Home Manager, Mary Ellen Carter said that was just one highlight during an “extraordinary year”, which was “filled with memorable moments and incredible efforts by our supporters, volunteers, and residents”.
Since it opened in 1987, the Cheshire Home has had one aim: “to provide care and opportunity for people with serious physical disabilities in as close to a family atmosphere as possible”.
With 11 full time residents and a number of respite visitors each week, the services and opportunities offered by the staff and volunteers at Shorncliffe covers a wide variety.
In total it costs £1.4million to run the Cheshire Home, and with no States funding, it is all paid for through fundraising and donations.
2024 Highlights
Ms Carter said fundraising events provided a number of highlights for everyone involved with the Cheshire Home over the past year.
“This year, we’ve been amazed by the creative and daring ways our community has come together to support the home,” she said.
Pictured: One of many fundraising events last year.
Some standout fundraising events and activities highlighted by Ms Carter include:
- Stepping into a boxing ring: two staff members literally took punches for us, Rob Shepherd our chairman also took part in the fundraiser for the second year
- Skydiving: Volunteers jumped out of an aeroplane to raise funds
- Our annual pancake day: A lively and delicious event that brought the community together
- We celebrated an anniversary with the Under the Sea Ball: a magical evening for all attendees
- Garden opening: A stunning private garden was opened to the public, offering a tranquil experience while supporting the home
- Head shaving: Eve, a staff member recently shaved her head to raise funds
- The annual Boxing Day Dip, where islanders brave icy waters
“Our volunteers have been indispensable, helping to organise and run beloved annual events,” Ms Carter added.
These included the 14th Pancake Day event at the Town Church, the Annual Quiz Night, “where friendly competition raised vital funds”, a festive Christmas Tea, “bringing warmth and cheer” and the July Flag Day, “which painted the town with support”.
Ms Carter also highlighted the successful second annual Havelet Regatta in September, which she described as “a fun-filled day by the sea”.
Above all other events though remains one which involves thousands of people every year.
“The highlight of our fundraising year remains the Boxing Day Sea Dip, where the sight of brave islanders plunging into the freezing waters at Cobo, sporting their purple Skipton beanies, never fails to inspire us,” she said.
Pictured: The Havelet Regatta returned for a second year.
As well as support from individuals, Ms Carter said that “support from generous companies” is also very much appreciated.
“We’ve been fortunate to receive financial donations and contributions of goods and services from incredibly generous companies,” she said. “These donations are vital in helping us meet the £600,000 annual fundraising goal to keep the home running.”
Ms Carter said the residents themselves have experienced a number of highlights during 2024.
“Our residents have had a fulfilling and exciting year, with opportunities to engage in enriching activities,” she said.
These included:
- A trip to the Calvert Trust: This outdoor adventure holiday in the UK provided residents with unique and unforgettable experiences
- Local outings: Residents enjoyed delightful excursions, such as afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel and a visit to Rocquettes Cider Farm
- Seasonal celebrations: A Christmas tea party at the home, as well as visits from the Ladies’ College Form 3 students during Harvest and Christmas brought joy and intergenerational connection
- Healing Music Trust performances: Musical visits filled the home with beautiful sounds, uplifting everyone’s spirits
Challenges
The Cheshire Home experienced some well publicised challenges during 2024 – which demonstrated the level of community support it receives.
“This year has brought significant challenges as we navigated both operational changes and the ongoing demands of maintaining our premises,” said Ms Carter.
These included ongoing issues around building maintenance and the transition to digital systems.
“Moving from traditional pen-and-paper methods to a digital system has been a major shift for our home,” she said. “This transition aims to streamline care and operational processes, improving efficiency and ensuring the best possible experience for our residents and staff. Whilst beneficial in the long term, this change has required adjustments, training, and investment.
Pictured: The Cheshire Home.
“Our premises, an older building, continue to demand regular maintenance and upgrades. Operating 24/7 as a residential care facility, we face the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of the home with the resources available.”
2025 Preview
Now we’re in 2025, staff at the Guernsey Cheshire Home are already working on their priorities for this year.
Ms Carter said this includes “focusing on key areas to enhance the safety, accessibility, and comfort of the home”.
“Upgrading our lift is a top priority to ensure it meets the needs of our residents, staff, and visitors,” she said.
“Enhancing our fire detection system to align with current recommended standards where possible is essential for the safety of everyone in the home.
“These initiatives will require substantial funding, and we remain hopeful for continued support from our generous community to make these improvements a reality.”
Pictured top and above: All images supplied.
