Church in Wales gives away first Child-Friendly Church Award

Lively music, an active Sunday School and a warm family feel - that was the winning formula for a church which has just won the Church in Wales's first Child-Friendly Church Award.

Rev Alan Chadwick, Rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Hubberston, Milford Haven, received the award from the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, at Catalyst, the St Davids Diocese festival of church life, held at Carmarthen Showground, on Saturday.

To win the award, the church had to demonstrate a commitment to its youngest worshippers by providing both a stimulating and a safe environment for them.

The worship at the Church of the Holy Spirit is informal with morning services catering especially for families. It starts with refreshments and lunch is often provided. There is a soft play area for toddlers, Sunday School for children up to 16 and a young adults group. The church also operates a strict child protection policy in all aspects of children's work.

Rev Chadwick said, "I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Church of the Holy Spirit. We want children to enjoy coming to church and to feel part of the community. They are not just the future of the church, they are the present and we want to make them feel welcome and valued."

The Archbishop said, "This new award is quite demanding - as there is quite a lot of criteria to fulfil in order to qualify for it. I hope more and more churches will strive for it and prove that all members of our congregations, both young and old, are welcome and have a lot to contribute."