KGV home to 'charity hub'

Friday 23 October 2020

The Guernsey Community Foundation has moved to new offices at the KGV Playing Fields, joining three other charities to become the island's first charity hub.

The Foundation will be based in the new Perkins Suite, along with the Health Improvement Commission and Headway. The new Charities Support Centre, an offshoot of the foundation, will also operate out of the building.

Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said that the move gave them the space to open the support centre.

"We also now have access to a board room and training space, and of course visitors will have somewhere to park," he said. "All in all it's another big step forward in the Foundation being able to better serve and support local charities."

Philippa Stahelin, Executive Director of Headway, said she welcomed the Community Foundation into the space and the creation of the charity hub.

"Over the years, Headway has benefited hugely from the philanthropic ventures of the Foundation, from strategic grants to training and strengthening inter-charity links," she said. "It will be nice to have them on the doorstep for advice and support."

Pictured: The KGV Charity Hub, which now houses three key third sector organisations.

Dr Simon Sebire, Chief Executive of the Health Improvement Commission, shared this sentiment, and said that he was excited to share the benefits of the Perkins Suite with the Community Foundation.

The Bailiwick Social Prescribing Pilot, which forms part of the Commission, will also be operating out of the KGV when it launches in early 2021.

"The pandemic has shone a spotlight on our amazing community and the incredible work our voluntary sector does to support people when they need it most," said Melissa Mitchell, who is leading the initiative. 

"Working in partnership with other charities and health professionals, Bailiwick Social Prescribing will broaden the ways that people can access practical local support to help them lead healthy lives."

Pictured top: From left to right, Jim Roberts of the Guernsey Community Foundation, Melissa Mitchell of Bailiwick Social Prescribing, Dr Simon Sebire of the Health Improvement Commission and Orla Manning of Headway Guernsey.