A MENTAL-HEALTH charity which has supported thousands of Islanders has closed, leading to the loss of ten jobs.
Jersey Recovery College cited increasing costs and a reduction in donations as factors in its decision, which will also affect around 50 volunteers.
The charity, which offered education and training to Islanders experiencing mental-health difficulties, announced yesterday that “with a heavy heart” it was closing with immediate effect.
In a statement, the charity said it had “worked tirelessly to enhance our revenue streams”, adding that it had “explored a number of alternative models” in a bid to ensure it could keep going.
But it added: “Despite our best efforts, the situation has reached a point where it is unsustainable, and all potential options have now been exhausted.”
The statement, issued by the charity’s board of directors, highlighted that the third sector “has been hit especially hard by increased demands on service, growing costs and reduction in income and donations”.
JRC said it was “proud” to have supported around 3,000 Islanders with “recovery-focused” education since it was set up in 2017.
Last year the charity ran 58 community courses, which included topics such as managing anxiety, psychosis, sleep difficulties as well as mindfulness and arts courses.
JRC also supported 498 people on its Mental Health at Work Programme.
In May this year, it launched a suicide awareness initiative alongside the Institute of Directors, aiming to recognise the “profound impact” of suicide on individuals and the wider community, and reduce stigma through training and education.
The charity thanked its staff, volunteers and supporters.
Support
Anyone experiencing mental-health difficulties or who feels impacted by this news can find support via a number of routes:
– The Listening Lounge (by appointment only) – call 866793.
– MIND Jersey – call 07829 933929, or access the drop-in service on Seale Street, St Helier (Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm).
– The Samaritans – call 116123.
– Adult Mental Health Crisis Line (open 24/7 for emergencies) – call 445290.
– Liberate through liberate.je/counselling.
