Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26
This week, we are re-releasing episode 82 with Rev Dr Graham Stanton.
This week we talk with Revd Dr Graham Stanton, Founding Principal of Youthworks College.
Graham is currently Director of the Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne. He is also founder and director of Youth Ministry Futures
In this episode, Al James sits down with Graham to explore the significance of long-term, full-time youth ministry within the national church in Australia. He shares his vision for Youth Ministry Futures (YMF) and discusses the benefits of having long term, full-time and well trained youth ministers for the sake of young people and churches. The conversation covers the state of youth ministry in Australia, systemic issues in youth ministry today, the challenges faced by part-time youth ministers, and the advantages of integrating youth ministry into the larger church environment. Graham also highlights the pressing need for a shift in how churches perceive and invest in youth ministry roles. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of youth ministry and the development of strong, supportive communities for young believers.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Challenges in Youth Ministry
02:57 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction
03:15 Insights from Kids and Youth Ministers
04:57 Upcoming Episodes Preview
06:05 Interview with Graham Stanton
06:53 Graham Stanton's Roles and Contributions
17:19 State of Youth Ministry in Australia
20:50 Systemic Issues in Youth Ministry
28:29 The Impact of Full-Time Youth Ministers
29:45 Exploring the Benefits of Full-Time Roles
31:27 The Importance of Theological Training
33:56 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Ministry
36:40 The Role of Youth Ministers in Churches
37:56 Advocating for Full-Time Youth Ministry
38:35 Reimagining Church Staffing Priorities
40:18 The Broader Impact of Youth Ministry
51:26 Intergenerational Ministry and Its Challenges
57:24 Youth Ministry Futures: Vision and Goals
Connect with Youthworks
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Josh chats with Marty Robinson about the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) within youth and children's ministry. Marty provides a theological framework encompassing creation, the fall, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, examining how each element relates to A.I. usage in ministry. They address both the benefits and caveats of A.I., such as enhancing administrative tasks, creating engaging content for youth, and maintaining ethical standards. The episode is filled with practical advice on integrating A.I. thoughtfully and ethically in ministry while upholding a Christ-centered approach.
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
Navigating Social Media Ban for Under 16s: Implications for Youth Ministry
In this episode, Al chats with Chris Jones, a colleague on the Ministry Support Team at Youthworks. They discuss the upcoming social media ban for individuals under 16 in Australia, taking effect on December 10. They explore the practical and pastoral implications of this ban on youth ministry, including how to adapt communication strategies, the impact on youth groups' social media presence, and the broader societal changes it may bring. The conversation highlights the need for youth ministers to prepare their teams and families for these changes and to focus on fostering genuine, embodied community within their youth ministries all for the sake of young people knowing loving and following Jesus.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:23 Chris Jones' Role and Responsibilities
00:47 Enjoyment and Challenges in Youth Ministry
01:26 Discussion on Social Media Ban for Under 16s
02:34 Details of the Social Media Ban
05:26 Implications for Youth Ministry
06:32 Global Perspective and Government's Role
10:16 Pastoral and Practical Implications
20:21 Questions and Considerations for Youth Ministries
26:37 Navigating Youth Ministry in the Digital Age
27:09 Exploring Communication Platforms for Youth Groups
29:17 The Role of WhatsApp in Youth Ministry
32:12 Pastoral Implications for Youth Leaders
43:00 Engaging Families in the Transition
45:04 Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
50:22 The Impact of Mobile Phones in Youth Groups
51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh, a Youth and High School ministry advisor with Youthworks in Sydney, continues the series on high school ministry by interviewing recent high school graduates Ellie and Annaliese. They dive deep into their experiences in public and Christian high schools, discussing how school environments influenced and impacted their faith. The episode also explores the challenges and opportunities for ministry in high school settings, emphasising the importance of equipping students with evangelism and apologetic skills. They share uplifting stories about seeing the fruits of SRE (Special Religious Education) seeds planted during their school days and offer encouragement to church workers, SRE teachers, and school chaplains.
Part 1, reflecting on Public High School Ministry, can be found here.
Part 2, reflecting on Christian High School Ministry, can be found here.
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, hosted by Josh from Youthworks in Sydney, we dive into the ministry opportunities within Christian high schools. Denis Oliver, the College Chaplain at Thomas Hassall Anglican College and former parish minister, shares his journey from parish ministry to school chaplaincy. He discusses the unique gospel opportunities in Christian schools, the spiritual ecosystem in multicultural educational environments, and the importance of fostering relationships and partnerships between schools and churches. Denis also highlights the challenges faced by chaplains and teachers, provides insights on sustaining long-term ministry, and shares inspiring stories that showcase how God is at work within the school community.
This episode is Part 2 of a mini-series focusing on High School Ministry. For Part 1, check out episode 90 of the Effective Ministry Podcast.
Connect with Youthworks
This episode continues the HOUSE Conference 2025 series from Youthworks. Earlier, we released a pre-conference lead-up series including:
You can also listen to:
During HOUSE, many questions were raised and submitted online by Delegates. This post-conference follow-up addresses some of the questions we didn’t have time for at the conference, with insights from Dr Viv Cheung and Rev Dr Graham Stanton. The discussion explores biblical, theological, and pastoral aspects of sacrifice, and highlights practical applications for ministry with young people and children.
Whether you attended HOUSE, engaged with the lead-up series, or are just tuning in, this episode will help you reflect, discuss, and apply the theme The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice in your ministry — and gives a glimpse of what’s possible at next year’s conference, 25–27 August 2026.
Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2026 → https://youthworks.net/house
Links & Resources
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Meaghan Gates is joined by Di Lucas from Youthworks Ministry Support Team and Luke Graham, a children's minister in Canterbury. The discussion focuses on the significant challenges and rewarding experiences of working with neurodiverse children in church settings. Luke shares insights about creating inclusive spaces through initiatives like the Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry Network. Di offers personal perspectives and practical strategies from her own experiences both as a mother to children with ADHD and as an individual with an ADHD diagnosis. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical support for neurodiverse children and their families, stressing that no expertise is required to start making positive changes.
00:00 Introduction to Church and Community
00:47 Meet the Hosts and Guests
02:39 Challenges of Working with Neurodiverse Kids
04:46 Biblical Perspective on ADHD
12:21 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids
32:25 The Power of Praise for Kids
33:31 Inclusion of Neurodiverse Kids in Church
36:54 Personal Experiences with ADHD in Ministry
39:33 Strategies for Supporting Kids with ADHD
50:11 Supporting Parents of Kids with ADHD
57:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
Bec Baines Accessibility Ministry Advisor https://www.youthworks.net/blog/bec-baines
Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry page https://www.facebook.com/groups/775236337121469
This is part two of a two-part conversation with Valerie O’Brien from Aspen Ministry. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and catch that first—we explored Val’s story in youth ministry and her work on the 10,000 Questions Project.
In this shorter follow-up episode, host Al James and Val get practical about what it looks like to create youth ministry environments where asking questions isn’t just tolerated but encouraged. Together they explore:
Val shares insights from her experience coaching youth leaders across the US and around the world, offering simple but powerful principles for welcoming questions as part of discipleship.
We pick up immediately after Val has shared her insights from the 10,000 Questions Project.
This is a valuable episode for youth workers, parents, and anyone passionate about discipling the next generation.
Aspen Ministry
Find out more about Val’s work and the 10,000 Questions Project at aspenministry.org
.
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
.
This is part one of a two-part conversation with Valerie O’Brien from Aspen Ministry. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James sits down with Val to talk about her journey into youth ministry and her latest initiative, the 10,000 Questions Project.
Val, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has spent more than 15 years serving in student ministry through the local church—walking with families, discipling students, and leading teams. More recently, she transitioned into a parachurch role where she has trained and coached youth leaders across the US and around the world, helping them build disciple-making ministries patterned after the life of Jesus.
Out of that experience grew the 10,000 Questions Project, which seeks to gather and reflect on the countless real questions that young people have about life, faith, God, and the world. Rather than brushing those questions aside, the project gives us a window into what’s really on students’ hearts and minds, and helps churches listen and respond with honesty and hope.
In this first part of our conversation, Val shares her path into ministry, the story behind the 10,000 Questions Project, and what she’s been learning along the way. Then in a shorter follow-up episode in two weeks, we’ll get practical and discuss how to create youth ministry environments where asking questions isn’t just allowed, but encouraged.
This is a valuable conversation for youth workers, parents, and anyone passionate about discipling the next generation.
Aspen Ministry
Find out more about Val’s work and the 10,000 Questions Project at aspenministry.org
.
Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
.
HOUSE Conference 2025 group discussion with Jocelyn Bignill & Toby Macgregor
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh Ord and guests Jocelyn and Toby dive into the theme of 'The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice' as part of the lead-up to House Conference 2025.
They discuss two conference papers: 'The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice' by Dr Viv Cheung and 'The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice' by Rev Dr Graham Stanton. Key takeaways include understanding the theological and practical implications of sacrifice in youth and children's ministry, balancing grace and sacrifice, and addressing potential abuses of the concept. The discussion aims to prepare listeners for deeper conversations at the upcoming conference.
Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house
Click below for an audio reading of the conference papers.
This episode is part of our HOUSE Conference 2025 lead‑up series from Youthworks, exploring this year’s theme — The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice.
In this episode, we share the full audio of the conference paper The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice, written by Rev Dr Graham Stanton. This theological paper, with a pastoral edge, explores the beauty of sacrifice as an ideal for Christian living and the dangers we need to be aware of when using this language — all with implications for how we minister to young people and children.
These papers are designed to take us from deep reflection in Scripture and theology to practical application in youth and children’s ministry. As you listen, be thinking about how the principles you hear might shape the way you disciple the next generation in your church.
If you haven’t already, we recommend listening first to our taster episode (The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025) for an accessible introduction to the topic.
Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house
Links & Resources:
This episode is part of our HOUSE Conference 2025 lead‑up series from Youthworks, exploring this year’s theme — The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice.
In this episode, we share the full audio of the conference paper The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice, written by Dr Viv Cheung. This biblical studies paper digs deeply into the language of sacrifice in the Bible and will help you engage more fully with the theological ideas we’ll be discussing together at HOUSE.
These papers are designed to take us from deep reflection in Scripture and theology to practical application in youth and children’s ministry. As you listen, be thinking about how the principles you hear might shape the way you disciple the next generation in your church.
If you haven’t already, we recommend listening first to our taster episode (The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025) for an accessible introduction to the topic.
Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house
Links & Resources:
Intentional Under Fives Ministry: Insights and Strategies
In this episode, Meagan and Eliza discuss their extensive experience and passion for ministry to children under five. They share practical insights and examples from their own work including the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment and the benefits of using play-based learning. They also provide advice on implementing a structured curriculum, building trust with parents, and fostering an inclusive church community. Additionally, they highlight useful resources and emphasize the role of consistency and relational engagement in children's spiritual development. Listeners are encouraged to attend the upcoming House Conference for more insights into effective youth and children's ministry.
Resources referenced -
Raising disciples https://www.instagram.com/raising.disciples_/
Baby devotions https://www.instagram.com/babydevotions
Lift their eyes https://www.instagram.com/lifttheireyes
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 31st of May***
Connect with Youthworks
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Megan's Background
03:05 Eliza's Journey in Kids Ministry
06:11 Teaching Bible Content to Under Fives
09:32 Practical Tips for Engaging Under Fives
11:28 Learning Through Play
13:13 Building Relationships and Safety
29:49 Challenges in Ministry to Under Fives
37:38 Resources and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh, a Youth and High School Ministry Advisor with YouthWorks in Sydney, speaks with Katie Stringer about Special Religious Education (SRE) in public high schools in New South Wales, Australia. Katie, who teaches Christian SRE to nearly 900 students each fortnight across multiple schools, shares her journey of getting involved in SRE and the unique opportunities and challenges this ministry presents. The discussion includes practical steps for initiating SRE programs, the importance of creating a spiritual ecosystem within schools, and the impact SRE can have on both students and volunteers. Katie emphasises the vital role of collaboration among local churches and the transformative power of prayer and teamwork in sustaining and expanding SRE efforts.
Christian SRE
To connect with Christian SRE, click here.
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August
Connect with Youthworks
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James sits down with Polly Butterworth to discuss her book, 'The Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl.' Polly, a high school chaplain, offers insights into the pressures young Christian women face and how her personal experiences shaped the book. They delve into the process of navigating faith, societal expectations, and the myths surrounding 'good Christian girls.' Polly also shares strategies for addressing doubts and highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than societal or self-imposed pressures. This conversation is not only valuable for young women but is also insightful for youth workers, parents, and Christians in general.
Buy the Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***
Connect with Youthworks
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:28 Upcoming Topics and Guest Introduction
00:47 Special Religious Education (SRE) in Schools
01:02 Conversation with Polly Butterworth
02:00 Polly's Background and Interests
03:17 The Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl
04:11 Challenges Faced by Good Christian Girls
08:00 Polly's Personal Experiences
11:50 Addressing Christian Culture and Expectations
14:47 Debunking Myths and Focusing on Jesus
16:28 Acknowledging Struggles in Christian Life
19:07 Spiritual Disciplines in Youth Ministry
19:31 Addressing the Reluctance to Attend Church
20:11 Navigating Christian Expectations
20:37 The Pressure of Religious Imperatives
21:42 Universal Struggles of Young Christians
23:04 Balancing Imperatives and Personal Struggles
29:19 The Role of Doubt in Faith
32:33 Inclusion of Personal Stories
34:01 Understanding Ministry with Teenage Girls
36:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James hosts experienced youth and children's ministry advisors Chris Jones, Josh Ord, Megan Gates, and Di Lucas for the second half of their Q&A session. They tackle current issues such as the impact of new social media legislation in Australia on youth ministries, effective strategies for welcoming newcomers, and ways to integrate youth into church families. The discussion also covers approaches to encouraging Bible reading among youth, strategies for small kids' ministries, and best practices for preparing youth for baptism and confirmation. The group emphasizes the importance of creating intentional cultures within youth groups, leveraging relationships for deeper discipleship, and utilizing digital tools like audio Bibles. Each advisor brings valuable insights from their extensive experience, offering practical solutions and innovative ideas for youth and children's ministries.
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***
Connect with Youthworks
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to House Conference 2025
00:13 Exploring Sacrificial Discipleship
01:44 Introducing TMT: Training Ministry Teams
02:22 New Developments in TMT
03:34 Effective Ministry Podcast: Q&A Session
04:33 Discussing New Social Media Legislation
13:52 Creative Uses of Social Media in Ministry
18:27 Welcoming Newcomers to Youth Ministry
21:13 Investing in Youth and Children's Ministry
24:12 Starting a Youth Group from Scratch
28:03 Collaborating with Other Youth Groups
29:37 Integrating Youth Ministry with the Broader Church
32:18 Discipling Teens Focused on Social Aspects
37:50 Encouraging Bible Reading Among Teens
40:39 Effective Discipleship Strategies
46:36 Preparing Youth for Baptism and Confirmation
51:11 Connecting Youth to Church Families
52:42 Building Momentum in Small Kids Ministries
56:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Welcome back!
This episode is a taster for House Conference and delves into the topic of the conference, "The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice". It looks at what sacrificial discipleship means in children's and youth ministry, exploring the theological and practical aspects of living as 'a living sacrifice,' inspired by Romans 12:1. The conversation covers how to encourage young believers to live sacrificially in a culture that values individualism and how ministry workers and volunteers can model and teach this lifestyle. Guests Mel Bell, Josh Ord, Koh Saito, and Meaghan Gates contribute their insights into the topic and why they're exited to dive into the topic in August.
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 31st of May***
Connect with Youthworks
Time Stamps
02:51 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction
03:27 House Conference 2025: Event Details
04:09 Panel Discussion: The Theology of Sacrifice
05:33 Introducing the Panelists
06:56 The Central Question: Living as a Living Sacrifice
09:55 Challenges and Nuances of Sacrifice
15:06 Personal Reflections on Sacrifice
29:15 Reflecting on Ministry and Personal Growth
30:40 The Role of Sacrifice in Christian Life
31:34 Balancing Joy and Sacrifice in Ministry
35:06 Empowering Youth Through Sacrificial Living
54:45 Intergenerational Wisdom and Sacrifice
56:28 Conclusion and Upcoming Conference
Q&A on Effective Youth and Children's Ministry
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James welcomes listeners to a special Q&A segment. Al, along with members of the Youth Works Ministry support team, including Chris Jones, Josh Ord, Di Lucas, and Megan Gates, tackles various questions related to youth and children's ministry. Topics discussed include partnering with parents, "optimal" youth group sizes, the balance between evangelism and discipleship, and effective leadership training. They offer insights into how to engage parents in ministry, strategies for recruiting and retaining leaders, and the dynamics of running large versus small youth groups.
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***
Connect with Youthworks
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to House Conference 2025
00:13 Exploring Sacrificial Discipleship
00:26 Excitement and Challenges of Sacrifice
01:44 Introducing TMT: Training Ministry Teams
02:22 New Developments in TMT
03:34 Effective Ministry Podcast: Q&A Introduction
04:10 Meet the Youth Works Ministry Support Team
04:56 Diving into Your Questions
06:27 Onboarding Families to Ministry Groups
10:29 Partnering with Parents in Ministry
24:28 Balancing Evangelism and Discipleship in Youth Ministry
29:43 Effective Leadership Training
30:57 Setting Personal Goals for Leaders
33:58 Recruiting and Retaining Leaders
38:02 Optimal Youth Group Size
41:52 Balancing Large and Small Youth Groups
51:01 Concluding Thoughts on Youth Ministry
52:17 Introduction to Phone Policies
52:43 New Legislation on Social Media
Welcome back!
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, we share a seminar recorded live at the Mothers Union Sydney Seminar at St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney and watched online by many others in regional Australia and accross the world. Al James speaks with Beth Braga about helping kids stand firm and stand out in their faith. They discuss key strategies for faith retention, including intergenerational discipleship, providing opportunities for young people to serve, and integrating faith into everyday life. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a robust, coherent, and livable faith that works in the real world. They also address common challenges and emphasize the significance of prayer and reliance on God's sovereignty in guiding young people towards a lasting faith.
While aimed mostly at parents, this episode will have valuable insights for youth and kids ministry leaders as well.
Training Ministry Teams
At the start of the episode we hear from Cam Harte about Training Ministry Teams where you can access quality training content to better equip your youth and children's ministry leaders for ministry to young people in your context.
Coming Up!
SquareOne Winter | Friday 30th May-Sunday 1st June
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August
Connect with Youthworks
Welcome back!
In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James talks with David Krebs, Sydney Metro Worker at Scripture Union NSW, about burnout in youth and children’s ministry. Drawing from David’s research and ministry experience, they explore what burnout is, how it shows up in ministry life, and what can help prevent it. The conversation touches on collaborative efficacy—trusting that God enables us to meet the demands of ministry—as well as the value of recognising limits, paying attention to warning signs, and shaping ministry roles in ways that support long-term faithfulness.
If you're interested in David's research, you can find his research paper here.
Youthworks Getaways
At the start of the episode we hear from Sam Hudson the head of Youthworks Getaways. You can get in touch to organise a parent child adventure tailored for your church by emailing him at getaways@youthworks.net.
Coming Up!
SquareOne Winter | Friday 30th May-Sunday 1st June
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August
Connect with Youthworks