Latest news with #JerseyYouthService
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Teenager fights stigma around girls and sport
A Jersey teenager has set up an event to inspire girls between the ages of eight and 18 years old to take part in all sports. Event organiser and young worker for Jersey Youth Service, Lauren, 15, said the event was about breaking barriers and the stigma facing girls in sport. The free event, called Every Girl Moves, will take place at the sports facility at Les Quennevais School on Monday. Lauren said "everybody is welcome". Lauren, who joined the youth service in Year 4, said it was a chance to try out new sports that some people might not have known was available to them. "When we were organising this event I didn't even know there was a Jersey cricket team - apparently they are really good and keep winning competitions," she said. 'Get people involved' "It is really cool to learn about different sports in the island." At the beginning of Year 7, Lauren said she joined an all-boy football training session before finding another group called the Wonderers, which she is still a part of. She said: "We are trying to get rid of the stigma and get more people involved. "I know most people want to do a sport but they think it's a boys sport or worry about what people will think of them." More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey The event, which will have various sports organisations attending such as basketball, fencing, kickboxing and skateboarding, among others, takes place from 10:00 until 15:00 BST. "There's plenty to try out," added Lauren. Youth Worker Josh Twohig-Jones said Lauren was the "driving force" behind Every Girl Moves. He said Lauren ran consultations around the island at various youth clubs and schools to encourage as many girls to attend the event and try a new sport. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to More on this story Women's Euros to be shown on park's big screen Running group launched to support teenage girls Related internet links Jersey Youth Service
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Jersey teenager fights stigma around girls and sport
A Jersey teenager has set up an event to inspire girls between the ages of eight and 18 years old to take part in all organiser and young worker for Jersey Youth Service, Lauren, 15, said the event was about breaking barriers and the stigma facing girls in free event, called Every Girl Moves, will take place at the sports facility at Les Quennevais School on said "everybody is welcome". Lauren, who joined the youth service in Year 4, said it was a chance to try out new sports that some people might not have known was available to them."When we were organising this event I didn't even know there was a Jersey cricket team - apparently they are really good and keep winning competitions," she said. 'Get people involved' "It is really cool to learn about different sports in the island."At the beginning of Year 7, Lauren said she joined an all-boy football training session before finding another group called the Wonderers, which she is still a part said: "We are trying to get rid of the stigma and get more people involved. "I know most people want to do a sport but they think it's a boys sport or worry about what people will think of them." The event, which will have various sports organisations attending such as basketball, fencing, kickboxing and skateboarding, among others, takes place from 10:00 until 15:00 BST."There's plenty to try out," added Worker Josh Twohig-Jones said Lauren was the "driving force" behind Every Girl said Lauren ran consultations around the island at various youth clubs and schools to encourage as many girls to attend the event and try a new sport.
ITV News
16-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Young carer on the pressures of looking after a family and how to get support
ITV Channel's Lewis Andrews meets 14-year-old Leon and gets a rare insight into life as a young carer A boy from Jersey is raising awareness of the pressures involved in being a young carer and what support is available to others in a similar situation. Leon Surcouf, 14, started looking after his step-mum following her cancer diagnosis, and says that it was taking a toll on his mental health until he joined the Jersey Youth Service. Leon explains: "When everything happened, I went through a bit of a dark time because obviously it was not a great thing to be told, and so I wasn't feeling the best. "At school, I just felt a bit tired and I didn't want to put any effort in because I felt there was no point. But after going to the Youth Service and having one-to-ones, you realise a lot of it can be taken off your shoulders by talking to somebody." What is a young carer? A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who provides support for a family member who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. This can involve practical tasks, emotional help, and personal care. In Jersey, 16% of young people care for a family member or friend, according to the 2021 Children and Young People's Survey. To support those young carers, Jersey's Youth Service offer free clubs, activities, advice and counselling support to those aged between 12 and 25. Youth worker Jo Dove says: "It's a safe space for young carers to get some time for themselves, to be in a supportive environment, talk to a youth worker if they want to and be with young carers who really know what they are going through. "It can be really difficult and they might be worried about that. Having a space like this is important to just have a break from those responsibilities. Everything is free and we do free transport as well to remove any barriers." Young carers in Jersey talk about the importance of the Youth Service Explaining how his day-to-day support helps his step-mum, Leon says: "Helping around the house can sometimes help her have a bit of time to rest. "It means she gets a bit of stress off her back, so when there are things to do, she doesn't feel like she has to do it. She needs time to rest, so sometimes it's nice to give her some time to." However, he adds it can be challenging: "There is quite a lot of emotional sides to it, with your mental health. It is quite a big role sometimes. "For some people, it is a lot more emotional, but obviously, everyone deals with it differently." Since meeting others like him at the Youth Service, Leon says his life has significantly improved. He explains: "The people there are going through similar struggles. When you're at school, no one knows what you're dealing with and you don't always want to talk about it. "But there you have people who know what it's like, so they know that everyone deals with it differently. "Having people around you who are going through the same thing is quite comforting. You know you aren't sticking out, you aren't the only person there who is going through something. "It is a lot less about teaching you how to deal with things; it's a hangout spot where you can make lots of friends and have fun. It's a nice space to not have to think about what is going on at home, it's just time for you and yourself." Leon's father, Mark, adds: "He has come a long way since joining the service. He was going down the wrong road at one point, and we were quite concerned about him. "We think it was the pressure with everything going on but since becoming involved, he has really upped his game; he has gone to the top of his sets [at school] and is just doing really well." In a message to other young carers, Leon says: "There are a lot of people, I think, who could do with the support, but have missed the opportunity because they don't know about it or don't want to go because they feel it would be awkward. "But I want people to know it is a good thing, and they aren't going to go there and be constantly asked what is going on at home or talking about it."
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
New plan hopes to turn children in Jersey away from crime
A plan designed to help children who have come into contact with the youth justice system has been made by the Government of Youth Justice Roadmap aims to guide services and professionals who work with children to help them lead safe lives. The government said services and the community across Jersey, including the police, Royal and Youth Courts and Jersey Youth Service will work to ensure children and families receive minister for justice and home affairs, Connétable Richard Vibert said: "A child diverted from crime is not just a reduction in offending, it is a family strengthened, a victim restored, and a safer island." He added: "This is about putting children's rights at the centre of how we build a safer, more supportive Jersey. "It's not just about reducing crime – it's about creating opportunities, restoring trust, and making sure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter what has happened in their past."The roadmap is part of the Building A Safer Community (BASC) Framework, which aims to bring together government departments, the emergency services, courts, community services, charities and families to work in partnership to prevent crime, respond and support young people.
