Grant secures “pivotal” role at homeless charity

Sunday 14 June 2020

A £55,000 donation has helped a local charity for homeless men secure the help of a cook and housekeeper for another two years at a time when it is under increasing pressure.

As Sanctuary Trust comes is in higher demand due to the covid-19 pandemic, the charity has seen a rise in enquiries due to loss of household income, increased tension in relationships and the pressure to address rough sleeping.

It also expects that this will continue once the island comes out of lockdown as borders reopen and the hotels and guest houses are forced to move those who have been renting during the low season on.

Now, the Trust has received a grant of £55,380 from Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands (LBFCI) towards the salary of their cook and housekeeper at Sanctuary House for two more years.

Pictured: Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands donated over £55,000.

This will help the charity to support the overall health and wellbeing of the residents in their care.

Described as “playing a pivotal part within the small, closely-knit team at Sanctuary Trust”, the cook/housekeeper is responsible for the provision of healthy and nutritious meals and ensuring the property is a clean and safe environment.

Frank Walker, Chairman of Sanctuary Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received this substantial grant from Lloyds Bank Foundation, especially at a time when the future looks so uncertain for many in the third sector. We are extremely grateful to the Foundation for stepping up and providing support during this unprecedented time.”

Pictured: Sanctuary Trust is based in St. Aubin.

Brett Cutts, General Manager at Sanctuary Trust added: “In times of hardship, and in times of celebration, the way in which we and other charities like us are remembered and supported by the general public and organisations like Lloyds Bank Foundation is truly humbling.

“At a time when it is easy to slip into insular and introspective thinking, when people could so easily focus on themselves and the problems and changes that they are facing, they seem instead to think outward and remember that there are people out there who are struggling more than them. We are enormously grateful to all of the people and organisations that help us with funding, food, clothing, furniture and kindness, not just in difficult times like these but every day of every week of every year.”