Young people in the Callington area of the diocese have been invited to explore Christianity aboard a bus with a difference.

Members of the Callington Cluster have been working with Oriel Ministries charity in Launceston over the last few months with a double decker Pulse bus – and plans to park up in primary school areas in term time.

The bus, a portable youth centre, has been kitted out with a slide from top to bottom deck, a climbing wall, gaming stations, a drum room, craft areas, a tuck shop and seating for people to chat.

Claire Hodgkins, Callington Cluster Family Worker, says: “We funded Oriel Ministries to come to Callington for 10 weeks with their double decker Pulse Bus and it is fantastic.The insde of the Pulse bus with yellow topped sofas and a tv screen.

“We wanted to work with the youth of Callington and ran it as a drop in event for teenagers on their way home from school.”

She said during autumn, the bus was parked at the front of Callington Methodist Church and was staffed by members of Oriel Ministries and volunteers from local churches.

More than 30 young people, aged between 11 to 15 years, visited the bus to take part in sessions including a space for them to chat, take part in short talks with a Christian theme and have a mug of hot chocolate.

The bus then moved on to Callington Primary School where it hosted an afterschool club in their playground for children in Year 5 and 6.

Claire said: “The children really enjoyed being on the bus and listened carefully during the talk time.

A black bus with the word 'pulse' written on the top deck. It stands in a carpark with a flag/ banner in front of it.“We are keen to work with children and young people and develop our good relationships with the schools in our area.”

The Pulse bus was an addition to the work the Callington Cluster members currently do with schools including Open the Book and running bespoke workshops to support the RE Curriculum.

Claire added: “Through working with Oriel Ministries to bring the Pulse Bus to these rural areas, we are strengthening our outreach work and developing the school/ church community relationship further.”

Jonny Lewis, Growing Younger Lead, said: “Ministry to young people in rural areas often requires boldness and creative thinking. Sometimes we need to meet young people where they are, so why not take the youth club on wheels.

“Not only creating opportunities for fun and friendship, but also spaces for connection and positive experiences is a vital part of how our churches can welcome young people in a new way.”