Heather Lewis

I am a Children's and Families worker for the York Circuit, working closely alongside Lorraine, Victoria and Amy, as part of the Children, Youth and Families team. We work with local churches, supporting and enabling those involved in children, young people and families' ministries, as well as at circuit level, organizing circuit wide groups and events that bring together people from across the circuit.

This role dovetails with my job as a teaching assistant at Forest of Galtres Anglican Methodist Primary school, where I currently work in a Year4/5 class. I also help children throughout the school who need a little extra emotional and social support. I feel privileged to be able to play a part in the nurturing of children's faith and to share in their joy and enthusiasm for life.

My journey to this role has been somewhat circuitous. After leaving university I worked in the energy supply industry for ten years, before taking a career break to spend time with my two young children. During this time, rather to my surprise, I found I loved being around young children and helping them develop, so I trained as a primary school teacher. However, ten years later, disillusionment with the education system led me to give up teaching, which gave me the time and space to take a more active role in the church community at Lidgett Methodist church. During this time I became involved in a wide range of areas, including being a steward, Messy Church coordinator, young church leader, Safeguarding Officer and helping at Community café, which all helped to prepare me for and led me to this role.

I am married to Will and have two grown up children, Katy and Tom. I enjoy spending my leisure time with family and friends and can usually be found somewhere outside enjoying the fresh air, either walking or cycling.

I'm keen to share God's love with others and to find ways to welcome children and families into our churches, by working with them to develop provision that meet their needs. I enjoy having the opportunity to meet people from across the circuit and finding out about the exciting things that are going on. If you have any great ideas for engaging with your local community, I'd love to hear from you.

Heather is one of our Children's and Families workers for the circuit.