Finding homes a big challenge for charity helping ex-offenders

Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders helps the reintegration of ex-offenders into society.

‘Everyone knows that Guernsey has major issues with accommodation and housing,’ said coordinator Mary Herve.

‘But if you're coming out of prison it puts you at a huge disadvantage. With private landlords they are much less likely to give someone with a criminal record accommodation, especially when they have many candidates.’

Mrs Herve was speaking after the publication of the charity’s annual report.

The charity has three main focuses – accommodation, employment and community.

And it was accommodation that was providing the charity’s greatest challenge

‘Without accommodation you don’t have an address, and then you will have trouble with bank accounts and finding employment,’ Mrs Herve said.

‘And if you don’t have employment you will find it hard to get accommodation. It’s a vicious circle which can affect mental health. People find themselves in the same position that landed them in prison.

‘We try and break that cycle but it’s very difficult.’

The charity was working with the States, the Guernsey Housing Association and private landlords to try to find solutions.

‘The States are trying really hard and the GHA are great landlords who really care for their tenants,’ she said.

She identified homelessness in the ex-offending community as a problem that was difficult to resolve.

‘The options for many are sleeping rough and sofa surfing with family and friends. But if an individual stays in one home for more than a few nights this can put restrictions on their access to social housing.’

Despite the problems, Mrs Herve was pleased with the charity’s progress this year.

‘I’m very happy with the expansion of our work. We started in 2015 with one full-time member of staff – me – and now have two full-time and two part-time workers. But there is always more we can do.’

During 2022 the charity supported a total of 94 ex-offenders, helping 18 of them with sourcing and keeping their accommodation and helped 21 people into full-time employment.

Alongside existing community workshops, the charity introduced a drop-in social session on Tuesdays and an evening session for those who had found employment but still valued the support and sense of community.

Guernsey Prison has an annual average population of just over 80 people. Inmate numbers have been falling slightly over recent years, from peak annual average of 100 people in 2018.

n For more information and the charity’s report visit www.gcfeo.org