Action for Children

Action for Children is the only charity in Guernsey dedicated to tackling the growing problem of youth homelessness. They have a very simple aim: to make sure no young person’s future is blighted by having nowhere to live. Although often invisible, homelessness is a very real problem and the cost-of-living crisis in Guernsey means it’s only getting worse. Action for Children know of young people who are sofa surfing or living in insecure or inadequate housing and part of the work it’s doing is providing young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with the skills they need to be able to live independently.

Children’s Services Manager at Action for Children’s Guernsey youth housing project, Aaron Davies, says there are many issues surrounding youth homelessness. “We need to take a long-term view to end cycles of homelessness. It’s about creating successful tenancies and providing young people with the practical and emotional skills to live independently. It’s about getting the foundations in place for a young person to thrive.”

For Aaron and the team of 14 full-time staff, the support of Lloyds Bank Foundation in the Channel Islands has been crucial. Along with funding from Guernsey Community Foundation and Social Investment Fund, it’s allowed them to recruit one full-time practitioner and a part-time junior practitioner as well as a part time administrator. By working with another local charity, Maison St Pierre, they also have five new training flats and two new emergency rooms, nearly doubling their facilities and almost wiping out their waiting list of homeless youngsters.

“The reality is the grant gives us a breathing space. It relieves the pressure and demand on our service for at least the next two years which is incredible”, says Aaron. “Our next goal is to focus on making the programme more sustainable, working with government to find longer term sustainable funding.”

Funding from the Foundation is vital but the developmental support that comes with it can be a complete game-changer for charities, and Action for Children in Guernsey is no different. “What we had was real, leading experts in their fields informing and offering advice to our staff,” says Aaron. “The team received a plan they were able to present to their manager and we’re already seeing some of the support taking shape in our work. The depth of detail in the plan was invaluable.”

Far from resting on their laurels, the Foundation’s support has created an action plan for Aaron and the team to continue providing help to island youngsters hoping to find a long-term home of their own.