Slice Of Life – Connecting, and Making a Difference

Slice Of Life continues to grow and flourish as a pioneering youth
project based at Burley Methodist Church, reaching young people
from Burley in Wharfedale and the surrounding area. Our goal is simple: to
create a welcoming, safe space where young people aged 11–18 can
gather, share pizza, and share life—knowing they are valued, listened to, and
loved, with no expectations placed upon them.

Running every Friday evening from 6:30–8:30pm, Slice
Of Life meets young people where they are. We recognise that many young people
would never choose to walk into a church building on their own, so we focus on
building relationships first—offering hospitality, conversation, and consistent
presence, and gently reflecting God’s love through all that we do.

Over recent months, it has been wonderful to see the project
gaining momentum. We now welcome between 25 and 40 young people each
week, with more new faces regularly joining us. The atmosphere is lively
and relaxed—UNO has become a firm favourite—and the space has become one where
friendships are forming across schools and neighbourhoods. Since we started in
September, we've served a total of 1,920 slices of delicious pizza.

We are also delighted to share that Slice Of Life has recently
received a 5-star food hygiene rating, a real encouragement for the
team and a testament to the care taken in everything we offer. Some of our
young people are now gaining qualifications in food preparation,
alongside learning about roles, responsibilities, and teamwork.

Most importantly, Slice Of Life is having a real impact. One young
person recently shared, “I really feel like I have somewhere I belong.” Comments
like this remind us why this work matters. Week by week, Slice Of Life is
becoming a consistent, safe space where young people can simply be themselves.

As the project grows, we would love to welcome more
volunteers to join our friendly team—particularly another pizza
maker for the van and additional Connection Champions:
people who enjoy chatting, listening, and building relationships with young
people. Full training and safeguarding support are provided, and every role
makes a difference.

If you would like to find out more or feel a nudge to get
involved, please contact Fi Thompson at sliceoflifemc@gmail.com.
You would be very welcome.