New Process to Explore Youth Accompaniment

June 9, 2020 Danny Curtin

Million Minutes is launching a new process to explore how the Church can better accompany young people.

Responding to Pope Francis call for ‘a Church capable of walking at people’s sides’ we want to learn from what’s already happening and then invite people to collaborate together to explore the learning, and to develop approaches and resources to support people in, what Pope Francis calls, the ‘art of accompaniment’.

Danny Curtin explained something about the project: "It is a process to encourage, develop and support a culture of accompaniment of our young people within Catholic communities. That means walking side by side with young people, taking time to be with them, listening attentively and helping them to hear the ‘good spirit’ within them as they journey through life, both in their small steps in their most significant life choices. The call to accompany young people is timeless. But in a world undeniably changed by COVID-19, the need for genuine accompaniment is greater than ever. Our communities possess an incredible capacity to extend God’s love to young people and walk shoulder to shoulder with them, in their lives and in how they help lead the world and the Church, in the response to current times.”

To begin the process Million Minutes wish to hear from a range of people who have experience of accompanying young people in different settings both formally and informally. Curtin continued: “We don’t just want the formal examples of youth leaders and chaplains. We also want to know about those people doing it in other ways. It could be a choir member who is a confidant to the younger singers; or maybe the person who runs the parish youth group; or the parishioner who’s just a natural at it or may be even someone offering spiritual direction. It might also be someone doing this away their church setting. It may be a teacher or support worker who listens and encourages; may be a professional whose faith is part of how they support young people.”

A survey is the first phase of a longer project . It will only take 5-10 minutes to complete and can be found at http://tiny.cc/xazcqz

We've reached the million!

March 7, 2018 Danny Curtin

Million Minutes has reached a huge milestone - we've clocked up a million minutes of silence!

Million minutes started in 2011 to give voice and support to young people to change their lives and our world, raising money through sponsored silences

Thanks to a partnership with the Diocese of Brentwood, this Lent we have smashed the million minutes target and are well on the way to our second million.

Million Minutes' Director Danny Curtin said: "I'm delighted that together we've clocked up more than a million minutes of silence! It shows that we're prepared to stand with young people, especially those who don't get heard in today's world."

The last seven years have seen some big new projects, from the Celebrating Young People Awards to the Courtyard detached youth work project.

And the silence continues with siLENT, this year supported by Frank Cottrell Boyce, Delia Smith, Margaret Mizen Bishop Alan Williams and a host of schools and parishes.

Youth-led grassroots projects enabled by the sponsorship are spread across the country - from a children's holiday camp in Basildon to an intercultural programme in Bolton. All of them have young people leading social action on behalf of others.

There's still time to join silent 2018. Take part here

Sponsor someone here

Stay siLENT for a change

January 9, 2018 Danny Curtin

Let’s speak up with silence! Join us in creating a deafening silence in Lent 2018! Take time to give up the things that fill life with noise and restlessness. Not only will you allow time for silence, your sponsorship will make a real difference to young people without a voice, for whom silence isn’t a choice.

Corey Scott (pictured centred) was recognised for his inspiring work supporting other young people with disabilities at the 2016 Celebrating Young People Awards - read about his story here. Corey then decided to take part in siLENT 2017 and offers these reflections.

“I wanted to participate in siLENT because I thought it was an inspiring concept, one which I feel is rarely highlighted. It is important to encourage young people to engage in spiritual conversation as well as practical action, fiercely challenging the idea that anyone, regardless of who they are, should be ignored and not listened to.

The most challenging part of silence for me was not being prohibited to talk all day and not being able to respond to my online communication. I have a very sociable and personable character, taking seriously the welfare and happiness of all my close friends and family. I feel that the initiative really pushed me to a limit I would have never have expected to reach during the daily rhythm of ordinary living. I really exceeded my own personal comfort zone and came to the realization that no task is too great. If you put your mind to it truly there are no boundaries that cannot be concurred.

At the time I was going through personal difficulties with some friends relating to confusion around identity. The campaign reminded me and allowed me to put into perspective the trivial aspects of my life and concentrate on what was more valuable going forward.

It also made me realize that faith is a life long journey. Despite the inevitable and understandable doubts you may have from time to time, it is better to stick at it regardless of life’s bumpy road. It really requires individual investment and understanding of how faith can be real to you in your daily life. You never know what the rewards may be, but the daily challenge for all people of faith is to share the light with the disconnected on the fringe of our society without judging them.

The most rewarding part of silence is knowing that I am making a positive difference to so many people that I will probably never get to know or meet but it fills me with pride to have the knowledge that I may be making some of the poorest places in the country slightly more bearable to live for some of our most vulnerable young people.

I think siLENT attracts all ages but I am glad it mainly supports young people because they are often the most in need. I would encourage anyone to take part in siLENT - the campaign gives you time to thank God for all the good things you have in life, even the smallest blessings that you may over look. It also allows you to communicate and get to know him better, whilst reflecting how your relationship can grow and blossom, if only your willing to let it be and allow him in.”

Join us in staying silent for a change. Click here

Glittering Night of Celebration for Young People

November 24, 2017 Danny Curtin

Outstanding social action by young people was recognised at the third Celebrating Young People Awards.

On Thursday 23 November 2017 hundreds of young people, youth workers and teachers, family and friends gathered in London's Leicester Square to celebrate the inspirational lives of so many young people, nominated by you.

The 2017 Celebrating Young People Awards, hosted by Million Minutes and with guest of honour Archbishop McMahon, highlighted some of the amazing young people across England and Wales who are transforming lives in their local communities.

See all the stories of the young recipients here.

See all the photos here.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool Presented the Pope Francis Award to 18-year-old Aaron Omotosho of the Loreto College in Manchester. Aaron founded and continues to run a project called Help Manchester which encourages young people locally to support day centres that feed and shelter homeless people daily. Aaron studies Computing, and has set up a computing project for underprivileged young people in North Manchester. “Aaron is quite unique as all of this is entirely his own initiative, and he genuinely cares about those living in poverty and making their voices heard,” says his college chaplain. Aaron is an active member of the college’s Social Justice Group having helped raise funds for and awareness of local homelessness charities, as well as CAFOD and Laughter Africa further afield. Archbishop Malcolm congratulated him and the other young people, telling them that “you are not the Church of tomorrow but the Church of today”. He described the evening as “uplifting”.

See his story and the story of all the awards here

Margaret and Barry Mizen, who have worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation since their son Jimmy was murdered in 2008, presented the Jimmy Mizen award It recognises young people who have shown commitment to the common good or peacemaking. Winners were Hannah Rai and Zoe Ray from St Mary’s Catholic School Newcastle upon Tyne who organised a recent conference on welcoming refugees; Anna Chapman from St Anselm’s School in Kent who is a mentor for younger students with anger or behaviour problems; and Ella Holliday (pictured with Margaret and Barry) from St Bede’s School in Lytham who is a Young Peace Journalist, supported by Pax Christi, and who focuses on the plight of refugees.

See all the stories here.

The Chaplaincy team for The Douay Martyrs Catholic School, Ickenham, Diocese of Westminster, received their Cardinal Hume Award from Cathy Corcoran (CEO of the Cardinal Hume Centre), and former Centre Client Jordan Downer. See all the stories here.

St Edward’s Youth Catholic Council from Keymer, West Sussex, whose ages range between 12 and 14, were winners of the Cardinal Hume Award for ‘living out the option for the poor’. They have thrown a spotlight on the issue of rough sleeping, asking how they as young people can improve the situation for homeless people. Their ‘big sleep out’ fundraiser got sponsors online and after Masses. They built shelters out of cardboard boxes and slept rough for a night on the church patio to raise awareness. The response from the parish has been enthusiastic, with one person commenting that, “these young people keep our Catholic community fresh and vibrant”. See all the stories here.

The awards ceremony enjoyed music from the choir of Sacred Heart School in Hammersmith. In her thanks at the end Margaret Mizen, a champion of Million Minutes, urged those present to continue to support Million Minutes and undertake next year’s ‘siLENT’ Challenge.

Inaugural Celebrating Young People Awards

July 2, 2015 Danny Curtin

Hundreds of young people, youth workers, teachers and supporters from across England and Wales, gathered in London's Leicester Square on 1 July, for the inaugural Celebrating Young People Awards, organised by Million Minutes. They were welcomed by Baroness Hollins, who earlier in the day had hosted some of the young people at the House of Lords for high tea and a set of workshops to support them in their work for social justice.

Baroness Hollins said: "In a society that often overlooks young people, we need to take time to celebrate them. We can't award everyone, but we are celebrating everyone. Those receiving awards are doing so on behalf of the many others working with a similar passion and commitment to build a more just and peaceful world - a world where all of God's creation, including all people, can flourish."

Awards were made in eight categories, based on Catholic Social Teaching: including celebrating human dignity, care for creation, the protection of workers, promoting solidarity and peace, fostering community and living out the option for the poor.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols gave the Pope Francis Award to Ryan O'Neill a psychiatric nursing student from Merthyr Tydfil who, in his free time works tirelessly supporting and inspiring young people. Ryan (pictured below with Cardinal Nichols and Danny Curtin) will now make a tailor-made study trip to South America to trace the footsteps of Pope Francis.

As he gave the award to Ryan, Cardinal Nichols recalled that another Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Manning had intervened to end the Dockers' Strike of 1889 - before Catholic Social Teaching had actually been defined. The Cardinal said that Mr O’Neill exemplified the same good virtues as Pope Francis, and urged the young people to use Pope Francis as a role model. He told the audience, Pope Francis said 'reality is more important than ideas.' "Don't ever lose your generosity", he said. "We need leaders of integrity and courage. All of us are missionary disciples of Jesus."

A special CYMFed award for most inspiring youth leader went to Bruno Gambini a much loved youth worker from Derby. You could probably walk into any parish within the city and people would smile on hearing his name. Those who work alongside him explain "Bruno doesn't see himself as a youth worker, yet the work he continually does with young people year after year is simply wonderful. Bruno doesn't see himself as a youth minister but the amount of young people who have stuck with their faith because of Bruno's gentle but powerful witness is amazing."

Other awards were presented by Francis Campbell, Vice-Chancellor of St Mary's University, Liz Dodd from the Tablet, Margaret and Barry Mizen and their son George, Ellen Teague from the Columbans, Megan Russell from CAFOD and John Toryusen vice-chair of CYMFed.

Also awarded on the evening was Tharanay Puvanachandran, who received the Cardinal Hume Award for living out the option for the poor. Tharanay attends St Dominic's Sixth Form College in Harrow. She works as a volunteer with street homeless and organises visits to care homes for people with dementia. As a practicing Hindu Tharanay has been insured by her faith to work to give back to the community and has been taught to help those in need.

Among the award recipients was Ryan Earle, 19. As a member of the IMPACT and then Young Christian Workers groups in his parish, St Mary’s, West Croydon, Ryan came to understand the methodology of the YCW - SEE JUDGE ACT – and so became able to analyse problems affecting young people and carry out appropriate action in the light of faith. He grew in his leadership skills canvassing his local MP, and during the local elections co-chairing the Croydon Citizens Assembly, where he personally got the Labour and Conservative candidates for the council to publically commit to becoming a Living Wage employer. Following on from the assembly, the council pledged 50 work placements for Croydon’s young people. Ryan (pictured below) was presented with the Joseph Cardijn Award for the promotion of the dignity of workers.

Aysha Ahmad, a student at Ursuline High School, Wimbledon was one of the people who received the Jimmy Mizen Award for promoting solidarity and peace. She is Muslim, and one day a young boy once spat in her face as an attack on her religious beliefs. This made decide to work to promote greater understanding and peace among different faiths in her school and the wider community. She is committed to the Catholic ethos of her school and has been able to share her own beliefs to build an atmosphere of unity in the community by identifying the many values that we all share in common.

Aysha is pictured, with the other Jimmy Mizen Award recipients.

The entire Year 7 class from Notre Dame Catholic College, Liverpool, won the Cardinal Hume award for their project, getting to know and support a school in Uganda The group raise money through sponsored silences, run a fair trade shop during lunch times and write letters to the children, making links and sharing their own experiences. Their teacher said: "It has been inspiring for me to watch a class of twelve year old children showing such ambition and drive to help other pupils in this way"

Silent Night - Million Minutes at Christmas

December 21, 2012 Danny Curtin

In the silence of Christmas night, Million Minutes reaches a very special birthday. Click through our Christmas card to find out more.

Birmingham Bishops to stay Silent for Million Minutes

September 20, 2011 Danny Curtin

The bishops of the Archdiocese of Birmingham are to stay silent this November to raise much-needed funds for projects supporting young people, the Archbishop of Birmingham announced this week. Speaking at the Birmingham launch of the Million Minutes big sponsored silence taking place on Sunday, 6 November, the Archbishop encouraged others to join the bishops by staying silent or to sponsor them.

“Million Minutes is important to us because it is supporting projects and people that are central to our community,” he said. “We should leap at the opportunity to be united with the young people of the Archdiocese.”

Million Minutes encourages people and groups (not just bishops) to stay silent for up to 24 hours and get sponsored for it. The money raised will be given as grants to local and national projects that help vulnerable or forgotten young people. 750,000 minutes have so far been pledged, with 105,000 pledged at the launch event in Birmingham.

Million Minutes is supporting two local organisations, Alton Castle Youth Centre and the Andrew Robinson Young People’s Trust. They will receive a share of the money raised to support specific projects with young people who are especially marginalised. Money will also be made available as small grants to youth and community groups.

Also speaking at the launch, Clive Robinson - father of the late Andrew Robinson and Trustee of the Young People’s Trust - said the need among some young people in the Archdiocese was “quite mind boggling”, and that the Million Minutes silence would support projects that play a “significant part in tackling the urgent problems of our society.”

The sponsored silence will take place on Sunday, 6 November, with primary and secondary schools encouraged to join in between 7-11 November. It is hoped that both young people and adults will stay silent as a powerful message of solidarity.

“This is a campaign of silence which will speak up for young people as well as raising money to support them,” said Danny Curtin, a Trustee of Million Minutes. People throughout the Archdiocese and throughout the UK are being asked to sign up online to stay silent and raise money at www.millionminutes.org/stay-silent

And that’s not all. Million Minutes invites applications under its Small Grants programme for funding of up to £500 for projects in the UK undertaken by organisations, groups or even individuals who will work to enable young people to do things that transform our world, inspired by Catholic social teaching. Details can be found at http://www.millionminutes.org/grants/

Million Minutes Video

March 14, 2011 Danny Curtin

In this video we explore why silence is a great way to to stand up for, and raise money for, young people. With Fr Christopher Jamison OSB, Margaret Mizen and Paschal Uche.

Million Minutes: launched!

February 5, 2011 Danny Curtin

On Monday, Million Minutes officially launched. Here are some photos from the night to capture the energy in the room!

With thanks to Tree Behrens for the photos.

More than 350,000 minutes pledged at Million Minutes launch

February 2, 2011 Danny Curtin

PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release, 1 February 2011 378,000 minutes of silence were pledged by those attending the launch of a new Catholic charity that will support young people to take action in their communities and speak out on issues that concern them.

Million Minutes encourages young people and all who care about them to stay silent in solidarity with young people who are silenced by society and as a way to get sponsored to raise money for local projects both in the UK and overseas.

Speaking at the launch, which took place on 31 January 2011 (feast of St Don Bosco) at St Mary Moorfields in the City of London, Mrs Margaret Mizen, a Million Minutes Champion, said, “Young people aren’t bad, but many do lead tough lives. I’m thrilled to be part of a new Catholic initiative that will help.”

Pascal Uche, who greeted the Pope on the steps of Westminster Cathedral during the Papal Visit on behalf of the young people of England and Wales and is also a Million Minutes Champion, said, “My friends and I are going to stay silent – it’s a great witness to our faith and our faith in other young people”.

The launch attracted more than 130 people, including young people from residential centres and local youth groups, clergy, and many from the youth ministry and justice and peace communities from around the country.

Speaking at the launch, trustee Danny Curtin said, “This is an idea whose time has clearly come. It’s wonderful to be able to get people to do something countercultural and based in our Catholic tradition and at the same time raise money for a great cause.”

Delia Smith, Britain’s best selling cookery writer and Million Minutes Champion, sent the following message of encouragement: “I am supporting Million Minutes because it's important to stand alongside young people. You have so much to offer the world at present.”

Million Minutes aims to get 695 people or groups to stay silent for 24 hours, which would equal more than a million minutes. Anyone can take part, and all details are on the new website, millionminutes.org

Notes to editors

To arrange an interview with any of the Million Minutes champions or the team behind Million Minutes, please call Danny Curtin on 07957190516. Please note, Delia Smith is unable for interview due to diary commitments.
Photos from the launch of Million Minutes are available, please contact stephend@millionminutes.org
Fr Christopher Jamison OSB is the Director of the National Office of Vocations and was Abbot of Worth Abbey. His TV programmes include The Monastery and The Big Silence. His books include Finding Sanctuary and Finding Happiness.
Margaret Mizen runs the Jimmy Mizen Foundation with her husband Barry. The Foundation is committed to working for peace among young people.
The Youth champion is Paschal Uche, who welcomed Pope Benedict XVI on the steps of Westminster Cathedral during last year’s Papal Visit.
Million Minutes is a company limited by guarantee (number 7442390) and a charity registered in England and Wales (number 1140079)