JERSEY’S most vulnerable women are being supported by a pilot funding project to give them better prospects and improve their livelihoods.
The Intensive Support, Advocacy and Guidance is targeted specifically at women who have either self-referred or have been recommended by agencies, such as the prison service, mental health organisations or the States of Jersey Police.
Launched by the Jersey Funders Group – a forum for representatives of the main grant-giving charities in Jersey – eight private funders have pledged a total of £150,000 per year for three years to support some of the Island’s women in crisis.
Since the pilot launched in late 2023, 26 women have so far been receiving the vital support from the residential and outreach service, from two specialist workers based at the women’s homeless shelter, Venetia House, which is operated by The Shelter Trust.
Various circumstances have led the individuals to be in need of support, not limited to imprisonment, growing up in care, and being victims of domestic abuse.
JFG also confirmed that 50% of the women the pilot assists have had their children taken from their care by the courts.
John Hodge, Shelter Trust’s chief executive, and his staff are also supporting the delivery of the project.
The JFG stated that an agreement has been made “in principle” by government, to fund the service in future if certain success criteria are met.
A growth bid to fund the service going forward will be made this autumn and an independent evaluator, Kelly McCarthy, has been appointed to assist the project in obtaining ministerial backing.
