Our Partners

The Youth Action Team (YAT)

To contact the Youth Action Team:
Tel: 509104
Email: g.blackwell@gov.je

ONE of the most recent initiatives in Jersey which aims to make a difference to young people and has involved the community is the creation of the Youth Action Team.

Known as the YAT, the group was founded in September 2005, and is a partnership between States of Jersey Police, the Probation Service, the Children’s Service and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. The aim of YAT, through links with Building a Safer Society Strategy (BASS) is to steer vulnerable youngsters away from a life of crime, and anti social behaviour.

The four organisations have 12 representatives between them who together make up YAT, and the team are based at The Bridge, formerly known as St Mark’s School. YAT is headed by Grant Blackwell.

YAT’s briefing is to work together to identify young people who may be at risk of offending. They will also work with their families and the community to reduce offending, by enabling young people to lead responsible, happy and productive lives.

Since YAT’s official launch, they have been working with young people in the Island through a range of initiatives, including a moto-cross project, which runs on Saturdays, and assault courses at Crabbe, known as the Crabbe Camp. Recently, young men attended a weekend long camp and took part in exercises and physical activities designed to improve their confidence and self esteem. YAT has also had visits from high profile visitors who can help inspire young people, such as the boxer Ricky Hatton. In addition, a Girls’ Group is planned for September, which will cater for young women who are showing challenging behaviour.

Most of the young people who the YAT group work with have been through the Parish Hall Enquiry system or through the Youth Court. However, some referrals to the team are from parents. Each young person the YAT works with has an organised individual programme. Some people are helped simply by having activities arranged for them while others have bail support programmes.

Since the YAT began last year, there has been an 80 per cent reduction in motorcycle crime in Jersey and the team believes they are making real progress in steering vulnerable youngsters away from criminal activities and anti social behaviour.

YAT has strong support from the community, with sponsors granting the organisation over £20,000 so far to help it run activities.

To contact the Youth Action Team:
Tel: 509104
Email: g.blackwell@gov.je