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CONNECT charity partner Grow gets big boost to development project

CONNECT charity partner Grow gets big boost to development project

Friday 25 February 2022

CONNECT charity partner Grow gets big boost to development project

Friday 25 February 2022


Grow - which is the 2022 charity partner of Express' sister title, CONNECT - has received a donation of £25,000 from the Guernsey Community Foundation towards the ambitious £3million redevelopment of its Coutanchez site.

The grant will help equip a new workshop, which is a key part of the redevelopment project. The workshop will be three times the size of the previous workshop and enable the teaching of a wider range of occupational skills.

Express reported earlier this month on Grow entering the final phase of fundraising for its project, which included inviting local businesses and organisations to donate by purchasing from a ‘shopping list’ of required items and materials.    

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Pictured: The exciting redevelopment of Grow's Coutanchez site is expected to conclude early in 2023.

“We very much appreciate the support of the Guernsey Community Foundation,” said Mark Dunster, Chairman of Grow. 

“The grant will be used to fit out the workshop with equipment and tools for the expanded tutoring opportunities. 

“Our return to the Coutanchez site next spring coincides with the introduction of a training programme where our Crew can gain the experience and skills which will equip them with the ability to move with confidence into employment in the commercial sector.”

Fiona Bateson, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Panel, was pleased to support Grow.  

“We were delighted to be able to offer Grow a grant," she said. "The training and employment opportunities it provides its clients within a safe and secure environment are outstanding.

“Funding for Grow's redevelopment project seems to be going at pace and we hope that our donation will prompt other potential donors to reach into their pockets and offer their support.”  

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Pictured: New workshop facilities are among many improvements currently under construction at Grow's Coutanchez site.

The new-look Grow will boast purpose-built modern facilities to enable first class training and mentoring for people with learning disabilities.

Since the project's fundraising campaign was launched a year ago, it has reached two-thirds of its £3million target.

The charity is now working hard to raise the final £1million to complete the project. 

You can keep up to date with progress on the site, including a time-lapse video of the building works by clicking HERE.

Recently at the redevelopment site, qualified carpenter Darren Brehaut has been supervising the Grow Crew, as attendees are known, as they build bird and bug boxes, plant containers and garden furniture. Plans for the new workshop include training in metal and paintwork alongside carpentry.

Pictured (top, l to r): Fiona Bateson, Chair of the Guernsey Community Foundation’s Grants Panel, Crew member Simon Ozanne and Senior Workshop Supervisor Darren Brehaut.

READ MORE...

Grow redevelopment enters final stage of fundraising

CONNECT magazine welcomes Grow as 2022 charity partner 

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