In 1994, the Tonbridge Churches Youth Committee saw a need to establish a team of local Christians who would represent the Church on a regular basis in Secondary Schools (11-18's) and Primary Schools (5-11's) in the Tonbridge area.  In September of that year The Children's Workshop, a registered charity, was set up with the aim of supporting and encouraging children in the Christian faith in Primary Schools within the Tonbridge area.

Initially the trust was established due to a grant from a local Christian charitable trust, and this grant funded one full-time and one part-time worker as well as providing resources for office space and equipment.  Increasingly though, there is a need for us to find additional sources of prayer and financial support, primarily through a network of 'Friends'.

Since its establishment, the work of the trust has grown considerably to the point where The Children's Workshop currently visits 23 primary schools on a regular basis.  In these schools, the Children's Workshop leads Acts of Worship (assemblies), communicating the Christian faith in a lively and relevant way, and also takes lessons and after-school clubs along with helping to serve the schools in whatever capacity we are able.

The trust also works with churches leading all age worship services, leading training events for Sunday School teachers and youth and children's workers, and also by organising and running numerous 'town-wide' events for children in and around the area.  In July 2000, the Children's Workshop led the children's programme at TOUCH 2000's Family Fun Day (below left).

The Children's Workshop also helps organise and lead Holiday Clubs for churches (top and above right), as well as helping with national Christian events such as Spring Harvest and Pioneer Camp.

We have estimated that in the course of a year we speak to more than 5000 under-12s in schools, churches, holiday clubs and camps with the message of the Gospel.

For further information, visit the website of The Children's Workshop.