Significant donations from the Jersey Community Foundation and The Roy Overland Charitable Trust have provided a much-needed boost for one of Jersey Cheshire Home’s current fundraising appeals.
The local charity, which is the only residential facility on the island caring solely for islanders with disabilities is hoping to raise £170,000 to install a fire sprinkler system throughout the home in St Helier.
The overall aim of the project is to create a safer environment for the residents by enhancing fire safety measures beyond the legal compliance. Sprinklers can help reduce the impact of fires and can buy firefighters crucial time in operations. They can also allow more time for evacuation which can be complex in care home environments or negate the need for full evacuation.
Currently the funds raised for this appeal stand at £95,000 so there is still a long way to go and Donna Abel, CEO at Jersey Cheshire Home is hoping that more businesses as well as individuals will give generously to the appeal; “We know that those living in care homes and specialised housing are often some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Yet there is currently no legal requirement for sprinkler systems to be installed in these types of buildings.
“In the case of Jersey Cheshire Home both the physical and/or cognitive impairment of our residents presents huge challenges with regard to the ability to react to a fire if it was to occur.”
Continuing she said, “We want to offer the best living conditions to all of our residents and to ensure they feel safe in their home, something that all individuals should expect. With an effective fire sprinkler system installed the chances of a fire spreading out of control is hugely decreased and lives could be saved.”
Anyone wishing to find out more or donate to this appeal can do so online at www.jch.je/appeals/