Journey of Discovery

A Journey of Discovery was produced by The National Youth Agency in response to considerable, informed interest in the youth work field over spirituality and spiritual development. It aimed to identify the key areas relating to spirituality, spiritual development and youth work and to undertake an initial exploration of some of the issues relating to them.

The purpose of the document is to facilitate and encourage discussion and to map the territory to enable further debate so that there is more clarity leading to positive informed professional views on this important area.

True to the nature and complexity of the subject it was not thought desirable to produce a definitive document with guidelines or guidance. However, The NYA hopes that the document will act as a positive starting point for organisations and individuals to use in developing specific policies and improving practice.

Writing in his introduction to the report Bishop Roger Sainsbury, Chair of The NYA, says ‘I believe this report will prove to be a very important document in clarifying the place of spirituality and spiritual development in youth work. Recent events have shown how important a right understanding of spirituality is, both globally and nationally, particularly for young people. The spiritual wellbeing of young people must be an essential part of government youth strategy and implementation.’

The consultation stage of the report included desk research and interviews, and young people from different faiths and no faith were interviewed in groups and individually. Copies of a consultation paper were made available and the responses and feedback were used to expand the original consultation paper into the final document.

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