The CEO of Guernsey’s Youth Commission has paid tribute to her hard working teams, across a range of service areas.
As she looked back at 2025 and ahead to 2026, Lou Leale said: “I am incredibly proud of the breadth, depth, and impact of the work delivered by our teams over the past year. Across all our services, 2025 has been a year of growth, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to children, young people, and families across the Bailiwick.”
Ms Leale said demand for the Youth Commission’s wide ranging services grew throughout last year.
She said the fact her staff successfully met that demand in a variety of ways using different methods.
“Demand for our support continues to rise, and (in 2025) we have reached more people than ever before. Whether through early intervention, one-to-one support, advocacy, outreach, or specialist projects, our teams have consistently met individuals where they are, listened to what they need, and walked alongside them with compassion, professionalism, and care.
“What stands out most is the power of relationships. Time and again, we see how trusted, consistent support can change outcomes — whether that is a young person feeling confident enough to share their voice, a bereaved child finding connection with peers who understand, or a family feeling less alone during a difficult period. These outcomes do not happen by chance; they are the result of skilled staff, dedicated volunteers, and strong partnerships working together with a shared purpose.
“I would like to thank every member of staff, volunteer, partner organisation, and supporter who has contributed to this work. Their dedication ensures that our services remain safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our community. While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are also mindful of the growing pressures and the importance of continuing to invest in early help, prevention, and relational support.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to continue strengthening our services, expanding access where possible, and ensuring that every child, young person, and family who engages with us feels heard, supported, and valued.”
2025 Highlights
Ms Leale said throughout the past year, the Youth Engagement Team that works with young people across Guernsey and Alderney has delivered record reach, with a record impact.
“The Youth Engagement Team has had a highly impactful year, significantly expanding its reach and strengthening connections with young people across the island through innovative, accessible, and responsive services,” she said.
Bringing Youth Services Directly to Young People
Launched in 2025, the Youth Commission’s ‘Bus Stop’ – a Youth Club on Wheels – has already completed 40 one-off visits to locations including The Bridge, Les Genats, Beau Sejour, Bordeaux, St Martin’s Primary School, Footes Lane, STYX, and Ivy Castle.
Over 200 different young people have engaged with the service so far, demonstrating the demand for flexible, outreach-based youth provision that meets young people where they are.
Street Reach: Positive Presence in Community Spaces
Through Street Reach, two Youth Support Workers engage directly with young people in their own spaces during evenings and weekends. On their busiest night during 2025, staff engaged with nearly 50 young people, providing activities, conversation, and a reassuring presence.
This work has been warmly received by families, said Ms Leale, with one parent sharing: “I was really pleased (and impressed) to hear that youth workers were there engaging with the kids, doing games, checking in on them etc. I was so grateful for this.”
Inclusive Youth Clubs for Diverse Needs
2025 saw the launch of Amethyst Youth Club, a quieter, more relaxed space designed for young people who may be noise-sensitive or prefer creative activities such as arts, crafts, and games. The club provides a welcoming environment for young people who may not feel comfortable in traditional youth club settings.
Supporting Young People Through Key Transitions
The Youth Engagement Team now facilitates lunch clubs in all high schools, supporting social connection and wellbeing during the school day.
In addition, an early intervention pilot has been launched with Year 6 pupils at St Martin’s Primary School. Youth workers engage weekly with the group, building trusted relationships ahead of their transition to high school. This support continues once pupils move into secondary school through lunch clubs, ensuring continuity and familiarity.
Each lunch club engages around 20 young people weekly, with numbers reaching up to 30 at peak times.
Advocacy: Listening, Supporting, Empowering
As of September 2025, the team has attended 27 Child in Care Reviews and delivered 89 advocacy sessions with young people. Sessions are youth-led and relationship-focused, often involving informal activities such as mini golf, café visits, or shared leisure experiences that help young people feel at ease.
Full year-to-date advocacy data will be published in the Youth Engagement Team’s Annual Report.
Strong Attendance and Growing Engagement
Youth club attendance continues to be strong across the island, said Ms Leale. The North Inters Youth Club (Years 7 and 8) regularly welcomes over 30 young people each week. Many attendees first engaged through school lunch clubs and have since become regular youth club members, highlighting the effectiveness of joined-up youth provision.
When Being There Makes the Difference
After concerns were raised about a young person who had disengaged from services, a one-off listening session was offered during a Bus Stop outreach visit, said Ms Leale.
This has since developed into 13 weekly support sessions, with the young person choosing to engage consistently with the Youth Engagement Team as a trusted professional presence.
Through this relationship, the young person has been successfully connected to specialist substance misuse support and professionals addressing potential child exploitation. Ongoing support will continue for the foreseeable future.
This case highlights the profound impact of consistent, relationship-based youth work: “Simply being there and offering someone to talk to can unlock the support that young people truly need.”