Guernsey charity creates community hub at new headquarters

Rent includes use of the training and board rooms and the canteen for a nominal charge

A Guernsey charity that supports people with disabilities has opened its doors to other organisations to create a community hub.

Grow, which has moved to a new £3.5m headquarters in the Coutanchez, is offering its facilities and rooms of different sizes.

The charity said it wanted to give back to donors, suppliers and the community.

Rooms are being offered to organisations who work in the disability sector at affordable rents.

Grow CEO Karen Blanchford said: "We appreciate how difficult and expensive it can be for charities to find either affordable permanent accommodation, or rooms to hire for meetings and fundraisers.

"Our aim in creating the hub is to share our good fortune with others."

'Very valuable'

Rent includes use of the training and board rooms, the canteen for a nominal charge, and free use of the library and kitchen as well as out of hours access.

Wigwam Support Group LBG was the first charity to take up the offer and is now based at Grow.

"We are delighted to be part of a community of charities that support people with disabilities, all of us operating from the same building," said family support co-ordinator, Susie Gallienne.

"As a small charity it can feel isolating working alone so the opportunities to share knowledge and experience is very valuable."