Untouched bank accounts give charities £200k boost

Wednesday 16 September 2020

£200,000 sourced from bank accounts left untouched for years has been handed to Jersey charities for projects helping islanders cope with the impact of covid.

The funds are part of £2m specifically released from the Dormant Bank Accounts Fund – which is made up of funds collected from bank accounts left unused for 15 years or more – to assist the local community in the wake of the pandemic.

Among the most recent recipients is Macmillan Jersey, which has received funding for a Community Cancer Support Service, to provide emotional support and advice to cancer patients and their families.

Pictured: The funds aim to help charities supporting islanders in the wake of the pandemic.

This includes people who are shielding while they receive treatment, and people whose diagnosis and treatment may have been affected by the virus crisis.

Several internships for islanders with disabilities or long-term health conditions are also being supported thanks to a donation to the Jersey Employment Trust.

Minister for External Relations, who has responsibility for the fund, Senator Ian Gorst, said: "This has been a difficult period for the more vulnerable members of our community but also for many others in the island.

"I want to highlight once again the work done by the many volunteers and charities to support those who need assistance and offer them my sincere thanks."

Pictured: Senator Ian Gorst, who has political responsibility for the fund.

He added: "I encourage any charity engaged in projects or activities aimed at Islanders who have been affected by covid-19, to contact the Jersey Community Foundation to discuss whether they are eligible for this funding."

Charities helping Islanders cope with the impact of covid are invited to apply for funding from the Jersey Community Foundation by Friday 25 September.

For more information email grants@jerseycommunityfoundation.org or click HERE.