As a movement that is officially recognised by the Catholic Church, the vast majority of YCW and Impact groups have historically been present in Catholic parishes across England and Wales. We believe that the presence of a YCW or Impact group greatly enhances the life of a parish and we would recommend as much interaction as possible between the group and the wider Catholic community.
Starting an YCW or Impact group in your parish shows that you value young people and wish to make a difference in the world around us. Groups start in two ways. However a group can only start when there is an adult (over the age of 18 for an Impact group or over the age of 30 for a YCW group) who is willing to act as a chaplain or adult companion to the group. The presence of an adult in the life of the group is very important. The founder of the YCW, Joseph Cardijn famously stated that the YCW should be “everything by the young people but nothing without the chaplain.”
If you are an adult who wishes to start an Impact group, due to our Safeguarding Policy which is in line with national standards, you will need to identify at least one other person over the age of 18 who will be willing to become a companion to the group. Your parish priest may be able to assist you in this task.
If you are a young person, we advise that you speak to your parish priest and ask for his support in setting up a group in your parish.
Whether you are a young person or an adult who is committed to helping young people the National Team are on hand to assist you in any way. Please contact the YCW Headquarters on 020 8203 6290 or info@ycwimpact.com. Alternatively you can fill in the contact form on the ‘Contact Us’ page of this website and we will get back in touch as soon as possible.
The National Team, including the National Chaplain, can offer help and support in setting up groups, supporting and training chaplains and adult companions and providing ongoing advice with our publications, visits and contact. Once your group is established you will be invited to take part in regional and national events where you can meet and have fun with young people from across the country.
