Youth Alpha

Sunderland and Sponge Bob....?

Dotted around the country, we have a number of wonderful people called ‘Youth Alpha Advisers’. These Youth Alpha VIP’s are here to help YOU!

We want you to get to know these champions, hence our ‘Adviser of the Month’ blogs – helping you find out more about our voluntary team of superstars across the UK.

So please welcome the March Adviser of the Month… (drum roll) … Andy Osenton. Andy, a morning man at heart, heads up the Sunderland Youth For Christ Centre in Wearside.

Andy, tell us - what’s your favourite hot drink?

Coffee. Normal standard instant coffee with lots of sugar.

What keeps you busy in the day?

Our team support 7 secondary schools doing RE lessons, assemblies, clubs and PE support lessons. We also get to work alongside local churches supporting and serving them in their youth ministries.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

[He laughs]. Oooo, crumbs. I’d like to be able to see through walls. [Youth Alpha is intrigued and asks why...] So I could see what’s going on in things and not be confused about stuff.

What was the last film that you saw?

The King’s Speech. I don’t go out to the pictures very much! [We can tell....... who still uses the term ‘pictures’?!].

Do you like watching sport?

Yes... Cricket, football and rugby. I support Charlton Athletic. They’re in League 1... But they used to be in the Premier League 4 years ago. [Andy also confesses to Youth Alpha that he has a soft spot for Liverpool].

What cartoon character best describes you?

Oh, goodness me. No idea.... SpongeBob square pants; he’s yellow, stupid and quite cheeky.

If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?

A pet rock. It doesn’t do anything and I don’t have to do anything.

What would you call your pet rock?

I’d call it ‘Rock’. [classic]

Have you ever milked a cow or goat?

Yes... I’ve milked a cow. My sister lives on a farm.

So tell us about your love for Youth Alpha… Why are you so passionate about Youth Alpha and training others to run it?

Because it’s a means and a tool to help engage other young people to hear about Jesus and give them the opportunity to share their faith in a simple way.

What’s the best thing about running Youth Alpha for you?

Seeing young people really engage, ask lots of questions and have fun.

What’s your highlight when it comes to being a Youth Alpha Adviser?

Meeting the young people that actually want to get involved and do a Youth Alpha course – because that can be rare. Fear not Andy – they’re not rare...

... Youth Alpha have met loads of people around the UK who are up for running Youth Alpha – so if you’re one of them and thinking about starting up a course or maybe you’re half way through your course – Youth Alpha Advisers are on hand to help. Happy to answer questions you might have, they’re also the perfect people for you to bounce ideas off and if you’re lucky they might even be able to help provide some training for your Youth Alpha team. Intrigued? Wondering who your nearest Adviser is? Then why not find out by clicking here.