ABOUT
YouMatter exists to see lives transformed, by inspiring positive choices
We provide high-quality, interactive and engaging workshops for young people in schools, youth clubs and other community settings. We also provide sessions for parents and training for professionals.
Our approach is informed by national guidance, local trends and what young people tell us are the issues that they face.
All of our workshops are tailored to the needs of the particular group that we are working with.
We have 9 Key Areas of Work:
- Self-Esteem and Confidence
- Positive Relationships
- Decision-making Around Sex
- Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV and AIDS
- Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Prevention
- Sexting and Staying Safe Online
- The Impact and Effects of Pornography
- Alcohol, Drugs Misuse and Staying Safe
- Supporting Positive Parenting
The charity was formed on 1 June 2011 and was formerly known as ‘Love Matters’.
YouMatter is run by a group of Christians who are keen to respond to the pressures, choices and challenges that young people face in our society today.
The charity is overseen by a Board of Trustees, and employs four members of staff.
We are a registered Jersey charity (registered charity number 240) and a member of the Association of Jersey Charities (member number 407). We are also a core member of the Sex Education Forum, a national forum hosted by the National Children’s Bureau
YouMatter is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We require all staff, Trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Team
Sarah Willing
Executive Director
Sarah is the founder and Executive Director of YouMatter. She has worked with young people since 2008 and has background in HIV and AIDS education. She has a passion for helping young people to build their self-esteem and develop an understanding of their true value and worth.
Louise Strachan
Administrator
Lou joined us in May 2026. With a day to day focus on the operational workings of the charity, Lou has a heart for raising awareness, for all that YouMatter is doing to positively encourage and educate young people in schools and community groups throughout Jersey.
Trustees
Gerry Baudains
Chairman - Board of Trustees
Gerry has been a Trustee of YouMatter since its conception. As a former foster carer and a former youth court magistrate she has seen first-hand some of the consequences of poor self-esteem and decision making. She is delighted to be an advocate of a charity that seeks to help young people grow a positive self-image and make good decisions.
Fran Brooks
Trustee
Fran is a teacher in one of the island’s secondary schools. Her passion for young people and seeing them realise their potential and value started with youth work 12 years ago and has now led her into the world of teaching. Fran has been a Trustee of YouMatter since 2014.
Helen Gunton
Trustee
Helen is a Mum of teenage daughters and a former primary school teacher. Helen is particularly passionate about the importance of building healthy self-esteem in young people and giving them the skills to make positive choices in their lives. Helen has been a Trustee of YouMatter since 2019.
