Today is World Homeless Day, with communities across the globe aiming to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness, and promote ways to alleviate suffering and prevent death.
Action for Children is a charity that does a lot of work in these areas, and it has now launched a new support programme, and a new “streamlined website”.
‘Moving On’
The charity has launched its new support programme on World Homeless Day, to help young people affected by homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Guernsey.
‘Moving On’ offers psychotherapy sessions to young adults, aged 18 to 25, in Guernsey who have been affected by homelessness.
The charity says the “exciting initiative” is part of Action for Children’s ‘Guernsey Youth & Housing Project’ which is the only dedicated support for those under 25 affected by homelessness on the island.
Aaron Davies, Action for Children’s Service Manager in Guernsey, said: “Action for Children continues to deliver new and innovative projects in the Bailiwick that truly respond to the needs of young people.
“Moving On marks a key milestone for us, as we are now able to provide the emotional support and space for reflection and closure to young people who may have moved on from the physical effects of homelessness but still carry the emotional toll of that experience.
“Our thanks go to the Butterfield Charitable Trust for considering our application and providing us with the necessary funding,” he added.
Mr Davies confirmed these therapy sessions will be delivered by the charity’s approved partner therapists, all of whom are professionally registered, and that all sessions are fully confidential.
One of the charity’s partner therapists stated: “The opportunity to work with young people affected by homelessness, especially at a time when it remains a pressing concern in our community, was a key reason I wanted to be part of the ‘Moving On’ project.
“I’m also aware of the brilliant work Action for Children does locally, so I’m delighted to support their efforts.”
Anyone applicable who would like to access support can self-refer to the programme by visiting the service’s new website HERE, or by getting in touch via email, phone, or social media.
A facelift for the AfC website
On World Homelessness Day, Action for Children has also celebrated the launch of its brand new website, available HERE, with promises of “further developments” planned for the site.
Currently it already has plentiful resources for anyone needing the charity’s help, but the plans include a blog page and events booking system, with the charity saying these will ensure “it continues to grow as a vital resource for young people in Guernsey”.
Action for Children’s new website also highlights more than 20 local projects delivered directly to young people, and provides access to a growing library of downloadable tools designed to teach independent living skills.
Mark Bisson, the Practice Manager for Action for Children in Guernsey, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our colleagues and service users for their support in developing our new digital front door.
“It will allow us to streamline referrals and remove barriers to accessing support. Creating an easy to use and engaging platform was essential, and we hope even more young people and their families will reach out when they need us most.”
The charity said the website has been developed in collaboration with local practitioners and young people who already use the service, with the site designed with “accessibility and ease of use at its heart”.
An anonymous young person who uses the service shared: “I like the new Action for Children website. Although I’m lucky to already receive support from the team, a website like this might have made it easier to get help if I hadn’t felt confident enough to reach out.”
They added: “It was great to be involved in helping create the new website and to be part of making it easy to use, ensuring it includes the right information that as young people we want.”
To mark the launch, Action for Children’s staff will be visiting local schools and colleges to promote the new website, and remind young people that help is available if they are affected by or at risk of homelessness.
You can find out more on their website HERE.
