RECOGNISE Week (6 to 12 July) shines a light on the people who serve children, young people, and families in churches across the country.

Launched in 2025 by the nationally funded 30K Project, RECOGNISE is part of the Church of England’s wider vision to raise up 30,000 new children and youth ministers, both voluntary and employed, by 2030.

Across the Diocese of York, we are inviting churches to join in by thanking their children’s, youth, and families teams, sharing a short thank-you video, and nominating people for national recognition.

Together, we can show how central this children’s and youth ministry is to living Christ’s story, thank those who make it possible, and encourage others to help the emerging generation grow in faith.

Who could you recognise?

• Children’s group leaders
• Crèche volunteers
• Baby and toddler group leaders
• Youth leaders and volunteers
• Family workers

Ways your church can get involved

There are three ways to join the campaign:

1. Thank your team in church
2. Share a short video
3. Nominate someone

1. Thank your team publicly

Recognise the people in your church who serve children, young people and families by thanking them during your worship service on Sunday 12 July.

You can sign up for a free event pack that includes a cake topper, a prayer card, thank-you cards, and creative ideas for your celebration, plus access to RECOGNISE digital resources.

2. Share a thank-you video

Ask your vicar, church leader or ministry team to record a simple 30 to 60-second phone video thanking your children’s and youth workers and volunteers. Post your video on your parish social media channels and tag @dioceseofyork, or send it to comms@dioceseofyork.org.

• Film in portrait (vertical format) on your phone. This works well on social media.
• Keep it brief – aim for around 30 to 60 seconds (max. 2 minutes)
• Start by saying thank you clearly. Name the team or individual(s) you want to recognise.
• Say why they matter – mention what makes them such a gift to your church and community.
• Share a short story or example of the difference they make.
•  You may want to include your workers/volunteers in the video, but make sure they are happy to take part and have given permission!
• Choose a quiet(ish), well-lit place, such as your church, church hall or another familiar setting.
• Do not worry about making your video look professional – a warm, genuine thank you is far more important than a perfect recording.

Please submit your video to us by 26 June 2026.

3. Nominate someone

Submit a nomination for a children’s, youth or family worker so their ministry can be recognised more widely through the national RECOGNISE initiative.

Celebration events will take place this year at Lambeth Palace and Bishopthorpe Palace, with dates to be confirmed, to honour paid workers and volunteers who have made a significant difference to children, young people and families.

A Diocese of York panel will review parish nominations and select one nominee from each archdeaconry to go forward for national recognition.

Make your nomination by 15 May 2026.

Keeping people safe

Please make sure anyone featured in photos or videos has given permission. Do not include children or young people unless your church has the right consent and safeguarding approval. Get in touch at comms@yorkdiocese.org if you need advice.