You were made for this – to bring life where it’s most needed.
Children live in a culture that’s hurried, anxious, and longing for something deeper. BeSpace offers you a way to step into that story – to create sacred pauses in the very communities where children spend their days.
“I volunteer because seeing the joy of the children’s faces is amazing.”
Church volunteer feedback
What you can offer schools with BeSpace
BeSpace is a framework that helps your church to provide local schools with safe spaces where children can find calm and explore faith and wonder. You can introduce christian contemplative practices to children in three kinds of spaces: prayer spaces, retreats and pilgrimages.
Prayer spaces
Prayer spaces typically last between one day and one week – with 45 minute sessions for primary schools and whole lesson period sessions for secondary schools. If needed, we’ll aim to send a staff member to be on the ground for the first day or two of a prayer space.
For aprimary school, you’ll need volunteers for each activity area (usually around four – including a session leader). For a secondary school prayer space, you’ll typically need two adults present in the room (including a session leader).
Retreats
Retreats are a day-long opportunity to host children in your church or another suitable venue for an extended time of stillness and discovery. We can work with you to plan the day around five core retreat practices (stillness, noticing, scripture, mending, blessing).
To run a retreat, you’ll need to provide or arrange a venue that evokes a sense of awe and wonder – this could be a church building or a retreat centre.
Pilgrimages
Does your church have a heart for prayer walks and reflection? Pilgrimages may be a natural fit for what you can offer schools.
As we pilot school pilgrimages next year, we’ll be looking for churches who can help design a local route with reflective waypoints that ends with a form of collective worship. You might also host part of the journey in your church building.
How we’ll work together
Where you fit in:
We act as a connection point between you and your local schools – and if you bring the heart, we’ll provide the how-to.
We ask your church to:
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers and leaders
- Be present as the familiar, ongoing connection point for the school
- Lead the sessions once initial support from BeSpace has been provided
How we support you:
We’ll walk with you as needed, offering training and resources so you can serve your local school with confidence.
If you need it, we can:
- Provide equipment and soft furnishings (you can collect from Oxfordshire)
- Offer training and planning support ahead of your first space
- Model how to set up, lead sessions, and debrief with pupils and staff
“I think I am going to pray tonight and thank God for all he does for me.”
Student feedback
How to get involved
Go on a journey with us to give children life-long tools for their spiritual journey. Your part in this might include:
Praying
For your local school and/or for the vision and mission of BeSpace.
Running
A space with our framework, such as a prayer space, a retreat, or a pilgrimage.
Fundrasing
For your local school and/or for the vision and mission of BeSpace.
Training for churches
We provide structured guidance that keeps experiences accessible and meaningful – while leaving room for your creativity and gifts. We offer training to help your church feel confident in:
- Approaching and building new relationships with schools
- Understanding school culture and expectations
- Leading Christian contemplative practices for children of all faiths or none
Upcoming events
From local gatherings to training days and retreats for volunteers, our events are designed to:
Encourage and equip you in contemplative practices
Share stories and learning from churches and schools
Help you feel part of a wider community serving children together
Sticky Note Prayers Book Tour Oxford
Resources
We’re developing a growing library of resources to support your work in schools. All are designed to be both deeply spiritual and straightforward to use. Coming soon.
Session Ideas
Session outlines and activity ideas.
Safeguarding Guidance
Guidance on working with schools and safeguarding
Practical Tools
Downloadable PDFs and practical checklists
Talk to us about your hopes
Ready to partner with a local school – or simply curious about what’s possible in your area? We’d love to hear from you and help you discern your next step.