"Changing the lives of children"

Sunday 29 December 2019

As the end of the year approaches, the Youth Commission has been looking back at how it has evolved over the past 12 months.

The charity hosts lots of events, activities and initiatives each year for young people across the Bailiwick and those that support them.

Once again this year it held an Annual Youth Workers' Conference for anyone working with children and young people in Guernsey. It was very successful, with 91 attendees who were able to network while taking part in a rage of workshops focusing on the issues young people are facing today.

Throughout 2019, the Commission teamed up with a number of local organisations to offer children the chance to try something new. Volunteers led indoor climbing sessions for eight children who were given the opportunity to complete a Level 1 qualification in the sport, while seven others were able to learn to play golf with the Royal Guernsey Golf Club and ALTAIR.

Pictured: The Youth Commission has reviewed its work over the past year.

Meanwhile, the Sunflower Project held its second residential therapeutic weekend at Rue Maingy for 11 young people aged between nine and 15. All those attending were bereaved following the death of a parent.

With a mixture of activities from fun physical challenges to a thoughtful candle ceremony, the young people were able to socialise with others who understood how they were feeling and build their resilience.

The Commission's Learning Service continued its support in schools and the community throughout the year, helping children develop skills and make informed decisions. With nearly one in five young people in Guernsey identifying as LGBTQ+, the service aims to better understanding and acceptance as well as combat bullying in schools.

In 2019, the charity launched the Duke of Edinburgh Award to Year Nine students in most schools and have been out in the community offering DofE drop in sessions for anyone who needs help.

Pictured: Duke of Edinburgh students.

Le Murier held its Bronze DofE awards evening at Government House in November and the commission recently hosted a Gold presentation evening for students who completed their award this year.

November was a busy month for the commission, with staff heading out and about to local schools raising awareness of Domestic Abuse Awareness Week. Students were asked to show their support for victims by wearing white ribbons and encouraged to learn the signs they should look out for in their peers.

The charity plans to continue teaching young people about healthy relationships following concerns raised in this year's Young People's Survey.

Finally, to top off the year, the Youth Commission was invited to nominate a family to turn on the Tree of Joy Christmas lights in St Peter Port. A spokesperson said the charity was "delighted that such a deserving family received such a wonderful Christmas present".

More information on the Youth Commission and how to support it is available here.

Pictured top: The Youth Commission went out to schools to teach students about healthy relationships.