Guernsey charity set to benefit from innovative co-funding arrangement

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands and the Guernsey Community Foundation have teamed up to fund a Deputy Manager for the Bailiwick of Guernsey Victim Support and Witness Service.

Each Foundation will pay 50% of the Deputy Manager’s salary for the next two years. This marks the first time that the two Foundations have worked together in this way. 

Victim Support is an independent charitable organisation supporting both victims and witnesses of crime in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The charity has offered its free and confidential service since 1998 and will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary next year.

The Deputy Manager will be responsible for assisting the Manager and the Management Committee in ensuring all functions of the charity are running smoothly. This involves liaising with all parties including volunteers, police, advocates and the media, but it mainly consists of the provision of support for victims and witnesses of crime.

Amanda Winkett, Manager, Victim Support, commented on the collaboration:

“It’s excellent to see two large Foundations with a presence in Guernsey collaborate together enabling the Charity to fulfil its aims and objectives. The sum provided will allow us to complete our organisational transition and build solid foundations for the future, allowing victims and witnesses in our community to continue to receive the specialist support they need and deserve.” 

“The role of the Deputy Manager, funded by these two foundations, is a significant one for our charity and will help make a difference in the lives of those we seek to support. Our work centres around victims and witnesses of crime and it is essential that we are able to provide them with a supportive and confidential service that will make their experience of the criminal justice system a positive one, meaning justice is more likely to be served and making the Bailiwick a safer place. We are very grateful to both the Lloyds Bank Foundation and the Guernsey Community Foundation.”

Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, said:

“Victim Support provides an essential service, one that the Community Foundation is proud to support. Sharing the cost with the Lloyds Bank Foundation enables the two organisations to make their respective funds go further, and marks the beginning of a new, collaborative phase in their relationship.”

Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, Lloyds Bank Foundation commented:

“We are delighted to be co-funding Victim Support with the Guernsey Community Foundation.  Victim Support provides a vital service in Guernsey, and it is a shared ambition of both Foundations to strengthen local charities. Collaboration is certainly something we’re working closely on with not only the Guernsey Community Foundation, but other Foundation bodies in the Channel Islands as well, and we’re pleased to see the outcomes of these efforts benefit charities across the Bailiwicks.”