Guernsey Welfare Service ‘is open to all in need’

Former deputy Simon Fairclough has spent last four years trying to help people in the States, but missed out on re-election in June.

He has now turned his hand to helping islanders in another way.

‘We want to be clear, all islanders can come to the service if they fall on difficult times, and we do welcome many different parts of the community here on a daily basis,’ he said. ‘Our door is always open.’

He said he was ‘acutely aware’ of the GWS’ close-knit working relationship with many of the island’s charities, many of which made donations to the service, and was determined to develop his understanding of how they worked together for mutual benefit. A prevalent issue for the service in recent months has been the supply of its food bank, with shelves bare as recently as June.

However, Mr Fairclough confirmed shelves were ‘well-stocked’ at the moment, adding a social media announcement detailing which supplies were most needed was put out at the end of every week.

‘If people feel they’re able to contribute to our food bank, then I would absolutely encourage them to do so,’ he said.

‘Without donations, we can’t do what we do.’

He also praised the contributions to the service by the island’s churches, whose collections frequently boosted stock.

‘Someone is always there to lend a hand, we are so fortunate to have such a great island community.

‘In many ways I’m just a cog in a very big machine. My job is to make sure the great work which is already taking place continues.’

Mr Fairclough takes over the role from Sue Le Friec, who stepped down in July after 14 years with the service, including five as manager.

‘It is a real community within a community here and I want to continue that,’ he said.

Since the election in June, Mr Fairclough said he had been job hunting, and the managerial position at the GWS had caught his eye because of how rewarding he had found constituency work during his time as a deputy.

‘I found helping people on a one-to-one basis to be particularly rewarding and enjoyable, and I knew the high regard in which the Guernsey Welfare Service was held, so I decided to find out more and then apply.’

After an interview process which he described as ‘tough’ and ‘thorough’, Mr Fairclough was offered the role, and after accepting, spent 10 days with Mrs Le Friec learning about what being the service’s manager entailed in a practical sense.

‘Sue has done an amazing job and she will be a difficult act to follow, but it was a privilege to spend time with her recently and I found it very valuable.

‘It made me realise there is a lot to do and a lot of elements to consider, but there is a great team of people here who have made me feel really welcome and who I know will support me while I learn the ropes.’