Key Contact:

Rick Otto

Equip Project Manager and Diocesan Children's Officer

Supporting and strengthening ministry with children and young people

EQUIP is a development and training programme for lay and ordained leaders providing ministry to children, young people and families across the Diocese of Manchester.

Whether you are a volunteer, paid worker, clergy member or emerging young leader, EQUIP is about helping individuals and churches grow in confidence, deepen their vision and build sustainable ministry.

Rather than a single course or event, EQUIP brings together a range of training, gatherings and development opportunities, allowing individuals and churches to engage at different levels and at different stages of their journey.

What does EQUIP offer?

EQUIP Weekends and Courses
EQUIP forms a key part of diocesan training pathways, including the Authorised Lay Ministry / General Leadership Pathway for Children’s and Youth Ministry. Through blended learning and our annual EQUIP Weekend, participants gain practical skills, spiritual insight and a renewed vision for ministry.

EQUIP Spotlight
A series of focused events throughout the year that explore specific themes in children’s, youth and family ministry. Led by experienced practitioners and guest speakers, Spotlight events provide inspiration, practical wisdom and opportunities to connect with others.

EQUIP Bespoke
Tailored support for churches, deaneries and missional communities. From Growing Younger conferences to customised training and synod input, EQUIP Bespoke responds to local needs with flexible, context‑specific support.

EQUIP Connect and Hubs
Spaces to connect, reflect and be encouraged. This includes online drop‑in sessions, networking opportunities for paid workers, and local EQUIP Hubs that bring leaders together for shared learning, prayer and support.

EQUIP Clergy
Training designed specifically to support clergy in leading and sustaining ministry with children and young people. This includes practical tools, theological foundations and support at different stages of ministry development.

EQUIP Young Leaders
Opportunities for young people themselves to grow as leaders through conferences, mentoring and placements. From early leadership experiences to deeper development for 16–18 year olds, EQUIP invests intentionally in the next generation.

EQUIP Podcast
A developing resource offering conversations, insights and practical reflection on children’s and youth ministry, featuring voices from across the Diocese and beyond.

Why EQUIP?

EQUIP exists to:

• Strengthen confidence and competence in ministry with children and young people.
• Create accessible pathways for growth and development.
• Build supportive networks across the Diocese.
• Encourage churches to become more intentional, intergenerational and mission‑focused.

Whether you are just starting out or seeking to deepen your ministry, EQUIP offers encouragement, resources and community to help you take the next step.

For more information, please contact Rick Otto, Equip Project Manager and Diocesan Children’s Officer, at: rickotto@manchester.anglican.org

Upcoming Events

EQUIP Weekend ’26 – inspiring and equipping Our Children’s & Youth Leaders

8–10 May 2026 | St John’s House, Bury

We are delighted to invite children’s, youth, and families ministry leaders and volunteers from across the diocese to join us for EQUIP Weekend ’26 – a three‑day gathering designed to refresh, inspire, and practically resource all those who serve our youngest generations.

Over the course of the weekend, participants will explore the world our children and young people are growing up in, and discover new ways to nurture faith with confidence, creativity, and care. Through a blend of worship, teaching, conversation, and hands‑on learning, EQUIP will offer a deeper understanding of faith formation, help leaders reflect on best practice, and provide practical tools for inclusive and engaging ministry.

Saturday features three TED‑style inputs on Play, Wonder, and Identity, opening up fresh ways of thinking about how children and young people encounter God. The programme continues with creative workshops, a tool‑box carousel full of ideas ready to take straight into local ministry, guided session‑planning, and activities that support faith at home. On Sunday, the focus turns to relationships, resources, and practical prayer for early years, children, and young people.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a brand‑new volunteer, EQUIP Weekend offers a warm, supportive environment to learn, reflect, and grow alongside others passionate about this ministry.

Tickets

Full Weekend, Friday-Saturday, and Saturday tickets are available – book using the link below: