A FUND set up to honour the memory of a young Islander who took her own life has opened for applications to support mental-health initiatives for children and young people in Jersey.
Kezia’s Fund, established following the death of 14-year-old Kezia Mason in March 2022, is inviting charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for funding.
The fund is dedicated to improving mental-health and wellbeing provision for young Islanders.
It aims to increase access to support, back early intervention and preventative work, and empower young people to play a leading role in shaping services within their communities.
The programme supports a wide range of activity, including peer support, creative and therapeutic approaches, and youth-led projects.
Applications are open not only to registered charities but also to community and voluntary groups working with children and young people.
Previous funding recipients include Mind Jersey, which received £20,000 to support its Youthful Minds programme and the Jersey Youth Trust which received £4,000 to assist young parents.
More than £10,000 was given to Healing Waves for seasonal support workers, and almost £6,000 to Jersey Action Against Rape to promote a new counselling service for young people.
Jersey Community Foundation manages the fund. Chief executive Anna Terry said: “We know that young people’s mental health continues to be a priority across the Island.
“Kezia’s Fund exists to support practical, community-based solutions and, importantly, to give young people a voice in shaping the support that’s available to them.
“We would strongly encourage organisations working in this space to consider applying.”
Organisations interested in applying can find full guidance and submit applications via the Jersey Community Foundation website.
Early engagement is encouraged ahead of the closing date on 29 March.
