Ridley Hall is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Kelly as Tutor in Youth Ministry: Practice Specialist and Jess Beaumont who will be joining the team as the new Ridley Online Programme Lead and Assistant Youth. Tutor.

Mike Kelly
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‍ Mike says, ‘I’m thrilled to be taking up this role, at a time when the Church of England is so committed to growing younger.  I’m  passionate about both lay and ordained leaders being effectively equipped for discipling and nurturing the faith of young people and I’m looking forward to joining the brilliant team at Ridley Hall.’

Fiona Green, Vice Principal and Dean of Ministry, comments: 'we are delighted that Mike Kelly is joining Ridley Hall’s tutorial team, as the college continues to expand the college’s expertise in this important area of ministry.  Mike has over 20 years’ experience in youth work.  As a qualified youth worker, counsellor and MHFA Instructor, he has successfully led large-scale diocesan initiatives, developed training programmes, and founded a wellbeing service supporting young people and adults.  We look forward to him bringing his knowledge and skills to the team as we seek to support the Church to achieve its vision of doubling the number of children and young active disciples by 2030.’

Most recently, Mike has served as Development Officer for Youth and Families in the Diocese of Ely. The partnership between the Diocese of Ely and Ridley Hall is a special and highly valued one which is mutually supportive and built on shared values and trust.  The Diocese of Ely and Ridley Hall continue to work together in delivering specific training for children and youth ministers, training LLMs with a children and families specialism, as well as those training for ordained.

Peter Leech, Director of Mission and Ministry within the Diocese of Ely, comments, 'Whilst we are sad that Mike will be leaving the Mission and Ministry Department, we are delighted about the opportunities his new role will provide. Mike will continue to be at the forefront of training those who work with young people and the drive for the church to become younger and more diverse. We wish Mike and the family well as they step into a new chapter in ministry.'

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Jess Beaumont
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Jess says, ‘I am really excited to be joining the team at Ridley.  Having studied here at both undergraduate and postgraduate level — and having loved my time as a Formation Tutor for Ridley Online a few years ago — it feels a bit like coming home! I’m especially passionate about equipping youth and children’s ministers in ways that are both theologically grounded and deeply human, with a strong focus on pastoral care and trauma-informed practice. I can’t wait to journey with students as they grow in confidence, calling, and in their love for Jesus and his church.’

The Vice Principal and Dean of Lay Ministry, the Revd Fiona Green, says, 'We are delighted to welcome Jess to the team.  She brings her love for Christ, her gifts for teaching, and her expertise in youth ministry and trauma informed practice to her role.’

Here at Ridley, we will be pleased to welcome Jess in September and work with her to help our community of students and staff grow in their love and practice of youth mission and ministry.

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