Nick Ting, 22, and Chris Aphonzo, 21, are from St Paul’s parish Courtyard Project in North London. Both have a great passion for community and are extremely eager to see the Church reaching out to young people. They exemplify what it means to seek to uphold the dignity of others and ensure that everyone`s work or study has meaning. As volunteer youth workers, no matter what the weather, they walk the streets of Wood Green each week, striving to reach out to young people in the local area. Their aim is to begin to build relationships with the hope of supporting young people to reach their aspirations.
This term they have also begun to work with young people for a behavioral unit at the local school. They are creating opportunities for them to find meaning and purpose through community volunteering, at a local charity for partially sighted people. Nick and Chris are in charge of preparing, planning and assiting in the visits with the hope to build rapport and trust amongst the young people.
For two shy young men, they have come a long way over the course of a year. Both Nick and Chris have both expressed their gratitude for being involved in the project, and have spoken about how it is the best thing they have ever done. Their nominator said of them, “They have been a shining example of how Catholic churches can reach out to young young people in their local area. Receiving an award for their hard work would allow them to see that the Catholic community really values what they are doing.”
Nick Ting (22), and Chris Aphonzo (21)
St Paul’s Parish Wood Green Courtyard Group (Diocese of Westminster)