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Nurturing a Healthy Human Spirit in the Young

A collaborative initiative born in 2000, the Swindon Young People’s Empowerment Programme (SYEP) emerged to address the growing crisis of youth anxiety, insecurity and disengagement. Developed by Viv Bartlett alongside UK Bahá’ís, it transformed the lives of over 1,000 vulnerable teenagers through tailored workshops and mentorship grounded in spiritual principles.

Central to the programme are two Bahá’í teachings: recognizing each young person as “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” and channeling innate potential into service for others. Through interactive sessions on self-esteem, goal-setting and community engagement, SYEP helped participants overcome escapism and apathy, fostering resilience, purpose and social responsibility. Success stories include marked improvements in motivation, relationships and life choices, demonstrating the power of values-based empowerment.

By detailing SYEP’s structure, activities and outcomes, this volume serves as both blueprint and inspiration. It provides practical tools—from discussion prompts to service projects—and evidence of lasting impact, offering a tested framework...Show More

A collaborative initiative born in 2000, the Swindon Young People’s Empowerment Programme (SYEP) emerged to address the growing crisis of youth anxiety, insecurity and disengagement. Developed by Viv Bartlett alongside UK Bahá’ís, it transformed the lives of over 1,000 vulnerable teenagers through tailored workshops and mentorship grounded in spiritual principles.

Central to the programme are two Bahá’í teachings: recognizing each young person as “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” and channeling innate potential into service for others. Through interactive sessions on self-esteem, goal-setting and community engagement, SYEP helped participants overcome escapism and apathy, fostering resilience, purpose and social responsibility. Success stories include marked improvements in motivation, relationships and life choices, demonstrating the power of values-based empowerment.

By detailing SYEP’s structure, activities and outcomes, this volume serves as both blueprint and inspiration. It provides practical tools—from discussion prompts to service projects—and evidence of lasting impact, offering a tested framework for nurturing confident, compassionate and purpose-driven young individuals.

  • Contributors:: Viv Bartlett (Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 224 pages
  • Dimensions: 140 x 216 x 13 mm 
  • Publisher: George Ronald Publisher, 2016
  • ISBN: 9780853985839
  • SKU: BARTL_NURTU@p
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  • Contributors:: Viv Bartlett (Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 224 pages
  • Dimensions: 140 x 216 x 13 mm 
  • Publisher: George Ronald Publisher, 2016
  • ISBN: 9780853985839
  • SKU: BARTL_NURTU@p

About Viv Bartlett (author)

Born and brought up in Cardiff, Wales, Viv Bartlett left school at 15 with no qualifications and became an apprentice in an engineering firm, playing guitar in a rock group in his spare time. At 20 he became a Bahá’í and shortly after qualified as a tradesman, joining the Merchant Navy as a Junior Engineer Officer. After travelling the world for two years he came home to South Wales, married and had children, and decided to become a teacher. Attending night school three evenings a week after work brought him the qualifications to go to college and by the age of 30 he had a B. Ed Hons degree and started teaching Design. Later on in life he and his wife, Rita, became foster-carers.

Viv served on several national Bahá’í committees. As an Auxiliary Board member for over 20 years he had an educational and pastoral role in the community with a special interest in the development of young people. He has travelled extensively lecturing on the Bahá’í Faith.

Titles by Viv Bartlett

Raising Spiritual Children

Spiritual Wellbeing