Maison des Amis gets official opening

A new nursing and complex needs home for Les Amis has opened in Trinity.

£3.5 million was raised to buy and build Maison des Amis.

Jersey's Lieutenant Governor Sir Jerry Kyd, who is patron of the charity, has officially opened the new building, which has been designed for adults with leaning disabilities.

It will provide higher nursing care, including end of life care, for vulnerable people with additional needs due to age or dementia.

The specialist facility has five bedrooms.

Shaun Findlay, Managing Director of Les Amis, says today's opening marks a major milestone.

"This facility has been designed to meet the changing needs of Islanders with learning disabilities who require higher levels of nursing, dementia or end-of-life care.

"Until now, people often faced uncertainty about where they could receive the support they needed as their needs became more complex.

"Maison des Amis will provide continuity of care in a safe, purpose-built environment, allowing residents to remain within the Les Amis family while receiving the specialist medical and nursing support they require."

Mr Findlay has thanked generous donors, supporters and the wider community for turning the charity's vision into a reality.

Paul Routier MBE, Chair and Trustee of Les Amis, said

“The opening of Maison des Amis is a proud and important moment for Les Amis.

"We recognised a growing need for specialist nursing and complex needs care in Jersey, and this facility will help ensure that some of our most vulnerable Islanders can continue to receive the highest standard of support close to their families and communities.

It's been a big week for Les Amis, which has also received a £45,000 from the Freemason's Charity Community Fund to create a new outdoor space.

The landscaping of the grounds has been called 'Project Trinity' and aims to create a welcoming outdoor space to help improve wellbeing and maintain independence.

The space will offer service users somewhere to meet up to enjoy outdoor and therapeutic activities.  

20 Jersey Freemasons also volunteered their time to plant shrubs and paint the perimeter walls and containers.

Tim Dallas-Chapman, Head of Jersey Freemasons said:

“We’re delighted to support Project Trinity and continue our longstanding relationship with Les Amis.

"This project combines funding with hands-on volunteering and will deliver lasting benefits for people across the island. We’re proud that local Freemasons can play an active role in bringing this important project to life.”