Community Foundation joins other charities at KGV hub
THE island’s first charity hub has welcomed the Guernsey Community Foundation to its premises at the King George V Playing Fields.
Based on the top floor of the KGV building, the foundation joins three other charities – Headway, the Health Improvement Commission, as well as the new Charities Support Centre, which is an offshoot of the foundation.
The foundation’s chief executive Jim Roberts said moving to the KGV meant they could open the dedicated Charity Support Centre alongside their main office.
‘We have access to a boardroom 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.’
They will be in the new Perkins Suite, alongside HIC.
HIC’s chief executive Dr Simon Sebire said: ‘Moving to KGV’s Perkins Suite has been very positive for the commission, our identity and how we work day-to-day and we are looking forward to co-locating with the Guernsey Community Foundation to share these benefits.
‘The foundation has been very supportive of the commission during our formation and early expansion, and our common interests in social policy as a fundamental cornerstone of people’s health will hopefully lead to some interesting conversations.’
Headway’s executive director Philippa Stahelin said: ‘We are delighted to be joined by the Community Foundation and welcome them to this great community 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.
‘It will be nice to have them on the doorstep for advice and support.’
Mr Roberts added that he was looking forward to working alongside Headway and HIC and the Bailiwick Social Prescribing pilot that forms part of HIC.
‘The foundation has often made the case for the co-location of complementary services within the third sector, so by moving to KGV we’re putting our money where our mouth is,’ he said.
Melissa Mitchell leads on the Bailiwick Social Prescribing pilot, a new initiative that is due to launch early in 2021.
‘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,’ she said.
‘The foundation collaborated closely with us during the project’s development, as well as providing essential financial support.’
