Student conference expects record turnout after tuition fee protests

Organisers of the Student Christian Movement's Annual Conference 'Still Small Voice' next month (4-6 February 2011) are expecting a record turn-out for the 2nd year running. The conference, on the theme of prayer and action, will be a chance for students to reflect on the recent protests over tuition fees, explore different approaches to prayer, and find renewed inspiration and encouragement.

Commenting on the theme of the conference, Hilary Topp, SCM National Coordinator said: "Exploring the links between prayer and action is particularly relevant following the recent protests over tuition fees. We hope the conference will be a chance for students to come together and be refreshed and inspired."

The key note speakers will be Dr Nicola Slee; theologian, writer and poet and Rev Dr Ken Leech; veteran social justice campaigner and founder of the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint.

The programme also includes workshops on topics ranging from Orthodox prayer, community organising, mental health, discipleship and different ways of reading the Bible. There'll be a Campaigns Corner, where students will be asked to vote for which issues they would like SCM to focus their advocacy and campaign work on over the next year, and a Prayer Walk around the grounds.

Charlotte Thompson, a student at Birmingham University said: "This is a really exciting time to be a Christian student. Through the centuries, followers of Jesus have been challenged and called to combine prayer with action. The recent campaign against rises in tuition fees has mobilised many young people to take action for the first time and we hope this will be the beginning of a renewed movement for social justice and
equality."

The Student Christian Movement is an ecumenical student-led movement passionate about faith and justice. SCM brings students together to explore how to live out the Christian faith in today's world.To find out more see: www.movement.org.uk/

SCM's 2011 Annual Conference, Still Small Voice, runs from the 4-6 February at The Hayes conference centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. For bookings and more information see www.movement.org.uk/conference