BISHOP Jonathan has appointed Heather Powney to be our diocese’s new Children, Youth and Families Officer.

Heather, who will begin working for us at the start of February, has six years of experience of a church youth worker. She was working at Emsworth Baptist Church until last year.

She also co-ordinated the High Tide youth service, which involves monthly get-togethers and annual holidays for 11 to 18-year-olds from church youth groups of all denominations in the Portsmouth area.

Our vision as a diocese is to double the number of children and young disciples in our churches and to ensure that every household across south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has access to a thriving ministry for children, young people, and families.

Heather is ready to take on the exciting challenge of supporting and resourcing our parishes in this work, as part of the Revitalise strand of our diocesan strategy. Her appointment is a key step in our mission to inspire clergy and lay leaders to nurture vibrant, prayerful communities.

She said: “I’m passionate about bringing people together to achieve shared goals. Networking is in my DNA. I love to see people working together, and I am excited to start making connections.

“I also have a passion to see young people come to Jesus, and keen to see churches, schools and households working together to help children, young people and families have life in all its fullness."

Heather has a background of working in schools, both at primary and secondary level, and experience of working with children who have special educational needs. She also spent 10 years living in France, which broadened her horizons for the global Church.

Having lived in the diocese for the past seven years, she is deeply connected to the local community and eager to make a difference through this project. In her spare time, Heather enjoys camping and hiking with friends and family.