Charitable causes focused on improving mental and physical wellbeing across the Channel Islands were awarded a total of more than £420,000 in 2024, supported by Channel Islands Lottery funding.
The grants, ranging from £2,000 to £130,000 were awarded to projects and organisations providing access to physical activities and support networks that enhance Islanders’ lives.
In Guernsey, a total of £191,023 was awarded thanks to grants and funding from the Social Investment Fund Guernsey (SIF), supported by Channel Islands (CI) Lottery funding. Projects supported include:
- St John Guernsey – £130,000 to fund management salaries for 3 years
- Guernsey Football Association Youth Council – £3,120 towards the hire of Aztech soccer arena for fun football sessions
- Guernsey Netball Association – £10,000 contribution towards the Guernsey Netball Development Officer role
- Guernsey Sports Commission in partnership with Up Climbing – £10,000 of funding to launch a community climbing project to benefit young children and individuals with special educational needs
- Youth Commission – Guernsey Skateparks – £ 14,403 to build a new indoor skatepark which is a vibrant skateboard and BMX academy run by Guernsey Skateparks
- Alderney Rugby Football Union Club – Safeguarding, police checks, coaching, travel, insurance and equipment costs £5,000
- Vive La Vallette – Towards costs of chair yoga sessions over 12 months – £6,000
- Guernsey Art Network – Towards costs of the ‘Creativity Trolley’ participatory arts pilot programme at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital – £12,500
In Jersey, CI Lottery funding is distributed by the Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) and the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF). In 2024 between them they provided £236,059 of grants and funds to support mental and physical wellbeing including:
From JCF:
- Jersey Bowling Club – £20,000 to improve facilities and diversify membership
- Laugh, Move & Groove – £2,100 for music and movement classes in care homes and community centres
- Focus on Mental Illness – £12,128 to support Change Minds, a culture therapy programme designed for individuals living with or recovering from mental illness
- Dementia Jersey – £10,090 to support weekly art groups for people with dementia.
From AJC:
- Brighter Futures – £28,000.00 to support 6 groups and programmes focused on child development, well-being and personal development.
- Headway (Jersey) Limited – £30,000.00 to support staff costs for Neuro physiotherapist and Craniosacral therapist.
- Ocean Culture Life – £15,000.00 to fund a part-time Education & Programme Officer to extend the range of programmes offered.
Jon Taylor, Head of Lottery, said: “Across the Channel Islands, charitable organisations and individuals are working to improve the wellbeing of their communities and we’re proud to be able to support them through the Channel Islands Lottery. By providing funding and grants for projects that enhance the mental and physical health of people of all ages we are ensuring that our local communities thrive and grow despite often challenging times.
“Working together through our funding partners we can ensure that the money generated from Channel Island Lottery ticket sales goes exactly to the groups that can make most impact and we’re looking forward to being able to continue this for many years to come.”
Pictured: The Pool House, Guernsey
