A total of 305 young people were referred to the YES – a partnership between the Jersey Youth Service and Jersey Youth Trust – last year compared to 125 in 2013.
And the figures have also risen in comparison to 2017, when there were 223 referrals to the free confidential service, which offers counselling, advice and information.
The rise in referrals has been attributed to the YES project’s drop-in facility moving closer to the town centre. It is now based in Colomberie.
Mark Capern, head of the Jersey Youth Service, said: ‘Moving YES to a “shop” front has improved accessibility and it is easy for young people to just walk in off the street when they need support, advice and someone to talk to.
‘The “shop” has also helped to raise the profile of YES, with staff also going out to raise the profile of the service in schools and at public events. Should any young person under 25 years old need any help, support, advice or need someone to talk with, our staff are ready to listen.’
Six professionally qualified counsellors work for YES. The service at the Links, Eagle House, is open to people aged between 14 and 25, five days a week, from midday to 6pm. The service can field inquiries about bereavement, housing, mental-health issues, drugs and alcohol and sexual health.
Education Minister Tracey Vallois said encouraging good mental health from childhood to adulthood was a key priority of the Council of Ministers.
She added: ‘The YES project provides a service of advice and support which has got the best interests of young people at heart.
‘This is a non-judgmental space for young people to talk about how they are feeling. Any young person with concerns about mental-health problems can drop in and get the support they need in complete confidence.’
