Five young people in Guernsey and Alderney are seeking help for their emotional well-being every week, highlighting a growing need for mental health support among teh islands’ youth. The Youth Commission, a local charity, has been working to address this issue as receiving a significant grant in 2021.
The three-year, £300,000 grant from the Social Investment Fund and the Channel Islands lottery enabled the Youth Commission to train three Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). These professionals have been providing vital support to children and families through dedicated sessions.
As the initial funding period comes to an end, the Youth Commission is actively seeking additional resources to ensure the continuation of this crucial program. The organization emphasizes the pressing need for ongoing support for young people struggling with emotional challenges.
‘You can never get away’
“You can never get away from it,” said Amelie, a young person who has benefited from the Youth Commission’s services. “Social media and school stress are constant pressures.” Her experience reflects the growing concerns about the mental health of young people in Guernsey and Alderney.
The Youth Commission’s work is essential in providing a safe and supportive space for young islanders to address their emotional well-being. The organization’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of Guernsey and Alderney’s youth is commendable.
Guernsey teenager Amelie,a member of the island’s Youth Forum,has shed light on the immense pressure young people face today. At just 15 years old, amelie describes a constant barrage of stress stemming from school, social media, and the ever-present feeling of being ”on” in a small community.
“Everyone is stressed about school, then when you get home and you’re tired and burnt out, there’s more,” she said. “A lot of it stems from social media. I’ve got class chat notifications constantly pinging on my phone and everything is right on top of me.”
“In Guernsey, you can’t go out without seeing people you know. Everything’s really full on, and you can never get away from anything. There’s constant pressure.”
While Amelie acknowledges the support schools provide, she emphasizes the crucial role organizations like the Youth Commission play in addressing specific concerns like loneliness, family caregiving, and grief before they escalate into crises. “And that is where the Youth Commission’s work comes in,” she said.
Amelie’s insights offer a poignant glimpse into the challenges facing young people today, highlighting the need for continued support and understanding from communities and institutions alike.
A recent survey in Guernsey revealed a concerning trend: a decline in self-esteem among young people aged 10 to 15.In response to this alarming finding, the Youth Commission took proactive steps to address the growing mental health needs of the island’s youth.
The commission secured funding to train three staff members as Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) through Southampton University. Equipped with specialized knowledge and skills, these EMHPs delivered vital support to 140 young individuals through individual mental health sessions. Additionally, they conducted 95 group workshops for parents and children, providing guidance on coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression, problem-solving techniques, and strategies for enhancing emotional well-being.
The Youth Commission is committed to continuing these vital mental health services and is actively seeking further funding to ensure their sustainability. “What helps young people with the stress and anxiety of their daily lives is social connection, with good mentors,” said angie Robinson, an educational therapist specializing in psychological safety in schools.
“We need to create pockets of joy, where young people can enjoy meaningful moments of connection, with other people doing worthwhile things that are healthy and safe,” Robinson added.
Robinson highlighted the compounding pressures faced by young people today, including academic stress, social media pressures, and global concerns like the cost of living crisis, which can place significant financial strain on families.
A new initiative in the UK aims to tackle the growing issue of loneliness among young people. The Youth Commission, a group dedicated to improving the lives of young Britons, is launching a campaign focused on fostering connections and building resilience.
The campaign comes as experts warn of a loneliness epidemic among young people, exacerbated by social media pressures and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Loneliness is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on young people’s mental health and well-being,” said a spokesperson for the Youth Commission. “We want to empower young people to build strong connections and develop coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges they face.”
“That trickles down to our young people,” said Ms. Robinson, a leading child psychologist involved in the initiative.
Ms. Robinson urged parents and grandparents to provide love and security. “Encourage sharing and really listen without trying to problem-solve. Validate those emotions and ask open-ended questions. Model healthy coping strategies when dealing with your own anxiety,” she advised.
“It doesn’t have to take hours.You can spend 10 minutes with a child, having a deep conversation or asking their opinion, and it can be very meaningful,” Ms. Robinson added.
the Youth Commission plans to roll out a series of workshops and online resources to support young people and their families in building healthy relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.
## The silent Struggle: guernsey’s Youth Grapple with Mental Health Concerns
**World Today News exclusives: ** Angie Robb, CEO of the Youth Commission talks candidly about the growing need for mental health support amongst Guernsey and Alderney’s youth.
The pristine coastline and quaint charm of Guernsey frequently enough paint a picture of idyllic island life. But beneath the surface, a silent struggle is unfolding. Every week, five young people across Guernsey and Alderney seek help for their emotional well-being, signaling a concerning trend and highlighting a pressing need for mental health support.
“What we’re seeing is a worrying increase in young people struggling with anxiety, stress, and a sense of overwhelm,” explains Angie Robb, CEO of the Youth Commission, a local charity at the forefront of #this battle. “The pressures of modern life, coupled with the unique dynamics of island living, are taking a toll on our youth.”
In 2021, the Youth Commission received a lifeline in the shape of a three-year, £300,000 grant from the Social Investment Fund and the Channel Islands Lottery. This funding enabled them too train three Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), specialized professionals equipped to provide vital support to children and families.
“These EMHPs have been instrumental in reaching young people where they are,” says robb.”They offer individual counselling sessions, run workshops for parents and children, and work closely with schools to create a more supportive surroundings.”
**Beyond the Classroom Walls:**
The impact of this initiative has been profound. In just three years, the Youth Commission’s EMHPs have supported 140 young individuals through one-on-one mental health sessions and conducted 95 group workshops, equipping families with essential coping mechanisms and resilience strategies.
However, with the initial grant period coming to an end, the Youth Commission is facing a critical juncture.
“We’ve seen firsthand the difference our work makes,” affirms Robb. “But without continued funding, these vital services are at risk.We are actively seeking support from individuals, businesses, and organizations who share our commitment to the well-being of Guernsey and Alderney’s young people.”
**Voices from the Frontlines:**
Fifteen-year-old Amelie, a member of the island’s Youth Forum, offers a raw and honest glimpse into the challenges facing young people today. “It’s constant pressure,” she says, describing the relentless barrage of schoolwork, social media expectations, and the feeling of being constantly “on” in a small community.
“Social media is a double-edged sword,” adds Amelie. “It can connect you with friends, but it also creates a sense of comparison and pressure to present a perfect image. There’s a constant fear of missing out, and the fear of judgment.”
Amelie’s story underscores the complex web of factors contributing to the mental health crisis among young people. Faced with mounting pressures, they often find themselves grappling with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and uncertainty.
**Responding to the Need:**
The Youth Commission plays a crucial role in providing a safe and supportive space for young islanders to navigate these challenges.Their range of services, from individual counseling to group workshops, empowers young people with the tools they need to build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and thrive.
**Looking Ahead:**
The Youth Commission’s dedicated work provides a beacon of hope for Guernsey and Alderney’s youth.をかけ however, the organization’s future depends on continued support from the community. By investing in their work, we can ensure that young people have access to the mental health support they need to flourish.
The silent struggle of Guernsey’s youth is a call to action. Let’s answer that call with compassion, support, and a commitment to building a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
