Jersey Redeeming Our Communities - 3rd February 2010

'Celebrating Youth'

Debra was back in Jersey for a Redeeming Our Communities event on February 3rd 2010.

The event had a youth theme and celebrated youth work across the island. 

The meeting took place at Hautlieu School, Wellington Rd, St Saviour, Jersey, JE2 7TH which is also the home of Freedom Church. There were a large numbers of exhibitors including: ACET, Jersey Youth Services, Street Pastors, Street Light, Jersey Women's Refuge, Jersey Association of Catholic Youth, FRESH.

Rev Gerry Baudains, one of the Redeeming Our Communities core group, was part of the organising team and she was encouraged by the response from the island's churches. 

The programme included: an introduction from Redeeming Our Communities Jersey acting Chair Mike Field and Vini spoke about his experience of detached youth work; he said 'we need to get out there to meet the kids where they hang out".
Debra interviewed four young people who shared issues that affect them: We heard from School pupils  Emma from Highlands, and Beth from Hautlieu, also from Nelson & Christina from JACY (Jersey Association of. Catholic Youth). 
This was followed by responses from the Head of Youth Service Mark Renouf, then Elaine Webster from St Andrew's Church and FRESH network, also Cirsty de Gruchy from Christian surfers and Youth Keswick. 
A  Musical interlude was provided by the Freedom Church band.

Martyn Shea told us about an exciting project called BINGE being brought to the island's schools by Saltmine Theatre Company in March. The drama will help to educate young people about the dangers of binge drinking.

Debra then interviewed Hazel Jury from Victim support who spoke about raising the aspirations of young people to become part of the answer for communities. We also heard from Senior Politician: Senator Le Marquand, Deputies  and the Senotor responsible for Education James Reed was in attendance.

Rev Liz Hunter read a powerful poem looking at the issue of the role models young people have and how the older gerneration has often not set the example they deserve.

Debra was interviewed by Radio Jersey who also attended the evening meeting. Emma Conroy from Radio Jersey said that it was inspirational and they hope to support the work as it grows. Further momentum will build as Redeeming Our Communities helps to bring The Message Trust band Twelve24 to the island for a schools week in the autumn in partnership with FRRESH. 

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