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The Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell has visited Guernsey Community Savings to find out more about the charity’s work to reduce financial exclusion in the Bailiwick.
During his visit to the charity’s office in Mansell Street, St Peter Port, he heard from GCS chair, Peter Neville, about how the charity was set up in 2020 to arrange access to bank accounts for islanders who are financially excluded from society because they can’t open an account, or because their account has been closed.
Peter said, ‘We were delighted when we heard that the Lieutenant-Governor wanted to visit us. It’s recognition of the important work we are doing and his support for what we do will help us enormously.
‘Without a bank account it is extremely difficult to find accommodation or be employed. It’s also hard to purchase goods and services locally as retailers move away from cash and it’s impossible to buy anything online.
‘So far we have provided life-changing support to more than 170 people, giving them access to an easy-to-use bank account and budgeting advice.’
Manager Liz Pirouet-Douglas added, ‘We are not here to judge, and we will always do our best to help our clients, including helping them to sort out their debts.’
Peter also spoke about the charity’s increasing focus on delivering financial education to help people manage their money better and reduce their risk of being financially excluded.
The Lieutenant-Governor praised what has been achieved so far by the charity, saying, ‘Having a bank account is an essential of modern life – it’s almost a human right because it is so critical to being included in society. I was fascinated to visit Guernsey Community Savings hear about the challenges some people face and to learn about the work they are doing to improve financial inclusion in Guernsey as efficiently and effectively as possible.’
