Select a region
Following successes achieved in 2024, the Youth Commission is entering 2025 with a renewed focus on its work so it can benefit even more young people across the Bailiwick.
The organisation told Express that 2024 saw numerous highlights, and while there are also some ongoing challenges it is starting 2025 with a focus on strengthening services and reaching more young people.
"These successes would not be possible without the support of our partners and the wider community, and we extend our thanks for their continued involvement," said the Commission.
Pictured: The Youth Commission supports young people of all ages, and parents and carers too.
The Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney is a local charity offering a range of services for children, young people, and their families across the Bailiwick.
All of its services are free of charge, ranging from support groups for very young children, to targeted services for teenagers, and support for parents and carers.
All services are designed to meet the Youth Commission's aim: Empowering youth and shaping futures, enabling young people to be inspired and prepared for the future they dream of…
The Youth Commission said it was "pleased to share highlights from a successful 2024, demonstrating our commitment to supporting young people across the Bailiwick."
These highlights covered a wide variety of services and user groups:
Sunflower Project 10th Anniversary
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Sunflower Project, which has been providing vital support to children and families navigating grief and loss.
"The anniversary brought together participants, families, and supporters to reflect on the project’s impact over the past decade and reaffirm its importance in the community," said the Youth Commission.
Pictured: The Sunflower Project supports bereaved children.
Another highlight of the year was continuing to bring together bereaved families and create communities for children and young people who have been through similar experiences, said the Commission.
A Herm residential brought four bereaved families together for three days of fun and connection. One parent said: “Nothing takes away from what has happened, but the Sunflower Project provides more reasons to smile”.
Guernsey Together Festival
The Youth Commission was actively involved in the Guernsey Together Festival in May. It engaged young people through fun activities and a safe space to hang out and socialise with friends.
"This targeted support contributed to a reduction in teenage-related incidents," said the Commission.
"By offering safe spaces, mentoring, and proactive support, we have helped create positive outcomes for young people and the wider community."
Youth Clubs
Attendance at youth clubs grew throughout 2024 said the Commission. It said this reflects the role of youth clubs as welcoming spaces for young people to connect and develop.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people remains a priority for the Youth Commission in Guernsey and Alderney.
"In 2024, we continued our programmes to provide easy access to tools and resources that help young people navigate challenges," they said.
"From individual advocacy, one-to-one listening support to group workshops, our initiatives aim to build resilience and confidence."
Home-Start
One of the standout achievements for the Youth Commission during 2024 was the increased number of families it was able to support through Home-Start, alongside welcoming many new faces to its Dragonflies toddler groups.
"This growth highlights the positive impact of our efforts in fostering inclusive and nurturing spaces for families and young children.
"We were also incredibly proud to have launched our multiples group this year, dedicated to supporting families with twins, triplets, or more. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges these families face, while creating a space where they can connect and thrive together."
Like other third sector organisations, both volunteers and funding offer challenges to the Youth Commissions wide remit of work.
Pictured: Staff are supported by volunteers, with fundraising and donations paying for much of the Youth Commission's work.
"One significant challenge we face each year is the shortage of volunteers to match with the growing number of families seeking support," acknowledged the Commission. "This gap has highlighted the urgent need to recruit more dedicated individuals to ensure we can meet the increasing demand for our services.
"Please get in touch with info@youthcommssion.gg if you think you can help provide a listening ear and a friendly presence to parents who may feel isolated or overwhelmed; build trusting relationship to help parents regain confidence in their ability to care for their children; or offer practical assistance with day-to-day challenges such as organizing household tasks and managing routines.
"We’d love your help in spreading the word about the vital work we do with families in Guernsey. By sharing our mission with friends, family, and community, you can help us reach more families in need and inspire others to get involved as volunteers or supporters.
"Together, we can make an even greater impact!"
Like many other organisations, funding is "vital" to the Youth Commission's work.
"The Youth Commission relies on vital funding to sustain our services and support the dedicated roles of our youth support workers," it said.
"Without adequate funding, we face challenges in maintaining the range of programmes and opportunities needed to inspire and empower young people effectively."
Following the successes achieved during 2024, there was little time to rest over the Christmas and New Year period for those at the Youth Commission in Guernsey and Alderney.
While some services were paused over the festivities, those essential services were maintained to support those most in need.
All services and groups will be resuming 'as normal' from this week with plans in progress for regular and new events throughout 2025.
Pictured: The Youth Commission offered young people a place to chill and chat at the 2024 Guernsey Together Festival.
"As we reflect on 2024's achievements, we remain focused on strengthening our services and reaching more young people," said the Commission.
"These successes would not be possible without the support of our partners and the wider community, and we extend our thanks for their continued involvement.
"For more information about our programmes or to support the Youth Commission, please visit www.youthcommission.ggor contact info@youthcommission.gg and if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, get in touch and we will be happy to help."
If you are a young person, the Youth Commission offers free listening support, free youth clubs and free support groups, email info@youthcommission.gg to find out more.
If you are a parent or carer, the Youth Commission can offer guidance on how best to support your child, as a toddler, as a teen, in the home, in school and offer support with bereavement or serious illness, please email referrals@youthcommission.gg so you can be matched to a service area to your needs.
If you would like to volunteer, even for just a hour a week please email info@youthcommission.gg
If you would like to make a donation and help support the work we do please email info@youthcommission.gg
Pictured top and above: All images supplied by the Youth Commission.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.