"There is more that unites than divides" young Channel Islanders

Tuesday 05 December 2023

Education, house prices and a lack of activities were the key concerns raised by youngsters from both Jersey and Guernsey who recently participated in a joint weekend between the two islands' youth parliaments.

Members of the Guernsey Youth Forum flew to Jersey last weekend and joined their counterparts from the Jersey Youth Parliament for a day of activities and discussions.

The group visited Jump Jersey and took part in an afternoon of joined-up working.

One Jersey participant said: "It was nice talking to similar people that are doing the same project and hearing their issues which are similar to Jersey."

Both youth parliaments exist to allow young people to represent their interests on the island.

In Jersey, a total of 40 members aged 12-18 are elected to the youth parliament for an 18-month term.

They discuss and research campaign topics, which they then present to the States Assembly.

Pictured: Members were challenged to create 'mocktails' to represent island life.

This year's chosen campaign topics are housing, diversity and inclusion, and the right to play.

In September, Jersey Youth Parliament members presented their campaign to the States Assembly, including their survey which found that 90% of teenagers might leave the island.

Meanwhile, the Guernsey Youth Forum is currently focussing on a campaign named 'accept, respect, include', with a focus on bullying.

Sixteen-year-old Neave Chatting-Tonks recently spoke in the UK House of Commons on the topic on behalf of the Guernsey Youth Forum.

Senior youth worker Lisa Mansell praised the coming together of the young Channel Islanders as "such a productive day for both our islands’ young people".

She added: "The members were really engaged and it was lovely to hear discussions about shared history and their love of beaches. 

"Each island also shared similar concerns about education, house prices and things to do for young people."

Pictured: New friends were made, and there are plans for Jersey members to visit their Guernsey counterparts in February.

In the final activity of the day, participants were challenged to create mocktails that summarise "island life".

Bonds that bring the islands together, a desire to protect the planet, the "hidden gems of Jersey and Guernsey", a friendly rivalry and a love of beautiful sunsets all emerged as themes for their drinks.

To develop their budding partnership, Jersey members are now planning to visit Guernsey during February half-term.

"There is more that unites us than divides us," one participant said.

Pictured top: The 25-strong group stopped at Corbière for a photo opportunity.