The Guernsey Community Foundation has been involved in the redevelopment of La Vallette since the beginning, and has already donated £25,000 towards the new premises.
Now it has granted Vive La Vallette a further £22,000 towards its assisted access ramp at the pools, which is now set to ‘softly open’ in May.
‘I’m so grateful that the foundation has helped us to kick-start this appeal, and hope that others will follow suit and support this great community initiative,’ said Helen Bonner-Morgan, community lead for Vive La Vallette.
‘Having access to the site for everybody has always been a priority and we want to ensure that as many people as possible can engage with all areas and in turn, be a part of a thriving place for interaction and connection.’
Mrs Bonner-Morgan previously worked at the Guernsey Cheshire Home and experienced first-hand the restricted access to the pools when visiting with residents, which is what motivated her to lead the redevelopment project.
The assisted access ramp will benefit those who may currently be prevented from using the pool, including parents with buggies, swimmers with a disability, visitors of restricted mobility who cannot use the existing steps, and older people who prefer to walk on a flat surface with a handrail. £150,000 is needed to complete the project, and £50,000 has been raised so far.
Vive La Vallette applied to the foundation’s grant scheme and impressed the panel which awards them with its presentation.
‘The panel was impressed with the design of the assisted access ramp, and we are so pleased that we could help out with such a great community project,’ said Fiona Bateson, chairwoman of the Foundation’s grants panel.
‘We were very happy to put the money into this cause – it’s going to make such a difference to so many people’s lives and will improve their experience here.’
Vive La Vallette is now looking for further sponsors, who can have their names engraved on the cladding to be installed on the building.
‘This project has been a wonderful example of private, charitable and public partnership.
‘Thanks to donations from grant-givers, individuals, businesses and the States’ support, the pools are ready for a new era for families, friends and the whole community to enjoy,’ said Mrs Bonner-Morgan.
. For more information and to donate, www.thebathingpools.com.
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