In more familiar times, the days around Christmas are often spent fondly reflecting on the twelve months that have been and building up anticipation for the year ahead. This year for most, however, that will not be so.
2020 and the rise of a global pandemic has taken away a lot of dreams from many but for a few within our island community, it has also led to homelessness.
An unprecedented year
For the first time, Jersey went into lockdown and triggers such as illness, loss of a job, breakdown of a relationship, family disputes, mental health issues, eviction or financial worries have led more people to seek help.
In this unprecedented year, the Shelter Trust has faced unprecedented challenges to support islanders in need.
Neville Benbow, Chairman of The Shelter Trust Jersey, explains the pressures the pandemic has placed on the services provided by the charity:
"For the first time ever, demand potentially exceeded supply as jobs with tied accommodation dried up, the hospitality sector was shut down and borders were closed, with more people than ever before facing life without a roof over their heads and having to turn to us in their hour of need.
Suffice to say we did not let them, and ourselves, down, finding ways of accommodating everyone who had nowhere else to go."
Supporting Shelter during 2020
Continuing the pledge set out last year, Le Gallais Estates has again raised funds and collected donations to help the work of The Shelter Trust:
“2020 has been a challenging year for us all but with the help of our loyal clients and dedicated staff, again this year we have collected £150 for each new property we sell or let and we are hoping to again reach our annual target of £10,000 to donate to the Shelter Trust to help them with the invaluable work they do for our Island.”
Robin Sappé, Director, Le Gallais Estates
In the midst of uncertainty on the island, Le Gallais Estates are proud and committed to helping the Shelter Trust in their endeavours to support those in need this Christmas and into next year.
More beds and support services
For more than 25 years, the Shelter Trust has been able to provide and meet the needs of homeless people on the island.
Over 750 individuals have already accessed services in 2020, and as the impact of the pandemic on everyday life continues, this number is likely to grow over the coming months.
The charity can now accommodate upwards of 120 people every night, on a single room occupancy basis, after adding additional sites over the course of this year. But beyond what is seen to be their core services, Neville Benbow explains why the charity is more than just a provider a ‘roof over the head’;
"While the provision of food and accommodation may be its ‘core’ service, Shelter increasingly supports members of the local community who need a helping hand through providing access to a hot shower, laundry facilities, a hot meal or a food parcel.
Arguably though, just as important as the provision of these core and ancillary services, is the personal support infrastructure that underpins everything that we do, helping our service users, on a personal basis, to tackle or resolve any issues they are facing or secure employment, always with a focus on their return to mainstream accommodation and independent living."
"2020 has also seen the implementation of a Primary Care Clinic at Aztec House, which now provides a suite of medical services to our service users, ensuring that they have access, on site, to the right medical care that might otherwise be inaccessible. Opening during the pandemic enabled service users, amongst the most vulnerable members of our community, who are arguably more susceptible to ill-health, to benefit from timely and ongoing health checks. It is hoped that this initiative will result in improvements in the health and welfare of our service users across the entire Shelter family.
At this time the commitment, support and belief in us of Le Gallais is welcome and never more needed."
Headline figures from 2020
Nearly £10,000 raised
This year Le Gallais Estates have collected £150 for each new property sold or let and just like in 2019 we're hoping to again reach our annual target of £10,000.
Over 750 people receiving support
During 2020, over 750 individuals have accessed services provided by The Shelter Trust in Jersey.
Beds for 120+ people each night
Across eight sites, Shelter can now accommodate upwards of 120 people every night on a single room occupancy basis.
The Shelter Trust Jersey at 25
The Shelter Trust has been operating and supporting islanders in need for over 25 years.