Butterfield helps young voices to be heard

Thursday 29 October 2020

Butterfield has donated funding to support the Guernsey Youth Forum's Voice team, which represents the Bailiwick's youth on political matters.

The forum is made up of young people from across the Bailiwick, who meet monthly to discuss issues that are important to them and ensure the youth voice is heard through strategy and decision making.

Each quarter, the Voice team attends a two-day residential meeting, giving members dedicated time to discuss matters in more depth, listen to presentations from guest speakers and socialise with one another.

Senior Participation and Engagement Worker at the Youth Forum & Youth Voice Work, Sebastian Graça da Silva, explained the resources and organisation involved in the residential meeting:

“Our members attend for two days and one night, four times a year, including members travelling from Alderney. There are significant resources required to host these weekends which include flights, accommodation, food, activities and equipment.

Pictured: The forum is part of the Youth Commission.

"While we receive funding from the States, the contributions from our supporters enable us to offer young people an even greater experience, we are extremely grateful to Butterfield for their support for young people."

Young people between the ages of 13 and 17 are nominated by their schools or young people's organisation to be part of the forum.

The group's 2018 to 2020 term has now ended and, to mark the occasion and thank the team for their service, Buttefield has given everyone in the group a hoodie.

"The role of these young people is invaluable and provides a strong platform for our Bailiwick's youth," said Managing Director of Butterfield Guernsey, Richard Saunders. "We have seen the profound impact that the next generation can have on global issues, demonstrating that they should not be underestimated."

Pictured top: Youth Forum members wearing their hoodies.