The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

From the editor's desk

This week we've launched a series that will celebrate and amplify the charity work that is transforming lives in our community. It was fantastic to invite Grow in to record an episode for the Dig This Podcast, but even more enlightening to pop along to their premises a few days later to see it all with my own eyes.

To say the site has been transformed since my last visit is an understatement. The produce and plants all look incredible, the cafe was busy, while the meeting room was hosting a packed talk for the third sector on social capital (more about which is below). But what struck me the most was the atmosphere around the site, it just all felt so welcoming. Please pop down and find out for yourselves.

Our Dig Deeper investigation looks in-depth at the use of smartphones by children (and adults). Around the globe action is being taken, whether that is mandating bans, school policies limiting their use, moves for better enforcement of age verification or social media app caps. In Guernsey, hundreds of people are linked to a new campaign for a smartphone free childhood, while schools are helping parents navigate what to do and the options available.

As always, if you like what we’re doing and setting out to achieve with The Quarry, please spread the word among your friends, family and colleagues. We want to make this a real community effort and can only do that with your help!

Nick

You can receive our round-ups and investigations where and when you want, whether that's in your email inbox, on WhatsApp by following our channel, online or through all our social media channels.

Dig Deeper

Information overload: what children, campaigners, schools and researchers are saying and doing about smartphones

Around the globe action is being taken, whether that is mandating bans, school policies limiting their use, moves for better enforcement of age verification or social media app caps. In Guernsey, hundreds are linked to a new campaign for a smartphone free childhood. The Quarry Digs Deeper.

The QuarryNick Mann

Dig This: The Quarry Podcast

Find all our podcasts on our website, Spotify or Apple

WATCH: Charity Spotlight - Grow, where horticulture, retail, hospitality and so much more transforms lives

Charity Spotlight is where The Quarry celebrates and amplifies the great work that is transforming lives in our community.

The QuarryNick Mann

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News

Guernsey’s superpower is its people, subtle changes can safeguard against weakening the bonds

The QuarryNick Mann

• Guernsey’s strong social capital rooted in its island size, culture, and identity was affirmed in a 2024 report by Tristan Claridge, which highlighted its benefits for community cohesion, economic productivity, and well-being.
• Rising inequality and social divisions pose threats to this social cohesion, prompting renewed efforts to understand and protect it.
• He returned for follow-up discussions with business, civic, and youth leaders, focusing on how to practically strengthen social capital through small, everyday actions and institutional changes.

Reading programme in secondary schools ensuring more children can succeed from the start

The QuarryThe Quarry

• The ‘Thinking Reading’ programme was launched in Guernsey secondary schools in September 2024.
• It aims to address the literacy gap for students with significant reading challenges.
• In the past academic year, 30 Year 7 students improved their reading age, some progressing to a reading age of 12.
• The initiative is part of a broader literacy strategy encompassing both primary and secondary education.
• A total of 17 teachers, including five qualified to support learners with dyslexia, deliver the programme.

Dementia Friendly Festival returns to Saumarez Park on 6th September

The QuarryThe Quarry

• The Dementia Friendly Festival will be held at Saumarez Park on Saturday 6 September from 12:00 to 17:00.
• The event aims to provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for individuals with dementia and their carers.
• Free access to the Folk and Costume Museum is included for all attendees.
• Tickets are expected to sell out quickly and can be booked via Eventbrite.

Guernsey Ports implements new safety procedures for pigeon racing

The QuarryNick Mann

• Guernsey Ports and the Royal Pigeon Racing Association have agreed on new safety protocols.
• The agreement allows for the resumption of large-scale pigeon racing on the island.
• Safety measures were prompted due to concerns over increasing pigeon release requests.
• Revised risk assessments and operational procedures will be in place for larger events.
• Smaller, local pigeon release protocols will remain unchanged.

States announces £5m partnership to enhance online services

The QuarryThe Quarry

• The States has engaged EPAM to implement ServiceNow for online service delivery.
• The initiative aims to increase government services available online over time, including having a single sign-on single sign on for things like revenue services, driving license applications or population management.
• A budget of approximately £5 million has been allocated for the digital platform.
• The project is part of the States’ Digital Strategy to improve public service efficiency.
• EPAM will also establish a physical presence on the island to support local employment.

Information Hub

Planning

What’s happening near you? This week’s planning maps

This week’s planning applications and decisions.

The QuarryThe Quarry

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