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• Jersey Youth Service leads push for sessional youth workers and volunteers • Number of volunteers has dipped since Covid-19 pandemic • Islanders encouraged to join range of youth projects
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.”
