A new term means a new listening exercise, and this Autumn sees the launch of the latest Bishop's Children and Youth Council listening exercise on the theme of ‘Do You Hear Me?’
We want to hear from as many young voices in the Diocese of Leicester as possible.
Since we started out in the Spring term of 2023, as a diocese we’ve carried out 7 listening exercises, and heard from more than 1300 young voices across 18 primary, 4 secondary schools and 17 church groups.
In our pilot exercise, we asked children and young people what themes they would like to talk about.
Fast forward two and a half years, and we have facilitated listening groups on subjects of climate change, leaders, poverty, prayer, faith and safeguarding.
This term (Autumn 2025), we’re repeating that first question, and we’re really listening.
We want to know if our children and young people feel heard. We want to know what they think about, what they want to talk about, and whether they feel listened to by the Bishop.
Their responses will set the agenda for future listening exercises throughout 2026 and 2027.
Matt Long, Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler, says: “For the past two years we have been on a journey of discovery by truly listening to the voice of children and young people.
"We have learned so much by seeing our Diocese through their eyes. Children and young people have raised our awareness and changed our perspective on issues such as climate, poverty, and safeguarding.
This term we are asking children and young people what they want to talk about next… what topics they would like to bring to the attention of our bishops.
"If you work with children and young people in any context, we’d love for them to become part of Bishop’s Children and Youth Council by participating in a short listening exercise."
Get involved
All you need to get involved is a group of children or young people and a facilitator to run the listening group. In school, that might be during lunch break, at an after-school club or as part of a school council meeting. In church, that could be part of your Sunday activities, at a mid-week gathering or club.
A Facilitators’ Guide and resources are available for download here, which includes everything you need to get started.
Groups should be completed and feedback submitted by Friday 30 January 2026.
If you would like more information about getting involved, contact Matt on Matt.Long@LeicesterCofE.org
Find all resources, previous reports and responses here.