Select a region
The Guernsey Cheshire Home faced "significant challenges" during 2024 but there were also multiple positives, including the ever-popular Boxing Day Dip to close out the year.
Home Manager, Mary Ellen Carter said that was just one highlight during an "extraordinary year", which was "filled with memorable moments and incredible efforts by our supporters, volunteers, and residents".
Since it opened in 1987, the Cheshire Home has had one aim: "to provide care and opportunity for people with serious physical disabilities in as close to a family atmosphere as possible".
With 11 full time residents and a number of respite visitors each week, the services and opportunities offered by the staff and volunteers at Shorncliffe covers a wide variety.
In total it costs £1.4million to run the Cheshire Home, and with no States funding, it is all paid for through fundraising and donations.
Ms Carter said fundraising events provided a number of highlights for everyone involved with the Cheshire Home over the past year.
"This year, we’ve been amazed by the creative and daring ways our community has come together to support the home," she said.
Pictured: One of many fundraising events last year.
Some standout fundraising events and activities highlighted by Ms Carter include:
"Our volunteers have been indispensable, helping to organise and run beloved annual events," Ms Carter added.
These included the 14th Pancake Day event at the Town Church, the Annual Quiz Night, "where friendly competition raised vital funds", a festive Christmas Tea, "bringing warmth and cheer" and the July Flag Day, "which painted the town with support".
Ms Carter also highlighted the successful second annual Havelet Regatta in September, which she described as "a fun-filled day by the sea".
Above all other events though remains one which involves thousands of people every year.
"The highlight of our fundraising year remains the Boxing Day Sea Dip, where the sight of brave islanders plunging into the freezing waters at Cobo, sporting their purple Skipton beanies, never fails to inspire us," she said.
Pictured: The Havelet Regatta returned for a second year.
As well as support from individuals, Ms Carter said that "support from generous companies" is also very much appreciated.
"We’ve been fortunate to receive financial donations and contributions of goods and services from incredibly generous companies," she said. "These donations are vital in helping us meet the £600,000 annual fundraising goal to keep the home running."
Ms Carter said the residents themselves have experienced a number of highlights during 2024.
"Our residents have had a fulfilling and exciting year, with opportunities to engage in enriching activities," she said.
These included:
The Cheshire Home experienced some well publicised challenges during 2024 - which demonstrated the level of community support it receives.
"This year has brought significant challenges as we navigated both operational changes and the ongoing demands of maintaining our premises," said Ms Carter.
These included ongoing issues around building maintenance and the transition to digital systems.
"Moving from traditional pen-and-paper methods to a digital system has been a major shift for our home," she said. "This transition aims to streamline care and operational processes, improving efficiency and ensuring the best possible experience for our residents and staff. Whilst beneficial in the long term, this change has required adjustments, training, and investment.
Pictured: The Cheshire Home.
"Our premises, an older building, continue to demand regular maintenance and upgrades. Operating 24/7 as a residential care facility, we face the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of the home with the resources available."
Now we're in 2025, staff at the Guernsey Cheshire Home are already working on their priorities for this year.
Ms Carter said this includes "focusing on key areas to enhance the safety, accessibility, and comfort of the home".
"Upgrading our lift is a top priority to ensure it meets the needs of our residents, staff, and visitors," she said.
"Enhancing our fire detection system to align with current recommended standards where possible is essential for the safety of everyone in the home.
"These initiatives will require substantial funding, and we remain hopeful for continued support from our generous community to make these improvements a reality."
Pictured top and above: All images supplied.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.