Rough-sleeping regulator takes leading role at homelessness charity

Sunday 30 July 2023

By day, he is the island's competition watchdog... by night, he's a rough-sleeping fundraiser... and now, he has been appointed Chair of homelessness charity Sanctuary Trust.

Jersey Competition and Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Tim Ringsdore, who became a trustee in November 2021, takes over from Frank Walker, who served as Chair for five years and will continue as a Trustee.

Mr Walker's involvement goes back 10 years, a period in which the trust has opened a third shelter and navigated substantial change and challenge, including operating during the pandemic and adapting to new regulatory requirements in the care sector.

He described Sanctuary Trust as "a critical charity in our community", and said he was humbled and honoured to have been able to support its team and their residents during challenging times.

Pictured: Frank Walker served as the charity's chair for five years and will continue as a trustee.

Established in 2011 by a group of committed Christians and St. Brelade parishioners to provide emergency accommodation for men facing homelessness, the trust has helped more than 300 men who have been at a crisis point in their lives.

It provides accommodation for up to 30 residents across three facilities, providing counselling, helping those who are unemployed find work and securing accommodation for when residents are ready to live independently.

It also offers outreach services to residents once they have moved into their own homes.

LISTEN: Mr Ringsdore is currently embarking on a challenge to raise £12,000 for Sanctuary Trust by sleeping outside each of the 12 parish halls for one night each month. He spoke about his experiences on the Bailiwick Podcast.

Mr Ringsdore paid tribute to his predecessor's achievements, particularly in raising awareness and securing funding.

"Since joining as trustee, I have been profoundly struck by the work that Sanctuary does and by the very real problem we have with homelessness in our island," he said.

General manager Sarah Tumelty said she and her team were looking forward to working together with Mr Ringsdore and the other trustees.

SUPPORT...

Sanctuary Trust – which is Bailiwick Express and Connect Magazine's partner charity for 2023 – does not receive Government funding, so relies on fundraising efforts and donations from the public. Every little helps: a monthly standing order of just £50 would go towards the cost of providing meals for one of their residents.

Click HERE to donate.

Every month, you can read a column from the charity on how those vital funds are being used to support homeless men across the island in Connect Magazine. Read the July edition below...