BCY History

Over the course of our 30 years, BCY has been involved in a real variety of youth work!

BCY was founded in 1990, the result of churches in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding district identifying a need to bring relevant Christian input into local schools, as well as supporting Christian young people both in school and in the community. For 30 year’s BCY has generously been given office space at Garland Street Baptist Church.  As well as a base for our workers to be inspired and plan for sessions in schools, it has over the years welcomed many young people for a youth drop in.

Our tag-line is ‘Connecting young people to Jesus’  and we are passionate about bringing lively, interesting and thought provoking ideas to help young people to think about the big questions in life, and to learn about the Christian faith. 

BCY has developed a reputation for work with schools that has the hallmarks of quality, innovation, integrity and educational value.  We have had the privilege to work in many schools for over 30 years, delivering a variety of lunchtime and after school clubs, lessons and assemblies, workshops and residentials.  For over 10 years we have run a week of ‘Prayspace’ at schools, which has proved to be extremely popular and of huge benefit to both pupils and staff

Originally, working in upper and middle schools, more recently our work has expanded towards primary schools in and around the town.  This is an exciting development and one that we hope to grow in the future with the help of volunteers from local churches.  

Why 'Connecting young people to Jesus’?

Jesus is arguably the most influential person ever to have lived. He taught that he was the way to God, that he was truth itself, and that full and free life was only to be found in him. Billions of people throughout history and around the globe claim their lives have been transformed by encountering Jesus for themselves. The Bible teaches that God loves the world so much that he gave Jesus, his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him can have a whole and lasting life.

BCY is endorsed by churches and individuals from across the denominational spectrum, and we love to work with churches that are geographically close to schools to reinforce existing links and forge new ones. We are convinced that local Christians in local churches are well-placed to deliver essential support and care that many young people need and very much appreciate.

BCY has a long history of supporting young people through life’s ups and downs, providing opportunities for listening, sharing, teaching and lots of fun activities!  During a time where there are many challenges facing our young people we will continue to prayerfully endeavour to adapt to meet the current needs in our local region.