Might you be interested in bringing your child to the 2026 General Assembly Annual Meetings?
If so, I invite you to read on…
For those of you who don’t know, supported by a team of experienced GA volunteer youth leaders, I organise a range of activities for infants, juniors andadolescents at The General Assembly Annual Meetings.
Our intention is to nourish the spirit through kindness, friendship and play.
For juniors and adolescents, we curate a varied programme centred around a theme. Expect there to be rich conversation, art, dance, drama and storytelling. We also make space for extended periods of free play and downtime as we know that this is something our participants really value. In fact, our youth leaders like it too! Simply being in each other’s company – enjoying time with friends – is something treasured by all.
To help meet the needs of infants, toddlers and babies we work with All Events Childcare, a registered childcare provider, to provide a separate crèche facilityfor very young children.
To help make and maintain a safe space for our participants, all activities are planned with their health and wellbeing in mind. Youth leaders undergo relevant safeguarding training and are DBS checked to ensure their suitability to support this event. There will be an appropriate number of first aiders on site throughout the meetings.
Timetable
Day 1:
Session 1: 2pm – Family early dinner sitting
Day 2:
Session 2: 8:30am – 1:30pm.
Session 3: 2:40pm – Family early dinner sitting
Day 3:
Session 4: 8:30 – 12:50pm.
Outside of these sessions participants are the responsibility of their parents or guardians. This means that the GA youth leaders will not be taking responsibility for the youth participants during breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. The hotel has agreed to organise an early dinner sitting especially for families with young children. I should add that if your child has specific dietary requirements which you’d like us to pass onto the venue, you must let us know through the booking form.
To help reduce any financial barriers faced by those wishing to attend, The General Assembly, supported by grants from both The Bowland Trust and The Wood Green Trust, provides a concessionary ticket for those under 18 years of age. The cost is £80 per person. For parents and guardians, depending on personal circumstances, there are a range of tickets available including subsidised, standard and patron rates. Additional financial support can often be sought from congregations and District Associations. Adult ticket prices will be released soon.
To inform parents and guardians of final arrangements, I organise an information evening, via Zoom, approximately two weeks before we meet in person. During this time, I’ll provide a brief overview of each provision, clarify responsibilities and answer questions which arise. Of course, you’re very welcome to drop me an email before then.
All are welcome, whether or not your children already take part in congregational life. We hope it will be a chance for them to make new friends, as well as for you to have a chance to enjoy what the annual meetings have to offer, knowing your children are in safe hands, having fun, and making meaningful connections. It may be a chance for you to connect with other Unitarian parents too.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. Always happy to help.
Best,
Gavin Howell
Youth Coordinator for The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.
Unitarian Meetings 