The Methodist Church has reacted passionately to new research released showing that a large proportion of young people living in urban areas feel that life is not worth living.

The research instigated by the Commission on urban Life and Faith, and undertaken by the University of Wales, Bangor and the Children’s Society, has revealed shocking figures. According to the findings 70 percent of young people in urban areas have the feeling that life is not worth living, 52 percent often feel depressed and 27 percent have even gone to the extent of seriously considering suicide.

In addition to the latest findings, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated that youth in Britain are among the most unhappy in Europe. The Methodist Church has indicated that these findings as well as the pressure today’s media exert on youth, clearly show that this issue is one that must be taken seriously.

As a reaction to these findings, the Methodist Church is now organising events across Britain to allow those responsible for looking after and guiding young people the chance to voice and discuss concerns.

The events will allow discussions to focus on the findings and will be used as an informative tool for churches, youth leaders and people related with youth-orientated work. Materials will also be provided to give feedback to the government on their Youth Green Paper.

The Methodist Secretary for Children, Steve Pearce said, “Young people in our towns and cities face tremendous pressure, and we owe it to both them and those who work with them to offer all the time, support and insight we can. The churches and other faith groups have a genuine desire to help young people and their know-how in the area of spirituality can be a major contribution to youth and children's work.

“The research conducted by the Commission on Urban Life and Faith and The Children's Society shows just how much difference spirituality makes to young lives and their sense of purpose. The Church, through this initiative, is sharing its commitment with all who are working for the well being of young people,” he said.

Pearce continued, “These seminars offer a chance for church leaders, youth workers, local government and everyone else concerned with the well-being of young people a chance to come together to discuss these vitally important topics. The report gives us a previously unavailable insight into the role of spirituality in young people's lives, and these meetings will provide a unique opportunity to develop this further.”

One of the people who will chair the event, Baroness Kathleen Richardson said, “These seminars will be very interesting to anyone involved with children's work in our urban areas. The research from CULF and the Children's Society raises many important questions about the spiritual needs and beliefs of children, and how these make a difference to their lives and actions.

“Faith communities of all types have important roles to play in the development of our children, and in overcoming the negative image of urban youth that too many people have. Faith groups can provide the positive adult role models, sense of purpose and the moral practical guidance that children clearly need.”

The seminars have been scheduled to take place in September and October in various venues across the country including, Brixton, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Newcastle.

The meetings particularly invite voluntary sector professionals, children and youth workers, social workers, health care professionals, local government workers, clergy and all others that are concerned with the well being of young people in today’s society.