How we help
Migrant research
We believe in the importance of listening to communities in Jersey, especially those that are marginalised or have inadequate representation.
From the data we collated as part of our research for the Poverty in Jersey Report in 2023, we also collected a number of anecdotal experiences. This highlighted the need for further research and address the negative experiences of migrants living and working in the Island.
We want to deepen our understanding of vulnerable and disenfranchised communities. In 2024, we aim to formalise our anecdotal findings and aim to engage with relevant stakeholders to influence wider migrant policies.
From the data we collated, we learned that:
- migrant workers living in the Island for less than five years are amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,
- high accommodation costs and poor job security most affected seasonal workers in hospitality and agriculture,
- some workers have reported poor treatment, sexual harassment, bullying and substandard living conditions.
Project Luso
Project Luso is an initiative to study and celebrate the vibrant and colourful Portuguese community here in Jersey, with the aim of better understanding the challenges that face the Portuguese community; to raise awareness; and create meaningful relationships and pathways.
Read more about Project Luso.
Public Realm
Creating public spaces that are used and engaging is important for the wellbeing of our communities and future generations. At the JCRT we champion and advocate improving our public spaces, so we are delighted to collaborate and support the Public Voice: Common Ground, led by Sasha Gibb. The pilot study in 2023 received a total of 2,100 responses, and a number of ‘green pop-ups’ around town showcased the potential and what value it can bring to communities, schools, charities and businesses in St Helier.
The Public Voice: Common Ground pilot relies on partners and supporters with a shared vision. From the start, JCRT were a consistent, practical and reliable partner. They listened, advised and delivered what they promised, Sasha Gibb.
Social mobility
Education is one of the most valuable means to achieving upward social mobility. There is a correlation between education and social status, increased employment opportunities and improved economic benefits.
Inherited social and socio-economic status can affect a child’s ability to access education and opportunities. We believe there is a need to address this imbalance in the Island.
Social mobility creates a fairer and more equitable society. It is a role that we – employers, teachers, friends, community leaders – can promote and invest in.
It does not mean that the wealthy lose their wealth – rather the opportunity gap becomes smaller and we do what we can to start conversations and influence those in authority to support this.
Our Social Mobility Report is an assessment of opportunities, funding and innovative ways to realise the full potential for all children and young people in Jersey.
Read the report
recommendations: Social Mobility
Poverty in Jersey
Our Poverty in Jersey report examines the financial hardships experienced by increasing numbers of Islanders and the growing relative poverty gap between Jersey’s richest and poorest residents.
The term relative poverty refers to a situation in which individuals are unable to actively participate in society and enjoy the benefits and experiences that are commonly taken for granted. Such households receive incomes that are 60% lower than the average household income, which means that they have some financial resources but not enough to afford anything beyond basic necessities.
This form of poverty is influenced by the economic growth of a country, and it can either be temporary or permanent. Some families may have no opportunity to achieve the same living standards as others in society, as they are confined to a low-income bracket that restricts their access to various resources and opportunities. As a result, they remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Together, our Poverty in Jersey, Social Mobility and Equality in Education reports, indicate the following should be priorities for the Government of Jersey in reducing socio-economic disadvantage in Jersey:
- Reduce pensioner poverty in an ageing population
- Improve living standards and ensure a humane experience of living and working in Jersey for our middle to lowest earning migrant workers, including temporary and seasonal workers on whom much of our economy is dependent and
- Improve equality of opportunity for all children and young people in our education system, in a world in which future skills requirements look very different.