All the latest

Jersey Youth Parliament recently had the incredible opportunity to send five of its members to the British-Irish Council (BIC) Summit held at the  L’Horizon Hotel on 15th June. With great enthusiasm, our delegates delivered a thought-provoking speech on the topic of ‘Building for the future: green and affordable.’ They engaged in fruitful conversations with ministers and government officials from various regions of BIC at our dedicated stall, fostering valuable connections and engaging in conversations on what it is like to be a young person in Jersey.

This is the first time young people have been involved in BIC and it has hopefully paved the way for more youth engagement in the future.

You can read a report on the event that includes the full speech that was delivered here: BIC Report

The newly selected JYP members met for the first time at a team building residential at Crabbe.  The three days was spent getting to know each other and thinking about the eighteen months ahead.

Activities included pizza making, coasteering, high ropes, discussions about the UNCRC and what rights are not being met properly, campaign planning, video making, arts and crafts and lots of biscuit eating!

On the hottest day ever recorded, JYP headed to the States Chamber, to present their final findings and recommendations to the newly elected States Assembly members.

Each campaign had a chance to present and then were asked questions without notice from states members sitting in the chamber.

This marks the end of the 18 month term for the current members and they have done such a fantastic job.  We wish them all good luck in the future.  You can watch the presentations on the link below.

Members thoughts on the event:

“The last presentation was really amazing because it marked the end of 18 months of collaboration within the JYP to hopefully make a difference in Jersey and it was great to feel like we might be listened to and that our voices and opinions were valued.”

“Preparing and delivering the feedback to the states assembly was was not only enjoyable but useful in honing my presentation skills and articulation”

https://statesassembly.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/687079

The mental health campaign group have spent some time researching where young people in Jersey can get support for mental health problems.  They have put together an information poster to highlight the different agencies and support available.  Please click on the link below to view, we hope you find it useful.

JYP Where to get help in Jersey

JYP were invited to be the hosts and in the audience for the ‘Ask the Ministers’ Live Q&A on 24th November.

Members questioned the Children and Education Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden, the Minister for CAMHS Deputy Trevor Pointon, Minister for International Development Deputy Carolyn Labey, Assistant Minister for the Environment Deputy Gregory Guida and Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf.

Topics covered include mental health, refugees, autism diagnosis waiting times,  recycling, climate change, things to do in jersey and lots more.

On 28th September the Jersey Youth Parliament presented to the States Assembly.  The JYP members met in the States Chamber and presented updates and recommendations.  The groups work can be found in the reports below.

Climate Action Report October 2021

Mental Health Group Report October 2021

Education Group Report October 2021

Easy read copies can be found here:

Climate Action Easy Read Report

Mental Health Easy Read Report

Education Easy Read Report

We had a session of the Youth Parliament a couple of weekends ago and it was super fun to debate with people and have nuanced discussions whilst being educated by my peers and the group facilitators. I’m excited that we are going to be proceeding with some of the campaign ideas that we’ve explored so far, and they all seem worthwhile. Personally, it’s heartening to meet so many lovely people who are also passionate about politics. I wanted to be part of the Youth Parliament because I feel that politics is sometimes not a high priority amongst young people in Jersey. Like others, I probably know more and care more about politics in the wider world than on my own doorstep. Therefore, it would be great if the Youth Parliament could make more people, including myself, aware of what’s going on in Jersey. That is one of the reasons why this initiative is a positive step forward. Having met everyone, it’s wonderful to see a group of people that reflects Jersey’s diversity; the lack of that in traditional politics can be disillusioning. As a result, I believe it is fundamental that we get curious about politics and when push comes to shove, inform ourselves and turn out to vote. People won’t do this if they don’t feel they can make a difference. Ensuring that young people’s voices are valued is of paramount importance for the future of our island. So, at the Youth Parliament we would like to encourage debate and discussion that engages people and makes them feel empowered to become part of the political process.

The Jersey Youth Parliament, but what’s that to me? You need not worry, I won’t write an 8-page document that dodges the real question, I’ll tell you simply.
For me, the youth parliament is a place to express the views of the ‘forgotten’.

YES, you have to be 16 to vote but young people say their first words around the age of 2 and this causes me great concern.

For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included and when young people have no say in the political process, it means that a significant proportion of the population has little/no voice or influence in decisions. There are 23,000 young people on our island and that’s how many are getting left behind in our government’s minds. So, what better way for our politicians to recognise us then to form our own advisory government?

Our politicians NEED to listen to young people more often, and not only when it is convenient. Politics directly affects young people and the decisions made now will affect us later in life. Therefore, the youth parliament to me is a place where I can guarantee to help the voice of all our young people in Jersey to be HEARD and LISTENED to.