The Youth Service is seeking adults willing to devote Friday and/or Saturday evenings to staffing its youth clubs.

Part of the Department of Education and Children, the Youth Service runs 82 drop-in sessions a week for children aged eight to 14, as well as other projects.

Nearly a quarter of sessions are on Friday and Saturday evenings – traditionally the least popular time for part-time staff, who may have other jobs, too.

The Youth Service is advertising for additional Assistant Youth Workers to swell the ranks of existing staff.

Ken Callister, Principal Youth Officer, said: ‘Youth clubs have a large part to play in delivering national outcomes outlined in the Isle of Man Government’s Agenda for Change – improving life for children and helping them to grow in confidence and contribute to society.

‘Keeping youth clubs running requires dedicated adults who are prepared to give their time to helping our community.’

Chris McLoughlin has worked for the Youth Service for 25 years and has headed Castletown Youth Club on Friday and Saturday evenings since 2003.

Ken said: ‘Chris is an example of someone who puts young people and the community first. It’s a big commitment to be there every Friday and Saturday during term time and it can be tiring in addition to having a regular job but it’s also good fun and he greatly enjoys it.

‘We have a loyal core staff, but it’s getting increasingly difficult to find assistant youth workers prepared to commit to Friday and Saturday evenings.

‘If we are to continue to meet our aim of providing “things to do, places to go and people to talk to”, we need people like Chris, who provide the consistency and reliability young people need.’

Paid positions are open to those aged 16 and over. No specific qualifications are required – just an interest in working with young people.

Posts are advertised via www.jobtrain.co.uk/iomgovjobs/vacancies.aspx. 

For an informal chat about youth work, contact Ken on 01624 686057 or email k.callister@doe.sch.im. 

Photo - Chris McLoughlin with young people at Castletown Youth Club.