Urban Ministries

SU Scotland recognises God's special concern for the poor and is committed to ensure its ministry does not merely reach those who would easily come into contact with it, but that it deliberately engages with those from areas of multiple deprivation in Scottish towns and cities.

We believe that Jesus is for everyone, no exceptions. However, we live in a culture where many are excluded or unable to participate in society. In Scotland today, 21% of children live in poverty (Scottish Government report, March 2011), where they experience economic disadvantage and social marginalisation first-hand. Poverty affects every aspect of child development, and also reduces young people's opportunities in life.

Consequently, we run a range of urban-focused activities and programmes:

• We place an emphasis on working in urban schools (schools in areas of multiple deprivation) through running SU groups, leading assemblies and working with chaplains.
• Each year, more than 200 children from urban areas enjoy going away on a residential weekend with SU Scotland.
• Motiv8 Holidays provide opportunities for young people from areas characterised by poverty to enjoy all the excitement of SU Holidays at an affordable price.
• Equipped to Transform (previously known as Beauty for Ashes) is an annual training event which seeks to challenge and equip the church to reach out to urban young people.
• On Track is a training programme to invest further in the lives of urban young people who have come through our other activities, and who have demonstrated potential to be leaders in their own communities.