15 July 2015
Jersey Youth Service is launching a unique summer project called #42daysofhappiness to encourage young people to make the most of the Island during the holidays.
The Youth Service's New Projects Team, headed up by senior youth worker Toni Cooper, have organised the challenge. She said “During the summer holidays the majority of young people use the time to replenish themselves by spending time with friends or family, often outdoors, having fun. However for some young people the thought of a six week holiday is rather daunting. Some miss the security of having a routine and support from their teachers and the summer holidays can feel rather long and lonely. That’s why we have come up with the idea of #42daysofhappiness. We’re saying ‘Don’t count the days, make the days count’.”
The project sets out 42 mental, physical and fun challenges for young people to take part in during their six-week break. The challenges will be put up on the Youth Service Facebook and Instagram accounts every day from Monday 20 July. They are based on a variety of free activities that are easily accessible to anyone.
Toni Cooper added “It is all about motivating young people to get out and about so they enjoy their summer holiday. The initiative encourages young people to share pictures of themselves doing the challenges by hashtagging #42daysofhappiness on Instagram or sharing with us on Facebook. We have very kindly been donated some fantastic prizes from local businesses and we will be awarding spot prizes for our favourite pictures.”
The project is open to any young people.
ESC Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “This is a great way of showcasing the many things you can do in Jersey, especially during summer, and it’s another excellent initiative from our Youth Service. As well as getting young people more engaged with their environment, it shows them that that having fun can be free.”