Working closely with the Prison and Probation services, and in partnership with other agencies, GCFEO aims to reduce reoffending by integrating ex-offenders of any faith, or none, into society through the local church.
According to its latest annual report, the charity supported more than 22 people to find or retain secure accommodation in flats, bedsits and multi-occupancy lodging houses in 2025.
‘Accommodation continues to be one of the most challenging and difficult issues to resolve for people leaving prison,’ it said.
‘Towards the end of the year GCFEO attended a series of project workshops run by the Home Affairs department looking at better accommodation planning for the future.
‘Although in its infancy, we hope this initial analysis work will develop into tangible solutions in the coming years.’
Just over 200 employment applications were submitted during the year, and 16 jobs – 14 full-time and 2 part-time – were secured for former inmates.
The charity is currently supporting 24 employed ex-offenders. It receives financial support from the Employment & Social Security Committee and continues to focus on helping more service users rehabilitate into full-time work.
Its ‘Caves’ activities centre, based at the former Caves de Bordeaux in Upper Mansell Street, is designed as a safe place for users to find community and purpose through arts, crafts and gardening, and it saw an increase in use over the year.
A variety of fruit and vegetables were grown, which contributed to the charity’s free weekly lunches it holds for ex-offenders.
The Social Investment Fund backed plans to extend its kitchen area, and fit two ovens, and the charity held its first full Christmas Lunch, which is set to become an annual event.
‘Many of the people who came would have been very isolated and on their own without this,’ the charity said.
The report highlighted its efforts to raise funds and awareness, entering its users’ creative designs at various events, and building a mosaic tile top for the coffee table at Government House.
