PARENTS will now be able to keep track of what their children are getting up to at the youth projects around the Island.
For the first time the Youth Service has produced a booklet to guide parents around the range of clubs and activities it offers to eight to 21 year olds.
The eight page booklet introduces staff, details clubs and projects, and informs parents how they can get involved as volunteers.
Ken Callister, principal youth officer, said: "Young people continue to seek us out and come along to our clubs and projects but we are now looking at ways of letting parents know what we are about and giving them some insight into what is on offer.
"If young people are involved in our activities they are in a safe place with adults looking out for them.
"Sometimes youth work feels like a bit of a secret contract between the youth worker and young person and for a good reason. There is a need to respect the fact that young people freely choose to engage in our activities and they need space and time that belongs to them.
"However we also need to let parents know their sons and daughters are safe and tell them what types of activities they are taking part in."
3,000 young people participate in youth projects each week.
The Youth Service offers 65 activities run over 90 sessions weekly. These include 19 play clubs for school years four to six and 35 youth clubs for school years seven to nine. There are also projects for teenagers like Café Laare, the music project Soundcheck, and arts, sports, and outdoor activities.
Ken continued: "When teenagers begin to live their own lives and start to give the impression that they only need parents because they have a means of transport, and what passes for communication is a few grunts, the skilled youth worker can develop a trusting relationship with them and the Youth Service can offer a 'cool' place to go.
"Adolescence is a tough time for some young people and having somewhere to meet friends, talk through concerns, and have some fun can be a lifeline."
Parents want to know more about the Youth Service or who would like a copy of the booklet should telephone 01624 686057.
