Action for Children: new counselling service, new website, new mural
- Action for Children launches a new counselling programme called "Moving On."
- The programme targets young adults aged 18 to 25 affected by homelessness in Guernsey.
- A new website enhances the referral process
- It features over 20 local projects and downloadable resources for independent living skills.
- Mural transforms communal space.
Action for Children has unveiled a new support initiative named "Moving On", aimed at young adults in Guernsey impacted by homelessness.
The programme has been made possible through funding from the Butterfield Charitable Trust – Channel Islands.
"Moving On" is designed to offer psychotherapy sessions to individuals aged 18 to 25 who have encountered homelessness.
This initiative expands the offerings of Action for Children’s Guernsey Youth & Housing Project, the only dedicated support service for those under 25 facing homelessness in the island.
The programme is intended to assist young people who have moved past the immediate crises associated with homelessness but still seek to process and reflect on their experiences.
Sessions will be carried out by registered therapists from the charity’s partner organisations.
The sessions are completely confidential and managed by external partner therapists.
Aaron Davies, Action for Children’s Service Manager in Guernsey, said: “Action for Children continues to deliver new and innovative projects in the Bailiwick that truly respond to the needs of young people.
“Moving On marks a key milestone for us, as we are now able to provide the emotional support and space for reflection and closure to young people who may have moved on from the physical effects of homelessness but still carry the emotional toll of that experience. Our thanks go to the Butterfield Charitable Trust for considering our application and providing us with the necessary funding.”
The charity has also gone live with a new website, actionforchildren.gg.
It simplifies the referral process for young people and professionals, making it easier to request assistance concerning homelessness and related issues.
Users will find information on more than 20 local projects specifically catering to young people's needs, along with a library of downloadable resources intended to foster independent living skills.
Designed with accessibility and user-friendliness at its core, the website incorporates features such as read-aloud functionalities.
This initiative was made possible through collaboration with local practitioners and the young people who actively use the services.
In conjunction with the launch, staff from Action for Children will be visiting local educational institutions to promote the new website and inform young people about the help available to those at risk of homelessness.
Plans for further enhancements include the addition of a blog section and an events booking system.
Mark Bisson, Practice Manager for Action for Children in Guernsey, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our colleagues and service users for their support in developing our new digital front door. It will allow us to streamline referrals and remove barriers to accessing support. Creating an easy to use and engaging platform was essential, and we hope even more young people and their families will reach out when they need us most.”
Action for Children and Guernsey Arts worked together on a new mural, created by artist Bjorn Martin in collaboration with local young people who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.
The project commenced on World Homeless Day and was funded by the Brittany Ferries community fund and Hope for a Child.
The mural emerged from a creative process where young people participated in every stage.
They crafted the initial artist brief, shortlisted submissions, and conducted interviews with candidates. Eventually, they selected Bjorn Martin to realise their artistic vision, collaborating closely with him throughout the project's development.
The young participants contributed significantly by sharing their personal stories and aspirations, allowing them to explore artistic themes and ideas. They received guidance from Bjorn, gaining invaluable insights into the artistic process.
Completed, the mural now enhances a communal area within Action for Children’s training flats.
It is intended to provide a calming and inspiring focal point.
Aaron Davies, Service Manager for Action for Children, said: "Whenever we collaborate with Guernsey Arts, we’re consistently impressed by the quality and creativity of the outcomes. This mural is no exception. It’s an outstanding piece that has put young people and their voice firmly in charge."
Jade Kershaw, Community & Public Realm Officer for Guernsey Arts, said: "After an in-depth engagement process, Guernsey Arts is really pleased to see the results of the choices made by residents in the Action for Children Training flats. Bjorn has created a brilliant, vivid mural based on consultation with the young people... We’re so pleased to see the result of this project and are sure it will achieve its aims of creating a positive, social environment for the residents of the flats."
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