An interview with David ‘Tabz’ Taberner
In the modern landscape of education, students are navigating far more than just exams, extracurriculars, and the social hierarchies of the playground. They are the first generation to grow up in a digital age defined by TikTok, Instagram, and the relentless, 24-hour pace of social media. While these platforms offer the illusion of connection, they often fail to answer the deeper, more pressing questions that young people are asking in the quiet moments of their lives.
In Southport, a dedicated group is stepping into that gap. The Southport and Area Schools Worker Trust (SSWT) isn’t just an organisation; it is a presence, a listening ear, and a bridge between the digital noise and a grounded, purposeful reality.
Though the term “worker” can be broad, the role of a schools worker is highly specific. It is youth work situated directly within the educational environment, but it operates differently than traditional teaching. Much like a social worker or a specialised pastoral lead, these workers act as a vital link between a student’s academic life and their personal well-being.
“A lot of young people are waking up to the fact that ‘doom scrolling’ doesn’t answer the big questions,” explains the Trust’s lead worker. “They are searching for deeper meaning and purpose. Our role is to create a safe space where they can ask those questions and journey through the challenges of life, finding that faith actually has a part to play in that story.”
This isn’t about forced indoctrination; it’s about availability. In an era where teenagers are bombarded with curated lifestyles, the Trust offers something rare: authenticity. By being present on the “front lines”—the school hallways and lunchrooms—they provide a human counterpoint to the algorithmic pressures of the modern world.
The Trust’s presence in schools is defined by a commitment to pastoral care rather than traditional classroom lecturing. One of their most effective and recognisable tools is a simple “traffic light” system used during lunchtime wellbeing check-ins.
The system is brilliantly straightforward:
• Green: Feeling good and ready for the day.
• Amber: Doing okay, but perhaps facing some hurdles or feeling “flat.”
• Red: Struggling and in need of immediate support or a listening ear.
This system allows workers to gauge the emotional temperature of the student body at a glance. It opens the door for the most vital follow-up question in youth work: “What’s behind that colour today?” By working in close partnership with schools, the Trust can relay important feedback to staff and signpost students to professional services when necessary. It is a collaborative effort that ensures no student’s struggle goes unnoticed.
Listening Over Lecturing
While the Trust is an unapologetically Christian organisation, its approach is radically inclusive. Whether a student is of a different faith, exploring their spirituality, or claims no faith at all, the door is always open.
“It’s a big shift from the old model of a Christian guest speaker coming into an RE lesson to be quizzed on theological depth,” the worker notes. “It’s more about us asking them what they think about mental health, family, and friendships. We demonstrate the love of God through how we relate to them pastorally, sharing our lives and experiences rather than just quoting text.”
This “relational” ministry is the heartbeat of the Trust. It recognizes that for a teenager in 2026, a lived example of hope is far more compelling than a dry lecture on doctrine. By being themselves as Christians in these conversations, the workers offer a glimpse of a future that contains hope and purpose.
A Personal Journey From Engineering to the Heart
The passion driving the Trust often comes from a place of personal transformation. Tabz own story is a testament to the “missing piece” many young people feel today. “I grew up in the church, following the Methodist traditions at Liverpool Road. However, as I entered my teens, those traditions began to feel stale; I felt like something vital was missing. Everything changed at 15 when I realised that faith isn’t just a set of beliefs,it’s a relationship.”
There was no stadium-sized event or emotional “altar call.” Instead, it was a quiet realisation in a bedroom, sparked by a small book that explained the Gospel in simple terms. “Suddenly, I felt a profound sense of purpose,” he recalls.
A year later, after joining a youth club at Leyland Road, a leader prayed for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That experience made the presence of God tangible, providing a sense of comfort and guidance that would shape his entire career path.
Despite this spiritual awakening, Tabz stuck to his original plan and went to university to study Engineering. He graduated with a Master’s degree, but he soon found that while he enjoyed the mechanics of engineering, his heart was with the mechanics of the human soul. He began volunteering in youth work and realised he wanted to help young people discover the purpose he had missed during his own childhood.
“I took a leap of faith into youth ministry. I knew I didn’t just want to stay within church walls; I wanted to reach the young people out in the ‘real world’ of our schools. That was 12 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.”
A Collaborative Team with a Shared Vision
The impact of the Trust is made possible by a diverse and growing team of staff and volunteers who bridge the gap between local churches and the school gates. The organisation functions as a town-wide, multi-denominational effort:
• Core Staff: A full-time schools worker is the face of the operation, supported by Phoebe, the Trust’s part-time administrator.
• Church Partnerships: The team utilises “dual-role” workers like Simon, who splits his time between the Trust and Canning Road Church in Hyde Park, and Amelia, who serves both the Trust and Christ Church in the town centre.
• The Volunteer Network: For larger projects, such as primary school “Experience” shows, the Trust mobilises up to 25 volunteers. In high schools, teams of four or five dedicated volunteers provide a vital “listening ear” during the busy lunchtime periods.
• Governance: The Board of Trustees brings professional expertise from education, ministry, psychology, and medicine, ensuring the Trust operates with the highest standards of safety and professional rigour.
Expanding the Walls: The Five-Year Vision
Looking ahead, the Trust’s strategy is rooted in a powerful Old Testament image: “Expanding the walls of our tent.” This concept reflects a shift in modern ministry. It is no longer enough to wait for young people to walk through the doors of a church; the “tent” must be extended into the heart of the community.
Our vision is to reach as many young people as possible, meeting them exactly where they are,” the lead worker explains. “To do that, we need to broaden our base of support.” To turn this vision into reality, the Trust has identified three essential pillars:
1. Prayer: Considered the “engine room” of the organisation. Everything the Trust does is backed by bi-monthly meetings and a weekly digital prayer chain.
2. People: There is a constant need for volunteers who can bring diverse gifts—from pastoral listening to event management.
3. Funding: Making a professional impact requires significant resources. To sustain operations and expand the staff team over the next five years, the Trust projected an annual requirement of £127,000. Due to inflation, this need is only growing.
“It is a big job to resource this work,” Tabz admits, “but we believe the young people in this town are worth the investment. We aren’t just providing a service; we’re building a future with them.”
As the Trust enters its 26th year, the overarching sentiment is one of deep gratitude. The relationship between the Trust and Southport’s schools is built on decades of mutual respect and a shared desire to see young people thrive.
“I want to give a huge thank you to those who already know us, support us, and share our heart for the young people of this town,” says Tabz, the lead worker. “We feel incredibly blessed to have these opportunities as a Christian organisation, and we don’t take that lightly.”
The Trust remains diligent in maintaining a high level of professionalism, recognising the “real honour” it is to walk alongside staff and students alike. In an increasingly noisy world, the Southport Schools Worker Trust remains a steady, hopeful presence reminding the next generation that their value isn’t found in a “like” or a “follow,” but in their inherent worth and the relationships that grounds them!