Guernsey Community Savings (GCS) is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking half a decade of helping islanders overcome financial and social exclusion. Since opening its doors in 2020, the charity has supported almost 200 people in setting up bank accounts and provided budgeting advice and financial education to hundreds more.

To mark the milestone, the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell (shown right in image), hosted a reception at Government House for GCS supporters. 

Peter Neville, founder and chair of GCS (left), said, ‘“We are very grateful to Sir Richard for his support and for hosting this celebration. When we started five years ago, our aim was simple: to help people access basic financial services, offer guidance where needed, and treat every client with dignity and respect.

‘Since then, we’ve helped almost 200 people set up accounts and we’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact this support can have. Opening a bank account may sound small, but for many of our clients it means independence, stability, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

‘We’ve also given budgeting advice and training to several hundred more people, including through the financial education programme we run for pre-release prisoners at Guernsey Prison.

‘The really satisfying result is that many of our clients have been able to manage their finances and make a success of their lives. It’s worth remembering that we’re not in business to increase the number of clients we have. If we lose a client because he or she has moved to mainstream banking, we regard that as a win!

‘I want to thank everyone who has helped us reach this milestone, and I look forward with confidence as we continue extending our support to those we have yet to reach.’ 

The Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell said, ‘For the last five years, Guernsey Community Services have been making a quiet and extremely effective difference in our community, helping those who need support to get back on their feet and take control of their lives. This vital work makes a real difference to those who need the assistance the most and I would like to thank all those who make it possible.’