Advice Required - Community revival led by CofE?

[northerndad]

Hi all
I am a member of a small church in a rather run down deprived area, industries pulled out, high unemployment, crime etc.
A group meets tommorow to figure out what is needed and I am basically looking for ideas.
I am myself kind of ex-crim and am keen to help the youth who have few prospects and little direction. Also single parent and know that others need support at times.
Various ideas have been mentioned but mostly cosmetic, pick up rubbish, tidy gardens, paint shops etc. There is a residents association that seems obsessed with shrub tubs, benches etc.
See it as more of a social problem, need to get the community back together.
What would you expect from a group of people who are supposed to dedicate their lives to helping those in need?

Any comments, ideas would be appreciated as you seem pretty sound lot.

thanks podmog
Forgot about dads on access visits, I'm a bit of a numpty at times. Know a few that struggle for somewhere to go in winter/ bad weather. All prayers appreciated

ime the things in churches that work the absolute best in terms of pulling in youth/community members is when the religious aspect is present in terms of the values demonstrated (kindness, open heartedness, tolerance) rather than any kind of explicit reference.

i'm sure i'm probably repeating stuff already said but nothing more of a turn off than something that is overtly 'christian' to most young people

did you see the doc about some youths doing a 5 month abstinence earlier this week, run by two christians, but no mention of religion at all, and v successful so far, until they went to the USA when the religious aspect was being rammed down their throats to v negative effect.

didnt see the doc, but agree absolutely. Early christians had no 'religion' as such, they simply lived it... time to get back to that.

if you think of anything specific you would like some info on feel free to CAT me as i am a resident involvement officer and my DH is a community worker we might have a few ideas to help

best of luck by the way
xxx

thanks all, plenty to think about, will keep you in mind custardo, and will not forget to ask them first, promise.