Jersey Youth Service celebrated 15 years of delivering The Prince’s Trust programmes at a ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday 14 September.
The event was attended by young people, Jersey Youth Service staff, the local steering group, business and industry partners, and the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.
The Prince’s Trust works with delivery partners across the UK to offer free courses and mentoring to support young people to build their confidence and achieve their full potential.
The Jersey Youth Service (JYS) has delivered Prince’s Trust programmes in the Island since 2006, and has support around 1400 young people aged 14-25. JYS delivers arrange of programmes including:
- The Achieve programme, which helps young people aged 13-16 to develop their skills and confidence
- The Get Started, Team and Development Awards, which support young people aged 16-25 into work, education or training.
As part of the event, several young people who have completed Prince’s Trust programmes also spoke about their experiences.
Katy Glendening, who did took part in the 12-week Team programmes in 2016 - and who also spoke - said: “Being part of the Prince’s Trust has completed changed my life. Doing the Team programme means that I now have a job that I love, and I can give back to the community who gave so much to me.”
Principal Youth Officer, Mark Capern, said: “I’m very proud to be celebrating 15 years of delivering Prince’s Trust programmes. I’d like to thank our staff and all the young people over the years who have got stuck in with the programmes.
“We’ve also been fortunate in having a support from our steering group, and the businesses and partners who help us deliver programmes. Finally, I’d like to thank our funders: without these organisations and individuals, the last 15 years would not have been possible.”
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: “I really enjoyed celebrating this fantastic achievement with the Jersey Youth Service, and hearing more from the young people themselves.
“The Prince’s Trust programmes provide vital support for young people to build their confidence, their skills, and their careers. I’d like to thank all the staff at Jersey Youth Service who have made this work happen.”