Following a successful trial period, Closer to Home, a collaborative approach to delivering activities and services in community facilities, will officially be launched this Saturday, 6 July, at Communicare Centre in St Brelade. The initiative has been developed in partnership by the government, the Parish of St Brelade and voluntary and community sector organisations.
The partners involved in Closer to Home are delivering a wide range of activities and services and provides information and advice to all parts of the community and all age groups, building on what is already delivered at Communicare.
Saturday’s launch event takes place between 10am – 1pm, with the official launch of Closer to Home by the Constable of St Brelade, Mike Jackson, taking place at 12pm. Mr Jackson explains: “It’s great to be able to use our thriving community facility at Communicare to provide additional activities and services to local residents that have often only been available in St Helier in the past, for example at the General Hospital. Since the scheme’s trial period started in March, it has received had lots of positive feedback.”
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré said: “The ‘Closer to Home’ project demonstrates the fantastic evolution of partnership work between the Government of Jersey, the Parishes and the third sector. Jersey is fortunate to have such a strong voluntary sector and I look forward to announcing additional ‘Closer to Home’ hubs in other community venues later this year”.
Communicare Manager, Tony Hocking, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in Closer to Home. It’s been a real partnership approach which has broadened the offering at our already well-used facility. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive”.
The launch event is open to all and free to attend, with a busy timetable of activities (detailed below).
Government of Jersey Press Release.