The Christian Education Project is based in the London Borough of Redbridge, one of the most diverse local authorities in the country.  Their mission statement is three-fold' “Serving schools; Inspiring Minds; Exploring Faith”.  They work with over 50 local schools and see over 15,000 children and young people each year, most of these a number of times. 
 
Since the pandemic, their work has become more influenced by the growing mental health and well being needs of the pupils they serve. This has included the provision of more mentoring and well being clubs as well as increased interest in prayer spaces. 
 
Prayer Spaces are set up in a hall or other large space where pupils and staff of all faiths and beliefs can come to consider and respond to the key questions of life. Pupils move in a carousel between a number of tactile, interactive bases set around different themes.  
 
Pupils of all faiths and beliefs are included in the planning stages with pupil voice featuring heavily in the ideas. Prayer spaces are often centred around a theme either provided by the school or by the focus groups - these have included "Moving on to high school", "Serviam", "International Women's Day" and "Peace". 
 
Pupil feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with pupils reporting an increased sense of peace, a feeling that their time in the prayer space increased their overall sense of wellbeing and in many cases a sense that they were able to connect with the divine.

The session made me realise deeper about people of faith. I felt it was good for my mental wellbeing and had everything a prayer space needed.  

Prayer spaces were fun and made me connect with God a little more than usual.  

Overall it instilled a sense of calmness and peace. I feel that it improves mental health and allows a distraction from exam stress. The origami base gave a sense of achievement when complete and was a chance to focus on something other than exams. 

In times of GCSE’s approaching and times getting harder this was a good activity to help get my mind off stuff and focus on God and prayer. 

The prayer space was very peaceful for your own reflection and value. I enjoyed it very much and it allowed me to appreciate the little things and activities.

For more information please find us on: 

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www.christianeducationproject.org.uk
 
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