Our story
The Spiritans’ Mission has always been about helping the poor. Over the years, as the Spiritans began to take on bigger and bigger projects, their definition of ‘poor’ changed.
Being poor was no longer just attributed to someone’s wealth and materialism. Someone could be poor in health, poor in mind, poor in spirit… And so the groups they worked with started to expand. In fact, a particular issue became apparent: there was little to no infrastructure for the young people in the Salford area of the UK. As a result, the Spiritans wanted to find a way to reach out to the children and young people.
And so, in 1998, Just Youth was established as a youth ministry project and a Registere d Charity (1072491). It was founded where the need was: in Salford. Just Youth set out to lay the groundwork for the new generation in Salford to feel empowered in body, mind, and spirit. This would be done by supporting people of all faiths and none as they grew and developed through youth ministry.
As it stands, the Spiritans still run Just Youth in a humble corner of Salford called Lower Kersal. (Lower Kersal stands in the top 3% of the government’s deprivation index.) At Just Youth, we work with approximately 300 schools up and down the country, though predominantly in Greater Manchester. We work with a wide age range, starting with children as young as 3. The Just Youth team is composed of a dedicated team of Spiritan Priests, Seminarians, youth workers, and ‘gap year’ volunteers.
The Spiritan Youth Centre
This is the base and home to most of our team. Our centre used to be the church of St Philip Neri, serving the area of Lower Kersal in Salford. We have been here since 2008 and have converted the church building into a youth centre. Keeping many of the original features, it provides an excellent atmosphere for reflection as well as plenty of space for our activities.
Our centre makes an excellent destination for a retreat experience and our team would love to provide a programme for your group that will both inspire and support.
Both the church and the hall are available for hire by self-led groups for meetings and retreats. Members of our team will be on hand to assist you throughout the time you are with us.
Both the church and the hall are available for hire by self-led groups for meetings and retreats. Members of our team will be on hand to assist you throughout the time you are with us.
Lava Centre
(named after Jacques Laval, one of the founders of the Spiritans, a French doctor and priest who worked on the island of Mauritius in the first half of the 19th century).
The Laval Centre was formerly known as St Philip’s Church. It has since been adapted to a spacious retreat hall that can accommodate up to 60 young people. It’s a great space to host large simulation games, group meditation, drama activities, and other creative work. Available for hire.
Follow Us
+44 7459 039229
email: justyouth21@gmail.com
Menu
Office Time
Monday to Friday
9AM – 4PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed The Spiritan Centre, Northallerton Rd, Salford M7 3TP
