About us
What is it?
EDGE is a youth mission that has grown out of Roomfield Baptist Church in Todmorden, aimed at 13-19 year olds. It is a non-threatening mission, that doesn't preach or condemn, but tries to model love and acceptance.
Why do we do it?
We believe that Jesus loves them for who they are, and we want to show them what 'love' (agape) means. We believe each child has potential and is worth investing in. We believe that they need role models, and we try to be a big brother or sister to them - a figure who isn't in a role of authority like a parent or teacher, that they can come to with problems knowing that we won't judge.
We want to give the teenagers an alternative place to go, other than the park or market, and somewhere where they can hang out without alcohol or drugs. We want it to be a safe environment for all, so have rules and boundaries which are enforced in a loving and gracious manner.
EDGE Leadership structure and who we work with
At present, the members of Roomfield Baptist Church are ultimately responsible for EDGE. They have elected Vicky Ledwidge as the youth pastor, who oversees EDGE on a day to day basis. She reports back to the minister, Glenn Cannon, on a regular basis, and also to the quarterly members meeting.
The Leadership team consists of Vicky Ledwidge, David Ledwidge, Nicky Adams and Mike Ryder. They all have enhanced CRB clearance, and between them have over 25 years experience as youth workers.
A Council of Reference exists to represent the wider church community, and a youth committee is in place to ensure that they are at the heart of every new initiative.
Guidance and advice is also sought from some other Christian members of the community. EDGE reports periodically to Churches Together, to keep them informed. It is hoped that a more concrete way of working together with other youth providers in and around Todmorden will emerge in due course.
EDGE also has strong links with Youth Alpha and Youth for Christ.
Funding and Finances
One of the core values is that EDGE is a community responsibility, and this has a significant impact on funding. The Leadership Team have taken the decision not to apply for any national funding until local and regional sources have dried up.
EDGE is currently funded through Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Town Council and through the generosity of local donations. The Queen Hotel have adopted EDGE as their charity for this financial year.
There is one central budget for all that EDGE does. It is recognised that some events will run at a loss, while others may make a profit, but it is anticipated that these will cancel each other out so that EDGE as a whole will break even.
Get involved
There are heaps of ways to get involved.
If you consider yourself to be a 'yoof' then just come on down to any of our events. You'll need to book for some of them (club and challenge), but we'd love to see you!
If you're an adult and want to get involved, please get in touch.
We've also got a bunch of people who pray for us on a regular basis, so if you'd like to join this mailing list please also contact us.
We're always looking for kind people to help us out with all sorts of things!
Can we help you?
Yes!! Most of our events are open to anyone who wants to come. Vicky & David are available to run sessions at your own youth groups, or to speak at conferences or other such events.
Our Friends
These are our friends!
Access Adventure - www.accessadventure.co.uk
Run by our very own and incredibly tall Mike Ryder, Access Adventure are a fab new company with the sole purpose of bringing the wonders of the outdoors to youth groups and schools.
YFC Calderdale - www.yfccalderdale.org.uk
Our very own local YFC - these guys run events and conferences aimed at youth and youth workers across the Calder Valley. They've got access to more resources than you can shake a stick at.
CICS - www.cicscalderdale.org.uk
Run by some very cool people, these guys work in schools to do 'God stuff' and are amazing at it.
Youth Alpha - www.youthalpha.org
Just brilliant.
Roomfield Baptist Church - www.roomfield.co.uk
Our home, and we love them very much
Todmorden Hippodrome Theatre - www.todhip.org.uk
Hoorah for Tod Hip! Great people, great shows, great hearts.
Todmorden Town Council - www.todmordencouncil.org.uk
We don't just love them because they give us money, honestly!
Todmorden Business Association - www.todmorden.biz
EDGE is a community venture, and we're very grateful to have the backing and support of the local business community.
James Vincent Design - www.jamesianvincent.comCompletely and utterly responsible for our logos and branding, James is a genius even though he has really long hair for a man/can't grow a beard/still gets asked for ID despite being in his 30s.