Skipton’s Community Fund hits huge milestone

Tuesday 21 November 2023

A Community Fund, which was launched by Skipton International in 2018, has reached a major milestone as it has now donated more than £250,000 to good causes across the Channel Islands.

The Fund has distributed financial support to a total of 214 local projects.

In Guernsey, these projects have included the Talking Bench mental health initiative.

Founder Sarah Bamford said: “The money from the Skipton Community Fund has given us the opportunity to provide a number of talking benches across the island, giving those in need a place to contemplate and talk. From this start we have been able to talk in schools about mental health issues and start a monthly club for those who have experienced a loved one’s sudden loss. None of this would have been possible without the initial support we received from the Skipton Community Fund.”

Pictured: Some of the recipients of money from the Skipton Community Fund over the last five years.

Manager of the Guernsey Alzheimers’ Association, Julie Thompson said: “We really appreciated the support we received from the Skipton Community Fund. It enabled us to grow and maintain our 'Sitter’s Service', a respite service that we offer free of charge, to carers of those with Dementia. The funding for the Community Fund is provided by local bank, Skipton International. The Fund distributes £60,000 annually to smaller not-for-profit good causes, who often miss out to better-known charities. Whilst the maximum donation amount is £5,000, this can often make a huge different to a smaller charity or good cause."

Jim Coupe is Skipton’s CEO. 

“We are guided by a social purpose and aim to make our communities better places to live," he said.

"We donate thousands of pounds each year to charities and good causes through our Skipton Community Fund, and I am so pleased we have reached this major milestone.”

Pictured top: The Guernsey Alzheimers Association.