“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Young adults seeking to live out their faith in a practical and meaningful way are invited to apply to our 2026/27 Faith in Action Volunteer Programme. Based in Birmingham, the year-long position offers a unique opportunity to accompany disadvantaged communities while deepening personal faith and understanding of justice and peace. It is a year that asks participants to trust in God’s plans, even when the path ahead is not fully clear.
Mauricio Silva is Columban Interreligious Dialogue Co-ordinator in Britain. He coordinates the Faith in Action Volunteer programme along with James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Co-ordinator in the region. He explains, “In a climate of mistrust and indifference toward the suffering of the most vulnerable, this year offers young people the opportunity to engage with and reflect on issues such as migration, dialogue, and environmental responsibility.”
For over a decade, the Faith in Action Programme has enabled volunteers to put their beliefs into practice through hands-on projects connected to refugees and asylum seekers, interfaith initiatives, and justice and peace education. Participants are immersed in the realities facing local communities, learning directly from those on the margins while contributing their time, energy and compassion. In doing so, they discover how God works through encounter, relationship and service.
Volunteers live simply and serve alongside experienced mentors who provide guidance, formation and support throughout the year. This accompaniment helps volunteers reflect on their experiences, grow in confidence and discern how faith can inspire action in everyday life. Through community engagement, educational outreach and opportunities for dialogue, the programme fosters leadership rooted in solidarity, respect and trust in God’s guidance.
James Trewby also adds, “It is a privilege to accompany young adults in the programme – learning with, and from them is truly wonderful!”
The role is suited to young adults with a sense of faith and belonging within the Christian community who are open to reflecting on their beliefs and their meaning in today’s world. Ideal candidates will be comfortable relating to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and engaging with those who hold different views. Experience working with church groups, and an enthusiasm for engaging young people in educational activities, will be valuable assets. Volunteers often contribute to workshops, school visits and parish events, helping others explore themes of global solidarity, migration and interreligious understanding.
This unique programme offers space for personal growth. Volunteers gain practical skills, build lasting friendships and develop a deeper awareness of global mission and local realities. Many past participants describe the experience as transformative, shaping their future paths in ministry, education, social action and community leadership. Often, it becomes a year of trusting God more deeply and discovering gifts they never knew they had!
This year’s Columban Faith in Action Volunteer Becca Long says she has “been so enriched by my work with the Columbans this year. From engaging practically in local and national justice and peace issues, to wrestling with different theologies and ideas, it’s all been fantastic.”
As applications open for 2026/27, we invite young adults ready for a year of learning, serving and growing in faith to take that step of trust. Place your hopes in God, be open to where He may lead, and consider applying for this life-changing opportunity by downloading and completing the Faith in Action Volunteer application form.
