The Guernsey Cheshire Home is looking ahead to the future and is inviting land and property owners to come forward as it explores options for the long-term development of a new Cheshire Home. This work forms part of a long-term vision and does not affect the day-to-day operation of the current Home, which will continue to run as normal.

For almost 40 years, the Home has provided a unique and vital service to the island, offering a high standard of residential care for people living with serious physical disabilities. Residents include islanders affected by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, strokes, motor neurone disease, arthritis, and the long-term effects of accidents. The Home supports individuals who require constant care and who are unable to live independently in
their own homes.

The Cheshire Home first opened its doors in 1987, following the vision and determination of a group of pioneering islanders who recognised a significant gap in local care provision. At a time when many people with physical disabilities were placed in geriatric facilities, the founders believed there was a clear need for a dedicated, supportive environment designed specifically for younger and physically disabled residents.

A Steering Committee was formed and, through the generosity of donations from the local community, sufficient funds were raised to purchase and refurbish Shorncliffe, a property in Rohais, St Peter Port. Since then, Shorncliffe has been at the heart of the Home’s work and has become a place of stability, dignity and care.

Today, Shorncliffe is home to 11 full-time residents and also provides accommodation for respite visitors throughout the year, all of whom are managing the daily challenges of severe physical disability and, in many cases, permanent paralysis. The Home cultivates a genuine family atmosphere, where residents have their own rooms, decorated and furnished according to their individual preferences, allowing them to feel truly at home.

Residents are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities tailored to their interests and choices. The focus is on enabling residents to live independent, rewarding lives, something they may not experience in a hospital or clinical setting. Alongside daily care, the Home provides specialist medical support, with registered nurses and posture specialists forming a vital part of the wider team. A fleet of accessible vehicles is also available for residents and their families, enabling trips out, social activities and attendance at medical appointments.

As the charity looks towards the next few decades, its Board of Directors is actively reviewing how best to ensure the Home remains fit for purpose and able to meet future needs. Any future development would be carefully planned, with residents and their families at the heart of every decision. Rob Shepherd, Chairman of the Guernsey Cheshire Home, explains:
“Our priority has always been, and will always be, our residents. We want to ensure they continue to receive not only the very best care, but that they do so in a home that is truly fit for purpose. A great deal has changed in the 40 years we have called Shorncliffe home, both in terms of care standards and the needs of those we support. We also know there are
more people in our community who could benefit from our services, but within our current premises we are limited in what we can provide.

“This is very much a vision for the future. Our current Home will continue unaffected, and residents will continue to receive the same high level of care they do today. We are exploring several different options, but it would be remiss of us not to reach out to the wider community. You never know what opportunities may come to light, and these conversations
could play an important role in shaping an exciting next chapter for the Cheshire Home.

By looking to the future now, we are taking responsible steps to ensure the Home can continue to support islanders for decades to come.”

The Guernsey Cheshire Home receives no direct funding or grants from the States of Guernsey or from Leonard Cheshire. All operating costs must be met through fundraising, with £1.5 million required each year to maintain the Home and continue delivering the high standard of care and services residents deserve.

This vital work is made possible through the generous support of islanders and local businesses, alongside an extensive calendar of fundraising activities. The charity is deeply grateful to everyone who contributes, as every donation helps ensure residents can live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Without the Guernsey Cheshire Home, islanders living with the effects of severe physical disability would face a very different and far more challenging existence in Guernsey.

As part of its long-term planning, the charity is keen to speak with landowners or property owners who may have suitable real estate that could support the development of a future purpose-built Cheshire Home. Anyone who believes they may be able to assist, or who would like to discuss opportunities in confidence, is encouraged to get in touch to help shape the next chapter of this essential local charity.

---

For further information or confidential discussions, please contact:

Rob Shepherd, Chairman

Phone: 07781 407442 | Email: Rob.Shepherd@cheshirehome.gg