ORIEL Ministries, a registered charity based in Launceston, celebrated nine years of working with young people in the South West during an event held at the Eagle House Hotel on Friday, February 2.

The ‘thank you’ event was in aid of the group’s supporters, friends and other businesses who have been a part of its work. The evening was well attended and flowed with food, inspirational stories and music.

The group’s members extended their thanks to all those who have helped them to reach over 150,000 young people through their various projects over the years.

Oriel Ministries’ main aim is to reach young people with a positive life changing message through schools work, events, festivals, conferences and youth work. The charity was originally set up to support the work of ‘LED’, the school’s band, but over the nine years it has grown with various projects aimed at helping young people deal with life.

LED is dedicated to working in schools impacting the lives of the young people it meets with its positive, vibrant and challenging message. Its multi-sensory teaching approach, which follows the national curriculum, helps young people to look at the pressures they face in today’s society and promotes discussions around these issues, equipping and encouraging young people to think about the lifestyle choices they make and how a person’s beliefs impact the way they live their lives.

One of the group’s other fast-growing projects is ‘Innocence Girls Conference’, which is a one day, five star, red carpet, quality experience held at St Mellion International Resort. Girls aged from nine to 20 meet together for a day of pampering with various workshops, seminars, food, and an evening of entertainment. The aim of the project is to make a difference in the lives of teen girls; to encourage, inspire, challenge and empower them to face society giving them a voice and confidence in who they are made to be and help them find their true identity.

As a follow on to the annual conference ‘StarGirlz’ was launched. This is a community of girls who meet fortnightly in Launceston for encouragement, discussion and to connect with mentors to walk alongside them on their faith journey. Additionally, through the internet and social media, the group maintains steady contact with these girls and makes available resources and support for them as they face the challenges of daily life.

2018 sees the charity launch some new exciting projects and ways to reach the next generation. For more information follow them on social media @orielministries.