Jersey mental health charity closing 'immediately'

A Jersey mental health charity has announced it is closing "with immediate effect" as its financial situation has become "unsustainable".

Jersey Recovery College blamed increased demands on services, growing costs and a reduction in income and donations.

It said that it had worked "tirelessly" to find new ways of raising money, but that "all potential options have now been exhausted".

The charity's board of directors thanked supporters, staff and volunteers, and said that the decision to close had been made "with a heavy heart".

The college said that it had supported about 3,000 islanders with "recovery focused education" since its inception in 2017.

It said that it ran 58 community courses in 2023, including managing anxiety, sleep difficulties and mindfulness, and also delivered its Mental Health At Work programme to 498 people, with sessions including first aid for mental health and mental health for managers.

The charity said that islanders affected by the announcement could contact the Listening Lounge, MIND Jersey, the Samaritans, Liberate or the Adult Mental Health Crisis Line.

Earlier this month, Port of Jersey allocated Jersey Recovery College £3,650 as part of a new charity funding scheme.

The Institute of Directors announced a partnership with the charity in May aimed at raising awareness around suicide prevention.