04 November 2022
Islanders are invited to join in a week of activities as Jersey Youth Service (JYS)
celebrates its annual Youth Work Week, Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November.
Throughout the week, Youth Projects will be hosting various celebrations, activities and
sharing stories from past and present members. JYS will be going into secondary schools
to talk to students about opportunities available to them and to give out free youth club
entry tickets.
Islanders, young people, and children can find out more about what JYS offers, and
current job vacancies, at the following events:
- Youth clubs are opening 30 minutes earlier throughout the week for parents and
young people to find out about JYS. Islanders should contact their parish Youth
Project for more information.
- Information evening at St James School, on Monday 7 November, between
7.30pm and 8.30pm. Reserve a space for free by booking on Eventbrite.
- Recruitment stall in the Central Market, on Wednesday 9 November and Friday 11
November, between 11am and 2pm.
Over 3,000 young Islanders are currently registered to JYS – this is equal to about one
third of all young people in Jersey. Last year, nearly 5,000 sessions were delivered to
children and young people aged between 8 and 25 years old.
As well as parish Youth Projects, there are Island-wide focused projects for specific young
communities including LGBTQ Youth Jersey, Young carers, Inclusion, Short Breaks,
Princes Trust, Youth Parliament, and the Multilingual Language Project.
JYS also runs the Youth Enquiry Service (YES), which includes free and confidential
counselling or advice, and their Wellbeing Drop-in Service every Saturday for all young
people aged 12 to 25. Additionally, JYS’ Targeted Youth Support Service is a one-to-one
tailor-made personal programme to help young people overcome any issues that they are
faced with.
Interim Principal Youth Officer, Bradley Cooper, said: “Youth clubs provide children and
young people with a safe space to meet new people, try new things, and develop their
confidence. For some young people the Youth Service plays a significant part in their lives,
we are here to support them and the relationship with their youth worker is key in making
this successful.
“I’d urge anyone who’s ever wondered if joining a youth club might be right for them - or for
their children or grandchildren – to come along to one of our events or youth clubs, ask us
questions, and find out more.”
Team Leader at Jersey Youth Service, Tony Cooper, said: “To be part of a young person’s
life whilst they transition from childhood into adulthood, is such a rewarding experience.
“Teenage years can be extremely challenging for some young people and youth workers
can play a huge part in their lives during this time.
“I previously worked as a youth worker for 17 years, and every single day is different. The
job is so varied - one day you are abseiling off a cliff, the next you are sat in a
safeguarding meeting, delivering a presentation, making pizzas, carrying out a one-to-one,
or a return home interview - the list is endless.
“The job satisfaction, variation of tasks, and flexible working hours is a great benefit that
has kept me highly motivated; it is probably the reason why I have stayed in the Service
for such a long time.
“Anyone considering volunteering, paid sessional work, or a professional career in youth
work – please do get in touch with us.”
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “We are very fortunate in
Jersey that our Youth Services are well-supported by all the Parishes and well-attended by
children and young people across the Island.
“I encourage children and young people who are interested in joining a youth club, or
Islanders who are interested in volunteering or a career in youth work, to take part in the
events over the week. I’d also like to thank all of our wonderful youth workers who are so
committed to their roles and support children and young people’s wellbeing and
development.”
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