06 June 2023
Islanders who are interested in getting involved with the Jersey Youth Service (JYS) are invited to
volunteer for youth projects which cater for young people aged between 9 and 25.
As Volunteers Week 2023 draws to a close (1-7 June), Island residents are also being encouraged to
apply for sessional youth worker roles, to help provide much needed support to young people in
the Jersey.
There are a variety of youth projects offered throughout Jersey, including community projects in
every parish, the Mytime project for young carers, the Youth Inclusion Project and the Multilingual
Young People Project. These ensure young people are well served by all parts of the Island.
Islanders from all backgrounds wishing to volunteer must be aged 18 or over and able to spare two
or more hours a week, as well as having a keen interest in supporting our young people.
Interim Associate Director of Young People’s Service’s, Mark Capern said: “The Jersey Youth Service
is renowned for the breadth of youth projects available across Jersey offering young people
somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
“However, we urgently need more volunteers so we can continue our work.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of volunteers working with the service has dropped
from around 100+ to around 25. We’re very grateful for the volunteers we have but in order to
keep running the way we do, we need more people to come forward.
“Please consider coming forward to continue offering the same high level of service that Jersey’s
young people deserves.”
Additionally, the JYS provides opportunities for volunteers to train and develop in their roles and
gain new skills and confidence in face-to-face work with young people.
The JYS is also currently on the lookout for more sessional youth workers on zero-hour contracts
who are able to assist in delivering weekly youth work sessions.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner said: “The Jersey Youth Service does
fantastic work with children and young people across the Island. This is due to the brilliant efforts
of volunteers who regularly give up their time to help and support our young people.
“The challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic have meant that the number of available volunteers for
the Jersey Youth Service has dropped significantly. This is presenting some challenges for the
service continuing providing the same variety of Youth Projects that are currently available.
“Volunteering is a wonderful way for all of us to give back to our local community and I would urge
Islanders to get involved with the Jersey Youth Service if they are able.”
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