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Every weekday evening, behind the doors of First Tower Youth and Community Centre, young people gather to talk, laugh, create, learn and – most importantly – be themselves. Leading this vibrant, everchanging space is Bill Moore, Senior Youth Worker at the First Tower Youth Project, part of the Jersey Youth Service. With a career shaped by empathy, curiosity, and a deep commitment to young people, Bill brings warmth and purpose to every corner of the centre.
Bill describes youth work as “informal learning” – a type of education that doesn’t require books or classrooms, but instead unfolds in kitchens, art rooms, music corners, or even while simply chatting on a sofa. “We work within a curriculum,” he explains, “but unlike formal education, our learning opportunities are driven by the current needs of young people.”
These needs can vary widely. One moment it’s cooking skills, the next it may be helping young people navigate friendships, digital spaces, or wellbeing challenges. “Growing up today is complex,” Bill says, “and our role is to guide, support, listen and create learning moments that stick”.
But running a youth project is far more than face-to-face sessions. Bill also manages the building itself – coordinating audits, risk assessments, contractors, and the wellbeing of his team. “No two days are the same,” he laughs. “I might start my day planning a session, then suddenly I’m in a safeguarding meeting, or supporting a young person one-to-one, or collaborating across government departments. Flexibility is essential.”
Amid the unpredictability, one thing grounds Bill: the relationships he builds with young people. “Youth work is often the unseen magic that helps young people understand themselves and the world around them,” he says. Because attendance is voluntary, young people engage on their own terms. That choice creates trust – a powerful ingredient for learning and growth.
For many, First Tower becomes a second home. Young people join at age nine and often stay until GCSEs, growing in confidence along the way. “It’s a privilege,” Bill says. “Watching them figure out who they are, especially during difficult moments, is something I never take for granted.”
Bill didn’t set out to work in public service. In fact, he describes his path into youth work as accidental. With small children at home, evening work suited his family’s routine, so he applied to be a sessional worker. “From the moment I stepped in, it felt like the job I had been waiting for my whole career,” he says. Inspired by his colleagues, he pursued professional qualifications and worked his way up to running the First Tower project.
Working in the Jersey Youth Service – alongside professionally qualified youth workers and strong links with schools and government agencies – has allowed Bill to support young people holistically. “We have a fantastic youth service in Jersey,” he says. “I’m grateful every day to be part of it.”
But the role isn’t without its emotional challenges. “When young people trust you, they show their true selves – the joy, the frustration, the sadness. You feel those emotions with them, and it can be hard to switch off at the end of a long evening.” Balancing high numbers of attendees with staff wellbeing can also be demanding, especially on busy nights where more than 50 young people walk through the door.
Yet even on the most challenging days, the rewards shine through. Bill finds the greatest motivation in his team – both at First Tower and across the wider service. “We all share the same values,” he explains. “Everything we do is guided by what’s best for young people. That shared purpose creates trust and real collaboration.”
He’s also energised by the authenticity young people bring. “Teenagers don’t filter much,” he says with a laugh. “It’s humbling at times. There’s fun, chaos, honesty and humour – you never quite know what’s coming. I’m not sure there’s any other workplace like it.”
Among many proud moments, one stands out: a celebration evening at the club, where awards were given to young people showing commitment or growth. “Some of them were genuinely shocked to be recognised,” he recalls. “Watching them walk off the stage a little taller – that makes every late night worth it.”
For anyone considering a career in public service, Bill’s advice is simple: “Your work has a real, lasting impact on the Island. You’re shaping the place we all live in.” Whether he is supporting young people into their first jobs, helping families through challenges, or influencing future policy, Bill sees every part of the role as meaningful. “It fills me with pride,” he says. “We’re helping young people grow into young adults. That’s work worth doing.”
