Reflecting on the year so far, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands has awarded £601,259 to charities in the Channel Islands.
Supporting charities who work with disabled, disadvantaged and excluded people, LBFCI has contributed more than £21m to charities in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney in the 37 years since it was established.
In the two rounds of 2023 funding that have taken place so far, 14 charities, nine in Jersey and five in Guernsey, have been supported with grants that span between one and three years.
These charities are Beresford Street Kitchen, Brighter Futures, Brightly, Caritas Jersey, Every Child Our Future Jersey, Family Mediation Jersey, Jersey Eating Disorder Support, Jersey Employment Trust, and Sanctuary Trust in Jersey. Bright Beginnings, Carers Guernsey, GROW, Guernsey Bereavement Service, and Mill Street Community Café in Guernsey.
Covering either salaries or core operating costs, the grants from LBFCI will enable the charities to continue doing vital work in their communities. This includes combating poverty and loneliness, supporting the next generation to thrive, and providing crucial therapeutic support to some of the most vulnerable.
Sanctuary Trust Jersey received the largest grant awarded in recent years, at nearly £110,000 towards the salary of a Support Worker for three years.
The charity provides 24-hour care and support to homeless men in Jersey who are going through extremely difficult times and are vulnerable. From finding employment, securing voluntary opportunities and eventually their own accommodation, Sanctuary Trust helps the men achieve their own independence.
“I came to Sanctuary in total despair, I was a total mess with no idea where to get help,” said one user of the charity. “Staff at Sanctuary have been brilliant, helping restore my faith in the human race. I have found it very difficult in the past opening up to people, but now with the help and support of the staff, I find myself in a much happier mindset. Without going into any detail, I would not still be alive if it wasn’t for Sanctuary”.
Sarah Tumelty (pictured), General Manager commented: “Unfortunately, the number of men in need in Jersey is high and many fall through the cracks for much of their young adult lives with little support. Loneliness is a huge factor in this that often leads to additional social problems.
“Our aim is to make people realise that it is not too late to find hope and make changes that suit them and improve their quality of life, whilst building positive relationships. This grant will allow us to continue investing in fantastic support workers who add to our dynamic team to better the lives of those who come through our doors. The most important element of achieving success for our service is having the right team of workers.”
Philippa Stahelin, Chair of LBFCI, commented: “It fills me with pride to be able to award more than £600,000 to 14 charities delivering vital services across Jersey and Guernsey. In addition to the much-needed funding, through our strategic partnership with Lloyds Bank, we can offer developmental support including mentoring to charity partners to help improve their resilience and sustainability.
“It continues to be a challenging time for charities. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to spread through the islands, the need for care and support remains at the forefront for both charities and their users. The work LBFCI does is integral in ensuring both can continue to manage, despite the challenges they face.”
