Parishes helping fund clothes and children's bikes

Parish leaders say work is under way to help more families

Rising numbers of people in Jersey who are struggling to make ends meet are approaching parishes for help in getting items besides food, a senior politician says.

The Constable of St Peter, Richard Vibert, also Jersey's Minister for Children, said parish authorities were filling a gap in the welfare system.

In January 2008, Income Support replaced many benefits, some of which were paid through States' departments, as well as the parish welfare system.

But Vibert said parishes were seeing evidence of a cost of living crisis, and St Peter had paid out more in support from parish funds in the last two years than in the previous 10. BBC Jersey has approached the government for comment.

Richard Vibert says many people who need help may not be receiving it

Vibert said: "I have no doubt about that crisis.

"It’s not just people who can’t afford food; it’s carpets, help getting a second-hand bike for a child, and clothes and shoes."

The parish has set up a group involving charities and the Rector of the parish to help identify more families in need, he said.

"For every one that comes to us, there will be nine others who have not," said Vibert.