Supporting Parishioners When They Need It Most
Practical parish support for families with children and young people and our older residents.
Life can feel hard even when problems do not yet meet the threshold for formal Government services. A family struggling to keep children occupied after school. An older resident feeling isolated. A single parent stretched too thin to know where to turn.
That is why St Helier needs practical, visible, parish-led support schemes that works with Government, charities and community partners to help people earlier, more locally and with less stress.
As your Constable, I will support a more joined-up local offer — not only for families and young people, but also for older residents, single parents and others who may feel vulnerable or overlooked, working closely with the St Helier Youth and Community Trust, local charities, schools, libraries and community organisations.
Better Afternoon and After-School Opportunities
Many families need more safe, affordable and meaningful things for children and young people to do in the afternoon, after school and during winter months.
I will explore, with the St Helier Youth and Community Trust and other partners:
- after-school activity offers
- creative and cultural sessions
- sport, movement and wellbeing activities
- small-group support for children who need more confidence, structure or challenge
This is especially important where families are falling between services, or where Government and charities are not currently meeting a clear need.
Stretch, Curiosity and Enrichment
Not every child who needs more challenge is struggling. Some children need more stimulation, creativity and intellectual stretch to stay engaged and thrive.
I want St Helier to explore practical enrichment offers for children who are especially curious, motivated or ready for more, including:
- reading and ideas clubs
- arts, music and making sessions
- project-based learning with community partners
- low-cost enrichment in local venues
Opportunity should not depend on what school a child attends or what their family can afford.
Library and Community Spaces
Jersey Library is already one of St Helier’s greatest community assets. From children’s events and the Makerspace to home delivery for residents who cannot travel, it offers far more than books — and many parishioners do not yet know the full range of what is available.
As your Constable, I want to change that. Part of my role will be to make sure more parishioners — particularly families, older residents and newer arrivals — know about and can access everything the library already provides.
Beyond that, I would like to explore how the Parish can work alongside the library and other community spaces to extend the offer further, including:
Pop-up family activities in parks and playgrounds during school holidays
Community-led activities that bring residents together across generations
Better signposting so people find the right support at the right time
The library is a foundation to build on, not a gap to fill. I want St Helier to make the most of it.
A Stronger Local Safety Net
The best Parish support systems are the ones that are easy to find, feel welcoming, and bring local organisations together rather than leaving them to work in isolation.
For St Helier, that means:
- Support that is easier to access before a crisis hits
- Spaces that feel genuinely welcoming to all
- Local organisations working together with a shared purpose
- Practical help with cost of living pressures, social connection and wellbeing
- Supporting Volunteers who are running clothes, toys, books and other swaps
My Commitment
Supporting parishioners when they need it most means more than responding in a crisis. It means building a Parish that listens early, works with trusted partners, creates local opportunities and helps fill the gaps where support is missing.
That is how we build a stronger, kinder and more connected St Helier.
Listening to you. Working for you.