Kingsbridge Youth For Christ (KYFC) is celebrating another year of growth after the success of its youth club sessions and the welcoming of a new intern.

The Lounge Youth Club, run by KYFC, currently attracts around 25 young people each week, which is the maximum its existing space can accommodate.

Last academic year it welcomed 67 different young people through the doors.

To accommodate the growth, the organisation is now launching a new session for Year 7 pupils, running from 6pm to 7pm, before the existing 7pm to 8.30pm session for Years 8 to 11. KYFC said the new session would allow it to welcome more young people and provide a dedicated space for those starting secondary school.

The organisation has also welcomed 22-year-old Jemima Carr, from Guernsey, who has joined the team for the year as part of her second gap year with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM). Jemima will work alongside Centre Director Becky Evans and Youth Worker Charlotte Conley across KYFC's projects, including the youth club bus on Kingsbridge Quay and assemblies at seven local primary schools.

She has two years' experience as a children's and youth leader at Vazon Elim Church in Guernsey.

“I have moved to Kingsbridge to start interning with Youth for Christ while being a part of South West Youth Ministries.”

“This year I really want to grow in confidence and faith within my leadership,” she said.

Jemima added: “My prayer for the year would be that I settle here and be a light for all to see, and that God will be at work transforming lives, especially for the young people.”

Jemima will live with a local host family and receive regular SWYM training, including weekly check-ins and half-termly conferences, with support from mentors in the community.

KYFC said the growth at The Lounge and the addition of Jemima to its team would strengthen its work with young people across Kingsbridge during the coming academic year.