The charity GROW has received a generous donation from Guernsey Community Foundation in support of its major regeneration project.
The Foundation’s donation of £25,000 is to be used to help kit out the new workshop – a key aspect of the ambitious new redevelopment. The workshop will be three times the size of the previous facility and will enable the teaching of a wider range of occupational skills.
Under the supervision of qualified carpenter Darren Brehaut, the Crew (as attendees are known) have for some years been making bird and bug boxes, plant containers and some garden furniture. Plans for the new workshop include the provision of training in metal and paintwork alongside carpentry skills.
“We very much appreciate the support of the Guernsey Community Foundation,” said Mark Dunster, Chair of GROW (Guernsey’s Rural Occupational Workshop).
“The grant will be used to fit-out the workshop with equipment and tools for the expanded tutoring opportunities. Our return to the Coutanchez site next Spring coincides with the introduction of a training programme where our Crew can gain the experience and skills which will equip them with the ability to move with confidence into employment in the commercial sector. Updated equipment and tools will facilitate this opportunity.”
Fiona Bateson, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Panel, was pleased to see the donation had been earmarked for this area of the regeneration project. “We were delighted to be able to offer GROW a grant. The training and employment opportunities it provides its clients within a safe and secure environment is outstanding.
“Funding for GROW’s redevelopment project seems to be going at pace and we hope that our donation will prompt other potential donors to reach into their pockets and offer their support.”
GROW needs to raise £3m to pay for the redevelopment of its site at the Coutanchez. The new-look GROW will boast purpose-built modern facilities that will enable first class training and mentoring for people with learning disabilities. Since the campaign was launched a year ago it has already reached two thirds of the total.
The charity is now working hard to raise the final £1m to complete the project. Work on the site is progressing well. You can keep up to date with progress here where a time-lapse camera, located on top of the water tower, gives a wide-angle view of the site.
The Foundation’s Grants Programme gives over £250,000 a year to charities and not-for-profits. Applications, which should be for a minimum of £5,000, are accepted all year round. More details, including an application form, can be found here. For more information, email [email protected] or call the Foundation on 01481 259523.
The main picture shows (left to right) Fiona Bateson, Chair of Guernsey Community Foundation’s Grants Panel; Simon Ozanne Crew member at Grow; and Darren Brehaut, Grow’s Workshop Senior Supervisor.
