2025 marks the charity’s 50th birthday and to celebrate, over 140 service users, family, and staff gathered at the Hotel Ambassador in December to award individuals who had gone above and beyond in representing the charity, gaining independence, and showing personal development in 2024.
It was the largest celebration the charity has ever held, according to organisers.
Representing Les Amis
Pictured: Shamina Pryor with her award.
Shamina Pryor was awarded the ‘Representing Les Amis’ award for always being the first to volunteer for charity events.
In a statement, the charity said: “Shamina is always the first to volunteer to sell raffle tickets, bake cakes, and sell them, making herself and the organisation known to islanders.”
Gaining independence
Pictured: Mel De Lacy with her award.
Mel De Lacy was presented with the ‘Gaining Independence’ award for being able to move to a new home and navigate independent tasks without help.
The charity said: “Mel moved out of a house into a new home in 2024, gaining independence and learning how to navigate significant parts of her day without staff support.”
Turning up and being a total star
Pictured: Ken Hamon with his award.
Ken Hamon was given the glamorously-titled award, ‘Turning Up and Being a Total Star’.
Ken has attended nearly every charity social event since 2022.
Les Amis said: “Where there’s a social activity, Ken will always be there with a smile on his face. He has attended nearly every single social event since 2022, only missing a few due to sickness.”
Personal development
Pictured: Christina Schiliaci with her award.
Christina Schiliaci received the ‘Excellent Personal Development’ award, for taking on several skill courses alongside her job at Beresford Street Kitchen.
The charity said: “Christina took on several courses with BSK in 2024, learning money skills and other life skills.”
“The largest celebration we’ve ever held”
Shaun Findlay, Les Amis’ Managing Director, attended the celebration and said: “This was the largest celebration we’ve ever held, and we wanted to share all the fantastic things our members have achieved in the last twelve months as we head into our 50th year.
“Les Amis does so much good for the island, and we hope that people understand the value that learning-disabled adults contribute to Jersey,” he added.
“These awards prove that they can develop and achieve remarkable things, but that they do it at a different pace to others, whether that’s moving into their apartment on their own or gaining new skills at work.”
The anniversary celebrations are set to continue throughout 2025, with Les Amis planning a series of events and new campaigns to raise funds and awareness.
