Many organisations have seen an increase in people needing help and support this year after the economic downturn caused by the pandemic led to a rise in hardship.
And some charities say they are now facing another increase in demand, after the hospitality circuit-beaker announced earlier this month left many people out of work over the festive season.
The Jersey Association for Youth and Friendship, which provides accommodation for Islanders aged 18–25 who would otherwise be homeless, said that it was already over-subscribed.
‘Despite being able to accommodate up to 26 people, we frequently have a waiting list and the period of the pandemic is no exception,’ said JAYF chairman Alan Binnington.
‘A number of our residents have only just started work and are thus potentially the first to be laid off, or are working in areas where demand has drastically reduced as a result of the pandemic, such as hospitality.
‘Although government aid is of assistance, the reduction in secure employment will inevitably contribute to the instability in their lives,’ he added.
As well as affecting employment opportunities, Mr Binnington said that the social impact of new restrictions might also negatively impact young people’s home environment.
‘Restrictions on socialising outside the home can contribute to a breakdown in relationships, and children are often the main casualty,’ said Mr Binnington.
‘Where they fall within the 18–25 age group, the services that we provide are an important safety net.’
Brighter Futures – a charity which supports parents, families and young people in Jersey – said that they had seen a 20% increase in referrals for their services since the outbreak of coronavirus in March and were expecting a rise in demand over the festive period.
‘Christmas is always a very challenging time for families, but this year it is more extreme,’ said manager Fiona Brennan.
‘Clients may have significant financial issues, family members may have lost their jobs or be unable to work due to poor weather conditions, and, due to increasing isolation and quarantine rules for many families, they cannot get to the shops to purchase items.
‘Many families are really worried as to how they will get through Christmas, but are also very worried about January and February and what challenges those months will bring,’ she added.
With Covid-19 restricting the charity’s ability to raise funds, Mrs Brennan emphasised that donations from Islanders were more important than ever.
‘This Christmas we have seen an increase in donations and are incredibly grateful for all of this support for our families. It really is more needed than ever – Brighter Futures have focused very much this year on physical and mental health.
‘We have been conducting a programme called “Drawing and Talking” with our children in primary and secondary schools to help them to have the opportunity to talk about their worries and anxieties in a safe and secure environment. Our children have loved this experience and this programme will be increased in 2021, as we know that the mental health of children is being challenged this year.’
Vini Jones, general manager of Christian charity The Grace Trust, explained that demand for its food bank had also increased since the outbreak of coronavirus.
‘Before lockdown, the foodbank was about 10% of our work. Now it has become about 90%. We are seeing roughly 80–90 people a week.’
‘Through the lockdown, we teamed up with the Salvation Army and St Vincent Paul in providing a foodbank. We are keeping in contact with each other, especially now going into another unpredictable time. People don’t earn a huge amount in the hospitality trade, and now the new restrictions – at what is definitely the busiest time of year – are going to hit them really hard.
‘We are bracing ourselves for that, but we are also reassured with what we can do as a team. The donations that we have been receiving in the run-up to Christmas have been brilliant and have meant that we’re well prepared to meet our needs. To see their goodwill within the community has been really reassuring and we’d like to express our gratitude.’
Richard Nunn, of the Salvation Army, similarly expects to see an increase in demand for foodbank services as a result of new restrictions.
‘Hospitality businesses have lost their two biggest times for income – summer and Christmas – and the rest of the year won’t make up for that. There will be more demand for our foodbank from people who lose their jobs and need the help. I think there’s a lot of businesses who rode out the first lockdown and just about coped, but are now really worried.’
In addition to increasing the number of Islanders in need of aid, the pandemic has taken its toll on charities’ ability to fundraise.
‘There are lots of generous people who are prepared to give to the Covid-19 response, but our general donations are down,’ said Mr Nunn.
‘Over Christmas we would normally be carolling with the brass band all over the Island. That normally brings in about ten grand, but this year we can’t do any of that. Our café is now takeaway only and in the first lockdown our shop had to close, so we lost income from that as well.’
‘We are grateful to all those who support us, and charities across the Island are reliant more than ever on the amazing generosity of the people of Jersey. While we can’t go out fundraising with our band, people can still donate via our Just Giving page, or by getting in touch with us directly.’
