The charity getting islanders into the workforce

Over the past three years, the Guernsey charity GO (Giving Opportunities) has helped get about 50 people into the work force.

The charity provides training and supports individuals in the community to acquire the skills they need for future employment.

Tom Batiste, who spent time at GO during work release from prison, said: "It definitely made the transition [into the world of work] a lot easier."

He now works at a local construction firm and said it was particularly important for ex-offenders to have the opportunity to work.

"When you get out, it helps you set yourself up, and get on living because if you come out with nothing and no job, as we know a lot [of people] will reoffend," Mr Batiste said.

Navigating the working world with one arm is something he also faced following an amputation.

Mr Batiste said his time with the charity and the construction firm really helped: "I learnt a few things that with one arm I thought I'd probably never be able to do... actually, I could."

Tom English spent time at GO gaining people skills to help him land his first ever job at a local vehicle repair shop.

"GO was a really good place to learn and interact with others," he said.

Mr English said being at work had helped him become more confident: "Even with other people outside of work I feel like I'm more interactive."

Michael Bougourd, the general manager of the charity said it provided an important service to the community.

"The feeling of coming back into work or coming back into somewhere you haven't been in for a long time, there's an almost overpowering feeling of anxiety," he said.

Mr Bougourd said he could see the changes within the trainees as they work with GO and start "playing a worthwhile part in society".

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