Helping hands needed for the Hub

Guernsey Charity Barnardos is in urgent need of volunteers for the Hub.

The service funded by Young People Guernsey provides free support and advice for vulnerable islanders aged 11 to 16.

With more help, the charity could develop an outreach service into schools and youth clubs.

The Hub in Cour de Bordier, St Peter Port, opened in the summer and has already been visited almost a hundred times.

Drop-in sessions run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-6pm and on Saturdays from 12noon-3pm, with appointments available at other times.

Barnardos provides information on bullying, abuse, exploitation, substance misuse, self-harm, racism, domestic violence, divorce, disability, depression and isolation.

Other issues might include sexual health, puberty and pregnancy.

Barnardos senior project worker Charlie Cox said: "The Hub has been really well received and we have been surprised by the level of demand from local young people of all ages.

"Some just need a helping hand with writing a CV, while others need support with much more serious challenges in their lives.Whatever the problem, big or small, we talk through their worries and help them to move forward. And if we haven't got the answer then we can find someone else who does.

"Volunteers would enable us to expand the service to even more young people, and allow staff to focus their attention on those in need of more in-depth and longer-term support."