Many of the young people that PYFC works alongside at the school are from disadvantaged or single parent families who may be out of work or earn very little money. Many more young people live with parents who have little or poor parenting skills. This endemic culture with its continuous cycle of hardship means that it is difficult for the young people who live here to break away and live changed lives. By sharing God’s love with these young people, and acting as a positive role model, Gemma runs pastoral care projects so that these young people can learn for themselves the positive outcomes that can result.

Wise Up project is aimed at young women aged 12 to 14 who are at risk of living an unhealthy lifestyle. The project runs for the duration of the academic year, focusing on various lifestyle areas- from healthy eating and exercise, to drug and alcohol intake, to relationships. The project content is tailored to the young women and takes the form of activities and discussions. The project ends with a pamper day for the girls which involves a manicure, facial or pedicure.

Wise Up has been a great way to build good relationships with a number of vulnerable young women, encouraging them to make positive decisions about their lifestyles.