Butterfield has provided needed funding to the Guernsey Youth Forum, which will be put towards holding quarterly residential meetings for the Forum’s ‘Voice’ team, who represent the Bailiwick’s youth on political matters.
The Youth Forum comprises young people from across the Bailiwick. They meet monthly to represent the views of their peers and discuss issues important to young people, ensuring that the youth voice is heard through strategy and decision making. Every three months the team attends a two-day residential meeting, allowing members dedicated time to discuss matters in more depth, participate in presentations from guest speakers as well as socialise.
Sebastian Graça da Silva, Senior Participation and Engagement Worker at the Youth Forum & Youth Voice Work, explained the resources and organisation involved in the residential meeting.
He commented: “Our members attend for two days and one night, four times a year, including members travelling from Alderney. There are significant resources required to host these weekends which include flights, accommodation, food, activities and equipment. While we receive funding from the States, the contributions from our supporters enable us to offer young people an even greater experience, we are extremely grateful to Butterfield for their support for young people”.
Young people aged 13-17 are nominated by their schools or young people’s organisation. The Forum’s 2018 2020 committee’s term has ended; to mark the occasion and thank the team for their service, Butterfield also kindly provided hoodies for everyone in the group.
Richard Saunders, Managing Director, Channel Islands, Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Limited said: “The role of these young people is invaluable and provides a strong platform for our Bailiwick’s youth. We have seen the profound impact that the next generation can have on global issues, demonstrating that they should not be underestimated. With our own local election approaching, now more than ever, young people have an opportunity to make their voices heard. We are honoured to support the work of the Forum and these passionate individuals”.
