News

Focus Groups to explore impact of pandemic on children

​The Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel has commissioned 4insight to gather an understanding of how the Government of Jersey's response to COVID-19 has impacted children, young people and their families. Focus groups will be used to explore the views of parents, their children and young people up to the age of 25 on the following issues:

• Negative and positive experiences, and the main challenges and successes faced during the pandemic
• The impact of parents/carers working from home
• Whether their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing has been at the heart of Government decision-making, in line with the priority to put children first
• The impact of the pandemic response on existing inequalities (e.g. housing, access to services, income and education)
• How their needs were addressed at different stages of the pandemic response
• Understanding of the ongoing work to protect their wellbeing as the pandemic response progresses
• How the Government has communicated the pandemic response to them

The Panel invite parents and their children to register their interest in taking part by contacting 4insight on 01534 859300, xav@4insight.info or info@4insight.info.

The Panel is also inviting submissions in relation to the above issues until 30 April 2021. Submissions can be sent to scrutiny@gov.je.

Deputy Louise Doublet, Vice-Chair of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel and Lead Member for the review – speaking directly to children - said: "I would really like to hear what you think and feel about how the past year has been for you.  What were the worst and best parts? Is there anything you think should have been done differently to help you through the pandemic? Please ask your grown-up if they will bring you to take part in a group discussion with other children your age. I would like to hear about what you think should happen next to make things better for you and all children. You can also write a letter to me or send me a picture.

"We encourage as many people as possible to get in touch with 4insight to take part in this important piece of work and have their views heard. We would also like to remind parents and their children that they can get in touch in writing or in person by contacting the Panel directly."