WHILE many Islanders look forward to a festive season of food and family, others face Christmas feeling cold, hungry or alone – prompting a coordinated response from local charities.
The Association of Jersey Charities has compiled a collection of organisations offering support over the Christmas period.
“While for many Christmas can be a time of family fun and excess, for too many people it can be a lonely time and with a continuing cost of living crisis many will be cold and hungry and some even face sleeping rough,” said AJC chair Robert Surcouf.
“There are a number of amazing charities locally that provide physical and emotional support at Christmas and throughout the year.”
Support with food
Caring Cooks of Jersey provides meals to combat ‘holiday hunger’, as well as ‘food or fuel’ vouchers. Islanders can head to: jerseycharities.org/members/436/caring-cooks-of-jersey.
The Grace Trust runs a food bank and offers a grocery delivery service. For more information, head to jerseycharities.org/members/304/grace-trust-jersey.
St Vincent de Paul runs a food bank behind St Thomas Hall at Val Plaisant in St Helier on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Islanders can call them on 01534 874008.
The Salvation Army serves free Christmas lunch and runs a food bank. More information can be found at facebook.com/SalvationArmyJersey.
Mental health support
Samaritans Jersey offers an anonymous helpline, available all hours every day, where Islanders can speak to someone in confidence about anything on their mind. Call 116 123.
Mind Jersey – freephone 0800 7359 404 or visit mindjersey.org for mental health support.
Jersey Youth Service – for young people’s mental health support, the Yes Project offers advice and free counselling. Find out more by heading to yes.je.
NSPCC Jersey offers Anonymous helpline for young people aged under 19. Freephone available 24/7, call 0808 800 5000
Emergency financial support
Community Savings has an emergency fund offering interest free loans: communitysavings.org.je.
St Vincent de Paul offers financial advice and aid. Call 01534 874008
Housing support
For those without a roof over their head, the Shelter Trust will continue to provide support, and its website can be accessed at shelter.org.je.
Freeda Jersey operates a 24/7 helpline 01534 874008, offer legal and financial advice and runs a safe house for women and children.
Listen
Mr Surcouf was also a guest on a recent Bailiwick Podcasts episode in partnership with the Association of Jersey Charities focused on how Jersey’s charities are adapting after a challenging few years – from the pandemic to the cost-of-living squeeze – and how Islanders’ generosity continues to keep the sector going.
Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts:
