FROM youth clubs to schools and careers advice, lots of people across Jersey work every day to help young people feel supported, build confidence and prepare for the future.
Four of them have shared what their jobs are really like – and why they love helping others.
Jackie: Helping young people discover what they can do
Jackie De Almeida is a team leader with Jersey Youth Service, but her journey started when she was a young person attending youth clubs herself.
She enjoyed making friends, building confidence and taking on leadership roles. Those experiences inspired her to become a youth worker, and she has now worked in youth services for 14 years.
Jackie leads teams of youth workers who organise projects, support families and make sure young people’s ideas are listened to.
She says every day is different. One day she might be meeting young people, and the next she could be working with parents or community groups.
One of her proudest achievements was helping organise Youth Work Week, which celebrated 80 years of youth work in Jersey.
During the event, more than 260 young people received awards for taking part in youth projects across the Island.
Jackie says the best part of her job is watching young people grow in confidence and realise what they are capable of.
Youth workers can help young people build confidence, learn new skills, make friends, join activities, have their voices heard and get support when they need it.
Bill: Creating a place where everyone feels welcome
If you’ve ever visited First Tower Youth and Community Centre, you might have met Bill Moore, a senior youth worker with Jersey Youth Service.
Bill helps run activities, supports young people through challenges and works with schools and other organisations to make sure they get the help they need.
He says youth work is a different kind of learning because it happens through activities, conversations and everyday experiences rather than lessons in a classroom.
Many young people first join the youth project when they are about nine years old and keep coming throughout their teenage years.
Bill says youth clubs can become places where people feel safe, valued and able to be themselves.
Although he never planned to become a youth worker, he discovered it was a job he loved.
One of his proudest moments was presenting awards to young people who had shown commitment, effort and personal growth.
Bill believes every young person should have the chance to learn, grow and believe in themselves.
Abigail: Someone to talk to at school
Growing up and starting secondary school can sometimes feel difficult. That’s where people like Abigail Allison can help.
Abigail is the school counsellor at Le Rocquier School. A counsellor is someone who listens and supports people with their thoughts, feelings and worries.
She works with students who may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed or facing challenges.
Through one-to-one and small group sessions, she helps them understand their emotions, build confidence and learn ways to cope with difficult situations.
Abigail also works closely with families, teachers and other support services so students can get help at the right time.
What makes her role extra special is that she was once a student at Le Rocquier School herself. She says it is a privilege to support young people in the same school where she was once supported.
Her work has earned her a Public Service Award, recognising the positive difference she has made to students and families.
Abigail says seeing young people overcome challenges and become more confident is the most rewarding part of her job.
Lauren: Helping young people plan for the future
Deciding what to do after school can feel like a big step, but Skills Mentor Lauren Byrne helps make those choices a little easier.
Lauren works for Skills Jersey, supporting young people aged 15 to 25. She visits schools, colleges and workplaces to help people explore their options, whether that means college, an apprenticeship, training or a job.
She also helps young people discover their strengths, set goals and feel more confident about their future.
As well as working with students, Lauren works with teachers, employers and other professionals to make sure young people receive the support they need.
Lauren says one of the best parts of her job is seeing the people she supports succeed.
