By Kate Wright
Over the last few years, I’ve been involved in several community-based projects that have not only reshaped my perspective but have profoundly transformed my life. These experiences have most recently led me to a new and exciting role as the chief executive of Freeda, Jersey’s only independent domestic abuse charity.
The journey to this position, however, hasn’t been linear. It has been shaped by several key initiatives that provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of our local system, the people within it, and the deep-seated cultural issues that influence our society. These experiences, alongside my past work in the public and private sectors, have given me a rare and privileged view of Jersey’s broader societal systems – the institutions, policies, and attitudes that impact how people experience life on this small but complex island – and a real passion to drive change.
Acknowledging the challenges in our system
The work I’ve been involved in has exposed me to the stark realities some Islanders face in Jersey – realities that are often invisible to the wider population. For some, Jersey may not feel like the safe, wealthy place it’s portrayed to be. These challenges can be overlooked, avoided, or minimised, sometimes by those in positions of power or influence.
It has become my view that until we openly acknowledge these hard truths at all levels – government, corporate, and community – we will struggle to bring about meaningful change.
There are three initiatives in particular that have shaped my understanding of these systemic issues and what may help us to activate meaningful change.
1. The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce: A step towards change
Leading this taskforce has been a privilege and a challenge. It has involved conducting landmark research and providing a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving the safety and support for women and girls, and the prevention of gender-based violence, in Jersey. The taskforce’s work wasn’t just academic. It was driven by the voices of hundreds of women and young people who shared their painful and often traumatic experiences with us. Their courage empowered us to advocate for change.
The recommendations put forward by the VAWG Taskforce were not only accepted by the government but have also been embraced by other key stakeholders, signalling a willingness to address deeply ingrained issues within our political, legal and social systems. It is particularly remarkable to me that our calls for an independent review of the criminal justice system were welcomed, something I initially thought may be too challenging for Jersey’s power structures to accept.
Yet, with the momentum created by the voices of those who had long been silenced, these recommendations are now being considered seriously. This, I believe, offers a real opportunity for Jersey to become a global leader in eliminating violence against women and girls.
2. Migrant communities and human rights
The second initiative that is significantly influencing my thinking is a research project commissioned by the Jersey Community Relations Trust, exploring the experiences and challenges faced by migrants who have lived in Jersey for less than five years.
While the research is still ongoing, and while there are many positive experiences of many overseas workers living in Jersey, some of the findings so far are deeply troubling. We are finding that these migrant communities, despite their significant contributions to the Island, can be subject to discriminatory practices, abuse, and systemic barriers that may prevent them from achieving a decent life in our wealthy island. Although our research is indicating that these barriers to a happy, decent life in Jersey, can sometimes be down to individual bad actors, these barriers are also the outcome of a system that often turns a blind eye to the plight of the most vulnerable.
As difficult as it is to confront this reality, it is essential that we do so. Without acknowledging the systemic injustices faced by some in our migrant communities, we risk perpetuating a cycle of inequality that hurts and holds back not only these individuals, but also the Island’s economy and its international standing as a good place to live and work.
3. Connect Me: The power of community building
The Connect Me programme is a government-led initiative that began in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme aimed to reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing across the community by providing small grants to local charities and grassroots organisations that are working to address these issues, and to foster a collaborative approach amongst these brilliant organisations.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Connect Me programme for me is the evolution of the Community Connector role. By empowering and bringing together community-based change-makers, Connect Me is helping to build grassroots networks that will not only improve individual lives but also influence broader social and political change.
Connect Me is demonstrating the transformative power of community-building and the programme is now paving the way for the launch of Jersey’s first social prescribing platform, Access Elemental, connecting Islanders with third-sector services and activities to support their health and wellbeing. This platform has the potential to revolutionise how we approach public health and community engagement, offering a model for collaboration between the government and the third sector that is effective and sustainable.
The path forward: Collective action for change
These three initiatives have taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of community-building and the power of collective action. First, we must confront the uncomfortable truths about the systemic issues in Jersey – whether it’s the mistreatment of women and girls or the discrimination faced by migrant communities. Only by acknowledging these problems can we begin to address them.
Second, those of us with privilege and platforms must speak out and amplify the voices of others. It’s easy to stay silent, especially when the system seems untouchable. But as I’ve learned, it’s often the quiet voices of those who have been silenced that can spark the change we need. Changes to the system – if we get it right – will also help to address the bad actors.
Finally, community-building is key. Whether it’s through initiatives like the Connect Me programme or the collective efforts of those involved in the VAWG Taskforce, positive change happens when we come together as a community to demand better.
