£60k grant for GVS

Sunday 02 April 2023

The Guernsey Voluntary Service has been awarded nearly £60,000 to help fund its community services aimed at reducing isolation among older people.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation has given the charity £58,540 to go towards funding its services over the next two years.

The charity must raise between £130,000-150,000 annually to continue its necessary work including covering salary costs at the Jubilee Social Club which is one of two GVS clubs in Guernsey.

General Manager at GVS, Mandy Le Bachelet said the money will help ensure the charity can continue offering its services including Meals on Wheels.

“GVS is perhaps not a high-profile charity but it is a charity that provides vital services day after day through its Social Clubs and Meals on Wheels operation to people typically in, but not restricted to, the 65 and over bracket, who otherwise might feel somewhat isolated," she said.

Pictured: Mandy Le Bachelet, General Manager at GVS.

"The services we provide also give a boost to those who may need just a little help in keeping their independence, as well as providing a break for the primary carers of some of our clients," continued Mrs Le Bachelet.

“We are a charitable organisation, relying on donations to enable us to continue. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from Lloyds Bank Foundation towards the salary costs of the Jubilee Social Club. This will ensure the continuation and smooth running of the social club’s day-to-day services.”

Mrs Le Bachelet said the island's ageing demographic means there will likely be increased demand for its services in the coming years.

Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director at Lloyds Bank Foundation, agreed that GVS is a worthy cause to support.

“GVS is a longstanding fixture in the charity sector offering vital services to ensure the wellbeing of older people in the Bailiwick. Its social clubs welcome more than 200 people each year (resulting in more than 6,000 visits in 2021 and 7,500 in 2022), providing a sense of community, safety and enjoyment for older people.

“GVS plugs a real gap for an often overlooked group of people who may otherwise be experiencing loneliness and isolation. The charity is well-established and run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and we are very proud to be able to support them with this grant.”

Pictured top: Cheryl Lowe, Manager of the Jubilee Social Club.