11 July 2018
The difference that the Jersey Youth Service makes to the lives of young islanders has been highly praised by a national charity, which sets the standard for the youth sector all over the UK.
The Jersey Youth Service has received silver level accreditation, by the national youth charity Ambition, for its outstanding and quality service to young people and for its excellent leadership.
And a leaflet designed, as part of a recent project with young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and young people who are questioning their sexuality (LGBTQ), has been described as “fantastic” and would “no doubt be a welcome addition to any youth service nationally”.
The report, by Ambition, also commended the Jersey Youth Service for giving young people the opportunity to engage with government on policy agendas, such as the development of a new Children’s Plan.
Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “The Jersey Youth Service makes an incredibly important contribution to Jersey society and gives young people the opportunity to forge friendships, engage, share opinions and ideas.
“This report reinforces the impact that the Jersey Youth Service has on the lives of young islanders and the difference young people can make when they have a voice and more importantly when we then listen and act on what they say.
“The service is excellent, effective and, most importantly, appreciated by the young people who use it. Achieving silver accreditation is well-deserved recognition for all the staff and volunteers, involved in the Jersey Youth Service, who always put young people at the heart of everything they do.”
Jersey’s Principal Youth Officer, Mark Capern, added: “We are delighted at this recognition of the positive work we’ve been doing for young people in the island over many years and I am particularly pleased for all the staff and volunteers, at the Jersey Youth Service, who work tirelessly to run a quality and trusted service.”
Mr Capern added: “It is fantastic to hear that our more recent work on the LGBTQ project has been so highly praised and it would be an honour if any national youth service did add this project to their services.
“It is the second time the Jersey Youth Service has had this kind of independent inspection comparing us against national standards. We have gone from bronze, to silver and the next step is to go for gold.”
gov.je