Charity set up to help ‘unbanked’ islanders
VOLUNTEERS have been recruited as Guernsey Community Savings moves one step closer to being able to provide financial service for ‘unbanked’ islanders.
The organisation will provide accounts, prepaid debit cards and even a payment app to people who cannot access traditional banking services.
Access to an account is essential to be a fully-functioning member of society because it is often a prerequisite to secure housing, a job or even benefits. Citizens without one can be left feeling excluded and can struggle to keep their money secure.
GCS founder Peter Neville believed there were hundreds of islanders who could benefit from their services.
‘Each time we make contact with a community support agency there seem to be little pockets of people we have not identified before who could benefit from our services,’ he said.
The GCS expects its customer base will be diverse, including former prisoners, abuse victims and young adults who have exited the care system.
Mr Neville, former director-general of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, was delighted with the newly refurbished branch in the Bordage.
‘The GCS office is close to a number of other charities and its central location in Town means it should be available to those who need our help.’
He hopes that the services provided by the GCS will be a decisive step towards helping unbanked citizens find employment.
‘If we can get people to stand on their own feet we can reduce the cost to the tax payer.’
The charity will also provide advice on basic skills such as budgeting and saving.
Training for the first cohort of volunteers will begin shortly, although the GCS intends to welcome a second cohort in the next few months. GCS general manager Jane Kerins urged anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch.
‘We’ve been very, very fortunate to source a sufficient amount of volunteers for a first training group.’
Mrs Kerins explained that the service can be a positive force for the whole community.
‘I cannot stress enough the impact that it has not only on an individual, but on the families who have been stepping into the gap.’
The GCS website is www.mimoney.gg but will be migrating to www.gcs.gg once the charity launches
