Lisa Oates is Alderney’s new youth services manager. (0601349)
ALDERNEY’S new youth services manager is itching to meet the island’s youngsters.
Lisa Oates, 36, who has 15 years’ experience working with youngsters, arrived in Alderney a month ago, fresh from running a successful young people’s centre in Bracknell, Berkshire.
She is the fourth youth services manager to be appointed by the States in just 18 months but is the first to be offered a full-time role.
‘The last 18 months have been hard work for the Youth Services Committee,’ said chairman Liz Bennett.
‘Losing one youth worker was unfortunate, the second was careless and losing the third felt like a disaster.
‘However, in the ashes of that was the proof that we needed a qualified, full-time worker.’
The decision to employ a full-time employee was the first step to recognising the need to offer young islanders a better deal, said Ms Oates.
‘The YSC realises that children in Alderney require a more cohesive and consistent service than has previously been provided. It will be my job to offer that and I’m desperate to get started,’ she said. Her first task is to re-open Alderney’s youth club, which has been out of action since last summer.
‘I can’t wait for the youth club to open. I’ve been here a few weeks now and I’m itching to meet as many youngsters as possible.’
Ms Oates went on to detail her first session, which will take place at the Butes Centre next week.
She said: ‘I will ask the children what they want to do and assess their hopes and needs.
If they want to go on a trip somewhere, I will ask them how they plan to raise the cash required and what it will help them achieve.
Likewise, if the children say they want a new piece of kit, I’ll ask them how it’s going to improve the youth service and how it is going to be funded.
‘I won’t promise them they can have whatever they want, but I’ll certainly help them achieve realistic goals.
‘It’s not just about running a youth club once a week, though that does form a part of what I’m aiming to offer.
‘I want to give the children of Alderney a service that covers every club or activity they wish to get involved in.
‘In two years’ time I want every child here to know there is a club or service that will help them achieve whatever they want.’
Mrs Bennett has backed Ms Oates to ‘transform’ Alderney’s youth service.
She said: ‘Lisa possesses a wealth of experience and I believe we are very fortunate to have her.
‘I think she will transform our youth service by training volunteers who have persevered at the youth club while recruiting new ones who won’t be able to resist her infectious enthusiasm.’
She recognised the public’s often negative views of young people.
‘I am fully aware of the perception of our youth: vandalism, hanging about in threatening groups, showing little respect, underage drinking – the list goes on.
‘Lisa will include the most disaffected youngsters and foster a sense of responsibility and involvement.
‘She will also give our youngsters a voice and encourage a sense of self respect.’
The youth club opens on Thursday for eight- to 14-year-olds. Older children, up to the age of 17, will be invited along the following evening from 7.30pm.
u For further information, call Ms Oates on 823301 or 07781 136812.
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