whilst our work is in the UK & RoI, we are part of a worldwide organisation set up and run to reach over one million children and young people.

In 1995, 613,000 young people aged 10 to 19 were attending Church, but by 2005 this figure had dropped to 230,000. That’s a drop of 62%. Recent research also shows that 59% of Churches have no one attending between 15 and 19 years of age.

We are aware that many Churches find it difficult to engage with young people. This is why we are passionate about…

partnering
supporting
engaging

Over recent years Churches have experienced increasing difficulties getting young people through their doors. Each week The Boys’ Brigade works with thousands of children and young people, and for many of them The Boys’ Brigade is their only connection with the Church.

“8 years ago a lad was playing football outside the Church. He came in and had a great time. About 3 years ago he gave his life to Jesus. Since then, his brother and his mum have both come into the Church as well.”

The Boys’ Brigade has a track record. It has a recognisable name as a safe place that parents can trust. By partnering with your Church we can help you reach out to children and young people not only in your Church but in your local community.

We want to be your partner in outreach. Therefore as an organisation we are flexible to the needs of your Church. The Boys’ Brigade belongs to the Church, and we hope that what happens during the week will be seen as just as important as what happens at the weekend!

Find out more about starting a group

Download and take a look at our Information for Churches booklet which provides more information about how we can partner your Church, support your leaders and help you to engage children and young people.

Hear from our young people

Hear from some of our young people themselves as they share a bit about what being a part of The Boys’ Brigade means to them.

Get in touch

If you are interested in starting a new group or would just like to have a chat about what The Boys’ Brigade could offer your Church please get in touch by calling 0300 303 4454 or sending an email to support@boys-brigade.org.uk.